Getting Ready

If you are traveling with us, there are a few things that will make the trip run smoothly. Here are some things you should know.

UPDATED MAY 3, 2025

2025 TOUR INFO

AT THE AIRPORT🛫

1. Prepare for a long day; go to be early or nap on the plane. 😴

On our first day we will arrive in DC in the early evening, grab dinner, then tour the monuments at night! It will be a long day due to the time change, you may need a little cat nap. We will not arrive at our hotel until 9 or 10PM.

2. Wear Layers on the plane.⛄

Airplanes can get very cold. Bring a sweater or sweatshirt, and socks (if your feet get cold).

ON THE PLANE✈

1. Bring Snacks🥨

...but don't bring corn nuts or anything with a strong odor. Drinks are usually free on the plane (except on Southwest). Remember that airport and plane snacks are expensive, and our flight is long. We will arrive at the airport very early (possibly as early as 5 AM, you will get this information at our departure meeting). So you will need something to snack on before dinner time.

2. Cash Not Accepted💵

Cash is not accepted on the plane, so if you need snacks, buy them before boarding. If you plan to rent entertainment or pay for wifi, look into one of the student debit cards. I have more info about that below.

3. Entertainment🎵

Some planes have screens where you can watch movies and shows for free, but others do not. Download the app of the airline that we are traveling on to connect to free shows. 😃

WHAT TO PACK

1. The Weather☔

The weather will be warm, but it could rain. Bring a light rain jacket or poncho and maybe a small umbrella just in case. Most of the time we get a stray shower here and there, but one year it rained almost the entire time! It was still fun and warm though. Be sure to have a sweatshirt for night time. You won't need a heavy coat.

2. Clothing👚

I pack at least 1 pair of jeans just in case it is rainy at night. My other choices are light shorts, skirts, and linen type pants. I also bring t-shirts and other shirts that can be layered over for comfort or sun protection.

3. Shoes 👟

Bring comfortable shoes. We will walk 5 or more miles per day and nothing ruins your trip like sore feet. Flip-Flops and Crocs are not recommended, but comfortable walking sandals are. Don't buy new shoes just before the trip; make sure that you have tested them out at home first. I usually bring 1 pair of sandals and 1 pair of tennis (sport) shoes in case of rain. If you don't mind wet feet, you can get away with just the sandals. Whatever you bring, make sure they have adequate support.

4. Water Bottle🥛

Bring a refillable water bottle such as a Hydroflask (Stanley is not a good choice due to its size and lack of seal). There are many cheaper options that work just as well by the way. I suggest a water bottle that will keep your water cold for the day. Since we will walk a lot, it can be a life saver on a hot day. See the link below.

5. Ladies 🚺

Bring extra "supplies" even if you don't think you will need them. Someone always does.

LUGGAGE

For the sake of convenience, try to fit everything in a carry on sized suitcase. DON'T PURCHASE A NEW CARRY ON UNTIL WE HAVE FLIGHT INFORMATION. Unfortunately, every airline has a slightly different size requirement and I will let you know what ours is as soon as we are assigned. In the meantime, here are links to the airlines that we travel most.

American Airlines

United Airlines

Southwest Airlines

Airlines allow you to bring on board 1 carry on and 1 personal item such as a backpack. If a flight is full, they will sometimes ask us to check our carry on bags in. If this happens, they will not charge us. Just make sure that your valuables are in your (medication, chargers, money, etc.)

KEEP VALUABLES IN YOUR BACKPACK

WHAT NOT TO PACK

1. Expensive Stuff🎧

Leave the expensive electronics at home. Anything beyond your phone is unnecessary, and one more thing that you have to worry about. Also, Airpods are easily lost, and wireless Beats are big and bulky. One year, I had a student drop his airpods while seated in the plane. Someone picked them up just that quickly and they were gone. You would be better off getting a cheap pair of wired earbuds from Wal-Mart so you don't have to worry about charging them, losing them, having them stolen, or leaving them behind somewhere. If your phone no longer has a auxillary port, there are inexpensve wireless buds too ($20 vs $200). But, if you do want to bring your airpods, click here to see a handy way to keep from losing them. These cords attach to your airpods to help you keep from losing them. Personally, I'll be using this headband-earphone thingy on the plane though! That way when I fall asleep I dont have to worry about them falling out and they won't interfere with my pillow. 😁

If you choose to bring an iPad, game console, or other expensive item, keep in mind that you are solely responsible for it and we will be unable to return to any location if you leave it behind or lose it.

2. Large Bottles of Cologne, Lotion, or Hair Products 💈

You can't bring these on the plane. They will make you throw them away at the airport.

3. Portable Speakers 🎶

These are not necessary and are not allowed in government buildings. Do not bring portable speakers.

OTHER GOOD TO HAVE ITEMS: CLICK THE LINK TO SEE PRICES AND DESCRIPTIONS

DEBIT CARD

Don't want to give your child cash? Use a debit card that allows you to track what they are spending and where they are spending it. If the card is lost, you can freeze it. If money is running low, you can replenish it.

TRAVEL UMBRELLA

This handy umbrella is small and easy to carry. It's not a necessity, but can be used for rain or sun protection.

TRAVEL BAGS

You are not allowed to bring large, liquid-filled items onto an airplane, this will help you keep things small. Of course, Ziploc bags work well too!

STAINLESS STEEL WATER BOTTLE

Great for those long hot walks. This bottle has a wide mouth so that it is easy to get ice in, and the lid is attached so you don't have to worry about losing it. Also only $17.99 for the 18oz one.

TRAVEL WALLET

These are great because they are easy to conceal and are a great way to keep your money close to your body.

TRAVEL PILLOW

After all night on a plane, you will be happy to have this!

WRIST WALLET

Just like the travel wallet, this is a great way to keep money secure and accessible. I'm pretty sure your phone won't fit though!

BINOCULARS

Great for seeing far away places from the plane and from the tops of buildings. Also helpful for the Broadway show.

WAIST BAG

Another option for keeping belongings close is to use a waist bag. You can carry them directly on your waist or crossbody.

PERFUME DISPENSER

Every year, someone brings a gigantic bottle of perfume. This is a good option if you still want your perfume with you. Just remember not to spray it on the plane or bus.

COLLAPSIBLE WATER BOTTLE

A collapsible water bottle can be a space saver. It won't keep your drinks cold, but if you don't mind that it's a good option.

BLUETOOTH EARBUDS

Inexpensive wired bluetooth earbuds are a great option because if you lose them it's no big deal and you don't have to worry about them staying in your ears.

FAQ

1. How much money should I bring?💰

Everyone is different. But a good rule of thumb is $30 to $50 per day for snacks, incidentals, and souvenirs. Please be clear with your child about what they should and should not spend money on.

2. Should I bring a swim suit?👙

Maybe. We usually do not stay at hotels with lifeguards, and I can't swim 🏊😄, but sometimes there is free time and a chaperone may volunteer to accompany a group to the pool.

3. What time will we get up in the morning?

On average, we leave the hotel at about 7:30 am. If there are 4 people in your room, you need to allow time for everyone to get ready and eat breakfast. Expect to wake up between 5:30 and 6 am.

4. What time will we get back to the hotel?🛌

Every day is a little different. Expect to be back as early as 8 or as late 11.

5. Where and what will we eat?🥗

All meals are included except last day dinner which will be at the airport.

Breakfast will be at the hotel. You will have the choice of hot or cold items, buffet style, all you can eat.

Lunch is usually fast food wherever we happen to be. You will be given $20 on a Till card so that you can choose where you would like to eat in a certain area. (You already paid for this).

Dinner is usually (not always) at a restaurant where we eat together. The tour director will take our orders in advance and call ahead to let them know what we want. Restaurants will be chosen with consideration for those with dietary restrictions.

6. Do I need to dress up for the Broadway show?🎬

No. We will attend the show after a full day of touring and will be surrounded by others who have done the same. On that day, I usually wear something slightly nicer than on other days like black linen pants and a black t-shirt. I carry a scarf and sweater in my bag to put on at the show, but even this is not necessary.

7. Will we get to go shopping?🛒

Yes. Our tour directors know the cities well and will point out the best places to pick up souvenirs. If you plan to buy a lot, remember to leave room in your suitcase.

8. Do students need a passport? 🛂

No. Students do not need any identification since they are under the authority of the school and the company. In other words, if an issue arises, we will intervene on their behalf based on instructions and information that we have from you. Having said that, carrying their school ID is never a bad idea, but passports are not necessary.

9. Do adults need a passport?

Maybe. If you have not received your Californina Real ID by May of 2025, you will need to use a passport to travel. If you have received your California Real ID, no passport is necessary.

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