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Teacher-Counselor Handbook
Following here is an electronic version of the acclaimed
passports
Teacher-Counselor Handbook. Use it, as have hundreds of other
teachers, to organize your overseas travel group.
Remember that full details and a colorful group enrollment kit are available, overnight mail if you wish, from passports Thank you for choosing passports, a provider of sensibly-priced educational travel programs backed by 35 years of experience. This searchable Web Site application has been designed with you, the Teacher-Counselor, in mind. We hope it will be a source of help to you. The information appearing below has been collected from experienced group organizers who have traveled under our auspices for over three decades. We're happy to share their ideas and techniques with you. If you need more information, feel free to contact your Admissions Coordinator Toll Free at the number below. 1 (800) 332-7277 In California: 1 (800) 671-7277
Contents:
The passports Difference
Commitment to Quality passports' reputation for quality is earned from year to year. We are committed to maintaining personal contact throughout the year, providing timely service information, and utilizing only the highest quality of travel services. Credibility passports' credibility is grounded in over three decades of experience in the field, involving hundreds of thousands of American high school students and teachers who have traveled successfully under the auspices of Dr. Markle and his staff, and a worldwide network of experienced providers of travel services. References from satisfied and enthusiastic group organizers are available upon request. Security passports carries a comprehensive liability policy which protects individual teachers, schools, and school administrators from any liability claims which might arise out of its travel programs. All student deposits are protected. (See below.) Names and Descriptions of Programs Offered Some one-week trips concentrate on a single country in Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Australia, or the Far East. Others cover several countries. The passports catalog contains many different itineraries ranging from one-week stays in a single city to three-week "grand" tours. Custom Itineraries passports works closely with experienced Teacher-Counselors, who can use their travel knowledge to plan special itineraries. A custom itinerary allows the Teacher-Counselor to include special cultural events, travel to out-of-the-way places, visit with European families, schools, or organizations known personally to the Teacher-Counselor, and even to combine their trip with conferences or other scheduled events overseas. In addition to schools, passports works with a variety of community organizations to plan trips which are truly unique.
The passports Courier passports employs only experienced university-trained couriers, the majority of whom are European. They perform a vital educational and logistical function during the tour. Their job is to make things run as smoothly as possible, by liaising with coach companies and coach drivers, hotels, restaurants, local guides and airlines as well as the staff at the local passports offices. They also perform an equally important role of providing animation and education: that is to say providing commentary while on the coach or during walking tours, sharing their knowledge and opinions and giving the type of insight that only a truly "local" person can. Couriers are frequently multi-lingual. Unlike many other educational travel companies, passports does not recruit graduate or undergraduate students as couriers. We prefer to hire couriers who are experienced and more mature, since today's travelers often demand this. Many times, we have heard complaints from teachers who traveled with other companies because they have been unhappy with their couriers who were far too young (sometimes barely older than the students themselves) and inexperienced to lead a large group of Americans through several different countries without mishap. The average passports courier, for example, is thirty years old and has four years experience. Our couriers are recruited solely by recommendations from teacher-counselors or by referral from other couriers. Cultural Highlights and Evening Activities passports' programs include the widest range of special highlights and evening activities offered by a student-travel organization. Among the most popular are the use of Swiss mountain hotels on selected programs, theatre performances in London, backstage theatre visits and workshops, London tavern dinners, Sound & Light shows in France and Greece, Swiss fondue and folklore in Lucerne, Spanish Flamenco, Hawaiian luau, a Bavarian dinner and folklore in Munich — and many others. New highlights are always being researched and added to our itineraries. FieldTrips and Optional Excursions Most passports tours included extra field trips and optional excursions to areas of interest within a few hours' motorcoach ride of the group's overnight city. See the passports Field Trips and Optional Excursions handbook, which is sent to every student shortly after enrollment. This book includes colorful photos representing each field trip or excursion along with a brief descriptive paragraph about the activities. Pre-Trip Assistance Regular telephone contact with our Admissions Coordinators in the home office facilitates continuous communication and affords the opportunity to offer numerous suggestions to you, depending upon your special interests. Eligibility Travel Requirements Student application forms are endorsed by the sponsoring Teacher-Counselor, who is in the best position to assess the maturity, motivation, and educational background of student applicants. We rely heavily upon such recommendations. Most students traveling are between the ages of 14 and 21. Feedback and Post-Trip Evaluations Teacher-Counselors are given evaluation forms, which are analyzed and tabulated by our staff after the trip. These are used extensively for planning future programs, adding new services, restructuring itineraries, selecting hotels and restaurants, and planning pre-trip services and publications. Advantages and Benefits First and foremost among passports' advantages is the personal attention our staff provides to teachers and students. Such attention is given to teachers throughout the year, with close personal relationships developing between them and the staff which frequently extend over several years. On the trip itself, our couriers provide round-the-clock attention, logistical support, and cultural commentary. passports uses only scheduled flights. Our programs are priced from all major international airports, saving participants the extra cost of connecting flights. Only superior, well-located hotels are utilized. Other tour operators frequently use budget accommodations located far from local landmarks. Communication with students during the year is frequent and individualized, where other organizations tend to rely on pre-packaged materials obtained from national tourist offices. Above all, passports couriers are university educated, with a personal knowledge of art, history, geography, and the actual sites visited by the group under their care. Summary Students and teachers traveling with passports are very conscious of the environment created around them by the sponsoring organization. As a result, our participant loyalty and number of repeat travelers is very high. We continue to plan for the future, with new learning methods, unique and innovative activities overseas, higher standards of accommodations, and logistical efficiency to maximize comfort and avoid the inconveniences often associated with student tours.
passports' Plan for Success
As with any successful endeavor, a firm commitment from you is the first step to guaranteed success. Your students see your commitment, learn from it, and follow suit.
passports'
This imaginative publication contains a wealth of information ranging from historical notes of interest to large, detailed maps pertaining to each destination. Each itinerary is a colorful compilation of insightful details. This is not your typical travel brochure — it's a learning tool in itself.
Each catalog contains one application which is perforated for removal from the book. You may photocopy these, but we prefer to send you a fulfillment packet containing pre-printed applications and postage-paid reply envelopes. Your Admissions Coordinator can provide all the applications you need.
Colorful itinerary offprints are available for all passports programs, and should be distributed to all students interested in traveling. Foreign language versions of most itineraries are available. Using these offprints helps to keep the group focused on the particular program they have chosen. Your Admissions Coordinator can provide you with the required number of offprints.
passports posters are available to announce your trip. Display them in your schoolroom to help promote the tour. Write your name and room number in the space provided on the posters for easy reference. Contact tourist boards of the countries you will visit to request additional posters and materials.
Several weeks before departure, passports will provide you with city fact sheets for the major cities you are about to visit. Each trip plan contains information on climate, sightseeing, historic monuments, churches, major attractions, local events and theater performances, along with restaurant and shopping guides.
passports provides standard and optional medical insurance and trip cancellation coverage. All participants who have paid, or have been credited with, the $95 Membership Fee are automatically covered by standard benefits including payment for certain medical emergencies during the tour and limited refunds in the event of trip cancellation. By paying an additional fee, depending on the length of the tour, participants may purchase the TravelPak™ insurance/benefits package, which conveys additional and more comprehensive benefits. Bulletins for distribution to your participants are available upon request. All students receive a copy of the bulletin with their Acceptance Notice, and are pre-billed for the TravelPak™ optional coverage, which charge they are free to decline in writing if they wish.
Client payments are escrowed in the passports Student Depository Account. The account is maintained at the Fleet Bank of Worcester, Massachusetts, and bears the bank I.D. #93575-75422. Withdrawals from the account are limited to direct costs on behalf of the traveling group, and to clearly identifiable operating margins. In addition, passports is contractually bound to these provisions upon the signing of each participant application.
Liability protection is provided by the Connecticut Indemnity Company. A generic Certificate of Liability is available upon request. Individuals, schools or school districts can also be named specifically on a separate certificate, if requested. A letter from the Executive Director of passports to your school administration is available upon request.
The following recruitment plan is the suggestion of many experienced teachers who've recruited sizeable groups of traveling students. Use these simple guidelines to guarantee success:
If you don't have them already, call passports to order the materials you will need to help you follow your enrollment plan.
Week 1: Step 1 Place an announcement on the school bulletin board, or in the student newspaper, or make one over the school PA system announcing • your educational travel plans and • the date, time and place of the first student meeting. Step 2 Briefly discuss your travel plans in class. Introduce the students to the general idea of traveling abroad. For example, mention some of the places they will visit, and ask them what activities they might find interesting. Maintain interest and momentum by being brief and factual. The "details" will be discussed at your meeting. Hand out your passports itineraries for the students to take home. Familiarize yourself with the itinerary in order to discuss the places that will be visited and the activities available. Step 3 Circulate reminders about the date of the first student meeting. Put up posters to announce the student/parent meeting to be held the following week. Tell your colleagues about your plans and ask them to announce your student meeting as well. Step 4 Put up a bulletin board display about your trip using photos, posters and artwork. Verbally remind your class about the meeting. Give the students a few more "tidbits" about the trip — but not too much. Make sure you have enough applications, itineraries and Terms and Conditions for all interested families. You may photocopy them, or order them from passports for speedy delivery. Step 5 Student meeting after school today. Announce the time and place of today's meeting to all your classes. Following is a sample agenda for the meeting: • Tell students more about the program. • Address parent invitations for next week's student/parent meeting. • Discuss with the students how to approach their parents. • Make sure that each student has an individual itinerary to show to their parents. • Announce the time and place of the student/parent meeting. • Invite any students who have traveled before. Their enthusiasm will be infectious!
WEEK 2 Step 1 Remind students of the student/parent meeting. Announce the meeting in the same manner as you did the student meeting. Produce parent invitations and mail them out today. Step 2 Continue to remind students of the student/parent meeting. Check on arrangements for the meeting room and any equipment you may need. Step 3 Student/parent meeting tonight. Remind students today. Sample agenda student/parent meeting: • Introduce yourself and the subjects you teach. Mention the number of years you've been teaching, or your educational background if you're a new teacher. Pass around a sheet of paper to obtain names, addresses, and telephone numbers of those attending. • State your reasons for wanting to take a group on an educational travel program. This is a good time to discuss the goals, aims and strengths of passports . • Briefly discuss and outline the itinerary. Use a wall map in conjunction with the itinerary map to show the route of the program. Explain briefly that these programs are carefully planned with an eye toward young Americans. • Have a "Question and Answer" period. (Refer to the next section for likely questions you'll receive and suggested answers.) • Explain the application procedure, the "Convenience Billing" plan, and the price guarantees. Make sure every parent reads and understands the Terms and Conditions and the Release and Agreement! Stress the importance of applying early in order to reserve a place in your program of choice. • Students and their parents should fill out their applications and deposit checks. Collect the completed applications. This is important since enthusiasm will be high. Some parents may wish to "think it over" for a few days. It is very important to note the names of these people on the list that was passed around, so that you can follow up with a phone call. • Closing. Thank the parents for coming. Ask the students and parents to read the materials they've received in order to answer any further questions which may arise. Invite them to stay for an informal chat and refreshments. Step 4 Mail any applications collected at the meeting to passports at your earliest convenience. passports will send each student an Acceptance Packet as described in this booklet. Materials received by your students will make the trip real and will spread interest among their classmates. Call your Admissions Coordinator to review your progress and to request additional enrollment materials.
Weeks 3 & 4 Hold another student/parent meeting. Invite any students who were unable to attend the first meeting. Ask the students who have decided to travel with you to bring their friends along, whether these people actually attend your school or not. This will help you achieve the enrollment levels you need for a successful tour group. Follow the first meeting's agenda, but allow additional time for the question and answer period. Talk a bit more about the places you will be visiting, gather together photos, videos, etc. from your school or local library.
Once your students have begun receiving their Acceptance Packets, you may wish to submit a Press Release to the local or school newspaper. An article about your tour will help promote the tour to additional students, and will strengthen the excitement of those already enrolled. Hold meetings at regular intervals to discuss passports materials received, any parental concerns, details as your departure date approaches, etc. Keep inviting prospective applicants in the hopes that they will eventually decide to join the group. To ensure continued involvement of those who have made the initial commitment, make attendance at the meetings mandatory for anyone who has submitted an application and deposit. Give pop quizzes at the end of the meetings, just for fun, without grading. After all, this is a learning experience. Discuss foreign transportation and communication systems, climate, customs, exchanging money, etc. This will familiarize the students with the cities they're about to visit, before they've even left their home town! Contact Tourist Boards for maps, pamphlets and posters of the countries you're visiting. Check your bookstore or library for travel guides such as Michelin, Fodor's, Frommer's or Berlitz. Teach the students common foreign phrases in the languages they'll be hearing.
You may use the following sample invitation as a method which enables students to feel recognized for their achievements, resulting in large group enrollment.
November 7, 2001 You have been selected to join us on a 16-day trip to Europe during the summer of 2002, under the auspices of passports, a well-known provider of educational travel tours. We are inviting a special group of students whom we believe to possess the following desirable characteristics: maturity, reliability, enthusiasm for learning, high academic achievement, good attendance, promptness, self-discipline, willingness to work with others, as well as acknowledgement and tolerance of differing views and perspectives. Young people of this description are a pleasure to travel with. Because of their typical desire to learn and cooperate within the group, they stand to gain a great deal from such a trip. We have conducted similar student trips in recent years with teenagers like you. These provided exciting and rewarding experiences for teachers and students alike. We hope you will accept our invitation to explore new cultures, historic places, and memorable experiences on our next trip. Our 2002 tour will take us across Europe, from headline cities to old world villages in seven different countries: England, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland, including overnight stays in London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Munich, Lucerne and Zermatt. The cost of approximately $2,500 will cover all transportation, including round-trip airfare, a private motorcoach with our own courier, all hotels, all breakfasts and dinners, plus numerous extra excursions and attractions along the way. The summer of 2002 may seem far away now, but it's not too soon to begin planning for such an important event. You and your parents are invited to attend an informational meeting concerning this trip on Thursday, November 11, at ______________________________(place). The meeting will begin promptly at 7:30 pm. We encourage you to attend the meeting to find out more about this great educational opportunity. Sincerely, (your name here)
What do you need to know? Ask us!
Q Why should I choose passports as my travel sponsor?
A passports is operated by one of the most experienced teams of travel professionals in the United States. It is domestically owned — not a subsidiary of some giant foreign conglomerate. The individuals on passports' management team have worked together for several decades, and have the experience necessary to provide you with quality overseas tours and personalized service during the planning stages. The passports staff members are readily-available, and always happy to be of assistance. The company is sensibly managed, and enjoys world-wide recognition.
Q As the Teacher-Counselor, do I pay the Membership Fee and Airport Departure Tax?
A No. Prices are pro-rated to account for the Teacher-Counselor's participation. Teachers travel free with six students assigned. If you are unable to enroll six students, you pay a minimal "negative" stipend based on the stipend chart in this handbook.
Q What about optional fees such as double rooms, insurance and field trips?
A All teacher-counselors, 21 years of age or older, are entitled to double room accommodations and insurance benefits. There must be six students enrolled on an optional field trip in order for the teacher to receive the field trip. If fewer than six participants are enrolled on a field trip, the teacher must pay full price for the field trip.
Q What happens if I enroll more than six students?
A You will receive a "positive" stipend based on the stipend chart in this handbook.
Q If I enroll 12 students, do I get two free trips?
A Yes, but both spaces must be used for the trip on which your students have enrolled. Most teachers bring along a colleague, spouse, relative or friend to assist, or you will receive a "positive" stipend (see above).
Q What if I can't travel after I've recruited my group?
A You may choose someone to take your place. In rare cases, passports will re-assign your students to another qualified Teacher-Counselor on the same program.
Q Can a member of my family travel at a discounted rate?
A Yes. Family members can travel at 20% off the tuition price, but will not count towards your free trip or stipend or any bonuses.
Q I'd like to extend my stay in Europe after the students have gone home. How do I go about doing this?
A You must put such requests in writing to passports at least 90 days before departure. Ticket change fees apply, as per the Terms and Conditions.You may be subject to additional fees associated with these alternative travel arrangements. If no other adult is traveling with the group, we suggest you obtain written permission from parents allowing the students to return home unescorted.
Q What are my responsibilities while on the tour?
A You are responsible for the safety and well-being of the participants, and for enforcing the passports Rules and Regulations. You are also responsible for maintaining a positive and harmonious atmosphere both before and during the tour, as you are setting an example for students which will leave a lasting impression. Should any unforseen difficulties arise, you are responsible for remaining calm and courteous toward all persons involved. You are also responsible for harmonious interactions with other groups from the U.S. with whom you may be traveling. During free time, sub-groups of students may spend time away from the Teacher-Counselor, but must notify the teacher of their whereabouts and schedule. Individual students are to remain as part of a group at all times.
Q Do we have to tip our courier and bus driver?
A Yes. Your courier and long-distance driver depend on their tips much the same as waiters or waitresses. We suggest paying the courier $3.00 per day, per person; and the long distance driver $2.00 per person, per day. Short-term bus drivers can be tipped at your discretion. Veteran group organizer Margaret Benedict of St. Charles, Missouri has this suggestion: collect $20 from each student before leaving the United States (typically at your final group meeting). Buy a greeting card and have everyone sign it. Don't seal the envelope so students can write personalized messages and/or contribute more money at the end of the tour.
Q Will I get a single room for free?
A Your program participation is based on free double accommodations. If you request a single room, or if there is no appropriate adult roommate to share your room, you will be billed $35 per hotel night for single accommodations. Or, if you have eight (8) or more payees assigned to your credit, you will receive single room service at no charge, by forfeiting the two extra stipend credits. Veteran Teachers may use their Veteran Teacher Credit towards a single room upgrade. See Teacher-Counselor Terms and Conditions.
Q If I qualify for a positive stipend, when do I receive that money?
A passports will issue your stipend along with your group's airline tickets.
Q If I owe a negative stipend, can I pay it now?
A Experience has shown that enrollment numbers change constantly throughout the recruitment season. Our Accounting Department recommends that you wait until you are billed to avoid overpayment. Negative stipend invoices are mailed approximately 60 days before departure.
Q I've recruited student groups in the continental U.S. many times, but have never taken students abroad. Am I entitled to the experience bonus?
A passports awards its experience bonuses to teacher-counselors who have traveled with recognized educational travel organizations. Contact your Admissions Coordinator for the specific names of these institutions.
Q How do I contact passports during my tour?
A Your group courier should be able to handle almost any situation which arises. In cases of extreme emergency, you may call our Paris or London offices, our Massachusetts headquarters or our affiliate offices overseas. A senior member of the passports staff is on call during non-business hours at peak travel periods. Full details are provided in your departure package.
Q Do you have offices outside the U.S.?
A You are welcome to call or visit our offices in Paris or London or any of our affiliate offices in Rome, Madrid, Athens and Australia while on your tour.
(If you require further assistance during your meeting, contact your Admissions Coordinator at our toll-free number.) Q How much does the tour cost? A Refer to your itinerary handout and the Terms and Conditions. The tuition price is that listed in the price box, and depends upon the departure date and city. Add to that the Membership Fee and Airport Departure Tax. If we're departing or returning on a weekend, that's another charge for each weekend. Those are the mandatory fees. In addition, we may decide to participate in optional field trips at a minimal extra charge. Also, the high-option insurance/benefits coverage is extra, but optional. Q What's included in the "mandatory" fees? A Round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations with private baths, breakfast and dinner daily (unless otherwise specified in your itinerary), services of a motorcoach, driver and courier. Refer to the Terms and Conditions for a detailed description. Q Are tips included? A Tips are included except for the tip for the long distance bus driver and the courier. It is suggested that each participant tip the long distance bus driver $2.00 per person, per day; and tip the courier $3.00 per person, per day. Q Can we pay for our tour by credit card? A passports does not accept credit cards; nor do most other student travel companies. The reason is that financial institutions backing the credit card companies refuse to advance funds for services to be rendered forward in time. Q Is my money secure with passports ? A passports is the only educational travel company which is financially bound by each and every participant contract submitted. Trip deposits and payments are escrowed in a protective account. Refer to the Terms and Conditions for a complete explanation. Q If I miss one of the "convenience" payments by a few days, will I be penalized? A No. The "convenience" payments are optional. The only deadline you must strictly adhere to is the final payment deadline. Refer to Terms and Conditions for details. Q How much spending money should my child plan to bring along? A It is suggested that each participant bring approximately 200-300 dollars per week to provide for beverages, lunches, snacks, souvenirs, etc. Q Which airline will the group use? A passports uses only major scheduled air carriers such as British Airways, Air France, Delta, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Alitalia, KLM, Lufthansa and United Airlines. Q What sort of hotel accommodations does passports use? A passports uses first class three and four star superior hotels which are centrally located in major cities. Private baths are provided, and students are placed in triple or quad rooms. Double rooms are available at an additional cost. Q What kind of ground transportation is used? A passports uses modern motorcoaches which are comfortable and which pass EEC standards. Coaches are usually air-conditioned and equipped with bathrooms. Keep in mind that Europeans have a different view about air-conditioning than do Americans. In the United Kingdom, air conditioning is normally not available.
Q When will we know the exact flight and hotel information? A Tickets and written tour documentation are mailed to the Teacher-Counselor one week before departure, provided that all participants have paid their program fees in full. Q How do I ensure that my child will not be exposed to second-hand cigarette smoke during the flight? A All passports group seats are booked in non-smoking blocks on the aircraft. Q How do I know that my child will get decent meals? A passports' overseas suppliers provide a higher standard of meals than most student tour companies. Those returning from trips remark about the quality and variety of the meals. Continental breakfast and dinner are included on almost every program. Beverages are usually not included at dinner time. Lunches are to be purchased on-the-spot, unless specifically included in the itinerary. Q My child is a vegetarian, may we request special meals? A We suggest that you request special meals for the airline portion of the tour yourself. You must do so at least 24 hours prior to departure of the flight. Remember to request them for all flights. As for special meals during the tour, the group courier and Teacher-Counselor can assist with making any such requests. Keep in mind that many people in foreign countries may not understand or appreciate special meal requirements. Special meal arrangements cannot be made by passports headquarters. Q Does my child need a passport or a visa, and how do I get these? A Yes. Passports are required for any overseas tour, and are recommended for tours to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Contact your post office for details on obtaining a passport. The company we are using, passports, does not itself issue passports. If your program requires visas, passports will notify you of this fact and will provide you with details on obtaining visas. A passport must be issued before one can obtain a visa. Q My child is not a United States citizen. What documents does he/she need in order to travel on this program? A Regulations are always changing, and there are too many countries for a generic response to this question. Parents should contact their embassy or consulate for details, and should remain in contact periodically prior to departure. Having the wrong documents can ruin the child's "class trip," an opportunity which can never be recaptured. passports is not responsible for helping students obtain these documents. Q Are vaccinations required for this program? A Not for the European programs. (Vaccinations are currently required for our Africa programs.) passports will inform the Teacher-Counselor if these regulations change. Q Does passports offer travel insurance? A Standard and optional medical insurance and trip cancellation coverage are provided. Optional medical insurance is at an additional cost. Coverage becomes effective only upon payment in full of all travel program costs. Refer to the Benefits/Coverage bulletin for more information. Q If my child has to cancel before the tour departs, will I get all of my money back? A You may receive a partial refund depending upon the reason of cancellation, the number of days remaining before departure and the amount you have paid in. Refer to the Terms and Conditions for complete details. All cancellations must be made in writing by the individual traveler or parent. Q What if my child becomes ill or injured while on the tour? A We strongly recommend that parents purchase the optional medical insurance which will provide adequate coverage in the event of any unforeseen circumstances during the tour. Q What are the courier and the Teacher-Counselor responsible for during the tour? A The courier and the Teacher-Counselor(s) work together to ensure the discipline and safety of the students. The Teacher-Counselor is also responsible for maintaining a harmonious and positive experience for the students. In addition, the courier is specially trained to handle a variety of situations, such as the loss of a passport, airline ticket, hotel room key, money, etc., and will accompany the students during leisure time activities. Q Are you being paid to go on this trip? A Chaperoning a group of travelers is a very demanding job which requires months of preparation beforehand, and my constant availability during the tour. If I enroll six students, I receive airfare and hotel accommodations for my services. This is a serious project which I find enjoyable and rewarding on its own merits. Q Are students allowed to consume alcoholic beverages? A At the discretion of the parents and Teacher-Counselor, students may consume a modest quantity of local wine or beer with meals. Consumption of alcohol outside of mealtime is forbidden. Q Can students receive credit for participation in this program? A Yes. Refer to page 26 of this handbook for complete details. Q Can parents, grandparents or siblings go on the tour too? A Anyone can participate in the tour, at the same price as the students. Adults wishing to have double room accommodations are encouraged to pay for this additional service, but it is not required. Q Can my child visit relatives/friends in Europe after the tour? A Participants can extend their stay overseas for a nominal fee, plus any additional airfare. Hotel accommodations are not provided. passports cannot guarantee a particular airline or routing if a participant chooses to deviate from the group ticket.
Teachers Travel FREE!
Travel free with six (6) registered participants. Earn generous cash stipends or extra free spots for co-counselors for participants higher than six. See chart. To collect your positive stipend, the following conditions must be met: • All group members' accounts must be paid in full.
*Stipends of $600 or more, including the experience bonus, are taxable in accordance with United States tax laws.
Family and Faculty discount Spouses, children and faculty members travel at a 20% discount (deducted from Tuition). Discounted travelers do not count toward free travel, stipend, or final group size. Referral Bonuses Refer a new group organizer to passports and receive a $250 Referral Bonus if that person travels with a group of six (6) or more on any 2000-2001 tour.
Veteran Teacher Credit Head teachers who've traveled with passports five times or more will receive a yearly Veteran Teacher Credit, similar to frequent flyer miles. The credit can be applied as payment toward group travel services, or can be used to upgrade the individual travel services of the main group organizer, a value of over $200! (Cash redemption not available.) Experience Bonuses Up to $1,000 extra for experienced group organizers. (Experience with passports or another recognized travel sponsor — contact passports for details.) Experience counts!
Highest Cash Stipends
Travel Free with Five A special incentive for passports first-timers. Didn't get your six (6) students for your free trip? Not to worry, you travel free with five. (Certain restrictions apply. See Teacher-Counselor Terms and Conditions for details.) Not just one free trip, but two! Applicants pre-registered by May 15 or June 15 enrollment deadlines count towards extra free trips, and exciting teacher conventions. (Applicants enrolled by May 15 count for quadruple bonus points; by June 15 for double bonus points!!) Bonus points may be used for exciting extra free trips including passports annual International Teacher Convention, and other special destinations like Tobago, Puerto Rico, and, of course, Europe. No TV sets or merchandise, just extra travel! Getting an early start really pays! Bonus Trips points trip days bonus trips 70 4-12 San Jose, Costa Rica 6 days in a tropical envionmentalist's paradise.
70 4-12 London, Paris or Madrid 5 days in London, Paris or Madrid.
30 4-12 Domestic Round-Trip Ticket within the 48 continetal states
30 4-12 International Teacher Convention Join with passports office staff and
Before You Go
As hotel accommodations are, for many participants, one of the most vital parts of a trip, it is important for you and for passports that your people are well-informed on this topic in advance of departure. During your meetings, discuss hotel accommodations with your group. Group members should be prepared for the fact that hotel rooms in Europe are often older, smaller, and less equipped than the American equivalent. Air conditioning and swimming pools are the exception rather than the rule. Remind your group that due to high demand during peak travel seasons, hotels in Europe are invariably much more expensive than hotels in the U.S.A. passports books hotel rooms based on doubles for Group Organizers over the age of 21, and for adults who have paid the Double Room Guarantee. Triples and quads are used for students and for those adults who have declined double room accommodations. Hotel accommodations are normally booked several months in advance. However, modifications may occur regarding the itinerary and/or the number of travelers, resulting in a different hotel being used than originally planned. For this reason, hotel lists are normally distributed to clients shortly before departure — never earlier. Depending upon room availability, your participants may be offered any combination of doubles, triples or quads. Often, your courier will call ahead to check rooming assignments, and may even already have a list of room numbers while you are still on the bus! Sometimes, a group will "be lucky" and everybody will receive a double room, at no extra charge. No refunds are due those who paid the Double Room Guarantee under such circumstances. At other times, the hotel may not have sufficient triple rooms and be obliged to convert a double into a triple by placing a small bed or "cot" in the room. On rare occasions, a double room may have one large bed rather than two single beds. In this case, two students may be asked to share the same bed. If your participants are warned in advance about these possibilities, they will accept the eventualities much more easily, and not feel they are being "short-changed." Please remember that if you are traveling with other home town groups, your participants may be assigned to share rooms with members of the other groups. In all cases, your courier will try to keep the groups "intact." Rooming students of different sex together, or rooming adults with students is not normally allowed. Be advised that, if an odd number of same-sex participants forms the group, the "odd man out" will be obliged to pay for single or double room accommodations. Like airlines, hotels occasionally overbook. This is unfortunate, but it happens. In such cases, your group may be accommodated in an alternate hotel. Due to the logistics of group travel, passports is not normally able to guarantee a particular hotel or hotel location, although we will try to meet your requirements. We are also not able to guarantee that your entire group will be placed on the same floor of the hotel. passports is the only educational travel company which allows adults to travel at the same price as students. Adults will be charged an optional supplement per hotel night to guarantee double rooms. They may decline this option in writing, providing they state the names of the second and third person with whom they are willing to room. If no such person is available, they will be obliged to pay the double or single room supplement. Adults planning to room with the Group Organizer must pay the double room supplement.
passports itineraries normally include all breakfasts and dinners. Breakfasts vary from hotel to hotel, but are generally "Continental" i.e., they include only juice, rolls or toast and a hot beverage. Cereals, fruit, etc. may or may not be available. Juice is not yet an established custom in all European countries, and may not always be offered… or you may be asked to pay extra for it. passports is not usually able to dictate what hotels serve for breakfast. Dinners include an appetizer, main course and dessert. Usually, a choice of main courses is not offered, but special requirements (vegetarian, Kosher) will be met whenever possible. Inform your participants that they will be experiencing local cuisine. This is one of the reasons they are traveling abroad. Eating habits vary immensely between countries. For example, European bread often has a hard crust. Butter is not normally served at dinner, and ice is dispensed in small quantities if at all! Helpings are invariably smaller than those in the U.S. The restaurants aren't being cruel, Europeans just eat less! Making a list of people with special dietary requirements is advisable. Warn people with vegetarian diets that they may be regarded as "unusual" in southern or eastern European countries where vegetarianism is virtually unheard of. Most vegetarians are offered omelettes or pasta as an alternative. Beware of students who claim to be "vegetarian" but will happily eat fish, chicken or Big Macs! Give your courier a list of any special dietary requirements, but keep it simple, please. It is recommended that special dietary requirements not be communicated to the passports office, but to the courier upon arrival instead. In the case of airlines, the Group Organizer or participant should make special meal arrangements on their own, directly with the airline, at least 24 hours before takeoff. Discussing food beforehand with your group will help avoid many problems and unpleasant surprises. Your courier should be able to give menus in advance, but restaurants often change these at the last minute.
Any participant with special medical conditions should be certain that they have adequate quantities of the correct medication with them at all times. Medication should not be packed into checked baggage, but should be placed in carry-on bags. Most medicines available in the U.S. may not be available in foreign countries, or may be manufactured under a different name. Individuals are responsible for obtaining and carrying their own medicines, and should check with their doctor about procedures to follow in case medications are lost or misplaced while on tour. Most European hotels, restaurants and public transportation systems are not wheelchair-accessible. Elevators and entranceways are often tiny, and most sightseeing venues are centuries-old and ill-equipped for handicapped accessibility. It is recommended that persons using wheelchairs check with their Group Organizer before enrolling on the tour. The Group Organizer will work with passports in determining which European cities can be visited by the handicapped. passports cannot guarantee that all services will be available for handicapped participants.
Obtain a photocopy of each participant's passport (yours too!). If a passport is lost, having a photocopy makes getting a replacement that much easier. Make sure your group understands how precious are. Having someone lose a passport can cause havoc. You may end up spending an entire day, or more, accompanying the participant to the nearest embassy while the rest of the group enjoys the tour. Prepare a rooming list for your group. Be reminded that, unless your tour is a custom itinerary, your group may be combined with one or several other home town groups. Your group may be assigned to any combination of doubles, triples or quads. Find out in advance which students wish to room together, and prepare alternate lists with participants assigned to all doubles, all triples or all quads. Remember that your group may have to share with members of another home town group. Having rooming lists prepared in advance will save a great deal of time and effort for you and your courier. See also "Rooming Assignments." Rooming lists are sent to the main teacher each month beginning upon enrollment, for review and change.
You won't find better… Where you stay You'll be staying in comfortable superior hotel rooms with a private bath in each room. The group stays three and four to a room, with double rooms available at an additional charge. Many hotels are medium size, and chosen for their central location, comfort, staff, and local charm. International dining A variety of dining experiences awaits you on your travel program, from the hotel's own dining room to nearby restaurants such as a pub dinner in London, a Rijsttafel dinner in Amsterdam, fondue and folklore in Switzerland, or a taverna in Athens. Traveling in style You will travel from city to city in private motorcoaches, new and climate controlled — or in day or overnight trains (with couchettes). Steamers and cruise ships provide an exhilarating experience of international waterways and glimpses of some of the world's most colorful islands! Convenient departures Tours are priced from major U.S. gateways, on scheduled airlines. Every effort is made to accommodate special requests for regional airports, if required. passports helps you get ready What should I bring? How do I get a passport? How do I change money overseas? Visit our website for special links to other travel related sites full of practical details and helpful hints. Places to see, things to do Your stay in each major city begins with a sightseeing orientation with a professional guide who knows the city. You'll also have free time for a closer look on your own or in small groups, using our walking tours and city fact sheets. passports' educational goals: • To expose American students to foreign cultures. • To reinforce their work at school and strengthen their commitment to further study. • To develop their personal skills for interacting with others and handling themselves in new and unfamiliar situations. Young people traveling abroad find themselves challenged to discover the world anew — reading foreign street signs, figuring out postal rates, using unfamiliar phone systems, budgeting expenses, rooming with other young people, learning about promptness and attention to details, and taking responsibility. But above all, they learn to think for themselves, to think ahead to their future. It's a process called "growing up," and it happens once in a lifetime. The person who returns from Europe won't be the same child who left: that is our guarantee to you.
Today's teachers, school administrators, and parents strongly support travel programs which fulfill educational goals, rather than just providing a "tour." passports' on-site instruction is backed up by professionally-prepared study materials. Travelers may obtain undergraduate academic credit from by undertaking an independent study project in conjunction with a passports program. For information, contact: Eastern Washington University
Oklahoma State University
• We recommend a 9:30 p.m. curfew, lights out by 10:00 p.m. The Teacher-Counselor and adult chaperones are free to amend this curfew as they see fit. • All student participants (under 21 years of age) must remain with their Teacher-Counselor or other adult chaperone at all times. passports assumes no responsibility for students during times when they are away from the group. Note: special written permission must be obtained for persons under 21 years of age wishing to visit relatives or friends separately from their group while on the tour. • Upon designation of hotel rooming assignments, all participants must remain as assigned. Rooming changes must be specifically authorized by the Teacher-Counselor, courier and hotel management. • Unauthorized room visits between group members will be prohibited. Hotel corridors will be periodically monitored by adult chaperones. • Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs and weapons are prohibited. Any participant violating this rule will be sent home at his or her own expense upon notification of the parents/guardians of that participant. • Non-members of the group are prohibited from visiting hotel rooms and are prohibited from participating in the tour in any manner. • Parties are prohibited, unless specifically designed as part of the tour. • Personal expenses, gifts, beverages, snacks and meals which participants obtain on their own are to be paid for on-the-spot, and are not included in the tour package. (See itinerary and Terms and Conditions for specific meals which are included. Meal inclusion will vary depending upon the tour selected.) • Misconduct may result in disciplinary action including the possibility of the participant being sent home at his or her own expense upon notification of the parents/guardians of that participant. • Destruction to property of hotels, bus companies, airlines, restaurants, museums, tourist attractions, etc. will result in the participant being sent home at his or her expense upon notification of the parents/guardians of that participant. Any damages to such property will be paid by the participant and his or her parent/guardian. • Walkmans and headphones are acceptable, but should be kept at low volume so as not to disturb others, and for reasons of personal safety. • Dress conservatively, and do not wear or carry valuable accessories or clothing.
About Dr. Gilbert Scott Markle
Dr. Markle received his undergraduate education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Physics, 1961). A Fulbright Study Grant took him to the University of Paris, where he received the French Doctorat d'Université in 1963. He later received a Ph.D. in Philosophy (Yale University, 1968), and taught as a tenured professor for many years at Clark University, in Worcester, Massachusetts. Dr. Markle is regarded as one of the pioneers in the field of U.S. student travel, and was responsible for the successful travel of hundreds of thousands of American students in the 1970s and 1980s. Many of the student travel executives active in the industry today were trained by Dr. Markle during this period. Dr. Markle created passports in 1992. The company is based in Spencer, Massachusetts, and is operated by a team of dedicated travel professionals — many of them long-time colleagues of Dr. Markle, and all of them known for many years to traveling teachers across the United States. |
passports is led by student travel industry veteran, Gil Markle.
