1. Efficiency 2. Comfort 3. Affordability 4. Security
Packing101 & Tour etiquette and expectations
Slide 2
Efficiency in packing Why? You will live out of your suitcase
for 7-10 days No one will be carrying your bagsand no elevators You
will be on an tight time lineyou need to be able to move quickly
and know where your things are! Hotel Accommodations: Rooms are
efficient and small, but clean. You will only be sleeping in the
roomyou are not there much!
Slide 3
What Bag should I use? Know the rules One checked bag at no
charge50 lbs.*Note: suitcase should not be taller than you! One
personal item-must fit in bin above seats or under seat (36 inches
total dimension)suggestion is backpack One carry on bag-must fit
bin above seat (45 inches: 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9
inches highsuggestion: small duffle if needed **But, remember, you
have to carry it all. TSA Locks-can be purchased at Target or
Amazon for about $8.00 each. Master Lock/TSA Approveda must for
your checked bag, your back pack. Suitcase MUST have wheels and a
handle Practice Pack the week before Have everything packed night
before
Slide 4
Packing Aides Packing Cubes- $15-$20 for a set of 3 Pack-It
Folder-$15-$20 each Leak proof pouch-$5-$10 and generally come with
bottles Rolling suitcase-ranges in price from $30 and up Use old
socks to cover shoes Adaptors-On Amazon.com range from $5.00-$30.00
TSA Approved Master Locks-$8.00 Places to shop for good deals:
Tuesday Morning, Wal-Mart, Target
Slide 5
Specifics on items ClothingToiletries One pair of jeans, one
nice pant or simple skirt (shorts are not really appropriate) One
sweatshirt or light jacket (Highs in 60s low in the 40s) It will
rain in London Layers (short sleeves with one or two long sleeves)
Two pairs of shoesboth comfortable Socks and undergarmentsthat you
can throw away Small travel sizes so that they are empty by end of
trip Know who you are rooming withif you want to bring blow-dryer
and plug adaptor (hotel will have blow-dryer) Plug adaptor for
anything you plan on charging *Hotel will NOT have this
Slide 6
ComfortFor Individuals and the Group Happy TravelersProblematic
situations Manage their luggage and it is not taxing on their
energy Wear comfortable shoes with good support Maximize their time
on the experience Keep up with their things Do not oversleep and do
not take long to get ready Oversleeping (schedule is very tight)
Lose their things Grumpy on bus Need to stop because of feet Spend
all their time managing all the parts of traveling
Slide 7
Perception of Place It is easy to forget you are in a country
rich with history and foundational for our own countrys origins
Sometimes it can feel like six flags When this happens, you must
take a minute and remember the incredible opportunity you have been
given Be respectful, polite, and most importantly mature
Slide 8
Costs that should be considered when budgeting
Affordability
Slide 9
Exchange Rate 1 Euro=$1.30 in US currency If a coke in London
costs 2 Euros, it is the equivalent of $2.60 Keep this in mind when
purchasing items; London is a very expensive city One MUST DO to
get Euros in your pocket: While at DFW in international terminal,
go to Exchange and convert US dollars to Euros. Exchange at least
$40 US dollars. This gives you Euros when you land on the ground.
There will be a FEE (like an ATM fee) at any exchange option
Slide 10
How to purchase things at best rate? Cash, Credit Travelers
Checks With Cash-you exchange dollars to Euros as you go Credit or
ATM-this will give you BEST exchange rate, bank should give you an
ATM that you can put limit onthen all student has to do is use at
ATM or like a charge card. Complicated to use Can be purchased in
the US, but difficult to make purchases as retailers require two
forms of identification or just do not take them Parents: you must
discuss how to budget with your student traveler!!!!!!
Slide 11
Souvenir Shopping You will want souvenirs of your trip, but you
also must budget for them. Keep these questions in mind: Can I get
it at home? Will it fit in my suitcase? Will it remind me of my
awesome trip? Is it in my budget? Do the math conversion in your
head (if it costs 20 euro that is equivalent to 20 x 1.30=26.00 US
dollars) Examples of things you might think about: Oxford Shirt,
Starbucks City Mug, charm
Slide 12
Tipping While on a tour of this sort it is customary to tip the
bus driver, the EF guide, and any daily guide you might have EF has
given a suggested tip guide, with that in mind for this trip (with
exchange rate): Bus driver should get $27.30 from each person (7
day), $39 (10 day) EF tour guide should get $40.30 from each
person, $65(10 day) This makes a total of $67.60 or $104.00
depending on trip But, when there is an individual tour guide,
students should give 1-2 Euro per person at the end of the tour to
the guide
Slide 13
Mobile Devices If student traveler is taking their cell phone,
you need to call mobile provider and turn on Internationalthis does
not add to you plan at all until it is used. Ask these important
questions when you call: What are charges for international call
from Europe? (usually that is $3.00 per call) What is international
text charge? (usually.50 per text) Hot spots will be available for
free Most hotels are near an internet caf and student could pay by
minute to check emails. This is the best way to communicate. If one
person makes a Facebook page that is limited to invitees only, the
Facebook page can be updated each day by one person on trip gives
home an idea of what you are doing Parents: you must have limits on
use of mobile devices!!!!!
Slide 14
A safe trip is the best kind! SECURITY **Not to make anyone
nervous about the trip, but to provide discussion for safe and
secure trip
Slide 15
Airport Security Know the rules: www.tsa.gov/www.tsa.gov/ Group
should arrive at the same time, and a minimum of 2 hours early.
Lines are long. In the US you will have to take off your
shoesconsider that when choosing your shoes From Europe back you
will not have to take off your shoes NO JOKING AROUND ABOUT TSA
RULES Parents: The 2 hours before the flight is important for the
group to form and get some continuity, it is easier if you do not
request a pass to go to gate with your student traveler.
Slide 16
Customs forms
Slide 17
Passport RULES You must have your passport on you at ALL times.
It is NEVER to be left in the hotel room or with someone else Make
a paper copy, scan it as a PDF and email it to
[email protected][email protected]
Mrs. Hadley will have paper copy as well Hotel Security Leave
nothing of value in your room and lock your bags Leave no money in
your bags Any special requests you make of Hotelcost money
generally Personal Security Items on your person should be secured
at all times If you carry back pack, zippers should be locked
together Money should not be accessible from pockets
Slide 18
Your sponsors Rules are place for your security Following the
rules set forth by EF and by your sponsors is imperative for a safe
trip therefore, breaking the rules has serious consequences. Your
sponsors will have you sign a contract. Please remember this is not
a vacation, but an educational trip and make sure you support the
rules the sponsors have put in place Points about Free Time
Slide 19
Did I leave anything out???? You are going to have a trip of a
lifetimeenjoy!! Question and Answer
