Wednesday, 6 April 2016

Pre-trip Blog One: Pepping for the Trip

We have 19 students, 2 community members, and 3 college faculty ready to head to Europe! This first posting is to help remind everyone what to prep for the trip. We will not review items already addressed, but go over tasks which still need to be done by everyone.



Packing:
Here are the limitations:

  • Checked baggage
    • 158 cm maximum linear dimension (height + width + length)
    • 23 kg (50 lb) maximum weight
    • A second bag will cost at least $100 per way + taxes
  • Carry on luggage limits
    • Maximum 23 cm by 40 cm by 55 cm
    • 10 kg (22 lb) maximum weight
  • Electronic items with restricted use
More details about packing limitations from Air Canada can be found here.

Keep in mind: If you cannot carry it around, don't bring it!

Clothing:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Casual clothing (European standards - no yoga pants, Bud shirts, or clothing with holes)
  • 1 set of business casual (button up collared top, no denim)
  • Spring jacket
  • Toiletries
  • Electronics (hair dryer, phone, chargers & adapters, razors)
Travel Documents
Keep passports and credit cards in a safe location. Please make certain that you have left copies with your family and/or friends back home and that they have a copy of your itinerary and how to reach you if needed. For documents, if you absolutely don't need it, don't bring it!

Money:
Meals are listed on your itinerary. You will want to bring some cash for smaller cafe, but you can use credit or debit for most tourist shopping areas. You can find limits for bringing goods back here at this website.


Getting to and from the airport:
We have had a few questions about how everyone should get to the airport. Well, there are several options besides walking or hitchhiking!


  1. You can post on this site in the discussion area to arrange a ride with another participant in the trip, or offer a ride if you have room in your vehicle.
  2. Services such as Simcoe County Airport Service will provide door to terminal service for customers with prices listed on their website.
  3. You can Park n Fly at the airport.

Other Questions:
If you have other questions, feel free to email me at matt.koller@georgiancollege.ca. Alternatively, you can try posting in the comments section here!

6 comments:

  1. Hey guys! I am planning to take a Simcoe County Airport Shuttle to the airport so if anyone wants to meet somewhere in Barrie to be picked up we will get a lower rate for more people.
    Thanks,
    Cassidy Chafe

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hey, I was actually thinking the same thing, I'm from Midland and could get to Barrie to meet on the day of.
    You can email me at Thomas.rc@_hotmail.com if your going through with the shuttle!

    ReplyDelete
  3. We had a question emailed to me about socks as we will be walking - lots! Here is the answer I gave.

    "Good question. I will post these answers as a comment on the posting about packing for everyone to view.

    Short answer – the best socks are the ones that you have the best experience with.

    Long answer – you are best to go with a hybrid of natural and synthetic fibres. Traditional wool socks are too thick and hot, and traditional cotton socks may leave your feet wet if we are in a hot environment. I would suggest going to a store such as MEC or the Running Room and consulting with their staff. If you find their prices outside the range of your budget, see if you can find something comparable at a discount store such as Liquidation Nation."

    ReplyDelete
  4. Some fashion advice for Paris in particular:

    "Parisian style isn't really about dressing to the nines; the French are quite casual these days—they've just mastered the art of the clean, coordinated look. Here are a few tips to keep your attire simple, tidy, and thoughtfully assembled: Black is always a good bet (or gray, if you really want to go nuts); accessorize with a single bold scarf, hat, or jewel (but, please, not all three at once); and make sure things fit the way they should (no sagging or squeezing). Complete your outfit with a fitted jacket and the best shoes in your closet. The final effect should look utterly effortless." (source: http://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-10-15/10-things-not-to-do-in-paris/8)

    ReplyDelete
  5. If the shuttle thing is still open to anyone interested, where should we meet for it?

    ReplyDelete
  6. If the shuttle thing is still open to anyone interested, where should we meet for it?

    ReplyDelete