3/9/15

BASH Performing Arts Tour 2015

Czech Republic & Austria

Meeting #5

Greetings Fellow Travelers!

Welcome to the 5th meeting for the BASH Performing Arts Tour 2015! The purpose of this meeting is to share information regarding the final details of our international travel experience.

Tour Dates: March 26 to April 6, 2015

- itinerary can be printed from BASH Performing Arts Tour link on BASH Homepage. Itinerary will also be emailed to all students using their student Gmail account.

Financial Information:

We have completed all of the large tour payments and are happy to announce that we will be able to give money back to all travelers! We are anticipating a refund of $180 (~4500 CZK) which will be converted to Czech currency for you. You will receive this money on the departure day.

Spending Money and Currency:

At previous meetings a variety of money options were discussed. John Rice discussed the AAA Visa Travel Money Card. Please remember to notify your bank and credit card company that you are traveling abroad. The Czech Republic and Austria are both “cash preferred” or “cash only” countries, especially at restaurants, so please plan ahead. Credit cards are accepted in touristy areas and when making large purchases. ATM machines are abundant in the larger cities. Here are my recommendations for spending money.

-Lunch $15 per day (~$150). Departure in dollars, 4 days in Czech, 5 days in Euro, Souvenirs (~$250), Entrances and Excursions (~$100). Total $500-600

-Czech Crown (CZK) currently $1 = 25 CZK.

  • A full lunch will cost 300 CZK or about $12
  • Your dollar will go further in Czech

-Euro (Austria and Germany)

  • Currently $1 = .92 EUR
  • Prices in dollars and Euros are similar

-In general, the dollar is currently very strong

Packing & Luggage

Students should plan to have one checked piece of luggage (under 45 lbs, less than 158 cm) and a personal item (purse, backpack, etc.) that will fit under the seat in front of them on the plane. A carry-on item will be assigned to most students (instrument or garment bag).

Band Uniforms– Students will double or triple band uniforms into a garment bag, but hat boxes will be packed separately. If you have an extra piece of luggage that you would be willing to loan to us we are in need of 4 suitcases to pack band hats.

During the preview trip I noticed that the following things were not provided in the hotel:

-Travel alarm or alarm clock

-Wash cloth

Electrical Considerations

A “Type E/F” outlet adapter will work for both countries. Both Austria and the Czech Republic have a Voltage of 220. Before plugging in any electronics please make sure that they are rated up to 220V, if not you will need a voltage converter.

Weather

During the time period in which we are traveling the average high temperature is in the mid-50s. We will spend a lot of time outside on walking tours, so dress warmly.

Communication

All three hotels have wireless internet access. Mobile phone networks are fantastic in Europe, but please check with your carrier before making international calls.

In the event of an emergency and you need to reach a student or chaperone on the trip, first call the BASH Office at (610) 369-7453 during school office hours. If you need to reach someone outside of school hours call our Music & Travel representative, Mike Norris, at (610) 329-3447.

Also, I plan to provide trip updates under the “Music Trip” link on the BASH Homepage, as well as BASH Performing Arts Tour 2015 on Facebook and @BASHPerfTour on Twitter.

Before We Depart

On Wednesday, March 25th all travelers will bring their luggage to the BASH Auditorium between 3:00pm and 6:00pm. Luggage will be weighed, tagged, and accounted for on the manifest. Luggage will remain secured in the auditorium overnight.

Thursday, March 26th

Here is the plan for the day of departure:

Flight Groups A & B – report to the Auditorium by 12:40pm. Departure on coach busses for Newark Airport by 1:15pm.

Flight Group C – report to the auditorium by 1:30pm. Departure on coach busses for Newark Airport by 2:30pm.

Cars should not be left at the high school during the trip. Please arrange to be dropped off on March 26h, or make sure that someone can pick up your car later that day.

We are truly looking forward to the upcoming tour to Central Europe. The BASH Performing Arts is often highlight of a student’s experience in the Boyertown Music program, and we are excited to give the opportunity to travel, share, and perform in Austria and the Czech Republic.

Sincerely,

Mr. Michael Jordan

Lead Teacher for the Fine Arts,

(610) 473-3464

To Do List at tonight’s meeting:

1) Confirm spending money with Miss George

2) My Flight Group: _____My arrival time in Auditorium on March 26th: ______

3) Check the following to make sure your name appears:

Rooming lists for Prague, Vienna, & Salzburg

Bus List