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Preparation Updates
By Mr. Girard | January 13, 2009
With only 129 days until we depart, I wanted to post the important information I mailed travelers and parents here to make doubly sure everyone is aware of important deadlines to pass on some preparation ideas.
The deadline for tour-payment-in-full is February 13, a month from the date of this letter. Your balance must be paid in full by this date to travel, except those using the autopay option who’ll continue to be debited until thirty days out.
You all should have your passports by now, and they must expire no sooner than December 22, 2009. Please be sure also that the name you enrolled under for the tour is as it appears in your passport. If your passport isn’t in order by the time we depart you’ll not be able to travel and you’ll lose your investment.
If you’ve not purchased EF’s comprehensive insurance, please check with your insurers to familiarize yourself with coverage while overseas. It’s absolutely vital you’re prepared for any eventuality abroad.
Recall that our new departure date from Tucson International Airport is Saturday, May 23, and our arrival date at TIA is Monday, June 22. I’ll have a detailed itinerary with flights, times, and hotels and their contact information in a couple of months which every one will receive copies of before we leave.
Debit cards are the best way to access your funds overseas because they’re quick and convenient and offer the best, most recent exchange rates. As I’ve mentioned before, travelers’ cheques are to be avoided. Compass Bank offers reimbursement of ATM fees to checking account holders who use their debit cards abroad, and EF offers their own VISA debit Travel Card. Check with your bank to see what they have for travelers.
Save $1000-$1200 for spending and lunch money, and don’t forget to budget for tips for our Tour Director ($3 to $4 per day), bus driver ($2 to $3 per day), and local guides ($1 to $2 per tour). I’d like to collect tip money for our Tour Director and bus driver in advance which I’ll deposit for debit later. This’ll ensure fair gratuity at the end and save me from carrying an envelope full of cash from London to Athens; I can issue travelers and parents receipts to account. At the end of the tour, we can discuss value and tip our director and driver accordingly, and I’ll return any unused dedicated tip money to participants.
If you want to keep in touch by phone, AT&T and Verizon offer international calling and text plans; check with them for details if either is your carrier. EF also offers options through its eKit service. Parents will also be able to track the group using EF’s TourLink.
Those curious about airline luggage allowances might read “Airline Carry On Luggage Allowances”. Also check the most recent TSA list of prohibited items.
I’ve advised packing as light as possible, and so I encourage you to review suggestions at OneBag.com. I don’t necessarily advise bringing only one bag, and I expect that we’ll probably have to check one and carry a daypack with your immediate needs (some toiletries, a change of underwear, a book, et cetera). Again, for great packing lists and tips, check out Europe travel guru Rick Steves’ website. Click “Plan Your Trip” and then “Travel Tips.”
It’s not too late to sign-up for the two optional excursions I’ve recommended, Versailles and Mt. Pilatus. I know some of you are interested, but you all needn’t sign up for others of you to enjoy them. To add an optional excursion, login to your account and click “Add Optional Excursions”.
The “Know Before You Go” section of EF’s parent pages is another great, all around preparation resource:
I’m planning a preparation meeting for Tuesday, February 17, or Wednesday, February 18. I’d really like to have as many travelers and parents at the meeting as possible so we can all meet each other, discuss some preparation ideas, and go over any questions you might have. Please let me know your availability. I’ve contacted and asked a couple of former students who traveled with me in 2005 tour to join us so they can offer their advice and you can pick their brains. I’m waiting to hear from them.
Please contact me with questions as soon as you have them.
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