Agenda f
or t
onig
ht’s
m
eetin
g:
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
Where we are going • Example:
– Day 3 (June 16): Flamenco Dancing in Madrid
– Day 7 (June 20): French Riviera
– Day 8 (June 21): Pisa & Florence
– 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 14th • Meet at Mayo by 10:00
a.m. for last minute information
• Board the bus to leave to Charlotte at 10:30
• Due to our group size, we need to plan to be at the airport 3 hours prior to departure. (check-in, security)
• 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 14th:
– Depart @ 4:45 p.m.
– Arrive in Madrid @ 7:10 a.m.
– US Airways Flight #748
• RETURN FLIGHTS:
• Non-extension:
– June 25th: Rome @ 11:05
– Arrive in CLT @ 3:45 p.m.
• Extension:
– June 27th: Rome @ 11:05
– Arrive in CLT @ 3:45 p.m.
• BOTH are US Airways #721
Packing 101 • 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
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 14th
• Meet at Mayo at 10:00 a.m. for last minute information
• Board the bus 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)
• 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)
