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Explorica 1.888.310.7121

Dan - 701-721-3291

Ashley - 701-721-6177

Denise - 701-681-9053

Suzanne - 701-370-3956

Bus departure to Winnipeg: 5 A.M. from the high school

Flight itinerary:

Air Canada 374 //10 JUN YWG - YUL 11:50AM 3:35PM 10 JUN

Air Canada 894 // 10 JUN YUL - MXP 8:25PM 10:05AM 11 JUN

Air Canada 897 // 19 JUN ATH - YYZ 1:10PM 4:55PM 19 JUN

Air Canada 269 // 19 JUN YYZ - YWG 7:20PM 8:57PM 19 JUN

Bus arrival at RHS: between 1-2 A.M.

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Carry-on has no weight limit, but you must be able to stow it in the overhead bin unassisted. You are also permitted one personal item, I'd suggest bringing a backpack. If you are checking a bag, you will want to pack essentials (medicine/toiletries/one day of clothing) in here during the flight in case your bag is misplaced. If you are just traveling with a carry-on bag, don't pack much in your backpack; leave room for souvenirs.

You need to choose what you are going to need for baggage throughout the trip. Checked Bag is FREE (up to 50 pounds)

Cannot Exceed 62 linear inches

Rick Steves, a travel expert, has words to consider.

"The importance of packing light cannot be overemphasized, but for your sake, I'll try. You'll never meet a traveler who, after five trips, brags: "Every year I pack heavier." You can't travel heavy, happy, and cheap. Pick two. With flight disruptions becoming more common, I'm more committed than ever to my rule of never checking a bag. With only a carry-on, I can be nimble at the airport. It's not a hardship to always have my bag with me — it's peace of mind."

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Find all the information you need to prepare your checked or carry-on baggage in regards to size, weight, number of bags, restrictions and much more.

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Packing for Europe in June can be tricky due to the varying climates across countries. Essentials include lightweight clothing, a waterproof jacket, comfortable sneakers, and a universal power adapter. European hotels often don't have toiletries, so bring what you will need. Don’t forget your sunglasses and a reusable water bottle!

Sorry...NO hair dryers, straighteners, or curling irons (unless they have a European plug)!

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Get an international debit/atm card with a preset balance. It is reccomended to have $500 ($50/day) for spending cash. This isn't just for souvineers, but also for one daily meal and other essentials while traveling. If you are running low part way into the trip, more cash "could" be added back home if needed.

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Explorica recommends that each participant budget $30 to $50 each dayfor souvenirs and any transportation and meals that are not included in the tour fee.

Participants will also need to budget an additional amount for tipping T our Dir ectors, bus drivers, and cruise ship staff. Visit the Tipping on Tour page for more information.

Personal debit and prepaid debit, ATM, and gift cards

Personal debit cards credit cards are safe and convenient ways to access money while abroad. Using these cards will allow you to make purchases and/or withdraw local money at a fair rate and with a minimal charge compared to the high fees often charged by money changers. Nonetheless, please note the differences between these cards before selecting which type you would like to take on tour.

Please note that some cards are for domestic use only. Make sure your card does not say, "Valid only in the United States" before taking it on tour.

Specifically for Greek Cruises: Please note that you can only use cash or a credit card to add money to or pay the balance of your personal cruise account card. When using a credit card, purser regulations require that the cardholder name match the passport name of the traveler. If cash is your preferred method of payment, be sure to withdraw the necessary amount before boarding the ship as there are no ATMs on board. Debit cards and gift cards will not be accepted.

Credit cards

Credit cards can also be used abroad but it is important to note that some foreign countries require that credit cards have a PIN (not required in the US). Speak to your credit provider about the possibility of needing a PIN, to make sure your credit card will be accepted abroad, and also to inform them of your travel plans to avoid security flags and frozen accounts.

Cash

Explorica recommends that you limit the amount of cash that you carry and instead carry your ATM card or prepaid cash card. Before you leave, exchange enough money to get you through your first day abroad, and after that just withdraw money from the ATM as you need it. This will also help you avoid exchange rate fees if you travel to countries that use different currencies.

Currency conversions

Because most European countries have joined the European Union and have converted to the Euro, participants of many of our European tours will not have to worry about currency conversions. However, if you would like to find out more information on current exchange rates, visit the XE currency converter site.

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Explorica recommends that each participant budget $30 to $50 each day for spending money. Learn more about how much to bring and how to access your money while on your educational tour.

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Check with your provider about international data plans. Verizon/AT&T use a $10/day international plan, but it may need to be activated before traveling. Verizon also has a $100 monthly plan that could be a better option as it has a large data allowance of 20 GB.

https://www.att.com/international/day-pass/

https://www.verizon.com/plans/international/international-travel/

Keep in mind, there is a 7 hour time difference in Italy and an 8 hour time difference in Greece.

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International services support

While in the US: (800) 711-8300

Travelling outside the US: 1 (908) 559-4899

If your device is lost, stolen or broken, or you experience a device issue while you are traveling outside the US, please use the below
instructions to reach the International Support Team from a landline phone:

1. Dial your country's toll-free number

2. Enter your 10-digit mobile number when prompted by the International Hotline

See toll-free numbers
If a toll-free number is not available for the country you are in, please dial (908) 559-4899 (toll charges will apply).

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International phone plans and travel services | Verizon

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Find the best international phone plan for you. Daily and monthly plans to 200+ countries including inflight and cruise plans.

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WhatsApp | Secure and Reliable Free Private Messaging and Calling

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Use WhatsApp Messenger to stay in touch with friends and family. WhatsApp is free and offers simple, secure, reliable messaging and calling, available on phones all over the world.

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You need to average between 10,000-15,000 steps per day from now until the trip. We will have days of 20,000+! Bring comfortable shoes.

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Respecting the local culture and customs is paramount. Learn some basic phrases in the local languages, be mindful of dress codes, especially at religious sites (no shoulders or knees can be shown). This helps in creating a respectful and enriching experience.

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Safety first! Always keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings. Use reputable transportation services and avoid walking alone (groups of 3+) at night in unfamiliar areas. It’s also a good idea to have a copy of your passport and important documents saved online. Each individual should take a photo of their passport to save on their phone.

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Beating Jet Lag and Culture Shock

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What is Jet Lag?

Those feelings of irritability. The overwhelming fatigue and discomfort. That's jet lag for you. The good news is that you can make jet lag manageable with our tried and tested tips on how to reduce flight fatigue-so fasten those seat-belts, put away your electronic devices, and off we go.

How to Beat Jet Lag

1. Evidence suggests that people who maintain strict sleeping and eating patterns end up suffering from more severe jet lag, so try changing your wake up time by an hour or two the week before your trip. If that's not an option for you, at least try lunching a little earlier or later than you would normally.

2. Flying causes dehydration, so bring a reusable water bottle that you can fill up and keep on hand at all times-just be sure it's empty before you go through airport security.

3. If you're scheduled to arrive in the evening or nighttime, try to stay awake during the flight so you can hit the hay as soon as you reach your destination. If you're scheduled to arrive in the daytime, be sure to use an eye mask to block out light on the plane and help you sleep more soundly.

4. Change the time on your watch or phone as soon as you go through security. Your mind will be synced up with your new time zone before your plane even lands!

5. When you arrive at your destination, avoid the urge to sleep if it's daytime. Try to stay up until at least 10 p.m. local time to readjust to a normal sleep schedule.

What is Culture Shock?

Culture shock is the feeling of surprise, uncertainty or disorientation that can be felt when people find themselves in a new or unknown environment. It is very normal to feel some level of uncertainty when traveling abroad for the first time!

Adapting to Culture Shock

Do a little research ahead of time. The more you know about your destination before you get there, the better prepared you'll feel for all of the differences you'll notice. Travel guides are a great place to find out more about your destination, and check out our blog for things to know before you go.

Talk to your program leader, tour directors, and local tour guides. While on tour, they will be able to explain and help you understand why things are done differently than in your home country. Remember that "different" doesn't mean "better" or "worse."

Share your thoughts with your classmates and discuss any differences you notice throughout your tour. This way you can learn and experience this new culture together.

Keep an open mind and embrace the journey! Now is the time to truly explore and fully immerse yourself in a new country's way of life. Seize the opportunity to chat with locals, try regional foods, and dive into the nuances that make every culture unique and interesting.

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Get ready to have the best time on your educational tour by reading about how to prepare for culture shock and jet lag.

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By Rick Steves

The importance of packing light cannot be overemphasized, but, for your good, I'll try. You'll never meet a traveler who, after five trips, brags: "Every year I pack heavier." You can't travel heavy, happy, and cheap. Pick two.

One Bag, That's It

My self-imposed limit is 20 pounds in a 9" × 21" × 14" carry-on-size bag (it'll fit in your airplane's overhead bin, at least on your transatlantic flight — though many European airlines restrict hand luggage to even smaller weights and dimensions). At my company, we've taken tens of thousands of people of all ages and styles on tours through Europe. We allow only one carry-on bag. For many, this is a radical concept: 9" × 21" × 14"? That's my cosmetics kit! But they manage, and they're glad they did. After you enjoy that sweet mobility and freedom, you'll never go any other way.

You'll walk with your luggage more than you think you will. Before flying to Europe, give yourself a test. Pack up completely and walk around your house or block. Or practice being a tourist in your hometown for an hour. Fully loaded, you should enjoy window-shopping. If you can't, stagger home and thin things out.

When you carry your own luggage, it's less likely to get lost, broken, or stolen. Quick, last-minute flight changes become simpler. A small bag sits on your lap on the bus or taxi and stashes easily overhead on an airplane. You don't have to worry about it, and, when you arrive, you can hit the ground running. It's a good feeling. When I land in London, I'm on my way downtown while everyone else stares anxiously at the luggage carousel. When I fly home, I'm the first guy the dog sniffs.

These days, you can also save money by bringing less. While it's still free to check one bag on most overseas trips, you'd likely pay a fee to check a second bag. If you're taking a separate flight within Europe, expect to be charged to check even just one bag.

It can be a drag, dragging your bag through airports, and even I sometimes wonder why I followed my own advice to bring only a carry-on. But then I'm reminded of the joy of having everything with you — like the time I avoided a long layover by hopping on an earlier flight from Copenhagen to Bergen. (After getting to my hotel two hours before planned, I enjoyed a jumpstart on my Norway time with a lovely evening in a salty port town, where summer's "magic hour" lasts until 11 p.m.)

Packing light isn't just about saving time or money — it's about your traveling lifestyle. Too much luggage marks you as a typical tourist. It slams the Back Door shut. Serendipity suffers. Changing locations becomes a major operation. Con artists figure you're helpless. Porters are a problem only to those who need them. With only one bag, you're mobile and in control. Take this advice seriously.

Packing 101

How do you fit a whole trip's worth of luggage into a small backpack or suitcase? The answer is simple: Bring very little.

Spread out everything you think you might need on the living-room floor. Scrutinize each item. Ask yourself, "Will I really use my snorkel and fins enough to justify carrying them around all summer?" Not "Will I use them?" but "Will I use them enough to feel good about hauling them over the Swiss Alps?" Frugal as I may be, I'd buy a set in Greece and give them away before I'd carry that extra weight over the Alps.

Don't pack for the worst-case scenario. Pack for the best-case scenario and simply buy yourself out of any jams. Bring layers rather than a heavy coat. Think in terms of what you can do without — not what will be handy on your trip. When in doubt, leave it out. I've seen people pack a whole summer's supply of deodorant or razors, thinking they can't get them in Europe. The world is small: You can buy Dial soap, Colgate toothpaste, Nivea cream, and Gillette razors in Sicily and Slovakia. Tourist shops in major international hotels are a sure bet whenever you have difficulty finding a personal item. If you can't find one of your essentials, ask yourself how half a billion Europeans can live without it. Rather than carry a whole trip's supply of toiletries, take enough to get started and look forward to running out of toothpaste in Bulgaria. Then you have the perfect excuse to go into a Bulgarian department store, shop around, and pick up something you think might be toothpaste.

Whether you're traveling for three weeks or three months, pack exactly the same. To keep your clothes tightly packed and well organized, zip them up in packing cubes. To really maximize bag space, consider airless baggies or a clothes compressor (look for heavy-duty ones made to withstand everyday use). I also like specially designed folding boards (such as Eagle Creek's Pack-It Folder) to fold and carry clothes with minimal wrinkling. Mesh bags also come in handy. I use one for underwear and socks, another for miscellaneous stuff such as a first-aid kit, earplugs, clothesline, sewing kit, and gadgets.

Pack your bag only two-thirds full to leave room for souvenirs, or bring along an empty featherweight nylon bag to use as a carry-on for your return flight, then check your main bag through (this is when expandable compartments really come in handy).

Go casual, simple, and very light. Remember, in your travels you'll meet two kinds of tourists — those who pack light and those who wish they had. Say it out loud: "PACK LIGHT PACK LIGHT PACK LIGHT."

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The importance of packing light cannot be overemphasized, but, for your good, I’ll try. You’ll never meet a traveler who, after five trips, brags: “Every year I pack heavier.” You can’t travel heavy, happy, and cheap. Pick two.