1. 1. Efficiency 2. Comfort 3. Affordability 4. Security Packing101 & Tour etiquette and expectations

2. Efficiency in packing Why? You will live out of your suitcase for 7-10 days No one will be carrying your bags—and no elevators You will be on an tight time line—you need to be able to move quickly and know where your things are! Hotel Accommodations: Rooms are efficient and small, but clean. You will only be sleeping in the room—you are not there much!

3. What Bag should I use? Know the rules One checked bag at no charge—50 lbs.*Note: suitcase should not be taller than you! One personal item-must fit in bin above seats or under seat (36 inches total dimension)—suggestion is backpack One carry on bag-must fit bin above seat (45 inches: 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high—suggestion: small duffle if needed **But, remember, you have to carry it all. TSA Locks-can be purchased at Target or Amazon for about $8.00 each. Master Lock/TSA Approved—a must for your checked bag, your back pack. Suitcase MUST have wheels and a handle “Practice Pack” the week before Have everything packed night before

4. Packing Aides Packing Cubes- $15-$20 for a set of 3 Pack-It Folder-$15-$20 each Leak proof pouch-$5-$10 and generally come with bottles Rolling suitcase-ranges in price from $30 and up Use old socks to cover shoes Adaptors-On Amazon.com range from $5.00-$30.00 TSA Approved Master Locks-$8.00 Places to shop for good deals: Tuesday Morning, Wal-Mart, Target

5. Specifics on items ClothingToiletries One pair of jeans, one nice pant or simple skirt (shorts are not really appropriate) One sweatshirt or light jacket (High’s in 60’s low in the 40’s) It will rain in London Layers (short sleeves with one or two long sleeves) Two pairs of shoes—both comfortable Socks and undergarments—that you can throw away Small travel sizes so that they are empty by end of trip Know who you are rooming with—if you want to bring blow-dryer and plug adaptor (hotel will have blow-dryer) Plug adaptor for anything you plan on charging *Hotel will NOT have this

6. Comfort—For Individuals and the Group Happy TravelersProblematic situations Manage their luggage and it is not taxing on their energy Wear comfortable shoes with good support Maximize their time on the experience Keep up with their things Do not oversleep and do not take long to get ready Oversleeping (schedule is very tight) Lose their things Grumpy on bus Need to stop because of feet Spend all their time managing all the parts of traveling

7. Perception of Place It is easy to forget you are in a country rich with history and foundational for our own country’s origins Sometimes it can feel like six flags When this happens, you must take a minute and remember the incredible opportunity you have been given Be respectful, polite, and most importantly mature

8. Costs that should be considered when budgeting Affordability

9. Exchange Rate 1 Euro=$1.30 in US currency If a coke in London costs 2 Euros, it is the equivalent of $2.60 Keep this in mind when purchasing items; London is a very expensive city One MUST DO to get Euro’s in your pocket: While at DFW in international terminal, go to Exchange and convert US dollars to Euros. Exchange at least $40 US dollars. This gives you Euros when you land on the ground. There will be a FEE (like an ATM fee) at any exchange option

10. How to purchase things at best rate? Cash, Credit Traveler’s Checks With Cash-you exchange dollars to Euro’s as you go Credit or ATM-this will give you BEST exchange rate, bank should give you an ATM that you can put limit on—then all student has to do is use at ATM or like a charge card. Complicated to use Can be purchased in the US, but difficult to make purchases as retailers require two forms of identification or just do not take them Parents: you must discuss how to budget with your student traveler!!!!!!

11. Souvenir Shopping You will want souvenir’s of your trip, but you also must budget for them. Keep these questions in mind: Can I get it at home? Will it fit in my suitcase? Will it remind me of my awesome trip? Is it in my budget? Do the math conversion in your head (if it costs 20 euro that is equivalent to 20 x 1.30=26.00 US dollars) Examples of things you might think about: Oxford Shirt, Starbucks City Mug, charm

12. Tipping While on a tour of this sort it is customary to tip the bus driver, the EF guide, and any daily guide you might have EF has given a suggested tip guide, with that in mind for this trip (with exchange rate): Bus driver should get $27.30 from each person (7 day), $39 (10 day) EF tour guide should get $40.30 from each person, $65(10 day) This makes a total of $67.60 or $104.00 depending on trip But, when there is an individual tour guide, students should give 1-2 Euro per person at the end of the tour to the guide

13. Mobile Devices If student traveler is taking their cell phone, you need to call mobile provider and turn on “International”—this does not add to you plan at all until it is used. Ask these important questions when you call: What are charges for international call from Europe? (usually that is $3.00 per call) What is international text charge? (usually.50 per text) Hot spots will be available for free Most hotels are near an internet café and student could pay by minute to check emails. This is the best way to communicate. If one person makes a Facebook page that is limited to invitees only, the Facebook page can be updated each day by one person on trip— gives home an idea of what you are doing Parents: you must have limits on use of mobile devices!!!!!

14. A safe trip is the best kind! SECURITY **Not to make anyone nervous about the trip, but to provide discussion for safe and secure trip

15. Airport Security Know the rules: www.tsa.gov/www.tsa.gov/ Group should arrive at the same time, and a minimum of 2 hours early. Lines are long. In the US you will have to take off your shoes—consider that when choosing your shoes From Europe back you will not have to take off your shoes NO JOKING AROUND ABOUT TSA RULES Parents: The 2 hours before the flight is important for the group to form and get some continuity, it is easier if you do not request a pass to go to gate with your student traveler.

16. Customs forms

17. Passport RULES You must have your passport on you at ALL times. It is NEVER to be left in the hotel room or with someone else Make a paper copy, scan it as a PDF and email it to mary.hadley@birdvilleschools.net mary.hadley@birdvilleschools.net Mrs. Hadley will have paper copy as well Hotel Security Leave nothing of value in your room and lock your bags Leave no money in your bags Any special requests you make of Hotel—cost money generally Personal Security Items on your person should be secured at all times If you carry back pack, zippers should be locked together Money should not be accessible from pockets

18. Your sponsors Rules are place for your security Following the rules set forth by EF and by your sponsors is imperative for a safe trip therefore, breaking the rules has serious consequences. Your sponsors will have you sign a contract. Please remember this is not a vacation, but an educational trip and make sure you support the rules the sponsors have put in place Points about “Free Time”

19. Did I leave anything out???? You are going to have a trip of a lifetime—enjoy!! Question and Answer