Luggage!

Here is some handy information from our travel agent, World Group Travel, about luggage:

You are allowed one piece of checked luggage per person – plus one musical instrument (flutes, oboes, violins, clarinets, violas).

The linear dimensions (length + width + height) of the checked-in luggage may not exceed 62 inches and weight cannot exceed 50 pounds.

Include your name, address and phone number inside your luggage in case the outside tag becomes detached.

You may also take one piece of carry on hand luggage per person, plus one additional personal item such as a purse. Remember that the carry on piece should not exceed 45 linear inches (length + width + height) and 13 pounds.

WEIGHT is the most important item to watch.

It is now acceptable to pack walking canes, nail clippers, disposable razors, tweezers, umbrellas and eyelash curlers. Needles or syringes for medicinal purposes are permitted, but must have the manufacturers and/or pharmaceutical label attached. If you are in doubt, place the item in your checked baggage. Hand luggage may be subject to additional screening after passing through the security checkpoint.

We are on the "piece" concept as well. Meaning as a group, we are permitted two checked items per person. Which amounts to one suitcase and instrument each.

Instruments to be checked in:
Alto Saxophone

Tenor Saxophone
Bass Clarinet
Trumpet
French Horn
Trombone
Electric Bass
Cello
Bass

Reminder: Mandatory Tour Meeting on Monday, March 22nd at 7:00 p.m.

This is a friendly reminder that there is a mandatory tour meeting on Monday, March 22nd at 7:00 p.m. in the North High Orchestra Room (Room 138). We will be reviewing a number of important topics at this meeting, including: chaperone introductions, reviewing the most current itinerary, cell phone use in Europe, currency, travel insurance, airplane meals, rules of conduct, travel agreement forms, medical forms, tour rehearsals and boot camp, tour t-shirts, and blogging about the trip.

Tour T-Shirt Design Contest

Calling all student artists!  We need you to submit designs for the front of our tour t-shirt.  The design can be either hand drawn or done on the computer.  Please incorporate the following words/phrases into your design: District 99 Orchestra, Germany, Spain, Downers Grove, IL and June 12-26, 2010.  Design submissions are due by Friday, April 30th!

New York Hostel

For pictures and information regarding the hostel in which we will be staying while in Barcelona, check out their website.

Next Mandatory Trip Meeting 3/22

The next trip meeting for all tour participants and their parents/guardians will be on Monday, March 22nd at 7:00 p.m. in the North High Orchestra Room.  During this meeting, we will review the most current itinerary, distribute medical release forms, and answer any questions you have about the trip.  Please mark your calendars now to avoid any conflicts.  Again, this is a mandatory meeting for all tour participants and their parents/guardians.

All About the EURO!

The euro (€) is the official currency of the European Union, and is currently in use in 16 of the 27 Member States, including Germany and Spain.  This change of currency holds many benefits for the traveler. For example, you will now need to change money only once—from dollars to euros. When shopping in the euro countries, prices will be displayed in the same currency where ever you go. Euro coins and notes will be available at all banks, post offices, cash dispensers and shops. More information about this currency can be found at this link.  Information regarding the current exchange rate from the dollar to the euro can be found here.

Travel Insurance Information

If you are intested in purchasing optional travel insurance, you may find information regarding the travel insurance recommended by our travel agent, World Group Travel, here.