1. Final Meeting
Key information for students about last minute preparations and plans for meeting on the day.
Please read this very carefully and speak to your parents about it
Please pay close attention to packing and baggage instructions, clothing restrictions and meeting details for the day of travel

2. Pairing Up: 6 Boys: 2 triples 10 Girls: 2 triples and 2 twins
Students will stay in shared rooms and so I need to know now what your intended combinations are please:
6 Boys: 2 triples
10 Girls: 2 triples and 2 twins
You will have allocated seats on the planes and will need to stick to them at first so we can keep an eye on you, but after take off I’m sure you can swap around if you’d like to.

3. Airport Transfers
Our plan is to meet 3 hours before departure (That’s 6.30 am on Saturday 14th July!) in the main foyer beside the main doors of Newcastle Airport. Likewise for being collected on our return.
We are due back in Newcastle Saturday 24th July at 10am (with a bit of added time for baggage collection).
We will do our best to communicate with school in case of flight delays when returning. Parents will also be able to monitor the flights online if they want to - The flight details are included in the pack they already have.
You must let us know if you are getting home from the airport in any way or with anyone other than your parents or guardians.

4. Passports and Visas DON’T FORGET THEM!
I’ll have copies of your Visa confirmation just in case but you need a colour copy too!
If you turn up without your passport, you can’t go. We’ll take care of them once you arrive, all you need to do is bring them

5. Contact
We have a school mobile phone for emergencies only. The number is…
We want any of you who are taking your phones to save this in your contacts in case you need to ring us whilst we’re there. BUT PLEASE BE AWARE OF COSTS – only use if absolutely necessary
We also think a whatsapp group or similar would be a good idea so that you can tell someone if you’re on the way to the airport/ we can communicate whilst we’re there.
The phone number will also be shared with parents.

6. Vaccinations and Health
We recommend you carry a EHIC card in case of needing to attend a medical centre whilst flying or stopping over in Amsterdam, and because they are a source of ID.

7. Spending money
We recommend a limited amount of pounds sterling to use in Newcastle airport before the trip.
Indian currency; we shall collect our Rupees on arrival.
As we have stated, 2/3 meals per day will be provided, and the cost of lunch and snacks will be minimal. The only other costs will be tips for charitable sites, drivers or waiting staff, and spending money for souvenirs (obviously we recommend limiting this, in order to maintain baggage limitations).
So please be sure to ration out your money sensibly so that you can eat and get in to places by the end of the trip!
Approx £8 each lunch and £5 each tips per day plus spending

8. Packing Stomach settlers/ Painkillers Insect repellent/ wristbands
Strong sunscreen
Smaller day bag
Sunglasses
Packing
A large, light backpack
Open shoes and trainers
Waterproof clothing
Head covering
Pens
Sensible, modest, Light clothing (It is monsoon season degrees)
A camera and it’s charger if it is digital
Toiletries including hand sanitiser
Phone charger and adaptor if wanted - No other electronics
Your money, Visa confirmation and passport in a safe ‘money belt’ or similar

9. Packing
12kg max for your hand luggage which should be a SMALL secure shoulder bag
Your main bag should be light, durable, and waterproof if at all possible. It should be a bag not a suitcase - you will be carrying it/ taking it on and off buses and trains so pack light and practical.
It needs to weigh no more than 23kg on the way there AND BACK - weigh it!! I don’t want you to have to leave things at the airport or pay huge extra baggage charges

10. Dress code for women
Unfortunately, western women can be perceived in a negative light if they are not dressed respectfully. Please have it at the front of your mind when preparing for the trip. A kit list was included in your information pack, so please double check it. As we are visiting religious sites please ensure you dress conservatively.
Dress code for men
Please also cover your shoulders and wear loose fitting modest, respectful clothing.
Please bring some long trousers that are not jeans.

11. Behaviour and Expectations
Water: You must not drink Indian tap water. Don’t even use it to clean your teeth. We will get bottled water whilst we are out there.
Because you cannot drink the water, we should all also avoid ice in drinks, and salad and fruit as they will have been washed in the water.
We should also be careful about eating street food/ unpackaged meals. But we will be eating together, usually in hotels, so we’ll be fine!

12. Behaviour and Expectations
Behaviour: I know I don’t have to tell you to be respectful when we get there - especially in places of worship
Also please be sensible in relation to your safety - do not eat random things, stroke random animals or wander off on your own - EVER. Together at all times.

13. Behaviour and Expectations
Things to be aware of: (not to worry about!)
Begging - if you give to street beggars they will never leave you alone and if you give to every one you see you’ll be skint by the end of day 1. It may be better to save it till the last day and give away some or all of what you have left.
Some of the beggars will have illnesses, many will be children - it can be upsetting but, unfortunately, you soon get used to it.
Keep a very close eye on your possessions at all times, especially on trains.

14. Behaviour and Expectations
People will try to draw you in to their business because they will assume you have lots of money to spend. Be firm, ignore them and do not go off on your own.
When we do buy things it is customary to haggle in local shops. Be brave and get a good deal!
Not so much in Delhi, but in the more rural areas it is common for people to have seen very few, if any, white westerners before. You will be a curiousity and will attract attention which can be lovely and friendly - just make sure you let us know if someone makes you feel uncomfortable.

15. And most importantly of all... ...Let’s make some amazing memories!!!

16. Questions?