Eurotrip22: Two Months Away, Let's Go!!!

Wow, I cannot express how happy I am to sit at a computer and start writing blogposts again.  For those who are looking to read about Saugus High School's World adventures, you've got a few months to wait, but it is coming.  Today's post is really just a test run for me and a way to share this blog with a whole new set of parents and students.  We are prepping for a 9 day adventure to two familiar spots: Rome and Paris.  We have 29 students and 5 chaperons ready to go...we just need to wait a little longer for our trip of a life time.

The name of this blog is a reference to the coolest travel video game ever created, "Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?"  My parents bought it for my brothers and I when we were kids and I have incredible memories of trying to figure out where she had run off to this time.  It was my first real exposure to a world outside of Saugus.  I usually end each post with a reference to where I am...even if it in the form of a clue.  Additionally, my travel philosophy is covered with a quote from Mark Twain.  He once wrote that "one must travel to learn."  I've never take that to mean, literally.  If we read a good book, the author takes us on a journey.  We see through their eyes.  We smell and taste the food.  We learn through their words.  That's my goal with this blog.  I hope all are able to learn while we travel!

Some Saugus and Saskatchewan kids hanging out in Budapest 

For those not that familiar with the blog, let me give you a little history of it before I jump into the trip update that I promised to deliver at our most recent meetings.  This blog began in 2013 as Saugus High School traveled to England, Ireland, and Wales. We were in Ireland when the Boston Marathon bombings took place and when our beloved SHS Drama teacher Nancy Lemoine passed away.  Although those two events filled our hearts with sadness and empathy, the trip remains one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

A few of the 2013 students ready for take-off

The blog was not just a way to keep parent's in the loop, over the next 6 years, it became something the students anticipated while we were on tour.  I speak often of how the kids should journal their experiences while on tour. My blog aims to be an example of that.  I have found that the style of the blog has changed over the different trips.  I try to add more photos now than I originally did.  I also posted more frequently in the past.  Now, I usually find myself sitting in the hotel lobby late at night detailing our daily experience.  I try to add some wit and charm to the blog (I've kissed the Blarney Stone twice) and I love feedback from those who read my words.  I hope, for 2022, to hear from a lot of people while we are overseas.

The past two years have seen so many pivots.  Our way of life has been disrupted in so many different manners that it would be tough to jot them all down.  One thing that hurt the most, for me, was the isolation.  Now, as numbers begin to subside and the world opens back up again, I am most excited to bring kids back to Europe.  I was going to retire from student travel, but because our travel program looked like it might succumb to covid, I am committed to taking kids overseas this year and next year.  Who knows if I will go for a 2024 trip at this point, but I am hoping SMHS goes even if I don't.

Part of our group in Italy not too long ago.

Okay, I am going to switch gears a bit, and begin covering some important details for the 2022 group.  All are welcome to read, but the words are specific to the upcoming trip to Rome and Italy.  I am covering some of the topics which were discussed at our Feb. 15 and 17th meetings.

The first topics are Covid related.  The links below should work and be helpful, but please remember requirements due to Covid are changing on a daily basis.  I will provide a more current picture of what is needed before we travel.  Prior to our departure, we will all have to be tested.  We will need to have a negative Covid-19 Antigen and/or PCR test within 72 hours of departure.  Currently, each traveler will need to arrange their test on their own, but I will try to coordinate some type of group testing as we get closer to the departure date.  If someone reports positive, they will not be able to travel.  If this is the case, there are several options outlined here. 

In Europe, we will most likely have to check-in at a health office.  There we will submit our vaccination information and receive some paperwork that will allow us entry into the restaurants, museums, and shops that we will on tour.  At this time, I believe that this pass will be accepted in both Italy and France. I am also confident that we will not need to test again in Italy before departing for Paris. 

Prior to departing France, we will need to get tested again.  This will most likely happen at our hotel.  EF will coordinate it.  From what I've read online, a nurse may come to the hotel, test our group, and then report back to us our results.  The cost for this test is not included in our EF pricing.  I will let folks know the cost when I have a better idea myself.  If someone tests positive at this time, they will have to quarantine in France.  EF will pay for anyone's needs while in quarantine and no student will be left alone if they have to remain behind the group.  There are more details regarding this policy, but I am hoping we don't need to use it.  The previous link should cover that practice too.

Now to discuss the regular travel details:

We will plan on meeting at Logan airport approximately three hours before our departure time.  We will meet at the ticket counter and after all travelers have received their ticket, we will go through security as a group.  Once through, we will find our departure gate and wait for our flight.  While waiting, the kids can grab last minute snacks or dinner, but no one should be alone.

I recommend that each traveler do their best to get some sleep on our flight.  We will land and hit the ground running.  We may not even go to our hotel until late in the evening after we've landed.  On tour, we will have a tour director with us each step of the way.  This person works for EF and they coordinate everything.  We will also meet several bus drivers, city guides, and museum guides.  Some of these people will be tipped for their services.  I will collect tip money from each traveler before we depart.  The total amount will be roughly $100.00. 

Rooming assignments vary greatly in Europe.  We can expect roommate to be organized into rooms of 2, 3, 4, or even 5, students to one room.  I will do my best to ensure that each travelers is roomed with one of their friends in each hotel, but their is a possibility that they will be grouped with some kids that they do no know that well.  Travel is about learning and making new friends.  We will not be joined by any other schools on our trip; so all roommates will be part of our group.

Before we depart, I will prepare some paperwork for all of the parents and guardians.  It will include our travel information, hotel phone numbers and websites, and other important details.  It will also include a detailed itinerary.  You will know where we are and when we are there. I will also provide my contact information in case of an emergency.  As part of that research, I will also check to see what amenities are provided at each hotel.  This should cut down on us having to bring some items with us to Europe.

Most airlines limit your suitcase to 50lbs.  Anything over that costs extra!!!  To prepare, ensure that your suitcase only includes the bare minimum.  Try to keep it under 40lbs.  Do not bring things that are bulky and take up weight.  Save room for souvenirs! 

If you click here, you will find an EF packing list.  There are a few things I want to highlight: (I am not endorsing any of these by the way, just giving examples, lol)

1. One dressier outfit.  When we tour the Vatican, we might want to be a little dressed up.  If we have the opportunity to do anything else that requires nicer clothes, we want to be ready.

2. A battery pack to charge your phone throughout the day.

3. A travel adapter.  Look for one with a surge protector and USB plugs built into it.

4. A security pouch for cash and documents.

5. A reusable water bottle.

Okay...I think that is it for now.  I have written a lot and I certainly don't want to lose anyone's attention. I will be sure to write a few more entries before we depart as new information becomes available.  Until then, enjoy the February vacation.

Mr. Lavoie, thanking you for reading while chilling out in Maine with his dog.