Everything to know as you prepare for your tour

FOR TOURS DEPARTING FROM
Oct. 1, 2011 to Sept. 30, 2012
Students visit: eftours.com/student
Parents visit: eftours.com/parent
Everything to know as you prepare for your tour
FOR TOURS DEPARTING FROM
Oct. 1, 2011 to Sept. 30, 2012
Students visit: eftours.com/student
Parents visit: eftours.com/parent
Traveler’s
Everything to know as you prepare for your tour
handbook
It was so amazing to go whitewater rafting, kayaking, ziplining and sightseeing, and to
experience the culture at a great price. I plan on traveling with EF again. It was extraordinary!
Nar’Asha R., Louisiana — Traveled spring 2010
Traveler reviews at eftours.com/reviews
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EFTOURS.COM/STUDENT • EFTOURS.COM/PARENT
Get ready for your adventure!
This Traveler’s Handbook is a comprehensive
guide to help EF travelers and their parents
prepare for an upcoming EF educational tour.
Find out everything you need to know about
your tour, from getting ready to travel to what
to expect when you arrive.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EF is #1 in educational travel
Benefits of traveling with EF.............................................................................. 4
Your payments & insurance
How to pay for your tour.................................................................................... 6
Everything your insurance covers....................................................................... 7
Your personalized website
Manage your tour with your personalized website............................................... 8
Preparing for your tour
Travel documents, tipping, phone cards and more........................................... 10
What to expect on tour
Flights, hotels, rooming and more................................................................... 12
We are committed to your safety
Our worldwide support and EF’s Rules of the Road.......................................... 14
For your information
Answers to travelers’ top questions................................................................ 16
Share your experience
Join EF’s social networks and stay connected ................................................ 18
EF
is
#1
in
educational travel
97% OF STUDENTS RECOMMEND OUR TOURS
With 45 years of experience and schools and offices in more than 50 countries, you
know you’re traveling with the safest and most reputable educational travel organization.
• All of our itineraries are educational, featuring experiential learning
activities and visits to the best sites. Expert local guides add in-depth knowledge
along the way.
• We offer the lowest prices guaranteed, and more teachers choose EF than any other educational travel organization.
• We’re committed to your safety. We have hundreds of offices around the world, with local staff who can assist your group anywhere you travel. Plus, parents can always reach us 24 hours a day at our headquarters.
WHAT’S INCLUDED ON AN EF TOUR:
n
Round-trip airfare
n Hotels
n Transportation
on tour
Breakfast and dinner daily
n 24-hour EF Tour Director
n Guided sightseeing tours
n Entrance fees to select attractions
n Walking tours
n
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
Lunches and beverages
Tips (for tour director, bus driver and professional local guides)
n Optional excursions
n Passport and visa fees
n
• Your 24-hour EF Tour Director stays with your group around the clock on tour,
providing insight about your destination as well as great tips.
• Online reviews from travelers. We ask every teacher, student and parent to review their EF tour experience. Our tours have an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars and 97% of students recommend their tours.
n
EF TOURS PREPARE STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS
A nationwide survey conducted by AdvancED, an organization dedicated to education quality, asked thousands of students who had traveled with EF
Educational Tours how the experience impacted them following high school. What we discovered is that traveling transforms students’ lives—exactly
what teachers and parents have been telling us all along.
Nearly every student has earned
a bachelor’s degree or higher
4 out of 5
are better communicators
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Nearly half maintain
college GPAs between
3.5 and 4.0
85%
are more interested in
studying abroad in college
A typical day on tour: One day in Rome
7:30 Buongiorno! Wake up in Rome.
8:15 Enjoy a typical European breakfast at your hotel.
9:30 Hop aboard your bus and join an expert local guide for a tour of Rome.
11:30 Explore the famous Colosseum during a guided tour. Then view the Roman
a.m.
Forum, once the heart of ancient Rome.
p.m.
12:30 Lunch is up to you. Savor a pasta dish at a local trattoria, enjoy a slice of
pizza or discover your favorite flavor of gelato.
1:30 Join your group for a walking tour past the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
3:00 Visit the Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most famous gathering spots.
6:30 Enjoy an authentic Italian dinner at a local restaurant.
8:30 Join your tour director for an optional evening tour of Rome.
11:00 Buonanotte! Get a good night’s sleep before your next busy day.
EFTOURS.COM/STUDENT • EFTOURS.COM/PARENT
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Your payments
& insurance
This trip would not have been possible for my son without EF Tours. The price and easy payment
plans, along with the insurance plan, made it a worry-free trip for me as a parent. Thank you, EF.
Cody M., Louisiana — Son traveled spring 2010
Traveler reviews at eftours.com/reviews
HOW DO I PAY FOR MY TOUR?
With EF’s monthly payment plan, the total cost of your tour is divided by the number of
months before your final payment is due. That amount is automatically deducted from
your checking account or charged to your credit or debit card every month. You don’t
have to worry about handling monthly invoices or paying late fees. You can also lower
your automatic monthly payment based on your initial down payment.
FOR EXAMPLE
It’s July and Emily is going on an EF tour to London and Paris the following August. After
paying the enrollment fee and insurance, the tour balance is $2,376. Therefore, Emily’s
monthly payments are only $216.
TOTAL COST ÷ NUMBER OF MONTHS = MONTHLY PAYMENT TO BE DEDUCTED
$2,376 ÷ 11 = $216
Log in to your account at eftours.com/login to view and confirm your monthly
payment information. If you are not signed up for the monthly payment plan, you
can view how your monthly payment amounts would be broken down with the
payment plan.
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MANAGE YOUR PAYMENTS ONLINE
Visit eftours.com/login to view all of your financial information, including your
current balance and your monthly payment amount.
WHAT DOES MY INSURANCE INCLUDE?
The All-Inclusive Insurance Plan is custom designed to meet the needs of our
travelers, covering you for on-tour medical expenses, flight delays, baggage and
property damage and emergency tour cancellation and interruption. We encourage
all EF travelers to protect themselves with the All-Inclusive Insurance Plan because
most U.S. insurance companies do not provide adequate coverage for people
traveling abroad.
Due to the high demand for the benefits included in this coverage, all 2012 travelers
are automatically enrolled in the All-Inclusive Insurance Plan. If you declined this plan,
you can still add insurance by logging in to your account at eftours.com/login.
THE $145 ALL-INCLUSIVE INSURANCE PLAN INCLUDES:
Medical and Accident Insurance
• hospital bills, doctors’ fees, prescriptions and medical transportation for illnesses
and/or injury contracted during the participant’s tour
• transportation, food and lodging expenses for two of the patient’s relatives to be at
his or her side in the event of a life-threatening illness that requires hospitalization
• combined coverage of up to $35,000 for the above situations
• limitations and exclusions apply
NEW Flight Delay Insurance
• up to $200 per 24-hour period ($400 maximum) for expenses due to flight delays (lodging, food and other reasonable expenses)
•a refund for every full land day missed of your tour (two days maximum) due to
flight delays
Baggage and Property Insurance
•up to $2,000 for baggage and theft-prone property for the duration of the
participant’s tour
• theft of cash up to $300
• theft of airline tickets and other valuable documents up to $500
• participant’s extra costs up to $150 ($50 per 24-hour period) if baggage is
delayed more than 24 hours (except on the way home)
•exclusions apply
Tour Cancellation and Interruption Insurance
•a refund of the Program Fee if a participant needs to cancel from or interrupt
the tour due to reasons of serious injury and grave illness leading to hospitalization,
financial hardship due to unexpected/involuntary job loss, jury duty, military call to
active duty or severe damage to the participant’s home (exclusions apply)
24-hour Emergency Assistance
•assistance and handling of claims during the participant’s tour
These insurances are underwritten by Efekta Insurance International Ltd., Bermudiana Arcade, 3rd
floor, 27 Queens Street, HM 11, Hamilton, Bermuda, through a Master Policy issued
to EF Cultural Travel Ltd.The information above is a summary. For complete terms, conditions and
exclusions, please refer to the Master Policy which may be obtained by calling EF at 1-800-665-5364
or log in to My Tours at eftours.com/login. The Efekta Travel Insurance policy shall always be
secondary to all other policies of insurance. Registration # 35879
EFTOURS.COM/STUDENT • EFTOURS.COM/PARENT
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Your personalized
website
Everything you need is just a click away. We’ve created a personal, individualized website for every EF traveler.
This secure site makes it even easier to prepare for your tour and enhance your experience.
HOW TO LOG IN:
To access your account and personalized website,
simply go to eftours.com/login.
• Enter your account number
• Enter your password (defaults to your date of birth: mm/dd/yyyy)
HOW TO USE YOUR
PERSONALIZED WEBSITE:
From your personalized secure site, you can do the following:
•View your tour itinerary
•Receive updates from your group leader
•View your payment plan
•View alerts and reminders of approaching deadlines
•Make payments
•View destination videos
•Enhance your tour with optional excursions, special travel requests or high school credit
•Confirm your passport name
Enhance your tour
experience
BOOK YOUR OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Every EF itinerary is loaded with visits to some of the world’s most incredible sights, but there’s always more to see. That’s why we offer optional excursions to
enhance your tour experience. Gain a new perspective on London by taking a ride on the 443-foot-tall London Eye. Make your visit to Paris even more memorable by
adding an excursion to Versailles. Cap your perfect day in Barcelona with an authentic flamenco evening. To take advantage of optional excursions, log in to your tour
website (eftours.com/login) and select the optional excursions that you don’t want to miss.
n Many
of these can be purchased at a discounted pre-tour price no later than 50 days prior to departure.
keep in mind that in order to run, optional excursions require a minimum number of travelers.
n Ask your group leader which optional excursions he or she has selected for the group.
n Log in to eftours.com/login to add optional excursions.
n Please
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The optional Pisa excursion had to be my most favorite part of the trip. You not
only get to see the tower, but you go into the baptistery where sound echoes 12 times!
Florence N., Pennsylvania—Traveled summer 2010
Traveler reviews at eftours.com/reviews
EFTOURS.COM/STUDENT • EFTOURS.COM/PARENT
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Preparing for
your tour
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Going on tour is exciting, and we want to help you prepare. The following includes everything you need to know about traveling
abroad—from passports to spending money. Learn more at eftours.com/tips.
TOUR AND DEPARTURE DATE FLEXIBILITY
TIPPING
Your exact tour itinerary and travel date will not be confirmed until 70 days prior to
departure. Although we will make our best effort to comply with your group leader’s
first choice of tour, we occasionally have to offer the second or third choice, based
on availability. Also, based on your group leader’s requested tour date, we ask for a
date range. This range is within two days of the originally requested date for tours
departing October through April, and within four days for tours departing May through
September. Talk to your group leader about the tour and departure date choices that
they requested.
It’s customary to tip your tour director and coach driver as a token of appreciation
at the end of the tour. We suggest that each student tip the tour director $6 per day
on tour and $3 per day for the bus driver. Many groups also tip local guides. Giving
a small tip of $1 to $2 per person to both the professional local guide and the day’s
driver is typical. If your tour includes a cruise, we require that travelers also tip $10 per
person per day for the cruise staff.
PASSPORTS
We recommend that you apply for your passport as soon as you enroll on your tour,
as it can sometimes take 12 weeks to process. (Check with the State Department
for current processing time.) U.S. citizens traveling abroad must bring a passport
that is valid for at least six months after the tour’s return and has at least three
blank pages. For more information, visit the U.S. government passport website,
travel.state.gov.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires all travelers to provide
their date of birth when making airline reservations, as well as their middle name or
initial, if applicable. Airlines will not permit you to travel if the name on your ticket
does not match your passport exactly. Make sure the name on your EF account
matches your passport. Otherwise, you may be subject to a fee.
MONEY ABROAD
There are many things to consider when using your money abroad. How much
should you bring? How should you bring it? How should you exchange currency? We
recommend bringing the equivalent of $50 in the currency of your initial destination.
You should familiarize yourself with the exchange rates for the U.S. dollar to
the local currency of the destinations on your tour. We advise against traveler’s
checks since they can be difficult to cash. ATMs are the most convenient for cash
withdrawals since they accept a wide variety of bank and credit cards. You should
alert your bank to let them know that you will be traveling abroad and to make sure
your ATM card will work.
SPENDING MONEY
We recommend planning on $40 to $60 per day for spending money. For suggested
spending amounts specific to your travel destination, visit eftours.com/tips and
select “Before the tour.”
VISAS
EF VISA TRAVEL CARD
Depending on where you’re traveling, you may need a visa for your tour. Consult your
destination countries’ and layover countries’ consulates for more information and
specific requirements. For contact information, visit embassy.org.
You can easily manage your money on tour with the EF Travel Card, a prepaid,
reloadable Visa® that cardholders can use everywhere Visa® is accepted. This
card acts as a prepaid credit card and debit card in one, drawing from funds already
deposited into your account. Visit eftravelcard.com for more information.
Because visa applications must be personally completed by the applicants, we require
that you obtain your own visa. EF recommends using Zierer Visa Service. U.S. Citizens
can call Zierer Visa Service toll-free at 1-866-788-1100 or visit zvs.com and enter
the code 73032 in the upper right corner. Your visa may require a fee. However, as an
EF traveler, you will receive a discount. Visa information is subject to change. Check
your destination countries’ government websites for the most up-to-date requirements.
DIETARY NEEDS
If you have any specific dietary needs or restrictions, please let your group leader
know prior to the tour. EF tries to accommodate all dietary restrictions but travelers
with strict food requirements are advised to bring suitable snack options. For special
in-flight meals, you need to contact the airlines directly.
PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION FORMS
INTERNATIONAL PHONES AND PHONE CARDS
For tours going to Mexico or Brazil, children under the age of 18 require a parental
authorization form to be signed and notarized within 30 days of the tour departure
date. If this applies to your tour, EF will send you the form a few months prior to the
departure date. Contact your group leader if you are traveling to Mexico or Brazil and
have not received this form. Students under 18 must bring the form on tour because it
is required to get through customs in these countries.
To save up to 70 percent on international roaming rates when calling home from
tour, use EF’s ekit Global Mobile phone. As an alternative, you will also receive a
calling card about a month before tour that you can activate with a credit card.
Visit eftours.ekit.com for more information.
EFTOURS.COM/STUDENT • EFTOURS.COM/PARENT
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What to expect
on tour
Traveling with EF Tours was one of the most beneficial experiences of my life. I learned so much
about other cultures and had a lot of fun along the way. I didn’t have to worry about anything. The entire trip
was taken care of by EF so I could just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Alec R., Texas — Traveled summer 2010
Traveler reviews at eftours.com/reviews
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EFTOURS.COM/STUDENT • EFTOURS.COM/PARENT
We want to ensure you know what to expect before you embark on your trip of a lifetime. The following includes all
the information you need to know about flights, rooming, meals and more.
GROUP TRAVEL
MEALS
Group travel is a great opportunity for you to make friends from other cities and
states. Unless your group leader has chosen to be a private group, you will be
traveling with other students and teachers from the United States and Canada.
It’s important to keep in mind that our tours are fast-paced and that traveling with
others requires thoughtfulness, a good attitude and flexibility.
You should expect food and portion size to be different than what you are
accustomed to at home. Breakfast typically includes cereal, bread or rolls, jam,
juice, coffee and tea. Lunch is your chance to make culinary discoveries of your
own. Your tour director can provide recommendations. Included dinners will be a
mix of familiar dishes and local specialties. You will be expected to pay for soft
drinks and other beverages at dinner. Table water is always provided free of charge;
bottled water is provided only in those countries where deemed necessary by locals
(e.g. Egypt).
FLIGHT CHECK-IN
For international flights, you should meet your group at the location previously
arranged by your group leader two to three hours before the departure time
(allowing ample time for check-in, security, etc.). Most EF travelers will get
e-tickets, which means you only need to bring your passports to the airport for
check-in. Check with your group leader to find out when you have e-tickets.
TRANSPORTATION
On most EF tours, groups typically travel by motorcoach between destinations as well
as on EF-included sightseeing tours and excursions. However, some itineraries include
internal flights or travel by train, cruise ship or ferry.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
Most eastbound international flights are overnight. You will probably make one or
more connections (either in the United States or overseas). After landing abroad, you
will have to go through immigration and customs. Upon arrival in the first city of the
tour, your tour director or an EF representative will meet your group once you pass
through customs and baggage claim.
HOTELS
A good night’s sleep is important, so you can count on safe, clean and comfortable
hotels with private bathrooms. And rest assured, we inspect every hotel personally.
Please keep in mind that groups may not all be roomed next to each other and may
be on different floors, and some hotels may be located outside the city center. Also,
some common differences from North American hotels include:
n Rooms are usually smaller and have multiple single and/or shared double beds.
n Rooms seldom have air conditioning or televisions.
n Not all European hotels have elevators.
ROOMING
If you are a student under age 20, you will share rooms with two or three other
travelers of the same gender, either from your own group or from other groups with
whom you are traveling. Each room will contain single beds or occasionally shared
double beds, or a combination of the two. Hotel styles and room configurations
vary among destinations, so students who share a room in one city might not do
so in the next. Students under the age of 20 who wish to have twin rooms will be
charged an additional fee. Any non-standard student requests should be submitted
to your group leader and to EF’s customer service department by 70 days prior to
departure.
ROOMING ON NIGHT TRAINS AND FERRIES (IF APPLICABLE)
Sleeping compartments on trains are very small and there are no single or double
rooms. Adults and students will room in couchettes of up to six shelf-like beds that
fold down from the wall. Couchettes may not be exclusive to EF travelers and may be
co-ed. Bathrooms are located outside the compartments in the corridor. Single rooms
are not available on overnight ferries, overnight trains or tours to Africa.
To travel to local activities or free-time options, EF groups generally find it easy to use
public transportation, which is more commonly used abroad than it is in many parts of
North America. Your EF Tour Director will help you learn the maps and routes.
FREE TIME
Most itineraries offer some free time for you to explore the city with friends and your
group leader. Options include a visit to a museum, sitting at a café to people-watch,
buying souvenirs, taking pictures, listening to local music … your EF Tour Director
will offer suggestions.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
You can also choose to join optional excursions that your group opts to take
during free time. These are activities that supplement what’s already included on
your itinerary. Examples include visiting Stonehenge during your tour to London,
participating in a Flamenco Evening in Barcelona or taking an excursion to Versailles
in Paris. Log in to your personalized website to find out which optional excursions
are available for your tour.
SPECIAL TRAVEL REQUESTS
If you have friends or family you would like to visit before or after the tour, all you
need to do is submit a special travel request through your personal website. You
can also use this function to arrange your own air transportation or to fly out of and
return to a different domestic airport than the rest of your group.
n Confirm
the requested dates and gateways of your tour group’s itinerary with
your group leader.
n Log in to eftours.com/login to submit the Special Travel Request. (Receipt
of the request is indicated by the $150 special travel charge on the traveler’s
account.)
n Refer to our Special Travel terms and conditions online.
n Special travel requests must be received no later than 110 days prior to the
group’s requested departure date. Tour and departure dates are confirmed
around 70 days prior to departure. Travelers should not make any personal
arrangements until then. Call us at 1-800-665-5364 with any questions.
EFTOURS.COM/STUDENT • EFTOURS.COM/PARENT
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Staying safe
on tour
WE ARE COMMITTED TO YOUR SAFETY
Wherever you go, you can travel at ease, knowing that you’re traveling with the world
leader in international education. After 45 years and 15 million students, EF has the
knowledge, experience and resources to provide you with the most comfortable and
secure trip possible.
WORLDWIDE SUPPORT
With 400 offices in more than 50 countries, EF maintains a local presence wherever
our groups travel. This worldwide network enables us to take a hands-on approach to
planning and supporting your tour from start to finish, including 24-hour emergency
assistance for the duration of the tour.
24-HOUR EF TOUR DIRECTOR
In addition to serving as a travel expert and logistical genius, every EF Tour Director
has been trained to handle any challenging situations and emergencies that might
arise. Your tour director carries a mobile phone and has 24-hour access to local EF
offices as well as our worldwide and North American headquarters.
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EF SAFETY & TRAVEL GUIDE
In the months leading up to departure, a copy of the EF Safety & Travel Guide
will be sent to your household. This guide carefully outlines EF’s safety policies
and procedures. We strongly encourage parents and travelers to read through
this important guide together, as it covers all the information that you will need
to prepare for a safe and enjoyable travel experience. In addition to the topics
covered in the booklet, we also recommend reviewing EF’s rules for travelers
on page 15.
EF’S RULES OF THE ROAD
ALL TRAVELERS MUST CAREFULLY ADHERE TO THE
FOLLOWING REGULATIONS WHILE ON TOUR:
All scheduled activities are obligatory. If you are sick or have a physical ailment, you
must tell the group leader, who should notify the EF Tour Director.
If you want to visit friends or relatives in a destination country, your group leader
must be told before the tour begins. Upon request, EF will provide a Tour Release
Form, giving permission for the visits. You must then give the form to the EF Tour
Director upon arrival.
Visitors or group members of the opposite sex are not permitted in your room. Your
group leader and EF Tour Director may establish a curfew. You are expected to
respect the nightly curfew for your own safety and security. Room checks will be
conducted at your group leader’s discretion.
The consumption of hard liquor is strictly forbidden. Your parent may sign a
consent form at the group leader’s discretion, giving you permission to consume
the occasional glass of wine or beer under the supervision of your group leader in
countries where you are of legal drinking age.
Shoplifting, possession of illegal drugs and all other illegal activities will not be
tolerated and are punishable by immediate dismissal from the tour. If you are
involved in any illegal activities, all costs to return home are at your expense. If
the local authorities are involved, you will be subject to the laws of the country
you are visiting.
Compensation for damage done to hotel rooms or to buses is your responsibility.
If you notice any damage upon arrival at a hotel, you should notify the tour
director immediately.
Smoking is not allowed on buses, during meals, in hotel rooms or in any other
shared, enclosed space.
When you enrolled on your tour, you agreed
to EF’s Rules of the Road. If you do not conform to these
Hitchhiking and the driving or renting of any motor vehicle is strictly forbidden for
all travelers.
regulations, you risk disciplinary action and possible dismissal from the
tour, returning home at your expense. That decision is up to EF and/or your
group leader.
You are required to pay for any phone calls or incidental personal expenses incurred
at hotels. These will be payable the evening before departure at each hotel.
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For your
information
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How do I log in to my student account?
A: Go to eftours.com/login and enter your account number and password. Your
password defaults to your date of birth (mm/dd/yyyy). Be sure to include the
slashes and the correct number of digits. The first time you log in you will be
prompted to change your password.
Q: Does the name on my EF account have to match my passport name?
A: Yes. Because your EF account name will appear on your airline tickets, your
first, middle and last names, as well as your date of birth, must be the same
as they appear on your passport. If you notice any discrepancies, contact
EF’s Customer Service Department at 1-800-665-5364. Please keep in mind,
there is a $200 minimum fee for name changes made after 110 days prior
to your departure.
Q: Why did the total charges on my invoice change?
A: Your invoice may reflect a change for several reasons, including the number of days
on tour, the addition of an optional excursion or a fluctuation in departure fees (which
can occur up to 30 days prior to departure). Please note that your group leader can
make changes or additions to the group itinerary. At 30 days prior to departure, your
invoice will also reflect the final departure fees, which are due at this time. If you
have a question about a charge, please call customer service at 1-800-665-5364.
Q: What are departure fees?
A: Departure fees cover costs assessed by governments, airlines and airportrs, such
as U.S. Customs fees, security taxes and fuel surcharges. As departure fees are
subject to change, they are listed separately on your invoice. Airline-imposed
baggage-handling fees are not included. Departure fees are finalized at 30 days
prior to departure. Should fees decrease prior to your departure, EF will reimburse
you the refunded amount directly.
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Q: Will EF secure all necessary travel documents for me?
A: No. Each participant is responsible for obtaining a passport, visa and any other
necessary travel documents. For non-U.S. citizens, check with the embassy or
consulate of your destination(s) to find out what documents you will need. If you
have questions, please ask your group leader or call customer service at
1-800-665-5364. Participants who fail to obtain the proper documentation will
be subject to the standard cancellation policy.
Q: With whom will I be rooming on my tour?
A: Students under the age of 20 will room in triples or quads with others of the
same gender from your entire tour group. This may mean that students from
different schools may room together. If you have a roommate request, please
submit those to your group leader by 70 days prior to your departure day. If you
are interested in upgrading to a twin room, please do so by calling EF Customer
Service before 70 days prior to departure.
Q: What if I can no longer travel?
A: Please call us and we will try to accommodate you in any way we can. We
don’t want anyone to miss out on the opportunity to travel! We’re happy to
discuss the options available to you. To review EF’s Cancellation Policy in detail,
please refer to eftours.com/bc.
Q: What happens if the airlines cancel or delay my flight and I miss a
portion of my tour?
A: Make sure you are covered under the All-Inclusive Insurance Plan, which now
includes flight delay insurance. This insurance provides up to $200 per 24-hour
period ($400 maximum) for expenses due to flight delays (lodging, food and
other reasonable expenses) and a refund for every full land day missed of your
tour (two days maximum) due to flight delays.
Continue your global education
Host an exchange student
Bring the global experience into your home by hosting an international exchange
student. By opening your door, you open a student’s eyes to the real America: real
people, real experiences and real life. Plus, by hosting a student from another country,
the whole family can learn a new language and get personal insight into the world
beyond their backyards. Learn more at effoundation.org.
Learn a language abroad
Perfect your Spanish in the heart of Barcelona or among the natural wonders of Costa
Rica. Practice your Italian in the timeless city of Rome. There’s no better way to learn a
language than to immerse yourself in the local culture. Located in 40 cities around the
world, EF’s International Language Schools offer flexible two-week to full-year programs
in French, Spanish, German, Italian or Mandarin. Learn more at ef.com/master/ils.
EFTOURS.COM/STUDENT • EFTOURS.COM/PARENT
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get travel tips, tour information,
contest updates, and connect
with other travelers.
facebook.com/educational.tours
TourLink Travel Journal makes it easy to
share your adventure while on tour!
TourLink Travel Journal is the best way to connect with fellow travelers and share your tour experience online—in real time—with friends
and family back home. You can easily share your journal with friends
on Facebook and Twitter, and after your tour you can even turn your
content into a beautifully bound keepsake book!
You’ll receive your invitation to start your Travel Journal 30 days prior
to departure. You can also download the free TourLink app to your
iPhone or iPod touch to make posting a snap!
Get the FREE TourLink Travel Journal
app for your iPhone or iPod Touch
(While on tour we recommend connecting
with free Wi-Fi to avoid expensive roaming
charges. Please contact your mobile provider to check your data plan)
EFTOURS.COM/STUDENT • EFTOURS.COM/PARENT
19
EF Center Boston
One Education Street
Cambridge, MA 02141-1883
EF Center Denver
1755 Blake Street, Suite 300
Denver, CO 80202
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EF INSTITUTE
FOR CULTURAL
EXCHANGE, INC.
PHONE: 1-800-665-5364
FAX: 1-800-318-3732
EMAIL: [email protected]
Log in to your account at
eftours.com/login
HIGHLY RESPECTED IN THE INDUSTRY
EF is affiliated with a number of professional organizations, including the United States
Tour Operators Association (USTOA), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the
European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
PACKING LIST
The bottom line for any trip abroad:
Pack light! Keep in mind that you’ll
be toting luggage around airports and
to and from hotel rooms in each city.
So we suggest that you only pack the
essentials. Use these packing tips to get
started.
TOILETRIES
nToothbrush
nToothpaste
nShampoo/conditioner
nSoap
nDeodorant
nHairbrush/comb
nSunscreen
CLOTHING
Keep in mind that some religious sites
require that shirts cover the shoulders
and arms, and some do not allow shorts,
short skirts or flip-flops.
n Comfortable walking shoes
n Shirts (short- and long-sleeved)
nSocks
nUnderwear
nShorts/pants/jeans
n Pajamas
n Bathing suit (if applicable)
n Raincoat and/or umbrella
n Spare
set of contact lenses/glasses (if
applicable)
MONEY
n ATM
card (Call the bank prior to
departure to alert them of the trip;
foreign purchases sometimes result in
a hold on bank accounts.)
n EF Visa Travel card or personal credit
card
n At least $50 converted to foreign
currency of the first country that
you’re visiting
n Pouch for storing money and passport
under clothing
DOCUMENTS
CARRY-ON BAG
n Passport
The EF backpack is a perfect carry-on
bag. Here’s a short list of things you
might need on the first day of the trip.
These should be packed in the carry-on
in case luggage is delayed.
nPassport
nMoney
n Airline ticket
n Toothbrush and toothpaste
(Toothpaste needs to go in a onequart plastic, zippered bag, and must
be 3 oz. or less.)
nHairbrush
n Contact lens case/glasses (to sleep
comfortably on the plane)
n A change of clothes (in case
luggage is delayed)
nMedication
n Any valuables
(Required on all EF
Educational Tours. Remember to
bring a couple photocopies on tour
and leave one copy at home.)
n Visas (if applicable)
n A copy of the tour itinerary
n 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.)
ELECTRONICS
n An
alarm clock (Many hotel rooms
won’t have one.)
n An adaptor/converter (available at
electronics stores)
n Camera with ample batteries
(Batteries can be expensive abroad.)
n Memory cards for camera
To print your own packing list, check out
EFTOURS.COM/PACKINGLIST.