Important Documents_: Trip Recommendations

Important Documents

Trip Recommendations

We would like to make several recommendations to help you get ready for the trip:

Passports/Visas – It is your responsibility to make the necessary arrangements in procuring the necessary documents and keeping it with you at all times.

Luggage – You will be allowed one suitcase and one carry-on bag for the trip. Remember to leave some room for the things you will buy and bring home with you. You can bring as big a suitcase as you can handle (no trunks please), but remember, it is your responsibility to carry it through the airports and hotels. You must be able to lift your packed suitcase over your head.

Clothes – Remember since we are traveling during the summer months, the temperature will be high most of the time. We are traveling to a humid climate, bring lots of light, cotton clothing.

Shorts – Nice walking shorts would be our preference. Bring plenty to last through the trip. No cut-offs or short shorts!! Big, baggy, colorful shorts are okay for informal tours, but are inappropriate for other tours. Shorts that are too short or revealing will not be allowed. Sponsors will determine if they are inappropriate.

Shoes – Wear something comfortable because we will be doing a lot of walking. Make sure you have a pair of shoes that will not give you blisters or cause your feet to hurt. If you are buying new shoes for the trip, buy them several weeks in advance and break them in before you go.

Dress clothes – There may be several occasions when you will need a set of nice clothes. Make sure that you have one set of nice clothes to wear.

Other – Try to wear nice shirts and blouses, nice T-shirts are okay. No shirts with anything rude on the front or back will be allowed. Please do not wear anything overly revealing. If the chaperones think that the article of clothing is inappropriate, you will be asked to change. Be sure to bring along some blue jeans, a warmer shirt, and a light jacket. If you have any questions about the dress code, please ask a chaperone. Remember to dress appropriately and use your common sense. We would also like to request that each student wear a watch that works properly. We are under some time constraints and need everyone to be prompt.

Spending money – Most students bring about $150-$200 for snacks, lunches, gifts, souvenirs, etc. Although the essentials (dinner and breakfast, admissions, etc.) are all paid for, lunches are NOT covered. Plan on $8/day for lunch. Each student should take a minimum of $100.

Tips – We tip the both the Bus driver and the Tour Director. The Bus Drivers tip is 1 Euro per day, per student and the Tour Directors tip is 2 euros per day per student. This totals 36 euros (minimum) for tips. Generally tips are not expected for lunch or other meals or for hotel rooms.

Film – Bring plenty, buy it here before you leave. The price of film is sometimes outrageously high.

The plane ride – If it is a long ride, be sure that you have plenty of things to keep you occupied: books, magazines, etc.

The hotel – Do not abuse the services of the hotel. If you make phone calls, order room service, or rent movies from your room, it will cost you. You will not be allowed to check out until you have paid your bill!!

Respect for roommates – Respect your roommate's right to get some sleep and show some consideration in general towards the people you are sharing your room with.

Walkmans – We will allow Walkmans, but with stipulations. We do not want you to use them when we are touring. They are fine for the long bus or plane trip and in your room, but that is it. You are also responsible for them; they are a very easy item to rip off. If they get stolen, we will take no responsibility.

Medications - Please make sure you bring all necessary prescriptions.

A final word – For many of you this is your first or second experience being away from home in a strange environment. It is in your best interest to avoid talking to strangers and to avoid antagonizing anyone. More than likely it is a large city, with large city problems. It is important that you stick with a partner and be aware of what is going on around you. If you lay your camera down for a minute, it may be gone when you get back. You need to avoid situations where you may find yourself in trouble. We want you to have a fun, safe trip.