COSTA RICA 2009!

Rooming Adult participants are automatically assigned to twin accommodations. Students are automatically assigned to triples or quads. Students who wish to room in twin accommodations will be charged an additional $25 per hotel night Adult participants who request a single room will be charged the single room supplement of $30 per night

Hotels A good night’s sleep is important. Some common differences from North American hotels: Rooms and beds are usually smaller and have single and/or shared double beds. Rooms seldom have air conditioning or televisions. Shower pressure tends to be much weaker and, in some countries, the showerhead may be a detachable, hand-held device, directly above the toilet or sink. Few hotels have shower curtains.

Flight Information 4/3/09 4/12/09 April 3rd (Friday) – April 12th (Sun) Plan to arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to departure. This mean by 11:30 am on Friday the 3rd. American Airlines (AA) 4/3/09 # 949: Departs Detroit @ 2:30pm Arrives in Miami @ 5:35 pm #2141: Departs Miami 7:30 pm Arrives in San Jose @ 8:15. 4/12/09 #2166: Departs San Jose @ 9:10 am Arrives in Dallas Fort Worth @ 2:20 pm #2312: Departs Dallas Fort Worth @ 6:55 pm Arrives in Detroit @10:35pm

Airport Rules carry only travel sized (3 ounces) containers of liquids or gels through airport security in one one-quart sized plastic, clear ziplock-style bag. Beverages purchased in the airport *after* clearing security are also permitted aboard. Gel type candles Gel sole inserts pepper spray lithium batteries can not be in checked baggage – can in carry-ons Airlines usually allow you to carry on two bags -- one at 22X9X15 and one that the airline will define as a purse, tote or such.

Carpooling Our flight leaves at 2:30pm on Friday. It is about an hour and a half to two hour drive to Detroit. This means we need to leave Battle Creek around 11:30 a.m. We have a connecting flight and layover, so you need make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before and bring thing to do in the airport. Books, magazines, travel games etc. For car pooling we will need around 3 drivers. It is best to do this because of parking costs and to stick together. Any volunteers?

Spending Money $20-$30 per day for spending money So about 200 – 300 for the whole trip $6 per person per day for the tour director $3 per person per day for the coach driver So around $90 for the whole trip. $1 = 552.43 $10 = 5,524.30 http://www.ticovista.com/info-facts/exchange/

Money If you are planning to come to Costa Rica, we strongly advise you NOT to bring US one-hundred-dollar bills. Central America has been inundated with false bills and you will find everyone, including the banks, unwilling to accept them. In fact, the banks are likely to confiscate them. Stick with smaller denomination bills, or credit cards.

Money EF Visa Travel card or personal credit card At least $50 converted to foreign currency of the first county that you’re visiting. Pouch for storing money and passport under clothing Do not bring travelers’ checks since they can be difficult to cash. ATMs are the most convenient way for cash withdrawals since they accept a wide number of bank and credit cards. All travelers should check with their banks to ensure that their cards will work abroad.

Packing Electronics An alarm clock (many hotel rooms won't have one) Camera with ample batteries (batteries can be expensive abroad)

Documents Passport—it is required on all EF Educational Tours. Remember to bring a couple photocopies of it (in case it is lost) and leave one copy at home You should have 2 passport-size photso and a copy of your virth certificate in case you lose your passport. A copy of the tour itinerary A list of important phone numbers and addresses to send postcards home Copy of any prescriptions (Customs officials may want to verify that a container's contents match its label, so all medication should be carried in its original container.)

Carry-on bag The string backpack is best to avoid pick pockets. Here’s a short list of things travelers might need on the first day of the trip. These should be packed in the carry-on in case the checked luggage is delayed. Passport Money Airline ticket Toothbrush and toothpaste (remember, toothpaste needs to go in a one-quart ziploc bag, and can't be bigger than 3 oz) Hairbrush Contact lens case/glasses (to sleep comfortably on the plane) A change of clothes (in case luggage is delayed) Medication Any valuables

On Tour Students should bring comfortable footwear. Many sightseeing tours are on foot, so you will do a lot of walking. In addition, the use of public transportation often involves a lot of stairs and walking to and from the train platforms Punctuality It is crucial that everyone makes punctuality a priority; for wake up calls, sightseeing tours, meeting times etc. It takes just one person showing up late to throw off a whole day’s schedule. It is extremely important that you follow instructions. Wear watches if possible.

The Rules! NO ALCOHOL, TABACCO OR DRUGS! ABSOLUTELY… POSITIVELY… (If caught with any of this contraband, students will be sent home at parents’ expense immediately.)

Also… Also… Curfews will be STRICTLY ENFORCED!!! No sneaking out! No spending the night in rooms other than the one assigned to individual students. Also… If a student does not respect the “meet back here” time when given the opportunity to explore independently – he/she will have to stay with a chaperone for the duration of the tour during future “free times.”

Flight and hotel itineraries Backpacks and luggage tags Tip envelopes Copies of the completed Telephone chain chart to distribute