Explorica sponsors a photo contest for students and teachers who have traveled on one of their trips. Prizes are Amazon gift cards. Here are the addresses with more info -
http://www.explorica.com/student-photo-contest
http://www.explorica.com/teacher-photo-contest
Friday, July 10, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Debit Cards and Photography
After speaking with a couple of banks and AAA, it is important that you choose a 4-DIGIT PIN for your debit card. Cards with a PIN longer than four digits may not work.
Of course... this only applies to you if you are using a debit card. Contact me with any questions. WE ARE LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY!
There will be a mini photography class in room 213 on Thursday, June 25 @ noon. We will be covering how to use the camera, flash, video, etc. and how to take better photographs: design, lighting, basic rules of photography. This is open to anyone going on the tour.
If you will be attending, please RSVP ASAP!
Of course... this only applies to you if you are using a debit card. Contact me with any questions. WE ARE LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY!
There will be a mini photography class in room 213 on Thursday, June 25 @ noon. We will be covering how to use the camera, flash, video, etc. and how to take better photographs: design, lighting, basic rules of photography. This is open to anyone going on the tour.
If you will be attending, please RSVP ASAP!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Odd and Ends from the Cancelled Meeting
Possible Excursion
Some travelers have expressed interest in visiting Stonehenge while in London. This will be an extra cost, but is not mandatory. I will get back with more details soon!
How will the students call home?
Parents should look into what international call cost on their cell phones. However, parents might consider having students purchase calling cards once we are in the British Isles.
How much money should they bring?
Should they put it on a debit card, use credit card or travelers checks?
Explorica suggests that each participant budget $30 to $50 in spending money for each day of the tour for souvenirs, transportation and meals not included in the Tour Fee, and other incidental expenses.
You will also need an additional 3-5 euros per day (or the equivalent in local currency, $4 USD for North American tours ) for tipping your Tour Director and another 1-2 euros per day (or the equivalent in local currency, $2 USD for North American tours ) for your bus driver.
I will be collecting the tip money ahead of time and dispersing it to the Tour Director and Bus Driver.
Try not to rely on a single method of carrying money while you travel -- a combination of ATM or credit cards, plus traveler's checks (in case those cards don't work abroad), is the safest way to ensure that you're covered.
* ATM or prepaid cash cards. These are a great convenience abroad, allowing you to withdraw money in the local currency at a fair rate and avoid the high fees that money changers often charge. You must, however, make sure the ATM card will work overseas! Look for a PLUS or CIRRUS network logo on the back of the card itself; most foreign ATMs will accept cards from these networks only. Also be sure that the PIN number is sufficient for foreign usage. Talk to your bank about to make sure your card will be accepted. **Credit Cards used oversees often require a PIN number as well (not required in the US), so be sure to speak to your card provider about this possibility as well. *** Always notify your bank and/or credit card companies that you will be traveling oversees to avoid security flags and frozen accounts!
* Cash. Try to limit the amount of cash you carry, especially if you'll be visiting several countries that use different currency (you don't want to keep paying exchange fees!). Before you leave, exchange enough cash to cover your first day abroad (about $30 - $50), but try to carry the rest of your money in traveler's checks or on your ATM or credit cards.
What is the time change?? 5 hours ahead
Do the kids need any immunizations before traveling?? N
Packing: Pack Light
All tour participants and all of their luggage must not only fit on the airplane, but also on tour buses, ferries, trains, hotel elevators, and hotel rooms. Therefore, it is recommended that each participant bring only one standard-size suitcase and one carry-on bag. Any participant who brings additional luggage will not be allowed to board the Explorica bus and will be required to reach each tour destination by taxi or public transportation at his or her own expense. NOTE: Most airlines are now charging coach passengers substantial fees to check a second bag.
A good rule of thumb is the "Can you carry it around the block?" test. Pack up your bag as if you were departing today, then walk around the block with it. If you can do that easily, and it complies with airline regulations, then it's probably a good size and weight for your trip.
Travel to/through/from Europe and Asia One bag carry-on. No charge
Two bags checked. No charge 45 in/114 cm (carry-on)
62 in/157 cm (checked) 40 lbs/18 kgs. (carry-on)
50 lbs/23 kgs (checked)
Some travelers have expressed interest in visiting Stonehenge while in London. This will be an extra cost, but is not mandatory. I will get back with more details soon!
How will the students call home?
Parents should look into what international call cost on their cell phones. However, parents might consider having students purchase calling cards once we are in the British Isles.
How much money should they bring?
Should they put it on a debit card, use credit card or travelers checks?
Explorica suggests that each participant budget $30 to $50 in spending money for each day of the tour for souvenirs, transportation and meals not included in the Tour Fee, and other incidental expenses.
You will also need an additional 3-5 euros per day (or the equivalent in local currency, $4 USD for North American tours ) for tipping your Tour Director and another 1-2 euros per day (or the equivalent in local currency, $2 USD for North American tours ) for your bus driver.
I will be collecting the tip money ahead of time and dispersing it to the Tour Director and Bus Driver.
Try not to rely on a single method of carrying money while you travel -- a combination of ATM or credit cards, plus traveler's checks (in case those cards don't work abroad), is the safest way to ensure that you're covered.
* ATM or prepaid cash cards. These are a great convenience abroad, allowing you to withdraw money in the local currency at a fair rate and avoid the high fees that money changers often charge. You must, however, make sure the ATM card will work overseas! Look for a PLUS or CIRRUS network logo on the back of the card itself; most foreign ATMs will accept cards from these networks only. Also be sure that the PIN number is sufficient for foreign usage. Talk to your bank about to make sure your card will be accepted. **Credit Cards used oversees often require a PIN number as well (not required in the US), so be sure to speak to your card provider about this possibility as well. *** Always notify your bank and/or credit card companies that you will be traveling oversees to avoid security flags and frozen accounts!
* Cash. Try to limit the amount of cash you carry, especially if you'll be visiting several countries that use different currency (you don't want to keep paying exchange fees!). Before you leave, exchange enough cash to cover your first day abroad (about $30 - $50), but try to carry the rest of your money in traveler's checks or on your ATM or credit cards.
What is the time change?? 5 hours ahead
Do the kids need any immunizations before traveling?? N
Packing: Pack Light
All tour participants and all of their luggage must not only fit on the airplane, but also on tour buses, ferries, trains, hotel elevators, and hotel rooms. Therefore, it is recommended that each participant bring only one standard-size suitcase and one carry-on bag. Any participant who brings additional luggage will not be allowed to board the Explorica bus and will be required to reach each tour destination by taxi or public transportation at his or her own expense. NOTE: Most airlines are now charging coach passengers substantial fees to check a second bag.
A good rule of thumb is the "Can you carry it around the block?" test. Pack up your bag as if you were departing today, then walk around the block with it. If you can do that easily, and it complies with airline regulations, then it's probably a good size and weight for your trip.
Travel to/through/from Europe and Asia One bag carry-on. No charge
Two bags checked. No charge 45 in/114 cm (carry-on)
62 in/157 cm (checked) 40 lbs/18 kgs. (carry-on)
50 lbs/23 kgs (checked)
Friday, May 15, 2009
Next Meeting and Flights!
Next meeting: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 6 PM. We will meet in room 213.
There will be plenty of packing information. If there are other issues you would like addressed, please email me prior to the meeting so that I may provide the best answer!
Flight Information!
JETBLUE 069 SYRACUSE on 6/28/2009 12:10 PM NEW YORK on 6/28/2009 1:20 PM
AER LINGUS 110 NEW YORK on 6/28/2009 6:30 PM SHANNON on 6/29/2009 5:50 AM
AER LINGUS 151 LONDON on 7/8/2009 7:30 AM DUBLIN on 7/8/2009 8:50 AM
AER LINGUS 105 DUBLIN on 7/8/2009 10:30 AM NEW YORK on 7/8/2009 1:00 PM
JETBLUE 012 NEW YORK on 7/8/2009 3:10 PM SYRACUSE on 7/8/2009 4:42 PM
There will be plenty of packing information. If there are other issues you would like addressed, please email me prior to the meeting so that I may provide the best answer!
Flight Information!
JETBLUE 069 SYRACUSE on 6/28/2009 12:10 PM NEW YORK on 6/28/2009 1:20 PM
AER LINGUS 110 NEW YORK on 6/28/2009 6:30 PM SHANNON on 6/29/2009 5:50 AM
AER LINGUS 151 LONDON on 7/8/2009 7:30 AM DUBLIN on 7/8/2009 8:50 AM
AER LINGUS 105 DUBLIN on 7/8/2009 10:30 AM NEW YORK on 7/8/2009 1:00 PM
JETBLUE 012 NEW YORK on 7/8/2009 3:10 PM SYRACUSE on 7/8/2009 4:42 PM
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Fund Raiser Update!
The amount each student earned at the fund raiser was $60.96 Please pay the amount you owe to Explorica, less this amount. If you have paid in full, you will receive a refund!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Homer's British Invasion
By all accounts, Friday night was a great success. Thank you for all of your involvement, it made the difference.
I will send the payment to Explorica ASAP.
I still have unclaimed T-shirts. Please contact me if you ordered a t-shirt and did not pick it up. As soon as I receive a bill, I will send out an email with payments due, thank you.
I will send the payment to Explorica ASAP.
I still have unclaimed T-shirts. Please contact me if you ordered a t-shirt and did not pick it up. As soon as I receive a bill, I will send out an email with payments due, thank you.
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