Accommodations: What are the accommodations like on tour?
While you are Europe you will stay in hotels which are simple, but clean and comfortable. Accommodations vary from large and modern hotels to family-owned bungalow-style hotels. Some may have swimming pools. Electrical voltage and outlets in Europe are NOT the same as in the U.S., so you will need an adapter or converter, depending on the electrical appliance you are bringing.
How many students are assigned to a room?
Students under the age of 20 will share rooms with two or three other travelers of the same gender in rooms that contain single or shared double beds, or a combination of the two. We will make a list for each possible rooming combination at our 2nd meeting, so that we can have that all squared away before the trip. Adults will share twin rooms with other adults of the same gender. Groups may not all be roomed next to each other and may be on different floors, and hotels may be located outside of the city center.
Are there public bathrooms?
Can I check my luggage?
Yes, you are allowed one checked piece of luggage and one carry-on bag.
Currency: Do I need local currency before departure?
YES!
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 card. Take out your daily limit, and spend cash everywhere you go. You will need to contact your bank prior to the trip to let them know the dates and locations of travel. I would NOT advise "swiping" the card at every location while on tour. This can cause problems, such as additional fees - check with your bank for fees with debit vs. credit cards.
Passports: Do I need a passport to travel on one of these international trips?
Yes, everyone must have a passport to board the plane, and enter the destinations.
When should I apply for my passport before the trip?
You should apply ASAP for your passport...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 time restrictions that travelers have dealt with in the past...these are just a few examples:
-Obtaining a birth certificate from out of state
-Parental agreement forms signed by both parents (for those under 16)
-Appointments book up for several weeks at the passport office
-A delay in processing from the US Government
How do I apply for a passport?
Click here to be redirected to the US State Department Site for first time passport applications.
During free time, students must have an adult in their group or communicate their plans. Students will be in a group of four (4) or more.
Morning and Evening Room Checks. Travelers will have a nightly curfew, and are expected to be in their rooms at the designated time.
Spending Money: How much spending money should I take on my 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 foods, bottled water, soft drinks at dinner, free time activities, optional on tour activities (see question below for more information).
What else should I budget money for while on tour?
On each tour, there may be optional activities that the students can choose to pay for in the local currency. Budget at least $50 dollars for these optional activities.
Here are a few examples of activities from past tours (all from European tours):
-City bike tour in Barcelona
-Tunas and Tapas night in Madrid
-Flamenco performance in Granada
-"Paris by Night" boat ride on the river
-Paella farewell dinner in Barcelona
-Tour inside the Sagrada Familia
-Lunch stop in Monaco
-Paella lunch on the beach in Valencia
While you are Europe you will stay in hotels which are simple, but clean and comfortable. Accommodations vary from large and modern hotels to family-owned bungalow-style hotels. Some may have swimming pools. Electrical voltage and outlets in Europe are NOT the same as in the U.S., so you will need an adapter or converter, depending on the electrical appliance you are bringing.
How many students are assigned to a room?
Students under the age of 20 will share rooms with two or three other travelers of the same gender in rooms that contain single or shared double beds, or a combination of the two. We will make a list for each possible rooming combination at our 2nd meeting, so that we can have that all squared away before the trip. Adults will share twin rooms with other adults of the same gender. Groups may not all be roomed next to each other and may be on different floors, and hotels may be located outside of the city center.
Are there public bathrooms?
Can I check my luggage?
Yes, you are allowed one checked piece of luggage and one carry-on bag.
Currency: Do I need local currency before departure?
YES!
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 card. Take out your daily limit, and spend cash everywhere you go. You will need to contact your bank prior to the trip to let them know the dates and locations of travel. I would NOT advise "swiping" the card at every location while on tour. This can cause problems, such as additional fees - check with your bank for fees with debit vs. credit cards.
Passports: Do I need a passport to travel on one of these international trips?
Yes, everyone must have a passport to board the plane, and enter the destinations.
When should I apply for my passport before the trip?
You should apply ASAP for your passport...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 time restrictions that travelers have dealt with in the past...these are just a few examples:
-Obtaining a birth certificate from out of state
-Parental agreement forms signed by both parents (for those under 16)
-Appointments book up for several weeks at the passport office
-A delay in processing from the US Government
How do I apply for a passport?
Click here to be redirected to the US State Department Site for first time passport applications.
During free time, students must have an adult in their group or communicate their plans. Students will be in a group of four (4) or more.
Morning and Evening Room Checks. Travelers will have a nightly curfew, and are expected to be in their rooms at the designated time.
Spending Money: How much spending money should I take on my 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 foods, bottled water, soft drinks at dinner, free time activities, optional on tour activities (see question below for more information).
What else should I budget money for while on tour?
On each tour, there may be optional activities that the students can choose to pay for in the local currency. Budget at least $50 dollars for these optional activities.
Here are a few examples of activities from past tours (all from European tours):
-City bike tour in Barcelona
-Tunas and Tapas night in Madrid
-Flamenco performance in Granada
-"Paris by Night" boat ride on the river
-Paella farewell dinner in Barcelona
-Tour inside the Sagrada Familia
-Lunch stop in Monaco
-Paella lunch on the beach in Valencia