Prometour Educational Tours

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Packing Checklist

Do not overpack for your trip. Each individual is typically responsible for transporting their own luggage, and it can get heavy. In addition to the clothing, shoes and toiletries that are undoubtedly essential, here are some other important items to consider:

General Packing Suggestions:

Do not carry too much cash. If you are going on a group tour, almost everything is likely covered in the trip price. Your tour operator can advise on how much spending money to bring. If you are traveling independently, bring a small amount of cash and your ATM card or travelers checks.
Bring along an inexpensive digital camera, one that won't ruin your day if you lose it.
Pack an extra pair of prescription glasses and/or contact lenses in case of loss or damage.
Wear a waterproof, inexpensive watch and don't wear expensive jewelry. Expensive items can make you a target for thieves.
Pack a simple first aid kit containing adhesive bandages, first aid or anti-biotic cream and pain relievers, etc.
Keep any prescription medication in its original container, and bring a photocopy of all current prescriptions. If you are traveling with a group, make sure your group leader is aware of any medications you are taking.
Make sure you understand the group leader's rules for cell phone use before bringing your cell phone.
Traveling by bus or air can sometimes get long and tedious, so bring along an MP3 player and headphones.
Pack a lightweight journal and pen or pencil to record memories of your experience.

Additional Suggestions for Air Travel:

Pack all valuables, medications, travel documents and trip related information in your carry-on bag.
Remember the 3-1-1 rule for carry-ons: 3 ounce bottles or less; 1 quart sized, clear plastic, zip top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in the screening bin.
Do not lock your luggage as it must be accessible for inspection.
Clearly identify your luggage with your name and address, but use covered tags so strangers will not easily see your contact information.
Avoid wearing accessories containing metal.
New security measures can cause delays at airports. Be sure to arrive well in advance of your departure time.
Check www.tsa.gov for the latest air regulations before you pack.

Additional Suggestions for International Travel:

Apply early for your passport and any visas you may need. Be sure to fill out the emergency contact section of your passport before you leave.
Keep photocopies of your airline tickets, passport and visas with you (but separate from the originals.
It's a good idea to email yourself a PDF of your passport so you can access it online while you are abroad.
Appliance use outside of the U.S. or Canada requires an electricity converter. However, many hotels around the world now have hairdryers in the room. Check with your hotel(s) to see if that is the case and you may be able to save the expense and hassle of purchasing converters and adaptors.

Preparing Your Child

Your daughter or son's travel experience is a big investment not only monetarily, but emotionally as well. This may be the first time your child is traveling far from home without you, and for many, your child may be traveling somewhere you have never been. It is a wondrous time for your family, and you can help your child make the most of it.

You and/or your child should make sure to attend every pre-meeting for the trip. Additionally, make sure your family reviews any written communication that comes home from the group leader.
Spend some time researching the destination with your son or daughter. Once you have the trip itinerary, you can focus in on specific destinations. The more your child knows about the trip, the more they will get out of the trip.
Make sure your child completes any pre-trip assignments, and better yet, do them with your child so you have a good understanding of what the group will be seeing and learning on the trip.
As the trip gets closer, make sure your chlid understands all of the rules the group leader has set for the trip and is prepared to follow those rules.

Why Travel is Essential

If you're thinking about planning a group trip, you probably already have an idea of the positive impact a travel experience can have on your students and youth. But just in case you need some help convincing others, here are some of the reasons that travel is essential as part of a complete education:

Travel brings the classroom curriculum alive, inspiring students to learn through first-hand, interactive experiences.
Travel motivates students to achieve and improves academic performance.
Travel teaches understanding of other people, communities and cultures.
Travel offers educational opportunities for a shrinking globe.
Travel helps young people gain self-confidence, a sense of independence, and a feeling that they can make a difference in the world.
A group travel experience is one your participants will remember for the rest of their lives.

Overcoming Barriers

As an educator or group leader planning a trip, you most likely already understand the life-changing impact a group travel experience can have on a young person's life. As a group leader, you are helping to make your students more culturally aware, global citizens who's interest in curriculum subject matter is heightened when you "make the world your classroom."

There are times, however, when you may still need to win over your school administration or perhaps even your parents. Below are some reasons that support travel and will help you justify why educational travel is a must.

Tying your travel experience directly to your curriculum will make obtaining administrative approval easier.
Let your audience (administrators or parents) know that travel is something that will excite your students to learn even after the trip, sometimes having such a strong impact that it inspires a hobby or even a future career path.
Students and youth receive not only an academic education but a social education as well.
Students and youth get to experience many "firsts" - flying on an airplane, riding in a subway, visiting an important landmark, performing in a famous theater, learning proper etiquette and social behavior.
Group tours make incredible destinations available for participants at much less than it would normally cost.
It would cost parents so much more to do a similar trip as a family vacation, and it would be nearly impossible to include all of the components, since many activities are reserved for groups.
Travel helps students develop a sense of independence.
Travel builds self-confidence and empowerment.

TOUR PLANNING GUIDE as of SYTA

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Sandy Hits Coast, Floods New York - WSJ.com

Sandy Hits Coast, Floods New York - WSJ.com:

'via Blog this'

Death toll rises after Sandy strikes eastern U.S. | CTV News

We stand by you and we are convinced you will emerge even stronger

We stand by you and we are convinced you will emerge even stronger
On behalf of all of us here at Prométour Educational Tours, we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to all of our customers, their families and friends during these difficult times, especially those who have lost loved ones or have been injured because of this natural disaster.

We are confident that rescue and relief efforts will be swift and that you will be able to overcome this tragedy.

We wish those injured a speedy recovery and hope that the affected regions will return to normalcy before long.

We stand by you and we are convinced you will emerge even stronger.

Team Prométour

Choose Prométour today!
1-800-304-9446 from THE USA, 1-800-657-7754 from CANADA
info@prometour.com

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Europe History in Paris & Venice, Rome & Athens, Barcelona & Madrid, ...

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Tourisme Montréal

Tourisme Montréal

'via Blog this'

Travel Facts

Below you will find a collection of information that you may find helpful during the trip planning process.

Student & Youth group travel is on the rise

In a 2005 survey, 60.5% of students indicated they had taken an overnight group trip independent of their family.
In a repeat survey in 2007, this number increases to 76.1%.

Source: Student and Youth Travel Research Institute, Michigan State University, 2005 and 2007

Travel Improves Achievement

86.8% of parents surveyed say that student group travel is an essential part of their child's education experience.
58.4% have seen a positive change in their child's academic performance.

Source: Student and Youth Travel Research Institute, Michigan State University, 2007.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Bring your students out to Quebec's Winter Carnival and start a learning-flurry!

A Group Experience That Goes Beyond the Ordinary

Bring your students out to Quebec's Winter Carnival and start a learning-flurry!

Whether you wish to set foot in several cities with your students or prefer to stay put and explore every corner of one, Prométour helps you create your custom journey to get the most out of every minute.


	Quebec Carnival Get your snow-gear on for a few days of concentrated winter fun! With French-Canadian culture, exhibits, wondrous sights and activities, Le Carnaval de Quebec is the winter place to be. Winterlude & Carnival Dig a little deeper into Canada's snowy heritage. Take a few more days to skate on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, get warm in Montreal's underground city and end with a celebration at Quebec's Winter Carnival. Share the charm of Canadian Winter with your students while traveling in total peace of mind in the company of our specialized guides.