HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR ASIA TRIP PARENT – STUDENT CHECKLIST Please Note: Regulations continue to change regarding travel documents necessary to travel to ANY and ALL destinations outside of the U.S. Note that for your trip to Asia you will need a valid passport (valid till at least 6 months after your date of travel) and a tourist visa to the country(s) of your destination PACKING TIPS:              Traveling abroad is best experienced if you travel light. This cannot be stressed enough! You may only bring one suitcase and one carry-on. In general, your suitcase cannot weigh more than 44 pounds. One medium-sized suitcase and a backpack or small duffle bag to carry on the plane is sufficient. Super-sized suitcases are a bad idea! Unquestionably, you are better off packing light, and having to purchase something you need overseas, than over-packing. Since airline regulations continue to change, make certain that you double-check all details regarding your flight requirements including luggage limitations. Allow extra room for any gifts or souvenirs you purchase. Airlines are now strict regarding carry-on luggage. We suggest that you write your name and address inside of your suitcase. A TSA-approved lock is a good idea for additional security; as is keeping a record of your suitcase's contents. Put things you might need on the first day into your carry-on. Make sure to keep your money with you during the entire trip. Pack these items in your carry-on (NOT in the checked suitcase): - Change of undergarments and a clean shirt - Prescription medicine - Itinerary of the trip - Passport and airline tickets - Camera - Cash, credit card(s), etc. Passports are required to enter any of our overseas expeditions and must be valid for 6 months after your date of departure. Make copies of your passport to put into your suitcase, to give to your parents, and to your school group leader. In the weeks before departure, check weather sites for your destination cities and pack accordingly. Weather can be unpredictable. Pack comfortable and light clothes so you can dress in layers. Bring sandals (for the beach) and comfortable shoes (for shopping and sightseeing). There will be considerable walking on your trip, so make sure that your shoes are broke in. Bring at least two long sleeve shirts and two pairs of pants. You cannot wear shorts or short sleeve shirts to most of the churches or cathedrals we will be visiting. We recommend one heavy sweater for spring and a light jacket and shorts for summer expeditions. Lightweight travel raincoats are a good idea. If your educational tour includes visits to beach areas, bring a modest swimsuit and beach towel, as well as a plastic bag for damp articles. Also pack a washcloth and a towel (if not bringing along a beach towel), since some European hotels do not provide one. A rain parka and collapsible umbrella are also good items to pack. If you wear glasses, be sure to bring a strap (if your itinerary includes activities such as whitewater rafting or climbing). Most European countries have a current of 220 volts AC. Most hardware or large chain retail stores GLOBAL TRAVEL ALLIANCE · 1645 PARKHILL DRIVE SUITE # 1 BILLINGS, MT · 866-313-2577 · WWW.GLOBALTRAVELALLLIANCE.COM HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR ASIA TRIP      carry sets of adapters for international travel. If you are traveling to the UK, be sure to acquire the correct electrical adapter, as it is different from what is needed on the European continent. Since bathroom appliances tend to be bulky, it is a very good idea to share them. Do not bring cordless curling irons! Many European hotels have hairdryers in rooms, so make sure you check your room for one before you use the one you bring along. In some countries (the UK, for instance), you may also need a converter to use your hairdryer, or it will burn out upon use. Also, don’t forget toiletries, waterproof flashlight, camera and film, mosquito repellent, hat or a cap, and sunscreen 20pf or more. If you take a prescribed medication, you must provide your group leader with a copy of the prescription. Do not mix medicine in the same bottle. It is very important to check with your doctor regarding your medication and any health concerns you may have prior to your trip. Be certain that medication is clearly marked and appropriately prescribed! Please check with your doctor and/or travel clinic for any needed immunizations. Global Travel Alliance does not assume any responsibility in providing medical advice to travelers regarding immunizations. Bring your school student ID as it may be helpful at some historical sites. Bring along a battery-operated alarm clock. For updates on permitted and prohibited checked and carry-on items please review the following website from the Transportation Security Administration: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm MONEY MATTERS:     It is a good idea to bring a money-belt. Travelers must be aware of pickpockets. They are very good! Extra money is recommended for soft drinks (water is provided with your meal), snacks, souvenirs, optional activities, and tips for the tour guide(s) and bus driver(s), $10+ pp to the guide and driver. Do not take any unnecessary valuables! ATM’s and bank/credit cards are unquestionably the best way of money exchanging and making purchases. ATM’s are all over Europe and usually give the best exchange rate. Be certain to visit with your bank or credit card company to make sure that you will be able to use your card while traveling. Banks and credit card companies sometimes block cards if they notice that they are being used in a far-off location. And don’t forget your PIN! Other options are to take U.S. dollars and exchange them (don’t carry very much cash) or American Express Travelers Checks. There will be a few opportunities to keep in contact with home via the internet and telephone while on the trip. Phone cards can be purchased and used to call home and visits to internet cafes will occasionally occur. It is often better to purchase a phone card at your destination then from home. MISCCELLANEOUS REMINDERS:   All trip payments must be paid in full no later than the final payment date indicated on your forms, or your space will be cancelled. Late fees and possible trip cancellation policies will be in effect. Call the business office 866-313-2577 (406-252-2577) if you have any questions. Your school group leader will be handing out a final travel packet including, finalized itinerary with flight itinerary, emergency phone numbers, and hotel contact information. Airline tickets (or e- GLOBAL TRAVEL ALLIANCE · 1645 PARKHILL DRIVE SUITE # 1 BILLINGS, MT · 866-313-2577 · WWW.GLOBALTRAVELALLLIANCE.COM HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR ASIA TRIP  ticket information) will be provided at the appropriate time. You will also receive a Global Travel Alliance luggage tag. The following Global Travel Alliance code of conduct includes, but is not limited to: - No alcohol consumption for the duration of the trip. - Loud, offensive language and behavior should be avoided. You are representing your school and our organization. - Boys and girls are not allowed in opposite sex rooms. - It will be the responsibility of the school leaders to provide student discipline on the trip. School representatives must know the whereabouts of students at all times. - During free time, students must be in groups of three or more. - Participation in all group activities is required. Punctuality in all activities is essential. - Neatness and cleanliness are expected. Any damage to hotel rooms or tour buses will be billed to the responsible party. - Excessive noise, especially in hotel halls at night, is unwelcome and inconsiderate. - Curfew will be respected. - Shoplifting or possession of illegal drugs will result in being sent home abruptly. Students not abiding by these Global Travel Alliances policies and/or school rules will be sent home by the school group leader at the students’ family expense.    As airline regulations continue to change for international travel, it is strongly recommended that any minor not traveling with both parents to have in his/her possession a notarized written parental consent form the absent parent(s). Remember that Global Travel Alliance booking conditions state that our prices assume four people to a room. Although European hotels often have room configurations that allow for twins, doubles, or triples, any travelers wanting to guarantee special rooming arrangements must pay an additional room supplement. Notify your group leader immediately if you would like special arrangements, so Global Travel can be notified. Be reminded that your guide will meet you at the airport of your destination. He or she will be waiting for you at the arrival meeting area or at the immigration/customs exit on international flights. Each school's group leader is responsible to get their group to the airport and on the plane in timely manner. A scheduled time of at least 2 ½ - 3 hours prior to departure is recommended. With all baggage now being screened, it could take your group awhile to get to your gate! Your assigned guide will contact you prior to your departure to go over any last minute details. AND, TO FURTHER HELP YOU:    Remember that YOU are responsible for your suitcases and carry-ons at all times. Do not let them out of your sight for a minute. Can’t stress this enough. Things do get stolen from time to time. You are not allowed to drink alcoholic beverages on this trip and you are not allowed to use drugs. Buying or selling marijuana in countries we will be traveling is a criminal offense with very serious consequences. Don’t even think about “sneaking” something in or out. You could end up in jail and it will likely require your parents to come bail you out. GLOBAL TRAVEL ALLIANCE · 1645 PARKHILL DRIVE SUITE # 1 BILLINGS, MT · 866-313-2577 · WWW.GLOBALTRAVELALLLIANCE.COM HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR ASIA TRIP         Upon arrival, we will go through customs/immigration. You will need to fill out brief forms. We are there as “tourists“. As we go through immigration, it is rather easy to get separated. Do NOT wander off in the airport while others are going through immigration. Stay together. An inflatable neck pillow often helps on long trips. Drink water!!! The cabin air is very dry. It’s easy to get dehydrated, especially if you are avoiding drinking because you don’t want to get up and go to the bathroom! Drinking water or juice not only restores moisture to your body but reduces travel fatigue. Your feet might swell during the trip. Wear shoes that will not be a problem if this happens. Wear loose or tie- able shoes. Especially for adults...get up and walk around the cabin once an hour or so for circulation! It is important. Start the journey well-rested. Get an extra couple of hours sleep for two or three days before your trip if possible. Set your watch ahead to the current time at your destination (when you take off). That helps your mind and body to adjust. Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks during the flight. Zip lock bags work well also for foreign currency & coins. This keeps your US currency separate from your Euros. The change always seems to get mixed up. GLOBAL TRAVEL ALLIANCE · 1645 PARKHILL DRIVE SUITE # 1 BILLINGS, MT · 866-313-2577 · WWW.GLOBALTRAVELALLLIANCE.COM