Agenda for tonight s meeting: 1. Brief overview 2. Distribution of materials 3. Trip Update & Reminders 4. Packing 101 5. Money, Hotels, Meals 6. Safety 101 7. What NOT to do on tour 8. Questions DEPARTURE : June 14
Preparing for Departure
"Less than 30% of Americans have a passport. (Canada: 60% of its population has one, UK: 75%) Resolve to get yours and use it." 3 reasons to travel while young: 1. Traveling teaches you to live an adventure (get out of your comfort zone). 2. Traveling helps you encounter compassion. 3. Traveling allows you to get some culture.
Departure date is in DAYS FINALIZED DEPARTURE DATE: June 14
Example: Day 3 (June 16): Flamenco Dancing in Madrid Day 7 (June 20): French Riviera Day 8 (June 21): Pisa & Florence Where we are going Day 10 (June 23): Assisi & Rome Day 11 (June 24): Vatican City Day 13 (extension: June 25): Sorrento
Trip Updates Departure Date is finalized for June 14. Time Difference: Madrid is 6 hrs ahead Due to our group size, we will have 2 small groups joining us on tour from Dallas, TX & Covington, LA: Be Mayo Ladies & Men Great chance to meet some new friends. Which means, if you have an extra spot in your rooms, you will have someone from the other groups in your room.
Passport Reminders No more procrastination!!! I need copies of those ASAP for our records as I need to send EF a list of passport #s for our hotels. Get a passport pouch for your passport. We require the NECK one. Can be found in the luggage section of most stores (Wal-Mart, Target, Kohls, Belks, etc.)
DEPARTURE DAY: June 14 th Meet at Pam s Restaurant in Hartsville by 10:00 a.m. for last minute information. Load up to leave to Charlotte at 10:30 a.m. Due to our group size, we need to plan to be at the airport 3 hours prior to departure. (check-in, security)
PLANE INFORMATION DIRECT FLIGHT! (*happy dance*) June 14 th : Depart @ 4:45 p.m. Arrive in Madrid @ 7:10 a.m. US Airways Flight #748 RETURN FLIGHTS: Non-extension: June 25 th : Rome @ 11:05 Arrive in CLT @ 3:45 p.m. Extension: June 27 th : Rome @ 11:05 Arrive in CLT @ 3:45 p.m. BOTH are US Airways #721
Pack light: we will be responsible for loading our own luggage on and off the bus and into hotels You are responsible for any luggage handling fees charged by the airlines. See the fees at: eftours.com/baggage Carry any valuables or medications in your EF backpack or carry-on Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your luggage is lost Don t forget: Converter, alarm clock, watch, small day bag Packing 101
Weather & Money 101 Be prepared: Pack a small umbrella and/or poncho No stopping for rain Weather can fluctuate, so it is advisable to do layers Spain: 60-80 F French Riviera: 60-mid 80 F Italy: 60-mid 80 F
ATMs are the best way to get money Don t bring traveler s checks, they can be difficult to cash Check with your bank to ensure your card and password will work abroad Inform the bank you are traveling Bring the equivalent of $50 in the currency of your arrival destination We are responsible for our lunches and tipping Also there may be impromptu excursions on the trip (e.g., tapas dinner, disco, etc.)
Hotels & Food 101 Hotel rooms in Europe are typically smaller than our average American rooms. SMALL ELEVATORS May or may not have a/c Walls are thinner! No wash clothes! Breakfast at the hotel: Fruit, cereal, pastry, juice, cheese, coffee, milk, coffee Dinners, portion sizes are smaller than in the US: Not too adventurous, but are a set menu Lunch on our own: Do NOT do McDonalds or another American chain. Do try the local cuisine. Be adventurous. Tips are usually added in bill, check! SNACKS: Convenient stores, small markets are a great place to grab a few snacks, bottle water, etc.
Don t say Ewwwwww, I don t like that @ food choice. Politely say, Well, that s interesting.
Safety 101 When we depart, each student will receive a tag: EF s Emergency Contact # Hotel Information (still waiting on this information) Ms. K s cell # & room to write our TD s # US Embassy/Consulate Information Listening to the TD, local guides, Ms. K & other chaperons Meeting locations, wake up calls, curfews, etc. EF has offices all over Europe & if needed, they will send us additional support personnel.
Chaperon Groups 101 Alford: Anna Quinten Alston Cameron Rosalyn Jessica Sara Flowers: Mrs. Flowers Luke Christina Alex Jordan Brandon Kelsen Knight: Matthew Julia Shonda Elizabeth M. Hannah Katie Woods: Brittni Alexandria Rachael Kayla Caitlin Elizabeth S. Lane
Role of the Chaperon Groups: 1. Each chaperon is responsible for a small group for counting purposes, ensure students are up and ready in the mornings, and act as a liaison to the tour director & group leader, etc. 2. Traveling on public transportation, you will stay with your chaperon & group. 3. Doesn t mean you will stay with your chaperon 24/7, but when we have time to explore in the cities each chaperon will take a group of students based on the students interests. But when we come back as a large group, you will report to your chaperon for a count.
What NOT to do on Tour: Be late: have an alarm clock/watch on tour Being punctual is a MUST as our day depends on us being on time for reservations (dinner, museums, tour guides, etc.) Being rude (to each other, adults on the tour, TD, and everyone else we meet). Especially at customs (no joking around, etc.) Wear comfy clothes & easy to slip on shoes Remember you are representing the United States & Mayo Being a FOOL & being sent home (@ your expense): Shoplifting, fighting, stealing Intoxication and possession of illegal drugs, participating in illegal activities You are subject to the laws of the country we re visiting Damaging hotel rooms or bus
One way tickets from Europe to US: $2,000 & up
Any Questions?
DEPARTURE DAY REMINDER: June 14 th Meet at Pam s Restaurant in Hartsville at 10:00 a.m. for last minute information. Load up the cars to leave to Charlotte at 10:30 a.m. Due to our group size, we need to plan to be at the airport 3 hours prior to departure. (check-in, security)