Students, particularly girls, notoriously pack too much! It is not necessary to pack a different set of clothes for each day/evening – mix and match is the order of the day. Luggage space on coaches is limited if there are 40 students on board. We recommend a medium-sized holdall/soft bag, preferably on wheels, as the best option.
Ski jackets and snow boots or walking boots for example are bulky and heavy items respectively. We suggest that yor son or daughter wears these items on the journey.
The parents’ meeting is usually arranged by the group leader either to promote the trip or to inform parents of the students who are travelling of the arrangements that have been made. This can include details of the accommodation, travel, activities etc. It is usual for a representative of the company to be present and so there is an opportunity to ask questions. It is also a time when the group leader can collect outstanding information from those participating on the tour/trip.
This is always a difficult area. It is usual for the group leader to advise a range during the parents meeting as they are best qualified in the light of the location of the school, affluence etc. As a general rule it is worth bearing in mind that our itineraries are mostly all-inclusive of guides, entrance fees and activities and as such there is little for the student to pay for except souvenirs etc. If you are uncertain of your son/daughter’s accounting skills you may want to consider giving the group leader an envelope of emergency funds to be given out only in the event of running out of money. We suggest you ask the group leader if this is possible in advance.
We advise that this should be considered carefully. Only be prepared to take items that, in the worst case scenario, you are prepared to lose – jewellery, camera or i-pods for example. Take a compact camera that can be carried around the neck inside a coat and is lightweight and inexpensive. Do not carry large amounts of money during the day – it is usually possible to leave items with the group leader who will put them in the accommodation safe.
Many group leaders have their own policies when it comes to mobile phones and we always advise students to follow their instruction. The following points are worth consideration:-
Pay-as-you-go phones are expensive abroad and quickly run out of credit
Make sure that the phone has insurance cover.
Remember that the costs of calls are shared between the caller and the receiver.
It’s cheaper to text and in-coming texts are usually free.
An alternative is to buy an international phone card for your child.
We will always provide a telephone contact for the accommodation that should be used for emergency contact only. We suggest that the student be left to contact home, usually on arrival, and after that consider “no news is good news” and so they are having a great time!
Many group leaders will arrange dry slope lessons before departure. They are normally optional as they will incur additional costs. The benefits to be considered are:-
That student’s are familiar with the type of equipment that they will be using in resort
Lessons will provide basic skills and techniques ahead of the lessons in resort
This means that a student usually makes faster progress and thereby gets the most out of what is an expensive trip.
Inspired Travel will automatically include personal travel insurance in the cost of the tour/trip. In some instances, the school may choose to use the school/LEA policy which will have the same purpose. For either type of policy, please be aware that existing illness/conditions should be declared in order not to invalidate the cover, if it is unfortunately required. Drinking more than two measures of alcohol and/or taking illegal substances will also invalidate the cover.
Any special requirements should be made known to the party leader as soon as possible. Accommodations used to receiving groups are well equipped to provide alternative menus. For those requiring Halal or Kosher food as much notice as possible is required. Few hotels and hostels are able to accommodate these diets and so a vegetarian diet is more likely to be offered. However, please be aware that a special dietary requirement does not refer to eating preferences or fads.
The first meal of the tour/trip is usually dinner on the day of arrival. Meals during the journey are not included. Students should either have food in hand luggage for the outward journey or currency to purchase food en-route. There is usually time for students to shop for food before departure from the resort and in many cases we can arrange for a packed meal to be made available at departure.
Advise the group leader of the situation, usually on the medical form that you are asked to complete. Make sure that the appropriate medication is available and liaise with the group leader for its dispensing.
Inform the group leader of the medication and dispensing arrangements. Many groups allocate a teacher who is responsible for the first aid to avoid duplication by colleagues/student themselves. A second set of medication should be given to the person in charge, as well as the medication to be taken.
Inform the group leader as soon as possible. Check with the respective embassy or consulate if a visa is required for the country to be visited. Allow plenty of time for the completion of the paperwork. Please be aware that if the school is travelling on a group passport, this does not include foreign passport holders or persons over 18 years.