How to Prepare for Your Latin America Trip
Parent – Student Checklist
Please Note: Regulations continue to change regarding travel documents necessary to travel to ANY and ALL destinations outside of the U.S. As a result, it is required that all travelers to any international destination (including Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean) have an official government-issued passport. Additionally, check with your Global Travel Alliance representative to see if minors need a notarized parental-permission slip.
Packing Tips:
Pack light! This cannot be stressed enough! You may only bring one suitcase and one carry-on. Your suitcase cannot weigh more than 44 pounds. One medium-sized suitcase and a backpack or small duffle bag to carry on the plane is sufficient. Super-sized suitcases are a bad idea! Unquestionably, you are better off packing light, and having to purchase something you need overseas, than over-packing.
Since airline regulations continue to change, make certain that you double-check all details regarding your flight requirements including luggage limitations.
Allow extra room for any gifts or souvenirs you purchase. Airlines are now strict regarding carry-on luggage.
Due to the new security measures regarding checked luggage implemented on January 1, 2003, film may be damaged by the machines used to scan luggage. It is best to keep film in your carry-on bag.
We suggest that you write your name and address inside of your suitcase. A lock is a good idea for additional security; as is keeping a record of your suitcase's contents.
Put things you might need on the first day into your carry-on. Make sure to keep your money with you during the entire trip.
Pack these items in your carry-on (NOT in the checked suitcase).
Change of undergarments and a clean shirt. (Luggage does get lost sometimes)
Any prescription medicine
An itinerary of the trip
Your passport & tickets
Camera
Cash/credit cards, etc.
Weather can be very unpredictable, so be prepared for a variety of conditions. Pack comfortable, light clothes.
Hiking boots or tennis shoes with a good grip (for horseback riding, and hiking)
Sandals with heel straps for the beach, hot springs, and white-water rafting.
Sweatshirt or light jacket for cool nights
Rain parka or jacket
One piece modest swimsuit & towel
Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, mosquito repellant
Plastic bag for dirty and/or wet clothes
Appliances tend to be bulky, you may want to share them with a friend
Toiletries and necessary medications
Camera and film (both are expensive in most places overseas)
Waterproof flashlight (for night activities)
Strap for glasses (for white-water rafting and hiking)
An alarm clock and/or watch are also a good idea.
Don’t forget to bring a government-issued (drivers license) or school-issued ID for airport check-in. Your name on your ticket must be exactly the same as your name on your ID.
Miscellaneous Matters:
U.S. dollars must be clean and crisp (torn bills are not accepted by the bank or venders)
Please do not bring travelers checks.
Making phone calls from Latin America to the United States is best done with an e-kit, AT&T or MCI international card (international minutes are less than the minutes printed on the card – for every 1 domestic minute you use approximately 8 international minutes).
If you have a prescribed medication, you must provide your group leader with a copy of the prescription. Do not mix medicine in the same bottle. No shots are required, but we do recommend that your tetanus be current. Please check with your doctor.-You need to be at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. For groups of 35 or more, we recommend 2 1/2 hours before departure.
Your school group leader will be handing out a final travel packet including luggage tags, finalized itinerary with flight itinerary, emergency phone numbers, and hotel contact information no later than two weeks prior to your departure. Airline tickets (or e-ticket information) will be provided at the appropriate time.
a.No alcohol consumption for the duration of the trip.
b.Loud, offensive language and behavior should be avoided.
You are representing your school and our organization.
c.Boys and girls are not allowed in opposite sex rooms.
d.It will be the responsibility of the school leaders to provide student discipline on the trip.
School representatives must know the whereabouts of students at all times.
e.During free time, students must be in groups of three or more.
f.Participation in all group activities is required. Punctuality in all activities is essential.
g.Neatness and cleanliness are expected.
Any damage to hotel rooms or tour buses will be billed to the responsible party.
h.Excessive noise, especially in hotel halls at night, is unwelcome and inconsiderate.
i.Curfew will be respected.
j.Shoplifting or possession of illegal drugs will result in being sent home abruptly.
Students not abiding by these Global Travel Alliances policies and/or school rules will be sent home by the school group leader at the students’ family expense.
And, to further help you!
Remember that YOU are responsible for your suitcases and carry-ons at all times. Do not let them out of your sight for a minute. Can’t stress this enough. Things do get stolen from time to time.
Upon arrival, we will go through customs/immigration. You will need to fill out brief forms. We are there as “tourists“. As we go through immigration, it is rather easy to get separated. Do NOT wander off in the airport while others are going through immigration. Stay together.
An inflatable neck pillow often helps on long trips.
Drink water! The cabin air is very dry. It’s easy to get dehydrated, especially if you are avoiding drinking because you don’t want to get up and go to the bathroom! Drinking water or juice not only restores moisture to your body but reduces travel fatigue.
Feel free to call the Global Travel Alliance office at 866-313-2577
if you have any questions or concerns!
