FAQs

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Signing Up for a Pickleball Trip

How do I sign up for a pickleball trip?

To sign up for a pickleball trip simply click on the trip of your choice and make a 20% deposit per person. Once you make the deposit you’ll receive a confirmation email of your spot on the pickleball trip. If you need any help signing up you can call us.

How do I pay for the pickleball trip?

Payments for the pickleball vacation are made in two payments:

• Pay Initial Deposit: travelers pay a 20% deposit per person when booking a spot on the pickleball trip
• Final Payment: Balance due 60 days before pickleball trip start date
• If the booking is made less than 60 days prior to the trip start date Pickleball Destinations will charge the full amount at booking time.
• All prices are in United States dollars (USD)

What’s included in the pickleball trip price?

• 8 or 9 nights in a handpicked 4- or 5-star hotel
• Access to pickleball courts and locker room facilities
• Buffet breakfast every morning
• 4 or 5 carefully selected group meals
• Private deluxe motor coach
• Day trips to historical cities
• Professionally guided tours in each city we visit
• Transportation to and from the airport
• Comprehensive tour handbook when you arrive
• Guided tours of the Museums and other historical sites (Palaces, Cathedrals, Mosques)
• Bilingual tour director
• Tour souvenirs
• Welcome reception and dinner
• Farewell dinner party

What’s not included in the pickleball trip price?

Airfare, some lunches and dinners, drinks, tips, personal spending

Will I receive documentation when I book with Pickleball Destinations?

Once a pickleball trip has been booked and deposited, Pickleball Destinations will automatically send a confirmation of your reservation. Final pickleball tour documentation which includes a day-by-day itinerary of your journey is sent after final payment is received.

How can I contact Pickleball Destinations?

You can email us anytime or send us a message through the Contact Us page. You can also call us. Please keep in mind when contacting us that we are located in Spain which is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the US and Canada.

Pickleball, Tour Participants, and Future Pickleball Vacations

What skill level of pickleball players will be on the pickleball trip?

Pickleball players of all skill levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced level players.

How much pickleball will we play?

We’ll play pickleball on 6 of the 9 days of our pickleball vacation. We’ll play pickleball in the morning from 9:30 to 12:30, except for the day of arrival when you will have optional pickleball play in the afternoon.

Should I bring my own pickleball paddle?

Most people will prefer to bring their own pickleball paddle. However, we’ll have plenty of demo pickleball paddles on hand that you can play with while you’re in Europe.

How many participants join each pickleball trip?

The number of travelers ranges from 16 to 24 per pickleball trip, depending on the number or courts at our destination. The limited group size ensures a good ratio between coaches and pickleball players, and also ensures travelers can enjoy getting to know the tour director, tour guides, and the other pickleball tour participants.

Can non-pickleball players go on the trip?

Yes. Non-pickleball-playing spouses, partners and friends are welcome on the trip. $200 will be taken off of their tour price. If they’re interested, they’re welcome to learn the game of pickleball during the trip. And of course there’s an endless range of interesting and entertaining “non-pickleball” activities available for travelers to enjoy.

Can I arrange for my pickleball club or group of friends to take a pickleball trip?

Yes. If you are interested in organizing a group for a pickleball trip you can contact us here or give us a call and we’ll be glad to discuss the different possibilities with you.

Who leads your pickleball trips?

A member of the Pickleball Destination Team will always personally lead the tours and be with you throughout the trip. Are team members are passionate pickleball players, quality coaches, and European residents who are committed to providing travelers with a unique European experience on and off the courts. In addition, certified tour guides will provide professionally-guided tours of each of the cities we visit.

Extended Stays Beyond the Pickleball Trip

What if I want to extend my stay beyond the dates of the pickleball trip?

You’re welcome to extend your stay either before or after the pickleball trip dates in order to have additional time to explore on your own. If you’re interested in extending your time in Europe and would like to stay at the host hotel (4- or 5-star hand-picked hotel), we have arranged with the hotel to provide you the pickleball tour group rate we have during the trip (depending upon availability). For information on how to extend your stay email us at info@micklepickleballtrips.com.

How is transportation to and within Europe?

Public transportation throughout Europe is excellent.

Bus, taxi, and Uber in Europe

All cities have buses, and taxis are both plentiful and inexpensive. Larger cities also have subways, and some even have street trollies. The cities we visit are very walkable cities, and when you need a ride somewhere taxis are easy to find. You can also use Uber, but will need a mobile data plan to do so.  The distance from the airports to downtown (where our hotels are located) is less than 8 miles, so going by taxi takes about 20 minutes and costs around $35.

Train in Europe

Europe has excellent train options throughout the continent. The train operator in Spain is called RENFE. Spain has one of the best high-speed trains in the world called AVE that connects all of the major cities of Spain. You can also use the train for shorter trips in trains that RENFE calls Cercanias.

Airlines in Spain

The national airline in Spain is Iberia which also operates a national low-cost airline called Vueling. Both of these airlines offer flights throughout Spain. Iberia also offers international flights. Iberia is part of the One World Alliance which includes American Airlines and British Airways in case you would like to apply frequent flyer miles to your flights. All major carriers offer flights to Spain, including United and Air Canada (both part of Star Alliance), and Delta (part of Sky Team Alliance).

Rental cars in Europe

If you prefer to drive all of the major rental car companies are present throughout Europe.

Hotel Rooms during the Pickleball Trip

What are my hotel room options during the pickleball trip?

Double Room

Two people traveling together will share a room with your preference of a king bed or two twin beds that can be separated.

Triple Room and Junior Suites

Triple rooms and Junior Suites are available depending upon availability. Send us an email and we’ll be glad to help you out.

Shared Room for Solo travelers

If you’re traveling solo, you can choose to share a room with another tour member of the same gender, though there is no guarantee that someone will be available. If you’d prefer you may reserve a private room for an additional fee of $800 to the trip price.

Single Room and Single Supplement

The single supplement option is available if you are traveling solo and prefer the privacy of your own room. Please indicate this preference when reserving your trip. The single supplement fee is on top of the trip price. We make no profit off the single supplement – it is the hotel’s rate. You do not have to pay the single supplement fee at the time that you pay your deposit.

Can I upgrade my room at our pickleball trip hotel?

Yes. A limited number of larger rooms are available upon request. Your options depend upon availability at the hotel, so the sooner you request the change the better. Travelers are responsible for any room upgrade expenses.

Can I make special room requests at our pickleball trip hotel?

We are happy to advise the hotel of any special room requests or requirements. Please be aware that requests cannot be guaranteed.

General Travel Advice for the Pickleball Vacation

Should I get travel insurance for the pickleball vacation?

We strongly encourage all travelers to get travel insurance to minimize your financial risks of traveling and provide you with peace of mind to enjoy the trip to the fullest. Travel insurance can provide refunds or assistance for any of the following situations that may arise when traveling:

• You need to cancel your participation on the trip
• You need to cancel or change a flight
• Lost baggage
• Stolen items
• Medical costs

We suggest you talk to your insurance provider to ask about the travel insurance plans they can offer you. If you would like to compare policies here are three well-known travel insurance providers to consider: Travelex Travel Insurance, Allianz Travel Insurance, and Travel Guard. You can also use InsureMyTrip.com to compare multiple companies’ plans.

What is the weather like in our host country during the pickleball trip?

Average temperatures vary by destination and travel dates:

• Barcelona in September: daytime highs of 77–79°F (25–26°C) and nighttime lows of 62–66°F (17–19°C).

• Southern Spain in May and early June: daytime highs of 76–90°F (24–32°C) and nighttime lows of 55–65°F (13–18°C). In late September and early October, expect highs of 75–89°F (24–32°C) and lows of 57–66°F (14–19°C).

• Croatia in June: daytime highs around 80°F (27°C) and nighttime lows around 66°F (19°C).

• Austria and Germany in May: daytime highs of 64–70°F (18–21°C) and nighttime lows of 45–52°F (7–11°C). In September, expect highs of 64–73°F (18–23°C) and lows of 48–55°F (9–13°C).

• Newport Beach and San Diego in March: daytime highs of 65–67°F (18–19°C) and nighttime lows of 53–55°F (12–13°C). In October, expect highs of 73–75°F (23–24°C) and lows of 60–62°F (16–17°C).

These are historical averages rather than forecasts. Temperatures can vary, so we recommend checking the local forecast shortly before departure and packing layers.

Do I need a passport and visa to visit Europe?

If you are an American or Canadian citizen you need a valid passport to travel to Europe. You do not need a travel visa. American Citizens who don’t already have a passport must apply in person at a designated passport facility such as a post office, public library, courthouse or other municipal building (please visit the Passport Facility Search page for your nearest location). For step-by-step instructions and to download a passport application, go to the State Department website. From 5-7 days after you apply, you can check the status of your passport application and its estimated arrival date through the State Department website. Canadian Citizens who don’t already have a passport should go to Passport Canada.

IMPORTANT: European countries will not allow you to enter the country unless your passport is valid for at least three months beyond the dates of your arrival. Therefore, be sure to confirm the expiration date of your passport well in advance of the trip dates since getting a new passport can take few weeks.

Managing Money and Credit Cards on the Trip

What type of currency will I use in Europe?

The local currency in the countries we travel to in Europe is euros. If you’d like to get a small supply (for example 100 euros) before you leave home, ask your bank or auto club. The seven EU member countries that do not use the Euro are Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Sweden. They continue to use their own national currencies.

Using Euros and Credit Cards

All of the countries we visit in Europe use the euro (€). Having some euros before your arrival can be helpful, but not a must, and exchange rates at home are poor. The best option is to use ATMs on arrival for cash and to pay in euros. Use your debit card at ATMs (not credit cards, which charge high fees). Withdraw enough euros at a time to limit fees, but not so much that you’re stuck with extra euros at the end. Use your credit card for hotels, restaurants, and shops. Most businesses will accept credit cards. Let your credit card company know where you will be traveling so they are aware of where you will be using your card. Avoid exchange desks and U.S. dollar payments, and always check your change. Traveler’s checks are not necessary in Europe.

What’s the tipping custom in Europe?

Tipping is modest and optional, but always appreciated.

• Restaurants: If service isn’t included, leave 5–10% (or €1–2 per person). No tip for counter orders. Hand tips in cash directly to the waiter.
• Taxis: Round up to the next euro (or nearest €5–10 for longer rides).
• Hotels: About €1 per bag for porters; small tip for housekeeping at departure.
• Tour Guides: Optional but always appreciated, usually given in cash at the end.

👉 Overall: tipping isn’t required, but it’s a kind gesture and well-received.

What should I Pack for the Pickleball Trip?

Clothing

• Comfortable, casual wear for sightseeing
• A slightly dressy outfit for a special evening
• A light to medium sweater and a light jacket or windbreaker for layering
• Athletic gear for playing pickleball

Shoes

• Comfortable, broken-in, supportive walking shoes or sandals
• Casually dressy shoes for evening
• Athletic shoes for pickleball

Accessories

Glasses and/or contact lenses, sunglasses, hat, batteries and chargers for small electronics and phone, camera and memory cards

Prescriptions

A supply sufficient for the entire trip and a copy of your prescription(s) in your carry-on bag; extra pair of prescription glasses

Sundries

Sun and lip protection; preferred over-the-counter medications for upset stomach, pain reliever or allergies; preferred personal hygiene products, contact lens solution and beauty items

Do I need adapters or converters in Europe?

In the European countries we visit, outlets use 220–240 volt current and the two round-prong plug. Most modern electronics (phones, tablets, laptops, cameras) are dual-voltage (110–220V), so you’ll usually just need a plug adapter, not a converter.
If you bring an older appliance that isn’t dual-voltage, you may need a converter, though most travelers don’t use these anymore.
We recommend packing a couple of inexpensive plug adapters—though hotels can usually provide them.

👉 Note: The UK, Ireland, and Switzerland use different plug types. If you plan to travel there before or after the tour, check your adapter set.

Useful Items to Bring

In addition to your main packing list, these items can make your trip smoother:

Essential

• Travel documents: passport (and photos of passport), flight confirmations, medical insurance card, and any frequent flyer or loyalty cards
• Emergency contacts: phone numbers and addresses

Highly Recommended

• Copies/photos of key documents and luggage contents in case of loss
• Rain jacket (lightweight and packable)
• Sealable plastic bags for liquids or small items

Optional Extras

• Business cards to exchange with new friends
• Packable tote bag for shopping or souvenirs

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