Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I get separated from my group in Europe?

Stay where you are and call or send a message to the teacher in charge of your group. You will get their number when we get there. Do NOT try to wonder around to find them, contact the teacher and they will come to you.

If you are really worried, download Glympse on your phone. It allows you to send your current location to anyone and it is free. https://www.glympse.com/

Which optional activities have I signed up for and how much will it cost?

Click here for the summary spreadsheet.

When do we need to hand in money for food and optional activities?

The due date for food and activity money is Friday 31 March. It is to be in Pounds or Euros as required and must be handed in to the school office.

What is the best way to convert and carry money for the trip?

Travel cards or cash passports are recommended for spending money as multiple currencies can be loaded on to them. Students are responsible for their own spending money but spare travel cards can be kept with their food money and passports. These will be held by the teacher in charge of each student and will be locked in the hotel safe.

One parent has been to the currency exchange on Lambton Quay to enquire about a cash passport and currency exchange and said that they don't charge any commission on the cash passport or currency exchange.

What will we be doing for laundry services?

Laundry - some of the places where we are staying will have laundry services (washing machines and dryers) available - but we will have to pay for them. You can buy a laundry bag from Briscoes and then three or four people can wash their clothes together in the same machine. When there is not a laundry available at the accommodation, we will use a laundry that is close by. You will probably need around 5 euro for each wash, maybe a little more for using the dryer as well.

Are we be able to buy Fastpasses for Disney land?

See our Disney page for information about this.

Are there cooking facilities available?

There are no facilities available for cooking at any of the places we are staying. We will be organising picnics and places that are cheap to eat in the evenings.

What should I bring?

Check out our suggested packing list.

Do we need to arrange travel insurance?

No, it is included in the cost of the tour. You can see the policy details here.

Which group am I in?

Check out the group lists.

How do I help with the Lego Fundraiser?

Please fill in this doc with times and places that you can assist with the Lego Fundraiser on Sat 25 Feb. Please share around the poster and event as much as possible.

How do I access my fundraising money if I have any leftover after paying for the trip?

If your account is in credit, email greigt@upperhutt.school.nz with a written request to have the money refunded to you. This is required by the school.

Do I need money for Stopovers?

Some Australian currency may be required to purchase drinks and snacks while stopping over in Melbourne and Sydney. Dubai airport accepts Euros.

How do we get to and from the airport?

Travel to and from Wellington airport is the families' responsibility. Teachers will be there to meet students and will wait until they are all picked up when we return.

What do we do about Sim Cards?

We have decided to go with the British phone company, three.co.uk for sim cards while we are away. This is the more cost effective and versatile method to maintain communication. We recommend the £20 add on. The texts and phone minutes cannot be used internationally but can be used between Three sim phones.

Is there any more fundraising?

No, we are all done with fundraising.

Do we need a towel?

We recommend a dry towel as the hostel in Ypres will not provide one. Also if you want to swim you will need a towel.

Why do we need a sleeping bag liner?

The sleeping bag liner is a suggestion only and is not compulsory. It is useful if you do not trust the cleanliness of the linen that is provided for us.