Last Tuesday was all about questions. I know students have lots of questions, so that's what we did--ask questions! I was able to answer many of them in the meeting, but here are all the questions that East Coast Trippers came up with at last Tuesday's meeting.
Please note that our next student meeting is NEXT Tuesday, March 6, at 2:15 p.m. in Room D-6. Our Pre-Departure Meeting (mandatory for all students and at least one parent to attend) is Tuesday, March 13, at 7:00 p.m. in the Rio Norte Library.
How much money do I take?
Great question, and fortunately we talked about this at length in our meeting, PLUS I sent that out in my last e-mail. If you missed it, you can check it out on my blog here: http://www.ipptrip.com/2012/02/east-coast-trip-money-and-our-next.html
Can we order room service?
No. In the interest of safety, we want to limit the number of unknown adults approaching your hotel room door (limit it to ZERO). If you need anything from hotel housekeeping or maintenance staff, please go through a chaperone so we can assist you.
Will we go into the Statue of Liberty?
Nope, we just don't have the time in New York to go into the statue. However, we will do a harbor cruise where will be pass right in front of it for some great photos.
What are we doing in Amish Country?
I honestly don't know everything we're doing in Amish Country. I do know we're making homemade shoo-fly pie, dressing like the Amish, and trying to have an overall "Amish" experience. I've never done the Amish overnight before, so I'm excited to experience something new as well!
Can we listen to music on the coach?
Yes, when we are "in transit." I explained this at the meeting. When we are on tour, listening to our tour guide describe all the amazing things wherever we are, it would be rude (and a waste of your parents' money) to spend that tour time listening to music. When we are on the highway traveling from one city to another ("in transit"), that's when you can take out your portable electronic devices.
Do we have to put our phones in Airplane Mode? Why?
We do when we're on the airplane. That's why it's called "Airplane Mode." I explained this in the meeting, and I'll talk about it again as we get closer to the start of our tour. For more information about Airplane Mode, click here: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1355
Are we visiting any fancy restaurants worthy of dressing really fancy?
We won't be in any restaurants that are too fancy. We will dress up for the Broadway show, and my guide for how you should dress up would be to dress like you dressed for the Winter Dance (if you went, and if you dressed up). If you didn't go to the Winter Dance, then dress like you would if you were going to a nice family event. Just be aware that it could be cold, so you'll want to dress appropriately for early spring weather on the East Coast (possible cold and/or rain).
How often will we get food?
We get three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). These meals begin with breakfast the morning of our first tour. You are responsible for eating dinner before we leave for our trip.
Can we bring food into the hotel rooms and buses?
Hotel rooms yes. Bus no.
Will we be going to gift shops along the way?
We will be going to plenty of gift shops. Trust me. There will be no shortage of gift shop opportunities on this trip. You will want to shop wisely so you don't spend your money all in the first couple days.
How dressy do the clothes for Broadway have to be?
See the answer to the "fancy restaurants" question above.
Where are we taking off from? Is the flight non-stop?
We're scheduled to depart from LAX. The flight is non-stop, meaning we are flying directly to Washington DC with no stops in between.
Are we going to see the White House?
We are planning to see the exterior of the White House and get photos in front of the White House. We do not have a White House tour scheduled.
Are we going on the subway? Is it fun?
Maybe, and it's quite an experience!
Is there time for shopping?
Plenty. You won't get to shop in every shop in every city we visit, but you will be provided with ample opportunity to spend your money.
Do we get a wake-up call?
We ask the hotel for a wake-up call, which sometimes works and sometimes doesn't. Bring an alarm clock or use your cell phone as an alarm clock as your primary wake-up method.
How early do we start each day?
We usually have wake-up at 6:30, breakfast at 7:30 and on the road by 8:00 or 8:15.
Are we visiting the Shake Shack in NY?
I don't know. We'll see.
Should we sleep on the plane?
Yes. Your body will thank you for it later on the first day.
How much of the Smithsonian will we see?
There are 17 museums total as part of the Smithsonian. We should see the most popular ones.
Aren't there talking trash cans at the Smithsonian?
I've never seen them, but I'm excited to find out.
When do we get home?
Thursday night, April 5. We'll probably be home around 11:00 p.m.
Are we stopping in Atlanta?
Not planning on it.
Where is Amish Country? What do we do there?
It's in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. See the answer to the previous Amish Country question.
What kind of hotels are we staying in?
They're four-star hotels like Sheraton, Hilton, Doubletree, and Marriott. I don't know exactly where we're staying yet, but it will be in hotels of this quality.
When do we see the final itinerary?
At the Pre-Departure Meeting on Tuesday, March 13.
How long are the flights?
About five hours each way.
What time do we leave?
I don't have an exact time yet, but we're probably meeting at Rio Norte sometime between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.
What clothes should we bring?
See my Packing List here: https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1RPpsncqHe26iqeXGLZxyAj-b1Sxr2UvY2G3YCWiCqbU
Can we bring snacks?
Yup, but don't overdo it. Last year we had three kids throw up, all from eating too much too fast. One kid ate a whole bag of chips late at night. Bleeeecccch!
Do we have to bring shampoo?
If you're OK with sharing a small bottle of hotel shampoo with three other roommates, then no.
What time do we get back every night?
Usually between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. every night.
What items can't we bring?
As a general rule, if you're not allowed to bring it to school, then it's not allowed on the trip. Here's a good packing list of dos and don'ts. https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1RPpsncqHe26iqeXGLZxyAj-b1Sxr2UvY2G3YCWiCqbU
What are the airplanes like?
They're nice.
How big are the food portions?
Some portions are fixed. At other places it's all-you-can-eat. I've never had anyone starve on the trip, so I think the portion sizes are good.
What happens if we are out of dress code?
You will be warned on a three-strike system. If you can't comply with our trip dress code after being asked three different times, you will be sent home at your parents' expense.
What kind of shoes do we need to wear for the Broadway show?
Comfortable shoes. We will be doing lots of walking in New York prior to the show, so I would avoid shoes that are too open (could get cold), too high, or too fancy.
What should we pack?
See the packing list here: https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1RPpsncqHe26iqeXGLZxyAj-b1Sxr2UvY2G3YCWiCqbU
When do we get our USA Student Travel t-shirt?
At the Pre-Departure Meeting.
What tech gadgets should we bring? Are laptops allowed?
iPods, cameras, personal video game systems, and cell phones are fine. I think iPads, laptops, or anything like this is excessive, and just creates an unnecessary risk of loss, theft, or damage. If you insist on bringing your iPad or laptop, then I would just want to hear it from your parents that they're OK with you bringing an expensive and unnecessary device like this on the plane.
Is there laundry? Should I bring detergent?
I don't know if any of the hotels we're in will have laundry facilities. I would plan on having enough clothes for everyday without relying on washing.
When is lights-out (curfew)?
Usually around 11:00 p.m. or so, depending on when we get back to the hotel.
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