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WELCOME Thank you for booking a PGL Adventure Holiday! This booklet contains all the essential information for our French holidays. Please do read all the information carefully as it contains arrival and departure times, a handy checklist and much more. Kind regards Steve Hougham 2 Essential information France Contents 3 Travel information 4 Arrivals and departures 5 Insurance and contact details 6 What to bring 7 Conduct at PGL
Travel arrangements Guests will be picked up in Manchester, Birmingham, London, Dover or Folkestone. Please check on your final confirmation that the correct pick-up point has been booked. The coach will have a PGL sticker on the front windscreen; please make yourself known to our PGL Courier who will be identifiable by a PGL uniform and/or banner. Please see page 4 of this leaflet for travel times and locations of meeting points. (Please note that you do not require individual travel tickets as the party travels on a group ticket held by our Couriers.) Please ensure you arrive in plenty of time at our meeting points as our coach cannot wait for late arrivals. If you are delayed on your journey and think that you may miss the coach, please telephone the PGL Travel Line 01989 766 203 immediately. Late arrivals should be prepared to make their own way to the port in the hope of catching up with the group there. Please be aware that, whilst we make every effort to ensure that our coaches arrive and depart on time, there may be times when our coach is slightly delayed due to traffic, roadworks, etc., beyond our control. Please wait at the meeting point and/or telephone us on the PGL Travel Line (day of travel only) 01989 766 203 for further information if the coach has not arrived within a reasonable time. Coach Seat Belt Policy Please ensure that your child is aware of our policy before the holiday starts. All coaches hired by PGL will be fitted with lap-belts, as required by law since 10th February 1997. PGL staff will take reasonable steps to ensure that lap-belts are worn by guests. Our definitions of reasonable steps are: A public announcement by the Couriers to all passengers before the journey commences that lap-belts are supplied and must be worn. Periodic checking during the journey to ensure that belts are being worn. Reporting to centre/hq of any passengers who have not complied with PGL policy. Clear message to parents that their child will not be transported again unless they promise to comply. All timings are local and are correct at the time of going to print, but we reserve the right to change timings if necessary. PGL Travel Line 01989 766 203 (day of travel only) Meeting points Pick up and return locations are as follows. The PGL Courier will have a list of all the children booked onto the service. Please tell the Courier if your child has any medical conditions (eg. asthma, diabetes, epilepsy) or any medication which is required on the journey. Please check your child is with the Courier and remains with them until it is time to board. Please do not board the coach without permission from the Courier. Do not forget your passport! Manchester National Express Central Coach Station, Chorlton Street, Stand 7/8, which can be accessed through door D. (M1 3JF). Birmingham M6 Southbound (outward)/ Northbound (return), Hilton Park Services, Essington, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire. Just inside the main entrance to the cafe/services building. (WV11 2AT). London Green Line Coach Terminal, Victoria. Coach stop 3, Bulleid Way (Entrance off Elizabeth Bridge opposite Victoria Coach Station). (SW1W 9TP). Dover Wait inside the door of the Passenger Departures Hall, Eastern Docks, (Dover not available for holidays to Chateau de Grande Romaine). (CT16 1JA). Folkestone Folkestone Stop Services 24 at Junction 11 on the M20. Please meet just inside the main entrance of the building. (CT21 4BL). Meals on arrival and departure days It is important to note that the first meal provided by PGL will be: Late night snack on arrival at the centre for the Paris and Disneyland Resort Paris. On the last day of the holiday, guests leave the centre after breakfast. Breakfast on the first morning at the centre for the Two Centre Adventure and Mediterranean Watersports. On the last day of the holiday, guests leave the centre after the evening meal. We would recommend therefore that a packed lunch is provided for the outward journey together with a small amount of money to purchase food on the ferry (relatively cheap and plenty of choice!). For all French holidays we would suggest reserving some money for food on the journey home. Call 0333 321 2114 or visit www.pgl.co.uk/holidays 3
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES Paris and Disneyland Resort Paris (GR7) Outward 06.00 Meet Manchester 07.45 Meet Birmingham 11.15 Meet London 13.15 Meet Folkestone 21.30 Arrive at Château de Grande Romaine Return 06.30 Depart Château de Grande Romaine 11.35 Arrive Folkestone 13.30 Arrive London 16.30 Arrive Birmingham 18.30 Arrive Manchester Mediterranean Watersports (MW8) Outward 06.30 Meet Manchester 08.15 Meet Birmingham 11.45 Meet London 14.45 Meet Dover 09.45 Arrive Mimosa Return 18.45 Depart Mimosa 11.45 Arrive Dover 14.00 Arrive London 17.00 Arrive Birmingham 19.00 Arrive Manchester Two Centre adventure (MA8) + (MA8A) Outward 06.30 Meet Manchester 08.15 Meet Birmingham 11.45 Meet London 14.45 Meet Dover 09.00 Arrive Mimosa or Segries Return 18.45 Depart Mimosa or Segries 11.45 Arrive Dover 14.00 Arrive London 17.00 Arrive Birmingham 19.00 Arrive Manchester All timings are local and are correct at the time of going to print, but we reserve the right to change timings if necessary. helpline Prior to the day of travel please call one of our Holiday Consultants on 0333 321 2114 Mon-Fri 08:30 to 18:00 Mon-Fri 08:30 to 17:30 (Outside March-August) On the day of travel, please call our travel line on 01989 766 203. 4 Essential information France If you make your own travel arrangements If you are travelling directly to or from the centre, please find enclosed a sheet showing directions and timings. If you arrive early, or depart later than the time given, we will not be able to provide full entertainment, and children will have to entertain themselves.
travel insurance All guests travelling to France must have insurance. You can still take PGL insurance, if you wish, by calling us on 0333 321 2114. In the event of injury and illness in France, or where guests require medical treatment whilst in France, they should refer initially to the PGL Centre Manager or First Aider, who will be pleased to help. If you have taken PGL insurance, guests would be required to pay any small bills and claim on the insurance and/or EHIC when they get back home (minus any excess). If a guest cannot afford the bill we will call parents to arrange a loan. There is a separate procedure for hospitalisation set up with our insurers. For holidays within Europe it is essential that you obtain a European Health Insurance Card for your child. You can obtain an EHIC on line at www.ehic.org.uk or by calling 0300 330 1350. Should medical attention be needed whilst within the European Community an EHIC can save both time and money, avoiding the need to pay a minimum 50 excess charge for any medical treatment claimed from our insurers. If you are NOT insured through PGL, you will have to settle your medical bills direct at the time of treatment. If a guest cannot afford the bill we will call the parents to arrange a loan. Each case will be judged on its merits by the Centre Manager who will require a signed repayment statement before proceeding. We hope these measures will minimise any inconvenience. centre addresses and numbers Paris and Disneyland Resort Paris: c/o PGL, Château de Grande Romaine, 77150 Lesigny, France Tel: 00 33 164 43 16 08 Two Centre Adventure: c/o Domaine de Segries, Vagnas, 07150 Vallon Pont D Arc, France Tel: 00 33 475 38 63 99 UK Tel: 01989 767 276 c/o PGL, Mimosa, Chemin de Montilles, 34350 Grau de Vendres, France Tel: 00 33 467 37 45 70 UK Tel: 01989 767 277 Mediterranean Watersports: c/o PGL, Mimosa, Chemin de Montilles, 34350 Grau de Vendres, France Tel: 00 33 467 37 45 70 UK Tel: 01989 767 277 emergency contact We find that children settle into their environment much better if they are not telephoned by parents in the first few days. We will, of course, pass on personal messages and Senior Staff are always available if you wish to ask about your child. In an emergency, you should use the following numbers: Before the holiday 0333 321 2114 Mon-Fri 08.30 to 18.00 Mon-Fri 08.30 to 17.30 (Outside March-August) Sat 09.00 to 17.00 (March-August) For escorted travel queries on Saturdays 01989 766 203 or the centre direct During the holiday period Please refer to the list of centre telephone numbers. Please note: There are no pay phones at any of our French centres. Call 0333 321 2114 or visit www.pgl.co.uk/holidays 5
WHAT to bring Suggested packing checklist Nightwear Sleeping bag or bedding, pillow and base sheet (bedding is provided for Paris/Disneyland Holidays) Several changes of underwear and socks 2 sets of swimwear 2 large towels (for swimming and wet activities) Bath (for showering) and hand towels Toiletries bag and contents (including sun-screen) Up to 6 t-shirts that cover the shoulders 3 pairs of shorts (not denim) 2 old sweatshirts/fleeces 2 pairs of strong, loose fitting trousers/tracksuit bottoms 2 pairs of trainers Waterproof anorak Complete change of clothes for the evenings Bin liner (not black) for bringing any wet clothing home Small rucksack for packed lunches and change of clothes when off site Insect Repellent Plastic water bottle Pocket First Aid kit Sun hat and sunglasses Medical contact form (fully completed and signed) Any personal medication EHIC and insurance details Valid PASSPORT! For the Two Centre Adventure and Mediterranean Watersports holiday you will also need to bring: Canvas shoes or old trainers for watersports Torch and spare batteries Minimum of factor 30 sun cream Glasses retriever for watersports or canoeing IMPORTANT The sun is very strong in all parts of France so please bring plenty of appropriate factor sunscreen. 6 Essential information France Passport Each person will need to have their own individual document as we do not provide guests with a group passport. The passport and any relevant visas are the responsibility of each guest to organise. Guests who are not British citizens must ensure that they have suitable documentation, which may include visas. Please note that 1-year passports are no longer available or valid. Pocket Money Based on past experience and comments from previous guests we recommend for one week s holiday pocket money of about: 100 for the Paris and Disneyland Resort Paris holiday. 100 for Two Centre Adventure and Mediterranean Watersports. PGL provide full-board accommodation, but you will still need money for items such as drinks, ice-creams, postcards, stamps, souvenirs etc., and entrance fees to some places of interest (except excursions as advertised in brochure). Please bring the money in Euros as there are no exchange facilities at the centre. Pocket money can be kept in the centre safe if required. Luggage Soft type luggage is ideal for storing belongings during the holiday, as well as for carrying and loading. Holdalls are probably the best, but suitcases and rucksacks are fine. All specialist activity equipment is supplied by PGL. Clothes should be loose, casual and easily washable. NB: Synthetic tracksuit trousers are warmer when wet, more comfortable and easier to dry than jeans. What not to bring We strongly advise you not to bring mobile phones, ipods, ipads, mp3 players, expensive watches or other valuable items to the centre; a disposable/one-use camera, etc., is a good idea. Expensive designer trainers and clothing are not recommended. A secure storage system operates for pocket money but we do not have space to store larger items securely. Please be aware that your insurance may not cover the loss or damage to valuable items on an activity holiday, and that if a claim is made, a new-for-old policy may not apply. We advise against you bringing new or expensive footwear or clothing. Due to limited space in the luggage holds of the coach, only one holdall, suitcase or rucksack please!
CONDUCT AT PGL Living alongside and mixing with other children is a valuable part of the holiday experience and we try to ensure that no one feels left out. We keep a close eye and will act on possible bullying or any other anti-social behaviour. Our experience over many years means that this is rarely a problem but please tell your children if they feel picked on, they should inform their group leader or any other member of staff immediately. When necessary we will be firm with children who are jeopardising the enjoyment of others and will not tolerate any such behaviour. If problem behaviour is persistent or serious, we will contact the parent or guardians concerned to decide on further action. No refunds are considered for any child sent home for behavioural reasons. Please ensure you visit our website parent guide and read our terms and conditions your responsibility for full details. Additional Guidelines for Specific Age Groups -13 year olds 9 Children are fully supervised at all times. Smoking (and smoking E-cigarettes) and drinking are not allowed. 13-15 year olds Supervision is as for the 9-13 year olds above. An exception may be made on holidays which include visits to places such as theme parks or local towns where it is impractical to walk around in a large group. In such circumstances, staff would regularly rendezvous with guests and would be contactable at all times. Drinking is not allowed. Please make sure your children are aware of the guidelines above, especially those applicable to their age range. And finally You should now have all the necessary information. However, if you do have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of our Holiday Consultants on 0333 321 2114 between 08.30 and 18.00, Monday to Friday, 09.00 and 17.00, Saturday. If you have any queries whilst your child is on holiday please feel free to contact the centre direct (please refer to the numbers on page 5). We shall be emailing you and each child who has been on holiday with us a questionnaire regarding their stay with PGL, we look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments so that we may maintain and/or improve our standards. 16-17 year olds Will be allowed slightly greater freedom. We strongly discourage smoking but full smoking bans in the past have led to unauthorised smoking areas likely to be a fire risk tents dormitories etc. As safety is our number one priority we therefore operate a system using official supervised smoking areas set away from other guests or any fire risk. Smoking is only allowed strictly for 16 or 17 year olds where parental consent has been given on the medical form, smoking E-cigarettes is not allowed. Interestingly, a side effect of this approach tends to be that a number of smokers choose not to smoke at all rather than be forced to adopt the rigours of our strict safety policy. Smoking outside any authorised area is a serious offence for which guests will be sent home. Consumption of alcohol by guests is banned at all PGL centres. Please note that even guests who are 16 and over, who legally speaking may consume beer and wine in Europe, are still subject to this ban. This also applies to the consumption or purchase of alcohol off site. On excursions, 16-17 year olds will be allowed to explore without being accompanied as long as they stay in groups of at least three. PGL staff will be contactable at all times. Call 0333 321 2114 or visit www.pgl.co.uk/holidays 7