Tipping and FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What should we tip our guides? 

A.   While tips are always optional, if your guides and driver have provided great service, we suggest a tip of approximately $150 - $180 per traveler, per trip, depending on the size of the group and the length of the expedition. Please feel free to ask us for more specific guidance about tips for your group. Tips can be handed to your tour manager or head guide on your last day of your trip, who will divide them between guides with a small portion shared with drivers.  Tips in the currency of the country are appreciated, but US dollars are OK, too. If you choose to, you can have 3 envelopes ready and deliver 10 - 15% of the total tips for the driver and the remaining equally divided for your 2 guides.

Q.  Should we tip other service providers we encounter during the expedition?

A.  Tips for any other providers involved with your group (restaurant servers, local visionaries, etc.) during the trip is optional.   Your guides can help you determine an amount if you choose to give tips along the expedition. If your tour includes specialist guided activity such as white water rafting, Dance Experience or Historical guided tour by an external guide, we highly advise you have some tips ready for individual guides.

Q. What expiration dates should passports have?

A.   Passports should have an expiration date that is at least six months after your return date. 

Q. What about the new European visa program (ETIAS)?

A.   Travelers to Europe, starting in May, 2025, will need to apply online for a visa.  The visa is free for students under 18 (about $7.50 otherwise) and lasts for 3 years or until the traveler's passport expires.  Your trip will take place before the ETIAS goes into effect. 

Q. If we have to exchange currency, should we do it before the trip or when we arrive?

A.   It’s generally easier to exchange currency before travelers leave home. There isn’t always a convenient place to change money at the destination and it takes a good chunk of time for all travelers to do so.

Q. Do we need to plan for food or lodging or transport?

A.   From the moment you set foot at your destination, all transportation, meals, and lodging are taken care of.  The only things you might want to bring or purchase are snacks or souvenirs, but everything you need for your expedition is included.

Q.  What leadership role should I prepare to assume?

A.  We want this to be a fantastic experience for you as well as for your students.  Your guides will plan with you and keep you up to date about agendas and any required or suggested changes.  Guides will also work to get to know you and your students so that they quickly become a part of your group.

Q.  What do we need to do for students with food allergies or dietary restrictions?  Should those students bring food?

A.   E&E will communicate directly with food providers to clearly communicate any dietary needs throughout the expedition.  While bringing food is not generally necessary, we understand that participants with dietary restrictions may want to carry snacks.  Those with prescribed Epi-pens or Auvi-Qs should carry them during the trip.

Q. What if we have travel disruptions prior to our arrival or get delayed until after our original departure date for medical reasons or other unknown factors?

A.   E&E will make any arrangements within our power to adapt the itinerary for your well-being.  The costs for these adaptations can be paid at the time with a backup payment method or the school can be billed.  Travel insurance may help cover these costs.

Q. As a teacher, how should I prepare students for the trip?

A.   We want students to connect activities, people, and places to central themes and big ideas that will give them a sense of the story of a destination.  We strongly advise organizing motivational meeting(s) with E&E staff for students and chaperones prior to departure. During this time, we can help to get students motivated, begin bonding, and start presenting the themes that will be repeated during the expedition.  Of course, please also let us know if you have themes that you would like us to weave in as well.