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Paris Orientation November 26 – December 1, 2013

On-tour informationElaine R. Bolyard (ebolyard@verizon.net)

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Split Flight

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What is this? Your group can be split and placed on

different flights. Departure times may vary. Airlines may be different. Tour directors handle this well.

Things to consider Reaction of parents and travelers Get assistance from your tour consultant if

there are concerned parents.

Consolidation

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What is it? Small groups are placed together to fill the

bus. Groups can come from different areas in U.S. Groups normally meet on Day 2 – Arrival Day.

Try to contact the other group leader(s)prior

to departure.

Be considerate and flexible.

Day of departure

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Transportation to airport Carpooling Caravan Limo or van

Set time for meeting at the airport. 2 ½ - 3 hours prior to departure

Where to meet

Near the ticket counter

Passports and Tickets

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Keeping passport and valuables safe! Neck pouch placed under clothing Make copies of passports prior to

departure. Make sure that your passports are valid for

6 months or more upon returning to US. Keep copies in a folder.

Boarding passes Check-in as a group. E-tickets Guardian of the boarding passes

Check-in counter

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What will you need? valid and signed passport another form of identification with a photo

I.D. luggage – one carry-on and one to be

checked in check required size and weight PRIOR to

arriving Did you pack your own bags? list of contents (2 copies & a photo of luggage) luggage tags

Seating arrangements

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Check-in as a group Traveling friends and family can approach ticket counter together. Politely ask if there is a way you can be

seated together.

When on the plane Go to your assigned seat first. Check with fellow travelers in your group

to change.

Ready, Set, Go!

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Saying goodbye to family and friends Security check

Have boarding pass and passport in hand. Place items in plastic bin. Remove belts, shoes, jewelry, glasses, wallets. Liquids – place in a quart bag- 3oz. maximum

each Retrieve belongings from conveyor belt. Everyone is to wait in a designated spot after going through security.

Flight to destination

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Drink plenty of fluids Water and juices Avoid caffeinated beverages

Electronics Can be used only during designated

times Sleep

Encourage your travelers to sleep.

Keep aisle open for flight attendants

Z-Z-Z

Day 2 – Arrival Day!

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Baggage Claim Go as a group Retrieve luggage Use restroom before leaving area Watch your belongings! Lost or damaged luggage – have photos

and copy of luggage contents

Passport control Be polite! Have passport and boarding pass in

hand.

Day 2 –Arrival Day

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Meeting the tour director After passing through passport control and customs Look for person holding EF sign. Let tour director know of any issues

with baggage Bus driver will be waiting Large baggage in storage area and

carry-on cases on the bus Help with luggage

Day 2 – Arrival Day

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At the hotel Room assignments • make list before leaving home

Rooms may not be ready Holding room available Keys – leave them at desk when going

out Get hotel’s business card with address. Photograph the exterior of the hotel. Elevators – smaller in most cases

Day 2 – Arrival Day

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Walking tour of the city Time to freshen up vs. starting walking

tour Depends upon schedule Dress accordingly and wear

COMFORTABLE shoes. Positive attitude is a MUST!

Culture shock!

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Set expectations prior to departure Have frequent meetings to discuss trip Adult and student travelers are

encouraged to attend.

Public transportation Personal space Security and safety

Dress code Check with tour director the night before

During the tour

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Typical day Wake up call to each room

Knock on doors/call rooms Down for breakfast – “head” check Get items for traveling for the day or

check out of hotel Morning tour or morning travel to next destination Lunch (on your own)

During the tour

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What is included

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Two meals a day Continental breakfast• Rolls, coffee, tea, tap water, juice• Other items may also be included

Dinner• Soup/salad• Pasta or meat• Vegetables• Dessert• Tap water

What is NOT included

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Beverages (other than tap water) Sodas (rather expensive) Wine and beer Coffee and tea at dinner

Spending money Plan on at least $30-$50 per day Souvenirs Paying to use public restrooms

Tipping

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Collect tip money several weeks prior to departure.

Ask for tip to be paid in cash and give a receipt.

Tip money may be divided among responsible adults and given out as needed.

Tip can be given to tour director at beginning, throughout or at the end of the trip.

Tour director: $6 per day per person bus driver: $3 per day per person local tour guide: $1-$2 per day per person

Communication

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Tour director TD will e-mail you prior to departure

Ask questions. List concerns, if there are any. Have an open line of communication while

on tour.

Give TD a couple of days to get the “feel” of your group.

Responsibilities and discipline

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Keeping track of students Count, count, count!

Curfew Set reasonable time

Bed check Check every night Knock on door. “Who is it?”

Responsibilities and discipline

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Infraction of rules Decide in advance what the

consequences will be. Talk to the guilty individual(s). Call parents to discuss the issue. Should student(s) be sent home? Tour director is just that, not the

disciplinarian.

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Alcohol Policy

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Permission form to all students under 21

Parent(s) and student must sign form. Make a list of those who may/may not

taste wine or beer with a meal or at a tasting.

No hard liquor is to be consumed by students.

Make them aware of the consequences, if policy is not followed.

Rooming arrangements

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Students 3 or 4 to a room

Adults 1 or 2 to a room

Visiting each other’s room No student of the opposite sex is allowed to

visit hotel room.

Meet in the lobby or perhaps a designated game room.

Phone calls

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Call cell phone carrier Can you get an international plan? What is the cost?

Will a phone card work? Depends upon the company

Calls from hotel Are costly Bill MUST be paid prior to checking out

Emergencies

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Illness or accidentEncourage parents to get EF’s

recommended insuranceprior to the trip! Notify tour director immediately. Tour director and group leader(s) assess

gravity of illness or injury Call doctor or take to the emergency room. Call parent(s).

Surprises to students

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Many people overseas can speak English. The elevators are likely to be smaller or there may not be an elevator.

Toilets flush differently in almost every hotel.

Showers and drains work differently than what we are used to.

Water pressure can be lower. What is a BIDET?

Surprises to students

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Having to leave keys at the hotel desk before going out.

Air-conditioning is less common abroad.

Pickpockets

Having to pay for condiments in McDonald’s

No FREE refills.

Educational content

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Tour director plays a major role Hands-on activities about cathedral

architecture Quiz game toward the end of the tour –

prize for winner There is a lesson about the area we are

in. Learn “pleasantries” of the country or

countries that you are visiting.

Rewards for teachers

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Global rewards Teacher conventions throughout the year • A great value for your rewards points!• Recruit during quadruple & triple point

enrollment! Travel• Personally used points to travel to Mexico, Italy, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico

Merchandise• Check on-line for merchandise rewards.

Follow up

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Send a “thank-you” to participants Enclose invitation to get-together

Post-trip get-together Discuss during meetings prior to departure Set up a date and time Select venue Menu Share photos Talk about future trips

Thoughts & Observations

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You are offering students a life-changing

experience.

To quote Mark Twain:“Travel is fatal to prejudice,bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.”