1. Greece
Meeting 2 May 10th, 2018

2. Departure Days & Itinerary June 28th - July 6th
We leave the airport and start our day immediately. Often not checking into the hotel until after our tours.
28th Thursday- Leave at 5:35 PM. Overnight Flight.
29th Friday- Arrive Athens at 12:40 PM. Walking tour of Athens.
30th Saturday- Guided tour of Athens. Acropolis, Olympic Stadium.
1st Sunday – Saronic Islands Cruise – Maybe swimming!
2nd Monday- Corinth. Temple of Poseidon
3rd Tuesday- Mycenae/ Olympia. Pottery Workshop
4th Wednesday- Olympia. First Olympics!
5th Thursday- Delphi. Famous Oracle. BEAUTIFUL. Athens- Greek Evening.
6th Friday- Depart for Home. Arrive at 9:00 PM.

3. FLIGHTS – Train into Newark Airport.
Scandinavian Airlines
Leave Metuchen Train Station at around 1 – 1:30 PM
Depart Newark Airport at 5:35 PM
Arrive Copenhagen at 7:15 AM
Depart Copenhagen at 8:30 AM
Arrive in Athens at 12:40 PM Duration: 12 Hours
Depart Athens at 1:30 PM
Arrive Copenhagen at 3:45 PM
Depart Copenhagen at 6:35 PM
Arrive in Newark at 9:05 PM Duration: 14 ½ Hours

4. General Info
Airline seats will be assigned when we check in at the airport. E- tickets.
We will be with other groups from the US most of the time.
Roommates assigned on tour. 3-4 in a room. Mixed Metuchen and other groups.
Curfews. Hotel Rooms stay locked when you’re inside.
Make sure your vaccs are up to date. No special inoculations for Greece.
May stay in small European hotel. Wifi, air conditioning, elevators are not a guarantee.
We have a 24 Hour local guide.
You will be helping. Loading luggage, cleaning up the bus, hotel room sweeps.

5. Safety
Emergencies –
Students have an Emergency Calling Instructional Bracelet that they will keep on them at all times with EF’s emergency number, our Hotel information, and my number.
24 hour emergency line for parents:
Safe Phrase
I heard there’s a BAD hurricane back home!
The stronger the weather, the worse the situation
Groups of 3 or more- even to the bathroom
Lyft and Uber both offered in Athens. (Optional)

6. Common Sense Stay in a group of 3 or more.
Don’t walk down darkened streets or alleys
Don’t accept things from strangers
Be aware of your wallet/ phone or anything valuable AT ALL TIMES
Be aware of your surroundings
Be Polite – Don’t be the stereotype
If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, use your safe word. Better safe then sorry.

7. Students will have on them at all times:
Cell Phone
Copy of Passport & ID
Copy of Hotel Information
Emergency Numbers
Debit Card
You can buy a travelers pouch on Amazon.
Students keep passport copies. I keep originals.

8. EF’s Rules of the Road Highlights
Follow ALL Directions
All scheduled activities are obligatory.
No members of the opposite sex allowed in hotel rooms. Use common spaces.
No smoking and no drinking.
Shoplifting, drugs and any other illegal activities will result in you being sent home and you will be subject to the laws of your country.
Incidentals and damage at hotels is your responsibility.
Sign form and bring back next meeting.

9. If a student is texting you, they are looking DOWN and missing things.
Communication
MUST HAVE: Universal Travel Adapter for your electronics.
WIFI is no guarantee. Can download WhatsApp for over WIFI calling/ texting just in case.
Carriers will provide you with a basic international plan for as low as $20/ month.
Facebook Group – The Studio at MHS. Daily updates and photos!
If a student is texting you, they are looking DOWN and missing things.

10. Money Student Debit Card. Check on ATM/ International Fees SAFEST
We’ll get money at an ATM when we arrive
Try your card before we leave!
Can also give credit card, but not all places take credit cards.
Tips - $100 per person collected at next meeting in cash. This goes to our tour director, local tour guides, and bus drivers.
Spending Money – Discuss with your child. They buy lunch for themselves every day, everything else is optional. Extra drinks, snacks, souvenirs, free time activities.
EF recommends $40-60 a day.

11. Packing WEATHER: HOT & SUNNY PACK LIGHT Printed Packing List
EF backpack – Don’t have to use
Febreeze – No Laundry
Nothing expensive/ brands.
Travel towel.
Plastic bag for dirty clothes.
The Luggage Test
You will be carrying all your own luggage.
If you check your bag, pack an extra pair of clothes in your carry on.

12. Packing Cont’d SUNBLOCK SUNBLOCK SUNBLOCK SUNBLOCK SPF A Million
Shirt that covers your shoulders; pants that go past your knees.
Insect repellant
Bathing Suit

13. Carry-On
3-1-1 Liquids. 3.4 Oz in a 1 Quart ziplock bag and 1 bag per traveler.
Electronics towards the top.
Bring something to do. SLEEP.
Noise canceling headphones – Earbuds are uncomfortable
Flight – 12 Hours. Bring Food. Pack a sub, bag of chips, snacks, etc… Just no liquids. Airline food is not great.
Journal! – We are keeping Travel Journals! Buy a Cheap notebook, 5X7 ish, and a pen.
We don’t check in to the hotel right away. Put what you need in your carry on.

14. Your To Do’s
Copies of passports – 1 for me, 1 for student, 1 for you. I keep originals.
Fill out medical/ allergies form. Get written prescriptions.
Medications packed – Students are responsible
All accounts paid in full- no airline tickets until then
Checked Luggage tags – Something Bright
Signed Rules of the Road
Call bank – Give them travel dates. Debit Card.
Call phone carrier
Check Packing List
Confirm your Emergency contact information on EF’s website.

15. Next Meeting Airport procedures Tip Money - $100 pp
Collect all paperwork, health forms and original prescriptions, and passport copies.