It is finally here! We leave tomorrow!!!
*Be at the airport no later than 4:30pm! :)
Rick Steves has very helpful information about luggage, packing, electronics, etc. Read it here:
*Important reminders: You will need to sleep with your luggage on the bed in the night train. I recommend duffle bags, although they don't have wheels -- so think about that. If not duffle bags, make sure the bag is small enough to travel comfortably.
Here are some other things I thought about:
*May also want to get an inflatable travel pillow to help you sleep on the plane and ear plugs (in drugstores)
*consider bringing a tide-to-go stick or shout wipes, which can help with stains
*Hand-sanitizer - helpful to keep hands clean, esp. before meals. Also useful for cleaning toilet seats in public restrooms
*If you have a special meal preference, food allergy, etc -- please call British Airways, give them your flight number, and let them know. Also, let me know so I can tell our tour guide. This way, you can have special meals when we're out. This includes vegetarian meals and peanut allergies. We cannot arrange special meals for you if you don't like pork or beef or something -- unless it's for religious reasons. Thanks!
-Ms. Nazario
Here is a packing list and very important information. Print this and save a copy for your records. You should also share this information with your parents so they can help you prepare! :)
Money abroad
We recommend that your child brings the equivalent of $50 in the currency of the initial destination for expenses upon arrival. Your child should also be familiar with the exchange rates for US dollars to the local currency of the destinations of the tour. Your child should not bring traveler’s checks since they are difficult to cash. ATMs are the most convenient way for cash withdrawals since they accept a wide number of bank and credit cards. Check with your bank to make sure your child’s card will work abroad.
Students need to keep money in a safe place at all times. Travel pouches that you wear under your clothes are always recommended. Also, advise your child not to save a lot of coins. Though they do make good souvenirs, they cannot be exchanged back into US dollars (exchange offices and banks will only change paper money).
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Spending money
Your child can plan on using $40 to $60 per day for spending money. The guidelines below are divided by region. The lower amount covers enough for lunches, soft drinks, postcards and stamps, while the higher amount covers some museum entrances during free time and souvenirs. These recommendations do not cover optional excursions or gratuities.
I will need to collect $80 from each of you before the tour for your tip money. [Tiffany, you already fundraised this last year -- so we just need it from your mother]. This allows me to tip the tour guide and driver for you so you don't have to worry about it on the trip.
Packing
Students will be carrying their own luggage, so your child should pack light. We recommend one suitcase and one small carry-on per person. Students will be responsible for taking luggage on and off buses and into hotels, so make sure your child can easily carry his or her luggage up stairs. See our packing list for specific suggestions.
There are only so many things a person can stuff into a suitcase—and even fewer things that will be needed on tour. Keep in mind that EF travelers are responsible for carrying their own luggage, so packing light is a plus. Here’s a list to make sure that no essentials are forgotten.
Clothing
Travelers should be conscientious of cultural differences and pack accordingly. Keep in mind that some religious sites require that shirts cover the shoulders and arms, and do not allow short skirts or flip-flops.
*Comfortable walking shoes and one pair of nicer shoes
*Shirts (short and long sleeved)
*Socks
*Underwear
*Shorts/pants/jeans
*Pajamas
*Bathing suit [We will have a chance to swim in Barcelona and there may be some local pools or lakes for swimming in Madrid]
*Dressier outfit (reserved for a special night out) - this includes shoes that will go with the outfit
*Raincoat and/or umbrella [try to get the small travel umbrella]
*Lightweight nylon jacket or warm-up top (rather than bulky sweatshirts)
Sunglasses
*Hat or visor
You will only need about 3 pairs of jeans. Bring a top for each day plus a 2-3 extra options. For PJ's, you can wear them 2 or 3 nights each. Bring enough underwear and socks for the entire trip, plus 2-3 extras. If you run out, you can wash them in the sink. This is very common.
*1 sweatshirt or fleece & 1 spring jacket
You should wear a pair of shoes and then pack a dressier syle. Maybe also a pair of flip flops. Extra shoes can weight you down. And don't pack a towel. If you visit the beach, you can use a hotel towel.
[Since we are travelling in April, it will be like our spring weather here in France. You will need a light jacket and layers. You'll almost always want to wear jeans or pants. In Spain, it can get to summer temperatures, especially in Madrid -- which is a desert. You may want to bring some shorts and cooler clothing.]
*Toiletries [try to get travel sizes -- or you can go to walgreens and buy travel size bottles to put your favorite products in them. Toiletries should be placed in your checked baggage because you are limited to how much you can bring in your carry on. And remember, all liquids in your carry on bag go in a quart sized ziplock bag].
*Toothbrush
*Toothpaste
*Shampoo/conditioner
*Soap
*Deodorant
*Hairbrush/comb
*Sunscreen
*Any medications (in addition to a copy of prescriptions)
*Spare set of contact lenses/glasses (if applicable)
*Nylon cord and 8 to 12 clothespins (for drying clothes in the hotel room) <--if you think you'll wash clothes in the sink
*Razor
Money
*ATM card (call the bank prior to departure to alert them of the trip; foreign purchases sometimes result in a hold on bank accounts) Everyone needs an ATM card. This is the best way to get money. Get one ASAP. Otherwise, you will spend a fortune converting your money from home -- and you risk theft.
*EF Visa Travel card or personal credit card
At least $50 converted to foreign currency of the first country that you’re visiting. [You can do this at any bank. Just give them $50 and ask for Euros. If they don't have it, try a travel store]. If you are unable to do this, we will hunt for an ATM upon arrival.
*Pouch for storing money and passport under clothing [can be purchased at drug stores. it's worn next to the body and keeps your valuables very safe]
Electronics
*An alarm clock (many hotel rooms won't have one)
*An adaptor/converter (available at travel stores) -- Converter is not needed for laptops, ipod, camera charger, etc - all you need is an inexpensive adapter. You will need a converter for hair dryers, etc -- so consider buying abroad or using what the hotel has
*Camera with ample batteries (batteries can be expensive abroad)
*WATCH -- you must always know what time it is so it is very important that you keep a watch with you.
[You may also want to bring an ipod and a charger. If you bring a laptop, you do this at your own risk -- and theft is a very big possibility. Think carefully before you bring a laptop. I am not bringing mine. Internet cafes are readily available]
Documents
*Passport—it is required on all EF Educational Tours. Remember to bring a couple photocopies of it (in case it is lost) and leave one copy at home [Do not forget your passport. Check and double check before you leave for the airport. You cannot fly without your passport!]
*A copy of the tour itinerary
A list of important phone numbers and addresses to send postcards home
Copy of any prescriptions (Customs officials may want to verify that a container's contents match its label, so all medication should be carried in its original container.) This is very important
*Carry-on bag
The EF backpack is a perfect carry-on bag. Here’s a short list of things travelers might need on the first day of the trip. These should be packed in the carry-on in case the checked luggage is delayed.
*Passport
*Money
*Airline ticket
*Toothbrush and toothpaste (remember, toothpaste needs to go in a one-quart ziploc bag, and can't be bigger than 3 oz)
*Hairbrush
*Contact lens case/glasses (to sleep comfortably on the plane)
*A change of clothes (in case luggage is delayed)
*Medication
*Any valuables
*Gum and snacks for plan [it's a good idea to bring little meal bars such as special k or kudos -- in case you get hungry. This can really help save you a lot of money on the trip. Just don't bring so much that your bag is heavy]
*Plastic or metal water bottle. This can help you save a LOT of money on the trip. Drinking water is safe everywhere we are going, so fill it up and save your money. If you buy bottled water and sodas all day, you'll spend a lot more money.
[Anything that might entertain you on the plane -- electronics, book, journal!!! Don't forget to write on this trip. I still read my journal from my trip]
Information about our flight:
We leave JFK at 6:55pm on April 9th. You must be at the airport by 4:30pm! I will send another email with details for getting to the airport. Hopefully, you can get a ride. Go directly to check in for your flight. You should see Ms. Nazario and Ms. Buffen there near the British Airways check in. If you are not there by 4:30 sharp, the group will proceed to the gate without you and you risk missing your flight. Do not be late.
We then have a two hour stopover in London. This will give you a bit of time to stop into the British shops. Don't get money from the ATM. You don't need pounds. Use your credit card if you want to shop. The exchange rate is good for London, so things shouldn't be too expensive.
On the way home, we arrive at JFK at 12:55pm on April 18th. Please arrange for a ride home from the airport. We will not accompany you to the airtrain or subway -- the ride home is your responsibility.
The bags are packed. Passport in hand, your child is ready to fly. Here’s what everyone needs to know for a smooth takeoff.
Call to confirm your flights
Please call the airline to confirm your flights at least 24-48 hours before departure. This way you can be sure of any time changes to your flight itinerary. You should also call the airlines a week before departure if you have any special in-flight meal requests for your child.
Check-in
For international flights, your child should meet his or her group at a previously arranged location by the group leader two to three hours before the departure time (this gives ample time for check-in, security, etc.). Most EF travelers will get e-tickets, which means your child only needs to bring his or her passport to the airport for check-in.
International flights
Most eastbound international flights are overnight. Students should try to get as much sleep as possible during the flight to be well-rested upon arrival. Typically, groups have to make one or more connections (either in the U.S. or overseas). When the group lands abroad, students will have to go through immigration and customs. The group will then find an EF representative in the arrivals area.
[We will start our day as soon as we land, so you will want to bring something to wash your face and a change of clothes to feel fresh upon arrival. We may not get a chance to rest until later in the day, before dinner time. We will be exhausted, but it will be exciting!]
Rules for our tour:
http://www.eftours.com/parents/knowbeforeyougo/traveltips/rulesoftheroad.aspx?key=RORD
Because we’re committed to your child’s safety while abroad, EF has established the following “rules of the road” to help the tour run smoothly and safely. Please remind your child that he or she is acting as an ambassador of the United States while abroad. Every tour participant needs to be punctual and attentive to the group leader, who is responsible for everyone in the group. Travelers must also demonstrate respect toward the tour director, who will handle all of the trip logistics. Please reiterate to your child that failure to adhere to the following could result in being sent home from the tour.
All EF travelers must carefully adhere to the following regulations while on tour:
All scheduled activities are obligatory. A participant unable to attend due to a physical ailment must inform his or her group leader, who should notify the EF Tour Director.
If students wish to visit friends or relatives in a destination country, the group leader must be informed before the tour begins. Upon request, EF will provide a special form to be completed by parents, giving authorization for such visits. Give the form to the EF Tour Director upon arrival.
Visitors or group members of the opposite sex are not permitted in students’ rooms. The group leader and EF tour director may establish a curfew. Students are expected to respect the nightly curfew for their own safety and security. Room checks will be conducted each night.
Smoking is not allowed on buses, during meals, in hotel rooms or in any other shared, enclosed space.
Hitchhiking and the driving or renting of any motor vehicle are strictly forbidden for all travelers.
The consumption of hard liquor is strictly forbidden. Parents may sign a consent form at the group leader’s discretion, giving their permission for students under the age of 21 to consume wine or beer, on occasion and under supervision, in countries where the participant is of legal drinking age. Excessive drinking by any participant of any age will result in disciplinary action, including dismissal from the tour at the participant’s expense.
Shoplifting, possession of illegal drugs and all other illegal activities will not be tolerated and are punishable by immediate dismissal from the tour. All costs to return home are at the participant’s expense. Should the local authorities be involved, participants will be subject to the laws of the country they are visiting.
Participants are required to pay for any phone calls or incidental personal expenses incurred at hotels. These will be payable the evening before departure at each hotel.
Compensation for damage done to hotel rooms or to buses is the responsibility of the participants.
Participants not conforming to any of these regulations risk disciplinary action and possible dismissal from the tour, returning home at their own expense. This decision is reached in consultation with group leaders, the EF Tour Director, and the student’s parents.
[If you want to drink, your parents must sign the form. However, no hard liquor. Only an occasional beer or wine as part of a meal. We are not flying to Europe to get drunk. You will regret it.]
Don't forget to log onto your EF account to activity your i-story online journal!
Please email me with any questions!
Ms. Nazario
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