Frequently Asked Questions
Parents and students alike have many questions about the trip prior to the departure date. Here are the most popular questions and answers to them.
1. Q: WHEN DO WE DECIDE WHO WILL BE SHARING ROOMS?
A: Your rooming list is due to Educational Tours no later than 60 days prior to departure. We suggest the Director and Students create a sign up sheet as early as possible to decide roommates
2. Q: WHAT TYPE OF CLOTHES SHOULD I PACK FOR MY TRIP?
A: Make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, comfortable clothes for the bus ride (especially if you are riding overnight), layered clothing for warmth and remember your performance uniform/outfit if your group is planning to perform. NOTE: Check with your Director for school policies on “proper attire” expected by your school.
3. Q: HOW MUCH LUGGAGE AM I ALLOWED?
A: Each person is allowed one carry-on and one suitcase
4. Q: HOW CAN I CONTACT SOMEONE ON THE TRIP IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY?
A: You can call our emergency number 1(800) 654-4560 and press 0. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week through our answering service. Speak directly to someone who will contact our chain of command to handle any situation while the trip is in progress, including emergency messages from home.
5. Q: HOW MUCH “EXTRA” SPENDING MONEY SHOULD I BRING?
A: The amount of “extra” cash will depend on the length of the trip. A good suggestion is to calculate any meals that are not included on the bus ride and at your final destination. Allow enough cash to cover those meals. (approx $8-10 per meal) Then set an allowance for souvenirs you may purchase.
6. Q: CAN WE TAKE FOOD AND DRINK ON THE BUS?
A: Snacks are a good idea for a long bus ride. Fruit, candy, crackers, granola, etc are good between meals. Beverages are usually allowed on the motorcoach. However, some bus companies have rules against certain types of beverages (such as dairy products).
7. Q: WILL THE MOTORCOACH HAVE DVD OR VCR?
A: Most coaches now have both VCR & DVD players. Movies are provided by the school/students but usually need to be approved by the Director before hand.
8. Q: IS THERE A RESTROOM ON THE MOTORCOACH?
A: Most standard size coaches have a restroom. Drivers suggest they are to be used for emergencies only. If over used, the odor can become unpleasant for those sitting in the back of the bus.
9. Q: HOW LONG IS THE DRIVER ON DUTY?
A: Motorcoach drivers are on duty for 15 hours and drive for only 10 hours at a time. Once their shift is up, there will be a relief driver to take over. If you are enroute, a relief driver will be either “bunked” on the motorcoach or the group will stop to pick up the relief driver. By law, drivers MUST have 8 hours off for rest between shifts.
10. Q: UPON ARRIVAL AT OUR DESTINATION, WILL SOMEONE MEET US?
A: You will be met by an Educational Tours Escort, who will remain with you throughout most of your trip. Their job is to take care of the details such as hotel check in, meals reservations, theater tickets and other activities you have planned. Escorts are NOT tour guides. They are problem solvers. They work together with each director to make sure the trip runs as smooth as possible. A good suggestion is to arrange a meeting with the Escort, Director and Chaperones upon arrival.
11. Q: HOW DO YOU SAFELY MANAGE STUDENTS AT THE HOTEL?
A: Escorts arrive a day or more before the group and will prepare the hotel. They will turn off the pay per view channel. However, if the hotel offers cable movie channels, they will not be able to turn them off. All the phones will be turned off in the student rooms for outside calls. Students will still be able to make room-to-room calls.
12. Q: WILL STUDENT ROOMS BE SPREAD OUT ALL OVER THE HOTEL?
A: We work with the hotel to make sure they block the rooms as “tight” as possible. Rooms are blocked in such a way as to separate the boy’s rooms from the girls with chaperones dispersed in between.
13. Q: WHO GUARDS THE STUDENT ROOMS AT NIGHT AFTER LIGHTS OUT?
A: Private nighttime security is hired exclusively for your group. They will be posted every night guarding only your rooms. This is not a hotel employee but a private company we have chosen for you. The number of guards will depend on the size of your group. This ensures the Director and Chaperones a restful night so they can stay alert during your trip.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact EDUCATIONAL TOURS INC. AT 1-(800) 654-4560.
