What to Wear on the Plane

Okay, so you don't have to dress like the woman above.  However, while comfort is key, don't look like you just rolled out of the bunk bed at summer camp.  Have socks on hand for a possibly chilly plane cabin and a warm top/sweater/sweatshirt is probably a good idea too.

Night Train from Paris to Rome

Here's a picture that represents the accommodations that we should expect on the night train, above. As for clothing, you're going to want a comfortable pair of sweats or something similar to sleep in.  Remember, there will be 5 other people in your couchette and you will need to walk past other people to get to the bathroom.

What I'm Adding to my Packing List

In addition to the other items we suggested on our packing list, here are some of the other "necessities" that I found helpful last year.

• Dramamine (or other motion-sickness medicine).  You might be thinking you don't need it.  I didn't think I needed it either until the last hour and a half before landing in London when I had a headache and felt nauseous.  Ninety minutes never felt so long.
• Gas-X.  Again, I didn't think I'd need it either.  But then you realize that on a 9-hour flight, you don't have many options.  Either you startle the whole plane and awaken everyone's senses, or you take preventative measures like Gas-X.
• Wet wipes and small hand sanitizer.  Europeans have germs too.
• Reading material.  The night train is a long trip.  You will want something to pass the time.  I'm bringing Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities (about London and Paris) to also add a bit of history and nostalgia to my traveling experience.
• Roll of toilet paper (or pack of tissues).  Yes, you read that right.  The night train from Paris to Rome is about 15 hours.  I wouldn't say that the Italian train workers in our class of cabin are particularly attentive to travelers' needs.  In other words, if our car runs out of toilet paper, it may or may not be replaced promptly.  Having your own roll will save you some worry and from that "Oh no..." moment as you finish your business and reach for the TP, only to realize there's one square left.  Here is a discussion forum on the night train from TripAdvisor.
• Rain jacket.  It will rain.  Do you want to be wet or dry?  Don't let a soggy sweatshirt ruin your European experience.  Bring something that will repel water.
• Ear plugs. Once we hit London at 7:00-ish Saturday morning we will be starting our day.  Sleep on the plane is essential. 
• Empty water bottle.  This is what I brought with me last year.  Filled it up each morning at the hotel and saved myself a handful of Euro each day.
• Energy bars.  Brought one box of yogurt, honey, peanut Balance Bars and one box of Odwalla Chocolate Bars last year.  Yes, you can buy a 3-Euro snack here ($4.33), and a 4-Euro snack there ($5.77), and a 2-Euro snack there ($2.89), then you end up not having enough money for that Eiffel Tower snow globe that you promised your sister. 
• A watch or other time-keeper (maybe not a phone!).  You will need to meet in certain places at certain times.  Have a watch with you.  A phone may not be the best idea as smartphone thefts have risen sharply in Europe.  See the entry below about smartphone thefts in Paris (especially iPhones).

These are the things I'm definitely taking with me and some things you may want to consider.  If you have other suggestions, feel free to leave a comment with your idea.
-Mr. Fong

Using your phones in Europe

Here are a couple of articles about using your cell phone in Europe.

• Using an American iPhone in Europe...without going broke
• Smartphones, mostly iPhones, drive robbery rise in Paris metro

On Departure Day...

 Just so there’s no confusion, here’s the process when you arrive at the American Airlines area:

1. Check in right away at the ticketing counter with your passport; that’s when you will be checking any luggage in as well.  This area is open to the public.  Here’s the link to American Airlines’ baggage information regarding size and restrictions:  http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/baggage/baggageAllowance.jsp 
2. Find Mr. Hemaidan and myself and we will check you off of our list so that we know you’re present.  We’ll wait together until everyone has arrived and checked in. 
3. All travelers will then be going through security together and off to the departure gate.

Behavior on Tour

·Here are some of the things we went over at our last meeting with regard to behavior on the trip:

        

BEHAVIOR

o   On the bus

§  While the tour director or guide is speaking on the bus, out of respect, no headphones or talking.

o   At the hotel

§  Students may not leave the hotel without parental supervision and must inform group leaders of all plans. Student bed checks will be conducted regularly.

§  Please be at breakfast each morning.

o   Alcohol

§  A parent who is traveling with his/her student can decide whether or not the student may consume alcohol and it may only be done in the presence of that parent

§  All other students may NOT consume alcohol at any time during the tour

§  No hard alcohol permitted under any circumstances

o   Free time

§  Free time during day: groups of 4 are required (include at least one guy in each group)

§  Free time at night:  MUST be with an adult traveler

o   One-way fare

§  Back to U.S. for rule violators:  $1,855 to $2,200

§  We don’t want to send anyone home mid-tour, however we will not hesitate to do so if a student violates the rules.

o   Any issues with the other school’s students

§  Talk to Hemaidan or Fong first and we’ll talk with the other school’s leader

o   Don’t be the “ugly American”

§  No complaining.  Be a traveler, not a tourist.  Things won’t be like they are in U.S. You are in THEIR country. Don’t just talk louder and slower.

Packing List from EF Tours

Here is the packing list that EF Tours recommends.

Pack Light!

Good article from Rick Steves about packing light.