Preparing for departure

Hold a departure meeting before your trip. This ensures that your departure is as organized as possible and that your students are prepared and enthusiastic about their trip.

Our tour directors and bus drivers travel with teachers and students because they enjoy it. They also work hard and appreciate being rewarded for good service. Please be aware of EF's tip guidelines and share this information with your students.

Before you go, make sure your students have their travel documents ready. They must have valid passports and may also need visas. Ask students to bring their documents to your departure meeting.

You'll spend most of your time on tour exploring and learning, but you should also know what to expect when you settle in for the night. Talk to your travelers, parents and chaperones about rooming arrangements.

If you haven't already done so, discuss which optional excursions your group may want to participate in. Explain the types of meals to expect on tour and tell your students how much spending money they may want to take with them.

You're almost there! Make sure your students are ready to go by discussing packing guidelines. Review the packing list to help them get started. Students can also find this list in the Traveler's Handbook.

We can't wait to help you and your students discover the world!  The departure meeting agenda in this book will help you tie loose ends before you leave for your trip.  you can meet with your group as many times as necessary before your tour, and the more you communicate with them as a group, the better.