Frequently Asked Questions
Accomodations
What are the accommodations like on tour?
Expect a three-star hotel. In Europe, especially, the rooms are usually very small and sometimes the building are old.
Expect a three-star hotel. In Europe, especially, the rooms are usually very small and sometimes the building are old.
How many students are assigned to a room?
There are four (4) students per room. In some cases, we will be in hotels that have double and triple rooms. We will make a list for each possible rooming combination (2, 3 and 4) at our 2nd meeting, so that we can have that all squared away before the trip.
There are four (4) students per room. In some cases, we will be in hotels that have double and triple rooms. We will make a list for each possible rooming combination (2, 3 and 4) at our 2nd meeting, so that we can have that all squared away before the trip.
Currency
Do I need local currency before departure?
Yes! Please have at least $50 worth of the local currency BEFORE the trip. It is time consuming for 50 people to stand in line at the ATM at the airport when we land. If you have cash in your pocket, you could potentially go a day or two before you need to find an ATM.
Yes! Please have at least $50 worth of the local currency BEFORE the trip. It is time consuming for 50 people to stand in line at the ATM at the airport when we land. If you have cash in your pocket, you could potentially go a day or two before you need to find an ATM.
Where can I get foreign currency?
Large banks (Capital One, Wells Fargo, Bank of America) will offer a foreign currency service for account holders. You can also buy foreign currency at Travelex (three offices in the Dallas Area) or Altour American Express (The Shops at Legacy).
Large banks (Capital One, Wells Fargo, Bank of America) will offer a foreign currency service for account holders. You can also buy foreign currency at Travelex (three offices in the Dallas Area) or Altour American Express (The Shops at Legacy).
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 causes more problems, and often incurs fees.
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 causes more problems, and often incurs fees.
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.
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
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.
Click here to be redirected to the US State Department Site for first time passport applications.
How early do I need my passport before the trip?
Ms. Taylor would like to have all passport information on file (and copies made) 90 days before the trip.
Ms. Taylor would like to have all passport information on file (and copies made) 90 days before the trip.
Safety
What safety practices are in place for participants on an international tour?
1. There is one certified teacher chaperone for every six students. These chaperone's sole job is to be responsible for the safety of students.
2. During lunch and free time, students must have an adult in their group AT ALL TIMES, and be in a group of four (4) or more.
3. Morning and Evening Room Checks. Travelers will have a nightly curfew, and are expected to be in their rooms at the designated time.
4. Pairs and Squares groups. Each traveler will have a travel buddy (pair), and a group (square) for head counts and check-ins. Every traveler is responsible for knowing the whereabouts of their pair and square at all times. More info on how this works at a later date.
5. All chaperones carry first aid kits, and the Tour Director has official first aid training.
1. There is one certified teacher chaperone for every six students. These chaperone's sole job is to be responsible for the safety of students.
2. During lunch and free time, students must have an adult in their group AT ALL TIMES, and be in a group of four (4) or more.
3. Morning and Evening Room Checks. Travelers will have a nightly curfew, and are expected to be in their rooms at the designated time.
4. Pairs and Squares groups. Each traveler will have a travel buddy (pair), and a group (square) for head counts and check-ins. Every traveler is responsible for knowing the whereabouts of their pair and square at all times. More info on how this works at a later date.
5. All chaperones carry first aid kits, and the Tour Director has official first aid training.
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.
It is recommended that you budget about $30-$50 per day of the trip.
What do students typically spend their money on?
Souvenirs, snack food, bottled water, soft drinks at dinner, free time activities, optional on tour activities (see question below for more information).
Souvenirs, snack food, 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 are optional activities that the students can choose to pay for in the local currency. Budget at least $50 dollars for these optional activities. Most of these activities run anywhere from $8-$35. Here are a few examples of activities from past tours:
-Musical Performance in London (Wicked!)
-Bike Tour in Barcelona
-Jack the Ripper Tour in London
-"Paris by Night" boat ride on the river
-Gondola Ride in Venice
On each tour, there are optional activities that the students can choose to pay for in the local currency. Budget at least $50 dollars for these optional activities. Most of these activities run anywhere from $8-$35. Here are a few examples of activities from past tours:
-Musical Performance in London (Wicked!)
-Bike Tour in Barcelona
-Jack the Ripper Tour in London
-"Paris by Night" boat ride on the river
-Gondola Ride in Venice