9. Flight Info
• You MUST reconfirm your airplane ticket
by calling the airlines listed in your itinerary
(Not AESU)
• Arrive between 2-3 hours early for
international flights
10. At airport check-in:
• You will receive your Airline
Ticket (for E-Tickets Only)
• Bring credit card, debit card,
money
• Passport
• Check 1 bag, carry on 1 bag,
and a personal item (such as a
purse)
• Make sure to mark your
checked bag with
identification!
11. Airport Security
Please follow these guidelines when preparing toiletries
for your carry on:
• Keep all liquids (3 oz or less) and prescriptions (labeled
in original packaging) in a quart size, Ziploc bag.
•The 3 oz rule does not pertain to over-the-counter
medicine and prescriptions (ex. contact solution, eye
drops, etc.).
12. Packing
1 Carry-on (anything that you would
need if your checked bag was lost)
Prescription drugs, contact lenses,
toiletries and an extra set of clothes.
1 Checked baggage (everything else!)
Pack light!
Pack REAL walking shoes.
Leave room for bringing things home.
13. Packing
(Continued)
• Please check with you airline on baggage weight and
size limitations (i.e. United Airlines).
• If your luggage is over the weight limit you will be
charged an extra fee.
• A day pack makes a good carry-on and trip bag.
• It’s not recommended to bring expensive electronics
like laptops and cameras. They could be stolen or lost
and are heavy to carry around.
14. Packing
(Continued)
• Please visit www.tsa.gov/ for more guidelines and
regulations.
• Remember that the summer weather in Europe can
vary greatly! Review the provided Packing List.
15. Packing
Electrical Items
Europe uses a different voltage system than the U.S.
You will need an adapter or converter for your
electronic items (ex. Hairdryer, curling iron, cameras
that use a rechargeable battery).
16. Avoiding Jet Lag
• Leave home well rested
• During the flight, stay hydrated, eat lightly, and
rest/sleep
• Periodically, take a short walk through the aisles of
the plane
• On arrival, reset to local time
17. Arrival
• If you didn’t purchase airfare through AESU, you
will need to arrange your own transfers to the hotel
• Upon arriving, you will have free time to explore
London
• Most hotels accommodate travelers arriving early-
usually will watch your bags for you
18. Arrival
• Welcome Orientation:
Location: Princes Square Hotel
Time: Evening (actual time will be posted in
the lobby)
Date: June 23, 2013
• Before travel days, the Tour Director will post
important departure information in the hotel lobby
19. Safety and avoiding theft
• Guard your passport, money, cards
• Buddy System
• Tell someone where you are going!
• Keep a low profile
• Be “situationally aware”
• Keep track of your belongings
• Remember you are a GUEST in Europe!
20. Recommended: $1500 to $2,000 available for span of
trip (depends on spending habits)
Exchanging money – ATM over in Europe.
Keep a few US dollars tucked away.
Call Credit Card/Bank before leaving for trip.
Have cash available for restaurants.
Money
21. Exchange money at the airport or early in the day for
London because we will be going straight to a pub!
Current Exchange rates:
•$1 = .77€
•$1 = .65£
Money
22. Water! Stay hydrated.
Pillows - on plane and bus.
Pocket change for restroom breaks.
Pocket sanitizer and toilet paper.
Wash your hands often.
Sleep - at least now and then (Bus).
Bring a book to share.
Wear comfortable, walking shoes.
Comfort
23. Phones
• Personal cell phone plan- call your cell phone
company about an international plan
• Rental cell phone- many cell phone companies will
rent you a cell phone
• Purchase a disposable phone in Europe.
Calling cards- may use at phone cafes or pay phones
Communication
24. Internet
• Wi-Fi- many hotels will have Wi-Fi, may be free or
will have to pay a small fee
• Many Hotels also have some computers in the
lobby
• Internet Cafes- all over Europe, pay per minute or a
span of time to use the internet
Communication
25. A tip is expected for the bus driver and the tour guide at
the end of the trip. Please budget this amount when
planning your trip!!! The total recommended tip is $80 -
$115 (USD) per tour guide and driver. Please keep this
money aside.
Tip the Tour Guide
and Bus Driver
26. • Tour Director - $3-5/day
• Bus Driver - $3-5/day
• Local Guides (if you like them!) - $2-4/day
• Dinners on itinerary - AESU will tip
• Your own dinner - ~10% but check to see if tips are
included
Tip the Tour Guide
and Bus Driver
27. The following optional excursions (not included in the
trip price):
• Paris – Moulin Rouge (French Cabernet Show)
• Munich – Dachau Concentration Camp
• Austrian Alps – Whitewater Rafting and Horseback
Riding
Optional
28. • Florence- Tuscan Feast
• Florence- Chianti Excursion
• Poros – Greek Island Sailing Trip
**Please do not rent ATVs (ask me about the ATV story)
You may fill out the excursion form before arrival or wait
until you arrive in Europe.
Optional
29. Getting along for 19 days on a
Aggie Family Vacation!
- Try to give everyone a chance
- Be polite and courteous, even if you don’t like someone
- You don’t have to hang out with everyone, but just be
nice!
Group Dynamics
32. Questions?
For more information contact me:
Erin Agricola
Cal Aggie Alumni Association
(530) 752-4502
emagricola@ucdavis.edu
aggieadventures@ucdavis.edu
Born in Vienna, majored in history at University of Vienna, studied political science and philosophy. Traveled to Latin America in 1997, developed interest in the culture of the region and helped found Konak, an association for research and culture in the Americas which cooperates with universities in Europe and Latin America for student excursions. Worked for public relations agency in Vienna which specialized in helping university professors present their work in an informative and entertaining way to the public. Became an AESU Tour Director in 1999 and began leading trips around Europe for groups of young travelers. Visited Latin America in 2002 and trained in the Afro-Brazilian martial art of Capoeira, published article in Austria about Capoeira and now leads excursions through Brazil which focus on Afro-Brazilian culture. Fluent in German, English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.
