Travel & Learn 2024: Prague & Vienna, plus Budapest

Experience the old-world charm that is synonymous with Europe as you travel through the Czech Republic and Austria with the University of Minnesota's Continuing Dental Education department. This trip was cancelled in 2020 to many people's disappointment, so we are bringing it back with a fresh itinerary and renewed demand. Registration will be capped at a smaller number than normal, permitting for more exclusive access to sites and a more intimate touring experience. Make sure you sign up today to reserve your space!

Whether you are a dental provider or a healthcare professional representing one of many fields, you will have the opportunity to attend breakfast seminars presented by experts in the field. A wide variety of topics will be covered, from the latest technologies to managing patient care. These seminars form an important part of your Continuing Education course credits. For more information about this trip's course content, visit https://dentistry.umn.edu/continuing-dental-education/courses/travel-and-learn-2024-prague-and-vienna-optional-extension-bratislava-and-budapest.



Bratislava and Budapest Trip Extension

September 21-25, 2024

Check two more countries off your list with a four-day extension that takes you to Slovakia and Hungary. Departing Vienna after the main program ends, you will spend a day in the quaint Slavic capital of Bratislava before driving eastward to Budapest for a couple days of exploring eastern Europe.

Please note that there will not be any Continuing Education lectures during the extension. All credits will be earned during the main program.

Itinerary*

September 21, 2024

• Check out of your Vienna hotel
• Brief one-hour drive to the medieval town of Bratislava
• Explore the town at your leisure
• Drive onward to Budapest and check in to your hotel

September 22, 2024

• Half-day tour of Buda
• Amble through Fishermen’s Bastion
• Take in the views from Gellert Hill
• Group lunch
• Afternoon at leisure

September 23, 2024

• Half-day tour of Pest:
• Admire the iconic Parliament building
• Appreciate Budapest’s synagogues
• Enjoy a private opera performance
• Optional visit to Szechenyi Bath House

September 24, 2024

• Day Trip to the Etyek Wine Region
• Sip through private wine tastings at local vineyards
• Indulge yourself in local delicacies
• Evening at leisure

September 25, 2024

• Check out of your Budapest hotel
• Transfer to the Budapest International Airport (BUD)

Meals Included In The Optional Extension

September 21, 2024: breakfast, dinner

September 22, 2024: breakfast, lunch

September 23, 2024: breakfast, lunch

September 24, 2024: breakfast, lunch, dinner

September 25, 2024: breakfast

*Itinerary and meals are subject to change

BoHo Hotel Prague

Three nights: September 14, 15, 16

Mere steps separate the BoHo Hotel from the heart of Prague's fascinating city center. Nestled in the Old Town neighborhood's quiet streets, this four-star property melds contemporary design with its surroundings' historic charm. A former art-deco post office from the early 1900s, the BoHo Hotel's striking design can be found in every corner. Homages to the city's Eastern European heritage can be found throughout in the form of Matryoshka dolls and original photography. If you're looking for an extra dose of relaxation, you can reserve a signature spa treatment at the hotel's private spa and wellness area.

Looking for a break from the heavier, local European fare? Step inside the Boho Hotel Restaurant for a healthier take on a wide array of international fares.

Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof

Four nights: September 17, 18, 19, 20

You will be hard-pressed to find a more centrally located Viennese hotel. Located minutes away from the imperial Hofburg complex, this five-star hotel is surrounded by internationally recognized sites of cultural and historical importance. Brightly colored rooms await you after a day spent exploring Vienna, and the Spa World Comfort offers a Finnish sauna and massages to further your relaxation.

Dine at the upscale, on-site Béla Béla restaurant. Cooking Mediterranean-inspired foods with the freshest of Austrian ingredients, you can eat in elevated comfort before retiring to your room for the evening. In the mood for a night cap? Be sure to try a cocktail at Wohnzimmer & Bar.

Hotel Moments Budapest

Four nights: September 21, 22, 23, 24

A vaulted entrance welcomes you into the Hotel Moments Budapest, the former site of Budapest's first movie theater. Set upon UNESCO World Heritage's Andrassy Avenue, you will be greeted by fresco-inspired elegance the moment you set foot in the door. Venture on foot to the neighborhood's countless points of interest and return to the property's aromatic sauna for a relaxing way to end the night.

Enjoy direct access to Zenobia, a Lebanese restaurant located within the hotel's building. From chilled appetizers to freshly grilled meats, your palate will appreciate the new flavors that can be found at Zenobia.

Austria & Czech Republic Travel Program Costs

September 14-21, 2024

$4,750 per person, based on double occupancy

Due to hotel availability, there is limited space for solo travelers. Single occupancy rooms may be available upon request for an additional charge. Please contact Travel One for pricing at [email protected] or 952-278-1100.

Inclusions:

• Seven nights hotel accommodations, double occupancy
• Daily breakfast
• Four lunches and four dinners
• Sightseeing opportunities as listed in the itinerary
• Private tours of Prague, Vienna, and more
• Multiple UNESCO World Heritage Site visits
• Entry fees for all attractions listed in the itinerary
• Expert local guides
• Ground transportation as listed in the itinerary
• Full-time host and local guides

Not Included:

• Roundtrip international airfare from home city to Europe
• Airline fees for checked luggage
• Travel insurance, including cancellation and medical coverage
• Tuition costs for CE credits
• Beverages with meals
• Optional sightseeing activities not listed as included in the itinerary
• Gratuities to local guides, hosts, porters, housekeepers, transportation drivers, etc.

Budapest Trip Extension

September 21-25, 2024

$2,250 per person, based on double occupancy

Inclusions

• Four nights hotel accommodations, double occupancy
• Daily breakfast
• Three lunches, two dinners
• Multi-day private tour of Budapest
• Day trip to Etyek Wine Region
• Ground transportation as listed in itinerary
• Local expert guides

Travel Program Payments

Land Program Costs are paid directly to Travel One, based on the schedule below. You will receive an invoice reminder via email approximately two weeks prior to the due date. Travelers participating in the Budapest Trip Extension will have additional payments added to their schedule. Travelers who register for the trip after a payment due date has passed will receive confirmation of their updated payment amounts.

Main Program Payment Schedule

Initial Deposit - Due upon registration*: $2,500 per person

Second Payment - due by April 15, 2024 : $1,500 per person

Third Payment - due by June 15, 2024: $750 per person

Extension Program Payment Schedule

Initial Deposit - Due upon registration*: $1,000 per person

Second Payment - due by April 15, 2024 : $750 per person

Third Payment - due by June 15, 2024: $500 per person

Estimated International Air Costs

This program starts in Prague and ends in a different city, meaning that travelers will need to book a multi-city ticket. Travelers who are not extending will fly home from Vienna, and those who are traveling onward with the extension will fly home from Budapest. As of December 2024, we estimate airfare to Europe to cost around $925 per person, but airlines are unpredictable in their pricing strategies and we cannot guarantee a price range. If you wish to have a Travel One agent assist you in booking your flights, please indicate your interest during registration or email [email protected].

Should you choose to book flights on your own, we will send an email that contains the pertinent details for your airfare purchase.

Continuing Education Fees - 6 credits

$795 for each provider

Continuing Education Fees are used to award CE credits and to pay guest presenters who will share their insights during the CE program.

*Your registration and participation is not confirmed until your deposit payment has been received by Travel One and your tuition has been paid to the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education office.

Making Payments

You can make your payments by credit card or check.

• Credit Card Payments: call the Travel One Meetings Team at 952-278-1100 or 800-247-1311, Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM CT. For security reasons, do not send credit card numbers via email. Credit card payments will incur an additional 3.5% processing fee.

• Check Payments: mail a check to the Travel One Meetings Team at the address below. Make sure to email Travel One to alert them of the check in the mail.



Travel One Meetings Team

ATTN: Travel & Learn Prague Vienna

2001 Killebrew Drive, Suite 305

Minneapolis, MN 55425

International Airfare Payments

If Travel One issues your airfare, you will provide a credit card for payment at the time of flight approval, by calling the Travel One Air Team directly. There will be a $50 per person ticketing fee in addition to the airfare cost. Once your airline ticket is purchased, fares are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

Travel Program Cancellations

All cancellations must be received in writing by the Travel One office.

Due to the personalization of this program, payments are only refundable if cancelled space is filled and the trip operates with at least 20 participants. A $50 per person processing fee will be deducted from all refunds. 

Travel insurance can help recover non-refundable expenses associated with trip cancellation and more. Visit the Travel Insurance tab below for more information.

Should the program be cancelled by Travel One, all travel payments will be refunded. 

CE Tuition Payments

CE Tuition costs are paid directly to the University of Minnesota Dental School. To register and pay for the class, click here to visit the Continuing Dental Education page.

Two-Step Registration Process

1. Register for the CE component with the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education office. Click here if you have not yet done that.

2. Register for the travel component with Travel One by clicking the ‘register’ button on the top of this page. Every registration is for two participants sharing a room - make sure to have your guest's information available when registering (legal name as it appears on passport, date of birth, contact phone and/or email, passport number and expiration). If you are a solo traveler, please contact Travel One for availability and pricing.

All registrations are processed on a first come, first served basis. Once all spots are filled, a waitlist will be created that is also based on a first come, first served basis.

Your registration is not considered confirmed until your deposit payment has been received by Travel One and your tuition has been paid to the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education office.

Travel Insurance is an optional protection that guests may choose to purchase for their trip. Many plans include coverage for trip interruption, lost luggage, emergency evacuation expenses, medical costs, repatriation expenses, and more.

If pre-existing medical conditions are of concern to you, they can be covered by travel insurance as long as the policy is purchased within 14 days of your initial deposit payment.

Neither the University of Minnesota, Travel One, Inc., nor our suppliers in Europe will take responsibility for any costs and/or losses incurred by travelers, or their guests. If you do not have your own travel insurance provider, Travel One recommends our preferred supplier, Allianz. If you would like a quote, contact Travel One at [email protected]. or 952-278-1100

International Travel Documents

Your passport must be valid for six months past your return date from Austria or Hungary. Passports will be required upon check-in at each hotel. Currently, travel visas are not required for entrance to countries that are part of the Schengen Zone in Europe.

For up-to-date entry and exit requirements, visit the US Department of State.

Safety Tips

Visit the U.S. State Department's Travel Advisory page for safety alerts for Europe, as well as entry and exit requirements, visas, local laws, customs, required vaccinations, medical care, road safety, etc. Make note of the contact details for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in case of emergency while traveling. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) for information about your health while abroad.

Time Zone

All of the countries in this itinerary are in the Central European time zone (CET), which is 7 hours ahead of Minnesota's Central Daylight Time (CDT), or 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Similarly to the United States, these countries also advance their clocks one our from March-October in observance of Daylight Savings Time.

Weather

This region of Europe boasts what many consider a perfect climate in September: average high temperatures at a pleasant 70°, lows in the 50°s, and mostly sunny skies overhead.

Suggested Attire/Packing

As with most autumnal trips, packing in layers is the key to comfort. You may prefer a light jacket as your mornings start out with cooler weather and warm up throughout the day.

We recommend starting with the following items:

• Light jacket
• T-shirt
• Jeans
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunglasses

Telephone Service 

Calls to the U.S. using the hotel phone will incur fees. Hotels will charge a premium for international calls, so it is recommended that you check with your mobile phone carrier prior to departing the U.S. to verify functionality and costs for calling home. Most carriers have an international package you can add onto your plan for the time you are away to help alleviate the higher costs.

Electrical Current

Austria and Hungary have standardized the German socket system, which utilizes the Type F plug that features two round pins.

Unlike the majority of Europe, the Czech Republic standardized the French socket system that utilizes Type E plugs. The good news is that this socket system is fully compatible with the Germany system, and can accommodate Plug Types C and F that are utilized by other European countries. We recommend checking your devices and bringing a converter if necessary.

Currency

Each country that we will be visiting utilizes a distinct currency. Bringing cash will be the best choice when wanting to purchase souvenirs, grab a snack, or eat at a small restaurant. Most hotels and restaurants accept Visa and MasterCard; some accept American Express and other credit cards.

As part of the Eurozone, Austria utilizes the Euro (EUR).

The official currency in the Czech Republic is the Czech Koruna (CZK).

Hungary recognizes the Forint (HUF) as their official currency. You may find places in Budapest that are willing to accept Euros as your form of payment, but this cannot be guaranteed and you will likely pay significantly more for your items.

Keep in mind that exchange rates can fluctuate, so make sure to check current rates prior to your departure. We recommend you check with your bank at least two months prior to departure to determine how much lead time they will need to procure the various currencies.

Before going abroad, notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel, and verify the fees they may charge for overseas transactions. Make sure you know your PIN for all debit and credit cards, as well as your daily cash withdrawal limit.

Ground Transportation

Ground transportation to all activities listed on the itinerary, including airport transportation for your international arrival and departure flights on program dates, has been pre-arranged for you. More detailed information will be included in your travel documents

Travel Documents

Travel documents for all participants will be printed and mailed via USPS to the address provided during registration, approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure. These documents will include an agenda, general travel information, flight itineraries, luggage tags, and more.

REGISTRATION: Registration for Travel & Learn 2024: Prague and Vienna is subject to availability. Space will be allotted on a first come, first served basis for travelers that submit complete registration forms and deposits. Both are required for a registration to be considered. Registration forms are only complete when clicking Submit generates a confirmation email. Without a confirmation email, the registration is not complete. Contact Travel One at 952-278-1100 or [email protected] if you encounter registration problems or if you do not get the confirmation email.

PROOF OF IDENTITY: A valid passport is required for all international travel and must be valid for six months after your return to the U.S. Travel Visas are currently not required for entrance to this destination, but regulations can change without notice. For up-to-date passport information and forms, and for international entry requirements, visit the US Department of State website at travel.state.gov.

ACCOMMODATION: Some hotels may require each member of the group to present a credit card upon check-in as guarantee for any additional services or products requested directly at the hotel, including but not limited to, spa services, mini bar, room service, excursions, transfers, restaurant and/or bar consumptions. Each participant must travel with a valid credit card to cover these charges and agree to settle your account upon check-out at each hotel.

NAME CHANGES OR CORRECTIONS: The full legal name for each guest, as shown on their valid passport, must be used during registration. If a name correction is required after airline or train tickets have been issued, travelers requiring the change will be charged the airline and/or train company’s cost of the name change plus a $50 Travel One service fee per ticket changed. Change fees vary by airline and train company and are sometimes prohibited. If changes are not allowed, a new ticket at the traveler’s expense will be required to make corrections.

TRAVEL PROGRAM PAYMENTS: Land program costs are paid directly to Travel One, Inc. All participants agree to make payments by the date specified below or risk losing their space on this program.

Main Program Initial Deposit: $2,500 per person due upon registration*

Main Program Second Payment: $1,500 per person due by April 15, 2024

Main Program Third Payment: $750 per person due by June 15, 2024

*Your registration and participation is not confirmed until your deposit payment has been received, and tuition has been paid to the University of Minnesota.

TRAVEL PROGRAM CANCELLATIONS: Travel program cancellations must be received in writing by Travel One, Inc. Due to the personalization of this program, payments are only refundable if cancelled space is filled with qualified CDE participants. Based on high demand from early registrations we will maintain a waitlist for people registering after the program sells out. A $50 per person processing fee will be deducted from all refunds. Should the program be cancelled by Travel One, all travel payments will be refunded. 

REMARKS:  While no revisions of the itinerary or its features are anticipated, the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and Travel One, Inc., nevertheless, with notice to the traveler, reserve the right to change the itinerary, class of service, and the method of transportation, to the extent that such services and accommodations offered cannot be supplied due to delay or other causes beyond the control of the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and Travel One, Inc. and further reserve the right to withdraw the trip prior to the date of departure. Further, the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and Travel One, Inc. reserve the right to decline to accept or retain any participant (and the other members of his or her party) should such person’s health or deportment impede the operation of the trip or enjoyment of any other participant. In such case, no refund will be made for unused tour services should such person (and party) be required to depart the trip. The University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and Travel One, Inc. reserve the right to make changes that might become necessary or that are in the best interests of the tour members. No refunds will be made for any unused portion of the trip.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: The University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and Travel One, Inc. are not responsible for financial reimbursement of the trip cost in the event of cancellation or interruption. Coverage could include, but not be limited to the following: trip cancellation or interruption, cancellation or unforeseen changes of flights booked and travel arrangements, emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, damage/theft/loss of personal baggage, money and goods. Neither the University of Minnesota, Travel One, Inc., or our suppliers in Europe will take responsibility for any costs and/or losses incurred by travelers, or their guests, with regards to, but not limited to, any of the above-mentioned items. Travelers will be solely responsible for any additional costs. Pre-existing medical conditions can be covered if purchased within specified time restrictions, typically within 14 days of travelers’ initial deposit. Travel insurance is not included in your program package. Travel One can assist with any questions you may have regarding insurance coverage options.

RESPONSIBILITY: The University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and Travel One, Inc. act only as agents for the suppliers named in your travel documents. The University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and Travel One, Inc. are not responsible for their acts or omissions. The University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and Travel One, Inc. shall not be responsible for breach of contract or any intentional or careless actions or omissions on the part of such suppliers, which result in any loss, damage, delay or injury to you or your travel companions or group members. The University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and Travel One, Inc. have no special knowledge about the suitability for disabled persons of any portion of any tour, unsafe conditions, health hazards, weather hazards, or climate extremes at locations to which you may travel. For information concerning possible dangers at international destinations, see the Travel Advisory Section of the U.S. State Department at travel.state.gov. For medical information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov.

SUPPLIER DEFAULT/BANKRUPTCY: If a supplier declares bankruptcy, cancels, or postpones service or otherwise fails to provide or perform the services purchased, it is the supplier, and not the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education or Travel One, Inc., that is legally responsible to you. Refunds or reparations must come directly from the supplier or the bankruptcy court. The University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and Travel One, Inc. will do what we reasonably can to assist. ARC/IATA carriers used in connection with tours/packages are not to be held liable for any act, omission, or event during the time the passengers are not on board their aircraft or conveyances. The passenger contract in use by the airlines concerned when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the carrier and the passenger of airline tickets or tour/packages.

FORCE MAJEURE: Neither party shall be in breach of this Agreement because of an unforeseen circumstance that makes the execution of the Agreement impossible, unduly restrictive, or frustrates the purpose of the Agreement. Unforeseen circumstances include, but are not limited to, the following: Acts of God, pandemic, widespread sickness, fire, storm, explosion, government restrictions, war, terrorist acts, civil commotion, strike, insurrection, embargo, energy crisis, or any other reason unforeseen and beyond the control of the parties. The party who is disabled by such an occurrence shall give notice in writing to the other party as soon as practicable, but in no case later than 14 days, after such an occurrence. In the event that a force majeure event makes compliance with this Agreement impossible, unduly restrictive, or frustrates the purpose of the Agreement, and notice is received within 14 days, all payments recovered from Third-Party Suppliers will be returned to the payer.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK, WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY: Neither the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education nor Travel One, Inc. can guarantee safety or immunity from infectious disease to anyone traveling on this program. Nor have the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education or Travel One, Inc. made any promises or representations as to the safety of any part of this program. I will not rely on the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education or Travel One, Inc. regarding my decision to engage in traveling to Europe for this program.

I will waive and release the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and Travel One, Inc., their directors, officers, employees, volunteers, agents, contractors, and assigns (“Released Parties”) from all liability to me for any harm or loss, to the fullest extent permitted by law, including but not limited to economic loss, personal injury, disease, illness, injury, disability, incapacitation, and/or death suffered by me (or any other person who may be exposed to infectious disease, directly or indirectly, by me) whether caused by the negligent act or omission of the University of Minnesota Continuing Dental Education and/or Travel One, Inc. or otherwise. 

I will agree to indemnify, hold harmless, and covenant not to sue the Released Parties for any personal injury, death, medical expenses, disability, loss of capacity, court costs, attorney’s fees, or any other loss that may arise involving me.

I will indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties for any claims by such travel companions or otherwise for any personal injury, death, medical expenses, disability, loss of capacity, court costs, attorney’s fees, or any other loss that may arise against the Released Parties involving my travel companions.

This Waiver and Release will be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota, without regard to any conflicts of laws principles that would require the application of any other state’s law. The foregoing assumption of risks, waiver, and release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law of the State of Minnesota and that if any part is held invalid, then the balance shall continue in full force and effect.