I was wondering if there is a way I can extend my stay in Europe? I was thinking of staying a few extra days if possible. Can I change my return flight?
Do you know which airlines you will be using? luggage restrictions? Do we need to count on extra money for any fees the airlines/bus/trains can think up?
The travel planners will book whichever airline is cheapest/ offers the steepest group discounts. I understand that Delta is slightly more likely than other airlines to achieve this, but at this point it can't be predicted.
Your ticket will include ONE checked bag. If you plan to bring more than one bag (which, I'm sure you know, is A VERY BAD IDEA!), you'll have to pay the excess baggage cost. You'll have to keep the bag under 50 pounds to avoid extra fees as well (but again, lugging around anything more than 50 pounds is a VERY BAD IDEA!). I don't foresee any hidden costs with the train tickets. With the charter buses, it is customary for groups to tip their drivers if they stick with them for an extended time. So, for our road trip through Tuscany to France, plan to tip the driver at the end of the trip. A couple euros per person (about $3) should be fine.
At our first course meeting, we'll talk more specifically about what to pack/how to pack, but feel free to ask if you're wondering about anything specifically.
Yes. You can expect to walk up to a few miles a day. This won't be trekking mountains by any means, but it will be buzzing back and forth across cities, and walking what might feel like miles through museums and castles. Sometimes, our days may involve a lot of standing, which can actually be harder on your feet than walking or hiking.
We won't insist that you wear comfortable shoes, because we know fashion just might be too important :) (in which case, you may appreciate this fashion tip: sandals, especially beachy styles, are very uncommon in Europe). That being said, your feet are all you have on this trip, and you're going to need them LOTS, everyday, so treat them well!
You may want to get a good pair of walking shoes now, and break them in over the winter in preparation for the trip. And if you're not currently able to comfortably walk long distances for ten days straight, use the trip as an excuse to get into better shape!
There will be some activities which require more than walking, such as climbing the 467 steps to the top of the Duomo in Florence (what a view!), but these are optional, so don't fret.
Looking at the link for the passports, there are 3 types of passports each with differing costs. Which one would we need? I am trying to decide if I can actually afford this trip before I gamble with the $500 deposit..
There used to be only one type of passport, but things have changed. Now there are two different types: one is the usual, "book" passport, and the other is a card that looks like a license, which can only be used to travel to Mexico and Canada. So, you'll need the book passport, the total cost of which will be $135 if this is your first passport. To get a set of passport photos taken (you'll have to provide two and they have to be regulation size), it usually costs about $8 and you can get those done at places like UPS Stores, Walgreens, larger US Post Offices, etc. TOTAL COST OF NEW PASSPORT: $143
The good news is: if you are a US Citizen, a passport is all you need to get into Europe; no visas are required.
Government website for new passports: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html
I was wondering if there is a way I can extend my stay in Europe? I was thinking of staying a few extra days if possible. Can I change my return flight?
ReplyDeleteDo you know which airlines you will be using? luggage restrictions? Do we need to count on extra money for any fees the airlines/bus/trains can think up?
ReplyDeleteThe travel planners will book whichever airline is cheapest/ offers the steepest group discounts. I understand that Delta is slightly more likely than other airlines to achieve this, but at this point it can't be predicted.
DeleteYour ticket will include ONE checked bag. If you plan to bring more than one bag (which, I'm sure you know, is A VERY BAD IDEA!), you'll have to pay the excess baggage cost. You'll have to keep the bag under 50 pounds to avoid extra fees as well (but again, lugging around anything more than 50 pounds is a VERY BAD IDEA!). I don't foresee any hidden costs with the train tickets. With the charter buses, it is customary for groups to tip their drivers if they stick with them for an extended time. So, for our road trip through Tuscany to France, plan to tip the driver at the end of the trip. A couple euros per person (about $3) should be fine.
At our first course meeting, we'll talk more specifically about what to pack/how to pack, but feel free to ask if you're wondering about anything specifically.
Will there be a lot of walking and other physically demanding stuff?
ReplyDeleteYes. You can expect to walk up to a few miles a day. This won't be trekking mountains by any means, but it will be buzzing back and forth across cities, and walking what might feel like miles through museums and castles. Sometimes, our days may involve a lot of standing, which can actually be harder on your feet than walking or hiking.
DeleteWe won't insist that you wear comfortable shoes, because we know fashion just might be too important :) (in which case, you may appreciate this fashion tip: sandals, especially beachy styles, are very uncommon in Europe). That being said, your feet are all you have on this trip, and you're going to need them LOTS, everyday, so treat them well!
You may want to get a good pair of walking shoes now, and break them in over the winter in preparation for the trip. And if you're not currently able to comfortably walk long distances for ten days straight, use the trip as an excuse to get into better shape!
There will be some activities which require more than walking, such as climbing the 467 steps to the top of the Duomo in Florence (what a view!), but these are optional, so don't fret.
Looking at the link for the passports, there are 3 types of passports each with differing costs. Which one would we need? I am trying to decide if I can actually afford this trip before I gamble with the $500 deposit..
ReplyDeleteThere used to be only one type of passport, but things have changed. Now there are two different types: one is the usual, "book" passport, and the other is a card that looks like a license, which can only be used to travel to Mexico and Canada. So, you'll need the book passport, the total cost of which will be $135 if this is your first passport. To get a set of passport photos taken (you'll have to provide two and they have to be regulation size), it usually costs about $8 and you can get those done at places like UPS Stores, Walgreens, larger US Post Offices, etc. TOTAL COST OF NEW PASSPORT: $143
DeleteThe good news is: if you are a US Citizen, a passport is all you need to get into Europe; no visas are required.
Government website for new passports: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html
I don't really need the college credit. If I audit the class, can I get a discount on the price of the trip?
ReplyDeleteWish you could, but you can't. Since you're still utilizing WSU resources in the same way a participating student does, it costs the same.
Delete