The document summarizes plans for an independent 3-week Europe trip for graduating high school students in the summer of 2014. It discusses the history and success of previous trips organized by Don Hirsch and Peter Miller over 20 years. The 2014 trip is planned from late June to mid-July, offering benefits like longer duration, better weather, and lower costs compared to traditional winter/spring trips. Interested students and parents are asked to provide contact information and indicate intentions to participate by December 21st. Details on payments, travel agents, and insurance are also included.

1. December 2012
Dear Parents and 2014 Grad Students:
Preface: This is an independent Europe trip, not to be confused with what may be attempted to be organized
at the school level.
History:As you may be aware, we have been organizing Europe trips for the graduating students for over 20
years. The popularity of the trip has grown steadily due to its success year after year. We have run a “school”
trip as early as the beginning of March and as late as we did two years ago when our 19 day trip ran from April
8th – 26th. In the past we were fortunate enough to be able to offer 19-20 day excursions during the school
year in conjunction with Easter. Unfortunately, restrictions have been placed on international trips that limit
the amount of class time missed. As well, trip organizers have been advised that future trips must run during
the February/March break. Having experienced travel in Europe during the winter, we know that many of the
activities and attractions are not even available. Moreover, road safety is a concern as many areas experience
snow at that time of year. In addition, the cost difference between a 19-20 day trip and a 14-17 day trip is
negligible and we want to give the participants the best value for their dollar. By offering an independent trip
in the summer, we have also managed to address some of the academic concerns that have been an issue
over the years. With CEGEP acceptance becoming more difficult, it didn't make sense to be traveling during
this crucial application period. Parents of the 45 participants that went on the 2012 trip enthusiastically
supported this idea. Our trip this past summer was an amazing success enjoyed by all.
Future:We have another large group of 2013 grads who will be traveling with us this coming summer as we
leave on June 28th and return on July 16th. Participants are excited for their grad trip!
Some of the benefits of doing a trip in the summer are:
1) The longer 19 or 20 day trip that is desired
2) Guaranteed wonderful weather
3) No school time missed
4) Lower cost due to no teacher substitution expense and the ability to organize the trip on our own
terms
5) More flexibility as far as trip guidelines are concerned as it is outside the school calendar
6) Payment options
Information about the trip is available at www.europe-excursion.com
The anticipated cost for the 2014 trip will be similar to this year at $3950. The 3 week trip will depart at the
end of the school year and return in mid-July.
We present you with this letter now for the following reasons:
1) We need to know if your son or daughter would participate in a 3 week trip at the beginning of July
2014. Please email back your intention. This would be a non-affiliated school trip.
2) We will be communicating extensively by email so please write your email address on the attached
sheet.

2. 3) We will be asking for a $250 deposit in early spring 2013 so that we may start the planning with the
travel agent. This deposit is fully refundable up to early September
4) We are planning a parent info meeting sometime in the next few months.
Our trip is supplied by P Henchey Travel that is headquartered in Montreal, where travel agencies are required
to place all monies received, into a trust account. These funds are fully guaranteed by the government, to
protect consumers against fraud, theft, bankruptcy etc. Moreover, P Henchey Travel is fully protected by
"errors and omissions" and "liability" insurance, which requires proof of financial stability. These important
matters should always be part of your due diligence when planning a trip for student groups.
It is often said that travel is the gateway to growth. At P Henchey Travel, we are honoured to help students
take that life-changing step toward adulthood, maturity and personal growth.
We work hand in hand with this certified travel agent who allows us to choose quality hotels (3 & 4 star) in
locations close to city centers. Travel insurance with RBC is also included in the cost.
It is worth looking at the on-line reviews of certain other group travel companies that are used by some
schools.
In conjunction with Peter Henchey Travel, we offer a quality trip.
Payment Options:
Due to organizing this trip independently, we can offer payment options to accommodate your personal
financing. You can choose from the following:
1) Cash
2) Cheque made out to “Don Hirsch” or “Peter Miller” (secured in a jointly accessible account)
3) Paypal by money transfer or e-transfer or credit card to europe.excursion@gmail.com. This can allow
you to make monthly payments if you so desire. Note: If paying by Paypal, you will need to add the 3%
charge to your amount.
If you have any questions about the trip, please do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail at
europe.excursion@gmail.com
You can keep in touch with us via Facebook as well: Search for “Europe Trip 2014 for Alumni of Westwood
Senior High School (Summer 2014)” and like!
Please email the attached information to us indicating your intention.
Sincerely,
Don Hirsch & Peter Miller

3. Emailor return the following information to Don Hirsch and Peter Miller by December 21st for the Europe 2014 grad trip.
Student Name: ___________________________________
Parent Signature: _________________________________
Phone Number: ______________________
1) My son/daughter would participate in a 3 week trip leaving the end of June(Y/N) _____
2) Clearly print parent email__________________________________________________
3) Clearly print student email _________________________________________________
4) We will attend the important info meeting to be held in early winter/spring 2013.(Y/N)
_____