We are still getting questions for clarification so I'm posting the questions and the answers that Mark has given along with an article we have found most helpful.  Don't hesitate to ask if you need clarification.

Questions From Brent Olsen:
​Hi. I just read your info on money and have a question. I don’t know the geography well enough to know how to divide the money needed between euros and kunas. How many meals am I responsible for in Croatia? 

Also, you say you are bringing about $400 in cash and will rely on atms. What do you do with the US money? Can you spend it? What good is it?

Mark's Response: 
Hello Brent, Some answers:
1. "geography... between euros and kunas."  Kunas are only for  Croatia...Dubrovnik to Pula. Every place else takes Euros.
2. How many meals am I responsible for in Croatia? I'm covering all of  the tips except $50 aboard the ship. Dollars are fine there. We also  cover all breakfasts for the whole trip, and 3 meals a day on the ship  for 7 days. We are also picking up the lunch on the boat in Kotor,  lunch on the boat to Krka and in Senj on the way to Pula. Here are the  meals you need to cover in the chart to the left.

We've recommended only bringing about $200 per person and a good Debit Card with a pin after having told your Debit Card company what you'll be doing.

Exchanging your dollars brought from home is a problem for at least 3 reasons:
     1. Changing dollars into Euros at Cambio or money exchange places can cost you 15%.
     2. Vendors often accept $$$ but they have an even worse exchange rate.
     3. European Banks are a bit better but still not the best solution.

The best solutions are:
      1. Paying for something with your credit card. Best exchange rates.
    2. Getting euros or Kunas from the ATM. Fair warning: Debit Cards with a pin are best. Cash advances on credit cards add tough fees. BUT: To use your Debit Card talk to your bank and make sure they know where you're going and that you're using ATM's so PLEASE, Mr./Mrs. Banker, "Don't freeze my account when you see I'm using my Debit Card!"

Questions from the Kittelsons with answers from Mark:
1. Do we pay tips in USD or local currency?  We are covering the tips for the bus drivers, guides, park rangers, and most of the tips on the yacht. It's such a hassle for our guests to keep reaching in for some kind of a tip in whatever currency du jour, so we traded doing the tips for you covering some of the meals. In the blog it details those. You come out ahead and less hassle. But, tips are fine in Euros or dollars or kunas in Croatia although they prefer kunas so they don't have to exchange money. In Montenegro, Greece and Athens they prefer Euros.

2. Do we pay for tours by credit card or USD or local currency? The extra tours are mainly on the free day in Kotor and you can use Euros and often credit cards. Credit cards usually give you the best exchange rates.

3. Will we likely be paying for meals in USD, credit card, or local currency? Again see the blog for more details, but as a general rule, Euros are the easiest. ATMs in all countries except Croatia dispense money in Euros. In Croatia it's kunas. Some restaurants take credit cards, but don't count on it - you're safer with kunas in Croatia and Euros elsewhere.

We advise against getting Euros in the USA as the exchange rate is less favorable. Usually ATMs are the best choice. If you're using a DEBIT CARD, make sure your bank knows you're going to Croatia, etc., and the time period or they may see an international charge and freeze the DEBIT CARD. Also make sure you have a pin for your debit card.

Don't hesitate to ask me anything. Glad to help and I hope this was useful.
Mark

Here's a good article on using ATM's abroad:


TRAVEL TIPS HOLIDAY MONEY
Using ATMs abroad:
How to avoid unfair exchange rates and hidden fees
Wise Online Financial Travel Magazine
5 minute read
Many seasoned travelers have discovered that the quickest and often cheapest way to get cash while traveling abroad is directly from an ATM. Airport exchange bureaus know you have nowhere else to go, so their fees can often be quite high. Other exchange options vary in quality and convenience. Even your bank will likely subject you to punishing hidden fees in their exchange rates.
So it’s good news that finding the best exchange rate can be as easy as finding an ATM. All cash withdrawals, no matter their size, are exchanged based on the wholesale - the real - exchange rate of the day. If you’re not careful though, you can pay fees that will cancel out any savings.

Here are a few things you should be aware of.
Different types of foreign ATM fees
Most bank ATMs charge fees. In some cases, these fees are only charged if you aren’t a member of that particular bank. To help avoid these fees, check what foreign banks your local bank partners with. Some ATMs, however, charge all users.

Do your homework on the four various fees charged, and your pocketbook will thank you later.
Fee 1: An International or transaction ATM fee
This fee is added when you use a foreign ATM. Many banks charge higher fees for international withdrawals. You’ll either pay a flat rate (between £1-5 or $1-5) or a percentage of your total withdrawal (generally between 1-3%).
Fee 2: A conversion charge
These days most larger banks add an additional ‘conversion fee’ of between 1-3% of the transaction. It’s an unfortunate hidden surcharge that banks often charge for foreign ATM withdrawals. These fees are most common from American, British and Australian banks.
Which means it’s likely that you’ll pay a combined flat fee for using an ATM network, plus a percentage of the value of the withdrawn cash.
Fee 3: A surcharge
A surcharge is added by the ATM as a fee for using the machine.
The good news is you’ll be notified on the ATM screen and it will ask your permission to proceed with the transaction. Your best chance of avoiding this might be to use ATMs at major banks or post offices. Smaller banks and independently owned ATMs mean a higher risk of surcharges.
Fee 4: Poor ATM exchange rates
ATM exchange rates are all tied to the interbank currency rates traded on the global financial market. The rates constantly fluctuate, but will likely hover around the same figure for months at a time.
With a quick Google search, you can find out what the current exchange rate is. Or just use an online currency converter to find out how much your money’s worth. That way, when you run across an ATM, you can decide for yourself whether the ATM is providing a fair exchange rate. You’d be surprised how many sneak in fees by offering a less than optimal amount.
ATM Networks
Your card is probably linked to over a million ATMs globally through a financial computer system. This is known as an interbank network. Through the network, you can conduct similar transactions at any ATM inside the network. For example, the Cirrus network owns Mastercard, Maestro, and Cirrus. If you see one or more of those three logos on an ATM, that means it’s a part of the Cirrus network. Not only that, but each network has an online ATM locator so you can find the nearest in advance.
PLUS Network (Visa)
The PLUS system is an interbank network that covers all Visa cards. They’re located in 200 countries and territories around the world. PLUS is the local network most common in the United States and is also used in Canada. You’re also likely to find PLUS ATMs in India and Indonesia, where many interbank networks have a presence. Find the nearest one by using the PLUS/Visa ATM locator online.
Cirrus Network (MasterCard and Maestro)
Cirrus is an interbank network operated by MasterCard found in 93 countries. It links MasterCard, Maestro, Diners Club cards to its network. The network is frequently found in the United States, Canada, Venezuela, Chile, and Saudi Arabia. In India and Bangladesh, the Cirrus network serves as both a local and international interbank network.Use their online locator to find Cirrus ATMs.
Maestro Network (Mastercard and Maestro)
Maestro is a multi-national debit card service that is also operated by MasterCard. Within Europe, Maestro is MasterCard’s main debit brand. By default, Maestro cards are linked to the Cirrus network, but often you’ll still find the logo on ATMs. Search for your nearest Maestro/Mastercard ATM.
STAR Network
STAR is an interbank network in the United States. It’s the largest American interbank network, servicing 2 million ATMs and more than 5,700 banks and financial institutions. STAR has their own ATM locator online.
NYCE Network
The New York Currency Exchange (NYCE) connects the ATMs of various financial institutions in Canada and the United States. You’ll find their machines mostly in the Midwest and Northeast. Search for NYCE ATMs online.

Reducing your hidden ATM fees
1. Withdraw carefully
While it’s never a good idea to travel with loads of cash on hand, you can avoid frequent ATM fees by withdrawing large amounts of cash at one time. Try to map out a rough budget in advance. Planning your withdrawals will mean you don’t end up with a lot of spare cash at the end of your trip.
2. Find a low-fee card
Some banks charge fewer fees than others. For example, HSBC has ATMs all over the world and only charges $2.50 per ATM transaction, even at non-HSBC ATMs. And Capital One doesn’t charge any withdrawal fees themselves, but the local bank will still likely charge you. With enough research, you can find cards that suit your travel needs; some are better than others.
3. Know that credit unions are your friend
If you have access to one, credit unions and smaller banks tend to have lower international transaction fees. Their ATM fees tend to be solely a percentage of the withdrawn amount with no additional flat fee. That means if you’re only withdrawing a small amount, it may be worth it. Credit unions only charge currency conversion fees, and do not tend to include other types of fees.
Now you have the facts. When you go abroad, skip the kiosk and head straight to an ATM. They’re always open for business, they’re everywhere, and they’re usually your most cost-effective option.

Warmly,
Mark J. Stoddard

2. Laundry
Since some of us will be traveling for more than three weeks, it's inevitable that laundry will be done.  Here are some of our plans:
   a. There will be several places where laundry mats are available.
  b. Limited loads will be done on the yacht.  We suggest bringing mesh laundry bags with your name on them so we can do a couple of group laundry batches. Here's  a link to the mesh bags pictured below that can be written on and are good quality:   https://a.co/d/bRVvlbW 
   c. I have purchased a portable travel clothesline to hang my swim suit in our cabin and to wash underwear by hand in the sink.  I'll have sheets of earth breeze laundry detergent to share with you if you'd like to use this on the trip.  
​   d. Hotels along the way will have laundry service you can take advantage of.
   e. I swear by Tide Sticks - avoid trips to the laundry with this magical stick that erases so many drips and drops along the way. 

3. Luggage
With the airline nightmares of 2022 there is more reason than ever before to travel lightly.  We highly suggest packing as light as possible.  One 20" carry-on suitcase per person is essential.  Be sure to pack many changes of clothing in this bag just in case your checked bag doesn't show up.  In addition to the 20" bag each traveler is allowed a second bag such as a back pack or bag.  This bag should contain your meds, travel documents and things you can't afford to lose.

Now the challenge comes with the third bag.  If you are able, it would be really great to have each couple share the third bag to be checked and that bag should be no larger than 36" if at all possible. Remember, we are traveling in the heat, with a casual itinerary, so no dressy, formal wear is needed.  Our secondary flights from Athens and Zagreb are on smaller planes with less room for luggage, so avoid extra baggage charges and keep things simple.

4. Personal Security
On our last trip to Croatia Mark and I noticed some of the hotel rooms didn't have security chains on the doors.  I decided to check on a personal alarm we used to take to Russia with us and found a handy one on Amazon ​www.amazon.com/Lewis-Clark-Portable-Apartment-Flashlight/dp/B000SKZM0A/ref=asc_df_B000SKZM0A?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80676721523990&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584276298671539&th=1  
This little gadget hangs on the doorknob and the clip goes in the space between the door and the door frame so when the door opens a shrill alarm goes off if you haven't removed the clip.  This also can be used when walking in public as an alarm if approached by someone who tries to grab a bag or take inappropriate action.  Just an additional step of security if you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.

 
5.  Mosquito repellant 
We've been warned that mosquito repellant is needed on this trip.  We haven't experienced a problem with mosquitos, but if this is a possibility I know I will be the first one to be sampled, so I'll be prepared.  I've been told baby oil is one easy way to repel the little monsters and it's worth a try along with some natural oils.

6. Sunscreen
Here's a very important element in this summer season and with the time we'll be on the water, it's best to be prepared.

7.  Hats
Don't forget hats - several so the sun doesn't get the best of you and don't forget water proof hats.

8. Swim suits
Notice the plural.  If you enjoy swimming, the days on the yacht will be more enjoyable if you have several suits so there's time to dry between use.

9. Church clothes
Don't go formal, but do plan to wear simple dress clothes when we attend services or have our own devotional on Sunday. Men will need a shirt and tie for Sunday and women will need a skirt or dress, but keep it simple and travel will be much easier with less.

10. Water shoes/sandals
Many of the beaches are rocky, so plan to wear sturdy sandals or water shoes.  

11. Water bottle
Staying hydrated in this hot climate is important and while on the ship I plan to fill my personal bottle with water and perhaps lemon or orange slices.  We have asked the bus company to provide water bottles on the bus, and we are hopeful this will be fulfilled.  At the very least, we'll be stopping along the route to give everyone a chance to purchase water and soda.  On the plane I have found most stewardesses are willing to fill my bottle with cold water and this really helps me stay hydrated.  

12. Nasal spray
I use xclear nasal spray or a simple saline solution as preventative care since virus' grow in the nose and travel exposes us to more virus's as well as the dry air of the airline cabin.

13. Basic medicine
Travel exposes us to unknown elements, so small quantities of basic meds for colds, allergies, diarrhea, sore throat, etc. should be included in your carry-on bag. We will be able to visit a pharmacy later if needed.

14. Zip lock plastic bags 
A strange but helpful item that somehow always comes in handy and takes no space to speak of.  I can't even tell you what I've used these for, but I always take a variety of sizes and find different ways to use them.  Of course the most obvious use is to carry any lotions, shampoos, toothpaste, etc. in your carry-on luggage. Here's a link to a site where you can refresh yourself on the TSA rules for liquids (seems they are always changing)  https://www.wikihow.com/Pack-Liquid-and-Gels-on-a-Plane​

15. Personal Snacks
Mark and I  like to have a bag of nuts and protein bars (our choice are Built bars) for those times when we are between stops and need a little nibble.  Especially on the plane or in the airport when we don't want to pay airport prices.  Some who have diabetes are wise to travel with a small store to keep their blood sugar in check. Of course there will be many opportunities along the route to refill your stores.

16. Sweater or Jacket
Even though we are traveling in the hottest time of the year, it is wise to have a sweater or jacket on the plane for when the air conditioning kicks on and for the cooler evenings or even on a bus ride.  One or two pair of long slacks would be wise as well so you can be prepared for changing temps.

17. Cooling tools
Be prepared for the heat.  We'll bring a cooling towel for everyone, but you are welcome to bring your own fan, or cooling hat or whatever method you can plan for keeping your cool when the sun shines.  Of course the yacht, hotels and vehicles will all be air conditioned, but we will be outside and it's wise to plan ahead.

OK, that's it for now .... please add to this list in the comments. We want to hear from you on what you've found to be helpful in your international travels.
 

OK, traveling friends, I just got a letter from one of our August guests who will be heading to Croatia with us and I need your help answering his letter.  I'll post his letter and my reply and hope you'll jump in with advice based on your travel experience regarding phones in Europe.

12:41 PM Friday, July 7 
Hello Elizabeth,
What are your recommendations for using our cell phones while on the trip? Carol and I both have unlocked I-phones with Verizon as our current carrier. They have an international plan we can add. But, there should be a better way to go. Cellular Abroad looks like a good option. Does a SIM card that works in Italy also work in Croatia?  What do you usually do? Thanks,

​my response:
We recently changed from Verizon to T-Mobile so we could have better coverage.  We can text for no extra charge, but calls are still pricey for us at .25 per minute.  

Our partner, Boris Leostrin will be purchasing a sim card when he arrives in Croatia, but he said it won't work in Montenegro and therefore, probably not in Italy.  We may have to purchase separate sim cards for each country if we want to make calls.  

We'll do some more research. In fact, lets start a discussion with our travel group and see what advice everyone has to share with each other.  I'll post it on the blog and invite everyone to make comments. 

Thanks for asking!
Elizabeth

So, I'm asking you, our traveling friends, what do you do for phone service in Europe?  Please tell us in the comments below.

( I )   Currency exchange.   In Europe, the euro has simplified traveling from country to country. We used to have to deal with marks, markka, krona, francs, drachmas, rubles, karkas, and on and on. First stop after crossing the border was always to the Cambio or money exchange. We had pockets full of different country’s coins that we couldn’t exchange!
      On this tour, Croatia is the only country with its own currency but it has multiple names – the HRK or HrKuna or Kuna. HRK is the abbreviation for the country Hrvatska, the name of Croatia in Croatian. Confused? Don’t worry. More people speak English in Croatia than in Alabama. All you need to know is if you see HRK, it means kuna…the money. And they call it kuna as well. About 7 kuna to the dollar.
            In the rest of the countries the Euro is used. About 1.05 euros to the dollar.
​
( II ) Simplifying money handling
    Simplifying money handling is important because of:

• the hassles of handling various types of cash
• your needs to exchange money, 
• planning your cash for various meals that are not included 
• needing to know how to easily know which meals are NOT included
• being comfortable with tipping.

With all that, let’s consider simplicity as our guide and goal. Just know the road to simplicity begins with some switchback hairpin turns of complexity, so please bear with me.
         A. Points to consider on meals:

1. On our yacht, Lupus Mare, all three meals are included.
2. From the start, lunches were on your own. It’s too fun to try different cafes and easy places to grab a bite so we can each have some free time to explore. Plus some people prefer light snacks; others want more. 
3. In Kotor, Split, Sibenik and Pula, having a single large reatuarant rarely exists in their old towns. They are more geared for individual and smaller groups  of 10.
4. Restaurants with a set price for a group charge far more and they have all required a very limited menu.
5. Breakfasts are all included.
6. Beyond the ship days, we had planned dinners thusly:

• 1 dinner in Athens or 1 in Zagreb upon arrival,
• 2 dinners in Kotor, 
• 3 dinners in Sibenik

A total of 6 dinners are being provided. A nice meal with an excellent variety, such as the one shown in the picture, is easily found for less than $20 per person per meal. So 6 meals totals $120.
       B. Points to consider on tipping:

1. Guides, bus drivers, ship’s crew, hotel maids, porters, park guides, etc. expect tips.
2. It’s a hassle for you figuring out if you have the right dollars or euros or kunas and in the right amounts.
3. Tips can easily reach the following amounts PER PERSON:

• Guides: $3 a day x 7= $21
• Bus drivers: $2 a day x 8= $16
• Park guides: $3 per visit x 3= $9
• Hotel staff: $3 per day x 8= $24
• Porters: $3 x 1 bag x 5 uses= $15
• Ship crew (10 of them) $25 per day x 7 days= $175

Total $260 per person in tips
      C. Simplifying what you pay and what we pay. We’ve come to the conclusion that we ought to do the following:
    You would pay:

1. All non-ship dinners. That’s 6 meals x $20= $120. You can plan the cash in advance or, perhaps use credit cards where they are accepted. Credit cards get the best exchange rates – far better than ATMs. If you need cash, ATMs are plentiful.
2. A lower ship tip of just $50 for crew instead of $175. A $50 bill is fine. You’ll pay that at the end of the cruise to the whomever they designate as the receiver.
3. Porterage of about $15, but chances are you’re wanting to wheel your own roller boards to your room. 

That’s a grand total for you of $120+$50+$15= $185 per person
You were scheduled to pay more than $260 in tips. So that saves you $$ and hassle.
    We will pay:

1. Ship tips of $125 per person. 
2. $70 or more in tips to the guides, drivers, extra porterage (off the bus to the ship).

        That’s a grand total for us of $195+

( III ). Your Cash Needs for Additional Tours and Lunches
        Summary:
Here’s the cash you’ll need (and credit cards can be used for some things – or used to get cash out of ATMs):

• Tips and Dinners – $185 per person
• Extra tours – about $100 per person
• Lunches – about $80 per person
• Total extra cash needed – about $400 per person.

Details:
       Besides the tours we provide, you’ll have one free day in Kotor with some options to choose from. A half day tour is usually around $65. We have invited several suppliers to give us prices on one hour, half day and full day optional tours. Whatever they quote us needs to be competitive so we’ve had to turn some down. They’ve come back with reasonable tours. We do NOT add any markup to any tour.
          We have the free day in Kotor which we had to add to the schedule because daily flights are no longer available between Athens and Montenegro. ONLY on Wednesdays and Sundays.
         Beyond that, we’ve got plenty to do in Kotor and Montenegro on Aug. 17, 18 and 20.
         During the cruising portion, we stop at the best places on each island. Our guide is the owner of the yacht and he’s a font of information on the islands. We have a short tour in each town and thereafter give you time to explore the portion of the island you want. Mini-vans are in most ports of the large islands of Korcula, Hvar and Brac. No large buses. The vans hold 7 passengers and cost about $10 per person.
          In Split on Aug 27, we have a full day of events in Split, and Solin. Evening you are free to wander a block away from our hotel to the Stari Grad – old town – to dine, explore or enjoy the esplanade.
          On Sunday, Aug 28, we’re awaiting final word on what we can do church-wise and if they’ll hold the 50th Anniversary of Elder Kresimir Cosic helping establish the church here. We have a bus reserved to take us to Zadar where he was born.
          On Monday, Aug 29, we chartered a nice ship to sail up the coast to the Sibenik river and into Karka Falls National Park. It’s from about 9:30 AM to about 4 PM. Lunch is included. We return to Sibenik and there are some extras to see,  like the three fortresses/ cathedrals on the hills above. I’d grab a taxi but I know Rod Fife will be happy to walk up there with you. They are closed sometimes so we’ll let you know that morning if for sure they’ll be open.
         On Tuesday, Aug 30, the cruise/tour ends. For those heading home, we provide the bus for a ride of less than 4 hours through beautiful mountain countryside. It’s a highlight. In Zagreb, you’ll have a half day to explore the city. We have arranged rooms at your option at the Sheraton Hotel or the Hotel Royal for those going to Zagreb for a return home flight – the Sheraton is in the city center and the Hotel Royal is next to the airport. We have a guide standing by to help you or to organize any tours you’d like to take.
              Aug. 31.  You’ll take a taxi the next morning whenever your flight requires you to be there.

MONEY FOR LUNCHES
           Food prices in Croatia are about the same as here and vary on how much you’d like. Sandwiches, small meals, soups, or whatever. I’d budget less than $10 per lunch. BUT… look out for lots more gelato and ice cream everywhere! About $1-$2 for a large cone.

          We will personally take $400 in cash for the two of us and we’ll get cash from the ATMs as we need it. We do NOT RECOMMEND getting Euros or Kunas in the USA. The better exchange rate is usually in the ATMs. They dispense either Euros or Kunas.

Cash needed for the extensions:
Sept. 1: Venice. We’ll offer several suggestions. About $50 to $75.
Sept. 3-4: Lake Como. 
           We’ll have a coach take us from Venice to Lake Como.One day we will take a lake cruise. Lake cruise runs about $20 for many hours of cruising. You get off at various towns, wander around, have lunch, and hop back on the ferry. Or rent your own speed boat and go to the furthest reaches of Lake Como. ALL lunches and dinners are on your own on all extensions. More places take credit cards here. Very cosmopolitan place.
Sept. 5: Milan.           In Milan, our coach takes us to the magnificent cathedral, the opera house La Scala, and the abbey where the Last Supper mural is. There’s a “Hop On–Hop Off bus tour you can add.
              The coach takes us to our hotel at the airport. We provide that hotel.

 If you have more questions on money, just email Elizabeth at BucketList1776@gmail.com 

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