Please be aware that if your question is not answered below, you can visit the EF TOURS website or call their customer service to answer many of your questions. If you still cannot find an answer to your question, or you would like more specific answers based on your destination, please email Amanda Wilson at  Amanda@teachwanderlust.com 

 

What is the best way to send money with the kids?  Get them their own cc? Is there a recommendation on companies to use who do not charge a transaction fee.  

We recommend …

• Debit cards (Visa gift cards will NOT work)

• At least two different cards in case one gets lost (one card always stays in the bag unless in an emergency)

• If you are worried about foreign transaction fees, you can also work with your bank to order cash in the country’s currency ahead of time and use cash while traveling. (For the Galapagos- US currency is the most common)

Personally, I would recommend adding your traveler as an authorized cardholder on a travel-specific credit card. The reason I say this is we are going to different countries with different currencies. So, every time they exchange money, they will be losing money. If they have a travel-specific credit card, they will not be charged foreign transaction fees and they can charge in that currency… Also, you will get points to use on your next vacay! The two best travel cards in my opinion and many other credit card point experts are listed below. This way, he/she doesn't have to worry about running out of cash while on the trip. However, they should still have some cash for those that are cash-only. But for souvenirs and such, a card is recommended. Capital One has great travel cards. I have the Chase Sapphire. Here is a list of some great cards:

• Capital One- Venture or Venture X: https://i.capitalone.com/Jbk1iy0fc

• Chase Sapphire- Preferred or Reserve: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19P/A2QITVA4U4

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Luggage: Ideally are you recommending one carry-on roller bag and a backpack, is that correct?  Does the size for overhead approved vary at all for international travel?

We have dealt with lost checked luggage before and it is NOT FUN. We ask that each traveler bring a carry-on to avoid luggage nightmares! The US carry-on size, which is sometimes  slightly larger than the carry-ons allowed on domestic flights in other countries. For those flights, there is a chance we will have to check some bags, but that should not be a concern because it is a direct flight. 

 

What about laundry?

Students will not have the opportunity to visit a laundromat. They can, however, clean their clothes in the hotel sink or bathtub. I pack a few of THESE SHEETS with me because you can cut them into smaller pieces to ensure your clothes don’t get too soapy in the sink. We ask students to wash their clothes the first day they arrive at a hotel so they can give their clothes time to dry in the humid environment. 

 

What about the use of cell phones, do we need to change their plan, get a special calling card? 

You should contact your mobile service provider to discuss options of international calling and data. I believe Verizon and AT&T charge $10/day to use your US plan abroad. T-mobile has international data included in most of their plans. Students can also pick up a SIM card when we land and swap out their US SIM card. This will allow them to have unlimited data to communicate through iMessage or WhatsApp for much cheaper than $10/day. 

 

Is there a place you recommend we buy charger adapters in advance?

To avoid having to buy multiple adapters in the future, we recommend buying a universal adapter. Below is a link to a universal adapter that includes USB-C and USB plug-ins so you do not have to pack charging cubes as well.  Amazon.com: Universal Power Adapter
 

How will we get to the airport?

Each traveler will be responsible for their own transportation to and from DIA. We will set up a parents WhatsApp group at our next meeting, so you all can coordinate carpools. We ask that each traveler is at the airport 3 hours before departure. ​​

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What do you recommend that I pack?

• HERE is a link to our European packing list for our Europe trip in 2022. This list will be similar to the packing list for many/most of our European Trips.

• HERE is a link to our Costa Rica 2018 packing list. This list will be similar to many of our Central and South America trips.

• Also, HERE is the suggested packing list that EF tours has on their website.

• We will make sure to make you aware of any unique circumstances to consider, if applicable.

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How much should I budget for gratuity? When will you be collecting this money?

HERE is a guideline for on-touring tipping. Each traveler needs approximately $130 for gratuity. Please FILL OUT THIS FORM if you need financial assistance with this. We recommend $20-$30/day for food and souvenirs while on tour.