Italian Splendor April 18 th – 27 th, 2008 By Kristin Sciacca

Getting There... EF is transporting us from Shawsheen Tech to JFK via Coach Bus Please DROP OFF your traveler with luggage in the morning No cars may be left in the lot over April vacation We will store luggage securely in the building.

We will be split between two flights All flights leave from JFK in New York All flights will have at least 2 teachers aboard Still Getting There

Flying You will be seated randomly on the plane. Try to check in with your friends. Quietly & quickly negotiate with each other for seat changes Please sleep as much as possible because upon our arrival we will be traveling/touring ALL DAY! Wear easy-on/easy-off shoes! Please be courteous and polite (quiet) on the plane. Please stay in your seats. You MUST arrange special meals with the airlines in advance.

HOTELS  European hotels tend to be smaller than those in the U.S. and don’t always have elevators  Facecloths and soap are not provided. Please bring your own if you use them.  Ice is not provided.  Make sure you locate the emergency exit closest to your room.  You may or may not have a television/telephone in your room.  Lock your door at all times.

Transportation  While in Europe we will have our own charter coach  Please keep it clean! Use the trash can!  You may use headphones on the bus except when the guide is speaking. Please take them off and listen courteously!

Safety Please carry passports, tickets, and money in a special pouch close to your body. Do NOT place passports and $$ in a backpack! Make sure to sign your passport!

Each day, take out only what you need and do not allow yourself to be distracted. There are pickpockets, so be aware at all times. You must have a member of our group with you at all times, even to go to the bathroom! The teachers will hold the airline tickets once we are in Europe. Teachers will also hold passports once we are in Europe – have an extra Xerox copy of your passport for ID. Safety

Luggage Only ONE check-in medium suitcase is allowed. Each student may carry-on a bag to fit under the seat. * Please note: Filled backpacks will not fit under the seat. Everyone must carry their own bags at all times. Check with airlines for new regulations on carry-on liquids! Oversize suitcases do not fit on the bus! YOU will be charged for any excess weight. (40 lbs MAX) NO COMPUTERS PLEASE! Please be sure to have a tag on your luggage. No Elevators?!?

Health and Medications Please fill out the Medical Release Form A chaperone will carry all the forms regarding allergies, medications etc. Travelers will be responsible for their own medications. All prescriptions must be in an original, labeled container. For extra safety, consider sending your traveler with a spare prescription Please supply your child with Tylenol, aspirin, band-aids, tissues, cough drops, etc.

Food Meals are chosen to satisfy all (zzz…) Breakfast will include: juice, coffee, tea, roll, croissant, cereal, jam, cheese, and fruit When lunch is on your own you will have more choices Dinners are typically meat, pasta, potatoes, vegetables, salad, fruit, dessert If you are a vegetarian, please tell us tonight. You may not change in the middle of the tour!!! Drinks are not included with dinner. Soft- drinks are expensive! We suggest students take turns each night buying a large bottle of water to share.

Telephone  Calling cards are recommended, but should be bought in Italy.  Phoning, at best, can be difficult (time wise and cost, etc.)  If you expect your child to call home, please tell them!  Remember the time difference!

Boston/NYCLondonFrankfurtMilan/Rome 1:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.6:00 p.m. Time Differences by our Airport Stops

$$$  Purchasing meals- lunch/snacks ($10/day)  Purchasing water every day  Souvenirs  Optional or spontaneous excursions  Have 100 Euros (at least) when we land in Italy Students will need money for:

Mo’ $$$  NO TRAVELER’S CHECKS  Exchange rates are best on a credit or debit card used in Europe  We encourage the use of ATM cards.  Please use credit or debit cards BEFORE leaving the US to ensure that they work. Passwords may not exceed 6 digits.

Clothing School clothes are appropriate for every day. Nothing flashy or loud You need an umbrella, hat, or rain slicker. Layers!! One nice outfit Limit clothes and shoes! Take a Jacket Wear sneakers! No new shoes!

WEATHER The weather is about a month ahead of New England, but is also unpredictable Only 6 days of rain on average 78 Average High

WEATHER To access the 10-day forecast please go to: Weather.com Plug-in: –Rome, Italy –Venice, Italy –Florence, Italy

Coming Home I will make one phone call once we are on the road to activate the phone chart. Be sure to call the next person on the list!! Leaving JFK around 9:00 p.m.! We fly back into JFK and take an EF bus back to the Tech

Ciao!