I am an Indian by origin and currently a Canadian citizen. During my recent holiday visit to India, I purchased a Turquoise gemstone along with a certificate from a reputable seller. Now, as I prepare to return to Canada (Surrey, British Columbia), I have a layover at London Heathrow Airport before my final destination with Air Canada.

I would like to know if there are any specific regulations regarding carrying gemstones while traveling. Do I need to provide any supporting documents, such as an invoice, a bill, or an authenticity certificate from a particular lab, for immigration clearance? Also, since I have a layover in London, I am curious if there are any specific requirements or restrictions at Heathrow Airport regarding carrying gemstones.

Has anyone had a similar experience? Any guidance on the required documents at both London Heathrow and Canada for a smooth immigration process would be greatly appreciated.

Looking forward to helpful responses. Thank you!

Hi Tilerinos!

Is there an app that has most or all of the train timetables across Europe? When I was in the UK on my last trip, I found Train Times. It looks like the app was entirely redesigned since I used it, but at first glance it seems similar. I would like a similar app for Europe:

• Simple with no bloat (I don’t need the app to buy tickets, in fact, I would prefer if it couldn’t)
• Be able to look up a station and view all departing and arriving trains, no matter the destination
• Have live updates for delays and cancellations
• Reasonably priced subscription is fine (and expected because of the delay and cancellation info)
• Preferably not associated with any particular train company
• Covers most of Europe (although an app for just France, or specific countries, would also be appreciated)

Anyone here know of an app like that? I know it’s a big ask, but I am hoping some indie developer has made a nice app like this. Thanks!

Hi all- throwing myself on the goodwill of the community.

I'm currently planning an approximately 10 day trip to Germany this December with my wife and our two boys (6 and 10).

I am constrained by the will of the people as follows:

My Wife: Wants to see the Christmas markets in Cologne and wherever else they may be in the cities we go through. Cologne is a must, though.

My elder son: Is obsessed with tanks and really wants to see the German Tank Museum in Munster (Lower Saxony not Munster in Westphalia). Honestly, so would I.
He had also really wanted to see the u-boat preserved at the German Maritime Museum in Bremerhaven so Bremen seemed like a good midpoint. It turns out the ship exhibitions are closed during winter alas. In any case I'm not closely wedded to Bremen specifically but I will need to take a day trip to the Tank Museum from a nearby city. Staying specifically in Munster seems counterproductive as it appears to be a rather small town (I'm willing to do so if anyone has good things to say about it).

I'm stuck with these dates too, as I have to be elsewhere by the 21st for Christmas celebrations.

Currently the broad strokes are as follows:

10 Dec (Tues)
AM: Land in Frankfurt 0610. Connect to Cologne via train
PM: Check in to hotel. Cologne Christmas markets

11 Dec (Weds)
AM & PM: Tourist stuff in Cologne

12 Dec (Thurs)
AM: Connect to Bremen via train
PM: Wander Bremen old town

13 Dec (Fri)
AM: Rent car, drive to German Tank Museum in Munster
PM: Back to Bremen, check out Christmas markets

14 Dec (Sat)
AM: Connect to Berlin via train
PM: Check into hotel, get orientated

15- 18 Dec (Sun- Weds)
See Things In Berlin (would be glad for suggestions here)

19 Dec (Thurs)
AM Connect to Frankfurt via train
PM Last minute sightseeing Frankfurt

20 Dec (Fri)
AM Fly off from Frankfurt Airport

Would be grateful for any feedback and/or suggestions.

I am taking a trip soon to London and will possibly be adding a couple days in Paris. It's been a hot minute (few years) since visiting the UK and would like to solicit some timely advice and tips. One thing that comes to mind: How important is it to carry cash? Would I need to pay London and Paris street vendors or any shops with cash or will a card with no exchange fees suffice? While we will of course be visiting some tourist attractions like museums, most of our time will be taken up with book stores, record shops, food and coffee shops.