Get Set… SOUTH PACIFIC Summer Travel June 2014

Things to discuss: Tipping Optional Excursion Packing Phones Credit Cards Spending Money Passports & Visas

Tipping Why and who do I have to tip?  We tip to show appreciation for all the work that our tour director, bus driver, and guides do. When will I tip?  We will collect $ per person at our next meeting. Will this cover all my tips?  Yes – except for the optional excursion. You will tip that guide on your own. (~$1/person)

Tipping 12 Days X $6 (Tour Director) = $72 12 Days X $3 (Bus Driver) = $36 $1 X 1 Guided Tour (Additional Guide) = $1 Total Tipping = $ (per person)

Optional Excursion: Blue Mountains & Katoomba $135 (April 15 th enrollment deadline) Discover the spectacular Blue Mountains on this full-day excursion! Visit Katoomba Scenic World where the world's steepest incline railway takes you into the rainforest of Jamison Valley. Take a walk along the scenic trails before ending your adventure with a visit to the Sydney Olympic Park, the site of the 2000 Summer Olympics, and a wildlife park. Note: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Packing What to bring: Clothing that can be worn multiple times Walking shoes Clothes that you can layer  Sydney: Low 46, High 65  Aukland: Low 48, High 59  Fiji: Low 69, High 81  Rotorua: Low 46, High 58 As little as possible Bathing suit? What NOT to bring: Valuables Fancy clothes Non-replaceable items Items that would require ironing Purse We will supply a DETAILED pack list at the next meeting!

Miscellaneous Needs Notebook/journal and pen (Journal Parties!!) Addresses for postcards Camera, memory card and battery (phone?) $50-$100 already converted Passport/money carrier Watch Travel alarm (phone?) Snacks (water?) Personal medical supplies

Phone – Credit Cards – Spending Money Phone  Check with your service provider to see what you need to do if you want to bring your phone.  Most providers offer temporary overseas plans. Credit Cards/ATM  Check with your bank about your options  PIN numbers for unaccompanied students will be collected  Check expiration dates  EF Tours Prepaid Cards  Travelers checks are NOT recommended  Call your card companies to let them know you will be traveling Spending Money  $30-$60 a day – covers lunches, snacks, souvenirs, etc.  Order converted money through your bank  Budgeting

Conversion 1 USD = 1.22 NZD (New Zealand Dollar) 1 NZD = 0.82 USD 1 USD = 1.12 AUD (Australian Dollar) 1 AUD = 0.89 USD 1 USD = 1.89 FJD (Fijian Dollar) 1 FJD = 0.53 USD

Money Exchange Order ahead from your bank Make daily withdraws from credit/debit card Check with bank to see withdraw and exchange fees Tip from TripAdvisor: Yes, the ANZ bank at the airport is the best. The worst rate is at an overseas exchange place (e.g. Brisbane/Sydney airport) and hotels charge a commission so they are more expensive too. They do take credit cards in a lot of places and there are Westpac and ANZ bank ATMs here so you can withdraw money from your Aus accounts (cirrus).Brisbane

Passports & Special Travel If EF issues a ticket with an incorrect name, then you will not be allowed to board the plane. Sign your passport! If you don’t have your passport today, you MUST send in a copy to me ASAP. If you need to make special travel arrangements, please let me know ASAP!

Visas We will apply together for visas at our next meeting: April 9 7 PM The cost is $45, which you can pay online. If you would like to apply for a visa sooner, you can do so by going to the website posted on our weebly.

Topics for Next Meeting – April 9 7 Behavior/Expectations  Hotel  Punctuality  Streets/Sidewalks  Curfew Packing Rooming Telephone Tree Bon Voyage Meeting Apply for visas Things to Bring: -Extra Passport Photos -Passport info (for visa app.) -$109 Tip Money per person