Accommodations
What are the accommodations like on tour?
Expect a three star hotel. In Europe, especially, the rooms are typically small and the buildings are sometimes older. You will have a private bathroom in your hotel room.
How many students are assigned to a room?
There are four students per room. In some cases, we will be in hotels that have double and triple rooms. We will make a list for each combination (2, 3 and 4) at our 2nd meeting, so that we can have all that squared away before the trip. We will change hotels several times throughout the tour, and each time you may have a slightly different rooming assignment. Try to be as flexible and open-minded as possible, as you spend very little time in the room, anyway!
Currency
What type of currency will I need on tour?
For our 2017 adventure, you'll need euro for our time in Germany and Austria. Switzerland uses the Swiss franc.
Do I need local currency before departure?
Yes! Please have at least $50 worth of the local currency for our first destination (Austria = euro) BEFORE the trip. It is time consuming for 50 people to stand in line at the airport ATM when we land. If you have cash in your pocket, you could potentially go a day or two before you need to find an ATM.
Where can I get foreign currency?
Large banks (Capital One, Wells Fargo, Bank of America) will offer a foreign currency service for account holders. You can also buy foreign currency at a local Travelex (there is one at Jersey Gardens). See travelex.com for more info.
I don't want my student to carry a large amount of cash while on tour. What is the safest way for them to spend money?
The best method would be to use an ATM/Debit card. Take out your daily limit, and spend cash everywhere you go. You will need to contact your bank prior to the trip and let them know the dates and locations of travel.
I would NOT advise "swiping" the card at every location while on tour. This could incur additional fees or cause other potential problems.
Passports
Do I need a passport to travel on the international tour?
Yes, everyone must have a passport to board the plane and enter the destination cities/countries. Some students may require a Visa to enter the countries OR to return home to the U.S. Please make sure you make the appropriate arrangements for international travel!
When should I apply for my passport before the trip?
You should apply ASAP - do not wait! The sooner that you start the process, the better. Depending on your individual situation, it may take extra time to receive the passport. Here are a few potential scenarios that may cause delays:
- Obtaining a birth certificate from out of state
- Difficulty scheduling appointments at the passport office
- Delays in processing from the U.S. Government
How do I apply for a passport?
Click here to be redirected to the US State Department site for first time passport applicants.
How early do I need my passport before the trip?
Mrs. Craig would like to have all passport information on file (and copies made) 90 days before departure.
Safety
What Safety practices are in place for participants on the tour?
1. There is one certified teacher chaperone per group of 6-8 students. These chaperone's sole job is to be responsible for the safety of students.
2. During lunch and free time, students must have an adult in their group AT ALL TIMES.
3. Travelers will have a nightly curfew, and are expected to be in their rooms at the designated time. Chaperones will conduct morning and evening room checks.
4. Each traveler will have a travel buddy and be responsible for knowing the whereabouts of their buddy at all times throughout the tour.
5. All chaperones carry first aid kits. The Tour Director has official first aid training.
Spending Money
How much spending money should I take on tour?
It is recommended that you budget about $30-$50 per day of the trip.
What do students typically spend their money on?
Souvenirs, snack food, lunch, bottled water, soft drinks at dinner, free time activities, optional on tour activities (see below for more info).
What else should I budget money for while on tour?
On each tour, there are optional activities that the students can choose to pay for in local currency. We will review optional activities in advance, however the Tour Director may have additional suggestions while on tour. Budget $50 - $150 for additional activities.
What are the accommodations like on tour?
Expect a three star hotel. In Europe, especially, the rooms are typically small and the buildings are sometimes older. You will have a private bathroom in your hotel room.
How many students are assigned to a room?
There are four students per room. In some cases, we will be in hotels that have double and triple rooms. We will make a list for each combination (2, 3 and 4) at our 2nd meeting, so that we can have all that squared away before the trip. We will change hotels several times throughout the tour, and each time you may have a slightly different rooming assignment. Try to be as flexible and open-minded as possible, as you spend very little time in the room, anyway!
Currency
What type of currency will I need on tour?
For our 2017 adventure, you'll need euro for our time in Germany and Austria. Switzerland uses the Swiss franc.
Do I need local currency before departure?
Yes! Please have at least $50 worth of the local currency for our first destination (Austria = euro) BEFORE the trip. It is time consuming for 50 people to stand in line at the airport ATM when we land. If you have cash in your pocket, you could potentially go a day or two before you need to find an ATM.
Where can I get foreign currency?
Large banks (Capital One, Wells Fargo, Bank of America) will offer a foreign currency service for account holders. You can also buy foreign currency at a local Travelex (there is one at Jersey Gardens). See travelex.com for more info.
I don't want my student to carry a large amount of cash while on tour. What is the safest way for them to spend money?
The best method would be to use an ATM/Debit card. Take out your daily limit, and spend cash everywhere you go. You will need to contact your bank prior to the trip and let them know the dates and locations of travel.
I would NOT advise "swiping" the card at every location while on tour. This could incur additional fees or cause other potential problems.
Passports
Do I need a passport to travel on the international tour?
Yes, everyone must have a passport to board the plane and enter the destination cities/countries. Some students may require a Visa to enter the countries OR to return home to the U.S. Please make sure you make the appropriate arrangements for international travel!
When should I apply for my passport before the trip?
You should apply ASAP - do not wait! The sooner that you start the process, the better. Depending on your individual situation, it may take extra time to receive the passport. Here are a few potential scenarios that may cause delays:
- Obtaining a birth certificate from out of state
- Difficulty scheduling appointments at the passport office
- Delays in processing from the U.S. Government
How do I apply for a passport?
Click here to be redirected to the US State Department site for first time passport applicants.
How early do I need my passport before the trip?
Mrs. Craig would like to have all passport information on file (and copies made) 90 days before departure.
Safety
What Safety practices are in place for participants on the tour?
1. There is one certified teacher chaperone per group of 6-8 students. These chaperone's sole job is to be responsible for the safety of students.
2. During lunch and free time, students must have an adult in their group AT ALL TIMES.
3. Travelers will have a nightly curfew, and are expected to be in their rooms at the designated time. Chaperones will conduct morning and evening room checks.
4. Each traveler will have a travel buddy and be responsible for knowing the whereabouts of their buddy at all times throughout the tour.
5. All chaperones carry first aid kits. The Tour Director has official first aid training.
Spending Money
How much spending money should I take on tour?
It is recommended that you budget about $30-$50 per day of the trip.
What do students typically spend their money on?
Souvenirs, snack food, lunch, bottled water, soft drinks at dinner, free time activities, optional on tour activities (see below for more info).
What else should I budget money for while on tour?
On each tour, there are optional activities that the students can choose to pay for in local currency. We will review optional activities in advance, however the Tour Director may have additional suggestions while on tour. Budget $50 - $150 for additional activities.