Departure date confirmed!

I just got the good news that our departure date of March 23, 2012 has been confirmed by EF! 

It's becoming more real everyday folks! We are 99 days away!

Suggested List of Items for Travel

To Get

□   Small Day Pack (EF will provide a pack to each traveler, but you may prefer to use your own)

□   Address Book (in case you want to send post cards)

□   Convertor (if you plan on plugging in hair dryers etc., straightening irons do not work well with a convertor)

□   Camera, memory cards, batteries

□   Best walking/running shoes you can afford

□   Money belt – mandatory to wear and safely store passport

□   Watch or Device that tells time – being on time is imperative

□   Travel alarm device – often hotels will do wake up calls but it is important to have a back up

□   Umbrella – small travel size one (you get what you pay for – cheap ones will not last in the wind)

□   Shampoo and conditioner – travel size

□   Soap

□   Kleenex or toilet paper

□   Sanitary supplies

□   Snacks – a few to carry with you…granola bars etc.

□   One carry-on bag (not your day pack) for the plane

□   One suitcase or travel-pack to check – remember you must be able to carry this when you arrive

□   Identification tags for your luggage ie. Name, address etc.

□   Something bright/obvious (a travel strap from CAA) on your suitcase so you can pick it out right away

□   Band aids

□   Gum or candy for the airplane

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To Pack

□   Windbreaker or raincoat

□   Shorts

□   Hooded sweatshirt

□   T-shirts (long and short sleeve)

□   Pants

□   Underwear

□   Socks

□   Shoes

□   Sunglasses

□   Sleep wear

□   Small towel

□   Medication(s)

□   Hat

□   Sunscreen

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To Be Given To Mr. Krahn Prior to Departure

□   Checklist and parental contract sheet

□   20 Euros (to be held in case of emergency and returned on the last day of the trip)

□   Tip money (approximately $8 (Cdn) per day)

□   4 passport photos (in case a replacement is needed)

□   Photocopy of birth certificate

□   Photocopy of passport

□   Medication/prescription information (check if prescription can be filled internationally in case of emergency)

Miscellaneous Information

1. We will be greeted in Scotland by an EF Tour Director, who will accompany us on our trip.

2. There will be 3-4 students per hotel room.  Rooming arrangements will be made while on tour.

3. Two meals a day are included in the price of the tour. Continental breakfast will be served in the morning, and a two to three course meal will be served in the evening.  You are responsible for buying your own lunches and all beverages.  Provisions will be made for individuals with special dietary requirements as long as information is provided to EF well before departure.

4. Canadian law requires that all foreign purchases be documented, so please remember to save your bills if you buy something.  A maximum of $750 worth of goods may be brought back into Canada.  You will not be allowed to bring back alcohol or cigarettes.

5. We will be travelling in a large group, and have a very full itinerary, so it is extremely important to be considerate and punctual throughout the trip.
1. You are expected to be on time for breakfast and all daily activities.
2. Keep yourself presentable, and your rooms and the bus clean.  Any damages incurred will be your responsibility.
3. Obey your accompanying teachers and the EF Tour guide.
4. Be in bed each night by curfew.  Teachers will do a room check.
5. A formal request must be made in advance if you plan to visit friends or relatives while abroad.

6. Electrical Appliances: The electrical current in Europe is 220 to 240 volts. In Canada electric current is 120 volts.  If you plan to use US electrical appliances you will need to bring a converter and adapter. If you need a voltage converter or a plug, it is suggested that you purchase them before you leave on your trip.  Type G & E

7. Money Belt: Be aware of thieves and pickpockets.  Money belts are mandatory.  All your most valuable possessions should be stored there, and kept on you at all times.  Your money belt should contain: Passport, extra Euros, credit card (optional), phone card (optional)

8. Currency: We suggest students have about $50 (CDN) per day for spending.  Pounds and Euros should be purchased here before the trip.  Currency must be ordered in advance from the CIBC (by end of February 2012) or picked up at the Credit Union in Altona.  Traveler’s checks are essentially obsolete.  Debit and credit cards can be used worldwide. Debit cards must be linked to a checking account with a 4 digit pin. Credit cards may require a 4 digit pin as well.  If you are using a credit card it is best to let them know you will be using it in Europe for the week we are gone. This will prevent any blocks from being put on your account.

9. In case of emergency: EF Tours will phone Mrs. Pilkington, who will activate the phone tree and get in touch with all parents. 

Important details!

Travellers! We will meet Friday, Dec 9, at lunch in rm 106 to discuss some important dates and issues. Here's the list:

1 - Make sure you have signed up for the excursions to Windsor Castle, and the Versailles.

2 - Photocopy the photo and name page of your passport (the one with your name and photo on it) and bring it to school! We need to make sure that the name on your passport is the same name that you've given to EF, for booking information. 

3 - Make sure that your passport is valid for up to six months after our travel dates - EF requires this.

4 - Deadline for full payment is December 15th! After that a $99 late fee will be assessed to your account! 

5 - If you have a non-Canadian passport you need to contact the Canadian consulates in England & France to let them know that you will be travelling.

See you Friday!