Frequently Asked Questions
  • Documentation
    • All passengers must present a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their travel dates when traveling to France but we recommend at least six months’ validity beyond travel dates.
    • To obtain a new passport or to renew your passport, click here.
    • All passenger names (first, middle and last names) on airline tickets / e-tickets must match passport exactly or the airlines will deny boarding.
    • Any changes after ticketing may result in additional fees and penalties.  
    • Entry into any foreign country can be denied if you have a criminal background. Please check with the country’s consulate or embassy.
    • Important note for married people or anyone who has changed their name: If your maiden/former name is on your current passport, you must make sure your airline ticket has the same name. (The name on your ticket must match the name on your passport.)
    • State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
      The State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Enrollment benefits:
      • Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
      • Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency—whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.
      • Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.
      • We strongly recommend that you enroll in this free program before departing for your international destination. To learn more, visit the STEP website.
    • The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, is another resource. Visit the Planning Your Travel page to learn more.
  • Airport Check-in and Boarding
    • To avoid being denied check-in or boarding:
      • You and your luggage must be checked in with the airline at least 60 minutes prior to flight departure. You may be able to check-in online and prepay baggage fees; visit your airline’s website for information.
      • You must be at the gate at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
      • We recommend arriving at the airport at least three hours prior to flight departure to allow for long lines and delays.
      • If you have an early morning departure, contact your airport to determine when the ticket counter will be staffed.
    • Airline websites and travel apps are useful for checking flight status and receiving notifications.
    • The mobile web app will include your flight information and confirmation number to use as a reference at check-in.
    • Visit the TSA website for more information.
  • Packing Tips
    • Many international carriers have weight restrictions. Please check the airline's website directly for specific information.
    • One carry-on bag is permitted per person, plus a personal item (laptop, purse, camera bag). The bag may not exceed 45 linear inches (9” x 14” x 22”) and must fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you.
      • Carry some toiletries, a change of clothes, and swimsuit (if applicable) should your luggage be delayed.
      • Prescription drugs, in their original containers, should also be in your carry-on luggage.
      • Be sure to carry your valuables on you or in your carry-on bag.
    • Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are limited to travel-size (3.4 ounces or less, each) and must fit comfortably in ONE quart-size clear plastic zip-top bag. For more details click here.
    • The TSA requires that your luggage be unlocked, or you may use TSA-approved locks, which are available where travel-oriented goods are sold.
    • For the most up-to-date information, visit the TSA website and your airline’s website.
  • Checked Luggage Fees
    • Baggage fees vary by airline and frequent flyer status. Contact your scheduled airline for up-to-date information.
    • All luggage fees incurred will be at your own expense at airport check-in.
  • Verify Departure Time 
    Be sure to call or check the airline’s website (phone numbers and websites listed below) or use the airline’s mobile app before leaving for the airport to verify that your flight is on time.
  • Flight Delays 
    Once you check-in, the reservation is in the hands of the airline. If your travel is interrupted or cancelled while you are at the airport, please get in line at a ticket counter or service desk. Once your new flights are booked, please inform the EPC Travel Headquarters of the new flight information. While in line, if you'd like assistance with possible flight options, call the EPC Travel Headquarters at +1 800-346-1315. If you call outside of business hours, an option is provided to be forwarded to one of the Air Specialists for assistance.
  • Attire Guidelines
    • Comfortable travel clothes: Casual, loose-fitting clothing and comfortable walking shoes. You may want to bring an additional layer, such as a sweatshirt, with you on the plane.
    • Casual attire: Shorts, jeans, nice t-shirts, comfortable tops, sandals, or tennis shoes. No ripped clothing, cutoff shorts.
    • Cruise attire: There is no specific dress code, suits or formal evening wear are not required. However, gentlemen are requested to wear long trousers in the dining room at dinner.
    • Smart casual attire: Casual slacks, jeans, or dress shorts with a button-down or polo-type shirt for men; dress, skirt, dress shorts or jeans/pants with a coordinating top for women. A lightweight sweater or jacket is suggested for the cooler outdoor evening temperatures.
    • Tour casual attire: Jeans or shorts with a comfortable shirt and walking shoes. If visiting a church, dress modestly and cover shoulders.
    • Whirlpool attire: Swimsuits with cover-ups, and sandals or flip-flops.
  • AvalonGo App
    • During the cruise, you’ll be using the AvalonGO app for the ship’s daily schedule. The AvalonGO app also has GPS capabilities (without the need for Wi-Fi or cellular data), and dining, entertainment and sightseeing options for free time in each destination. We recommend you download the AvalonGO app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store prior to traveling where you can access the built-in user guide and familiarize yourself with the app’s function.
  • Credit Cards / Currency
    • Major credit cards (Visa/Mastercard/American Express) are accepted in most French shops and restaurants; however, in small towns they are not widely accepted. In these cases, and for incidentals or small vendors, you may need some local currency. ATM machines are located on shore at some stops. Make sure your credit cards are valid for at least 30 days after you return home and activate them before you travel. Some places may require a minimum charge, and others may not accept certain cards, so it’s best to bring more than one.
    • If you have not traveled recently, you may want to contact your credit card company and advise them that you will be traveling to France. Credit card companies may put a hold on a card showing activity that does not follow your usual profile.
    • Note: European countries use chip-and-pin credit cards, so cards with magnetic strips on the back may not work with certain automated machines.
    • The Euro is the official currency. For up-to-date exchange rates, click here.
  • Destination Tips
    • Have the hotel or ship phone number and address with you when you leave to explore the area.
    • Bring photocopies of your ATM and credit cards. In case of loss, replacement will be easier.
    • Leave passport and travel documents in your room safe. Only carry a copy of your passport with you.
  • Drinking Water
    A change in drinking water anywhere in the world can cause stomach distress. We recommend drinking bottled water when you travel.
  • Expenses
    • Personal items in Lyon and on board the ship such as room incidentals, laundry, souvenirs, food and beverages outside the planned/included meals, additional activities, spa treatments, mini-bar items, and transportation for independent touring will be at your own expense.
    • You can expense your ride to/from your home airport, lunch on arrival day, and bellman gratuities for the night in Lyon.
  • Gratuities and Taxes
    Tips and taxes for all services outlined in the itinerary have been prepaid for you. Tips for optional sightseeing, additional meals, and other services rendered should be handled on an individual basis.
  • Health Insurance
    • Check with your health insurance provider to make sure they cover medical expenses in France. Any treatments received while in France must be paid for at the time of treatment and filed with your insurance company when you return home.  
    • Motivation Excellence has provided each qualifier and guest with a Travelex Travel Policy. This does not offer trip cancellation coverage, but it can provide reimbursement for emergency medical and dental treatment, out-of-pocket expenses due to travel delay or interruption, baggage delay/loss expenses and more. To make a claim, email Zurich Travel Claims Administration at support@zurichtravelclaims.com or call 800-501-4781 (7:30 am - 7 pm CST, Mon - Fri), and reference your confirmation of coverage, which contains the plan information needed to start the process.*
    • *The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. For plan and coverage questions, please contact Travelex at 1-888-574-7026 or email at 360group@travelexinsurance.com and reference location number 22-0339. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535, state of domicile: New York), 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196. Certain coverages not available in all states.
  • Hosted Events
    • Welcome Dinner on July 27
    • Group Dinner on July 28
    • Group Dinner on July 30
    • Farewell Dinner on August 3
  • Medical Information
    Please advise EPC Travel Headquarters of any medical conditions that may require special attention or treatment, if not already noted in your registration. Bring a copy of any prescriptions you are taking and pack your prescription medicine in your carry-on luggage. We suggest you bring an extra supply in case of an unforeseen emergency. Do not pack medication in your checked luggage.
  • Special Dietary Requests
    We are happy to help you with special menu requests (i.e. vegetarian meals, etc.) and any other special needs. Please contact EPC Travel Headquarters if you did not note your request during registration.
  • Time Comparison
    France is in the Central European Summer Time zone and observes Daylight Saving Time. During your trip, when it is 12 pm in Chicago, it is 7 pm in France.
  • Tours and Excursions 
    Shore excursions/tours should be selected on the MyAvalon website prior to travel. Tour descriptions, attire recommendations, and booking information, can be found by logging in to the MyAvalon website with your reservation/booking number provided. The advance booking site will be open until 3 days before sailing; after that, you may book excursions once on board based on availability.
  • U.S. Customs and Immigration
    You will pass through Customs in the first U.S. city upon your return. You are allowed duty-free purchases of $800 per person. Be sure to keep receipts for all purchases. Articles purchased at a duty-free shop are only duty-free for the country in which they are purchased, are subject to U.S. Customs duty, and should be included in your list of purchases. We recommend you pack your purchases in your carry-on for easy inspection on your return trip home. You can find more information here.
  • VAT Tax Refund
    • A Value Added Tax (VAT) is included in the retail price of each item you might choose to buy in France. As a foreign visitor, you are entitled to a refund of this tax. The required minimum purchase necessary for a refund in France is 25 Euros per store purchase. The proper form must be requested from, and filled out at each participating store.  
      You must bring each form, receipt and purchased item to the last departing city in the European Union. If you are post-extending your travel, have your form(s) stamped by Customs prior to departure. Do not pack your purchases in your checked luggage.
    • Depending on airport procedures, your refund may be obtained through the bank at the airport, or, once back in the U.S., you may mail back your completed form(s) for a credit card refund.