MIAMI-BOSTON
Our pre-departure information guide has been prepared to provide you with much of what you’ll need to know about your forthcoming trek with STS, however, it is not a complete guide. Your STS Leader will provide you with much more detailed information en route. As you prepare for your journey, please take time to consider some important points.
VISAS
Please be aware of the following new rules for entering the USA for those countries not normally requiring Visa's. All STS students will be required to provide the information via the ESTA website prior to departure so that your travel can
"authorised" by the US Department of homeland security.
Beginning August 1, 2008, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will be accessible via Internet for citizens and eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to apply for advance authorization to travel to the United States under the VWP.
ESTA will initially be available in English only. Other languages will follow. Effective January12, 2009, all VWP travellers will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the VWP. Log onto the ESTA Web site at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and complete an on-line application in English. There is an application fee of US $14 which needs to be paid by credit card at time of filling out the application. Travellers are encouraged to apply early.
The web-based system will prompt you to answer basic biographical and eligibility questions typically requested on a paper I-94W form. Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, however, DHS recommends that applications be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to travel. In most cases you will receive a response within seconds:
It is your responsibility to obtain the proper passport and visa for the United States of America. We recommend that you take copies of your passport, visas and flight tickets and carry them separately from the original documents. This will help in case of loss or theft. New passport regulations have come into effect for the United States of America so please
double check that your passport conforms to the new biometric requirements for entrance to the United States of America. Make sure that each passport is valid for six months after your planned exit from a country.
CUSTOMS
On entering the USA you will need to proceed through customs. You may be asked your destination or how you intend to support yourself. When you enter the USA you enter as part of a visa waiver scheme, make sure you keep the remaining portion of your completed customs form in the back of you passport ready to surrender when you leave. Please make sure you have a note of the first nights accommodation of your stay, as you will need this information for customs.
MEETING YOUR TOUR LEADERS
Once you have cleared customs and collected your luggage you will go with the STS leader and meet the local tour leader who will be waiting for you in the baggage arrival hall. Please look for a sign saying “STS”.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
If you have any medical condition such as diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, take prescribed medicines, or have a condition that will effect your participation in the trek, you must tell us immediately. This is important information in case of emergency. If a medical problem does arise during the trip it is best to tell your STS leader straight away so that they can alleviate the difficulty as soon as possible. All maxi- wagons carry a basic first-aid kit, but you should bring your own sunscreen, insect/ mosquito repellent, antibiotic cream and any special medication you may require for upset stomach and so on. Throughout North America most prescription medicine is readily available and easily
obtainable. However, we suggest that if you use some form of medication regularly, bring a sufficient supply with you to your entire trek (carry it on you all times).
INOCULATIONS
We recommend that you contact a physician or travel medicine clinic at least two months before travel in order to allow enough time for any immunizations that may be required to be completed. This is especially true for those
planning travel to tropical or developing countries. A health professional will be able to assess your individual need for immunizations or preventative medication depending on your health situation, previous immunization history and your travel itinerary. Information prior to your consultation with a doctor can be obtained from the National Centre for Infectious Diseases website http://www.cdc.gov/index.htm.
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
As you will be travelling around and changing
accommodation it is ideal, although not necessary, to have a robust hold-all, as this is easier to pack/un pack than a suitcase. We suggest one bag, backpack or suitcase (20 kg maximum) per person plus a sleeping bag. A small day pack and camera may becarried in the vehicle. You should be able to carry your own luggage, as there will not be anyone to carry it for you. If you have special needs with regard to luggage, and cannot carry it yourself for medical reasons please notify the party leader well in advance so provision can be made. Keep to a simple and practical selection of clothes for both hot and cool climates to suit the season, and because of the wide variety of temperatures, altitude and weather that can be encountered en route. Travel light as there are opportunities to wash clothes. We suggest you bring the following:
CLOTHES OTHER ITEMS
• T-shirts/shirts/blouses • Money & passport in money belt/bum bag • Pair of good trainers/walking shoes (Preferably not new to avoid blisters) • 1–2 books to read in evening/on plane. • Camera, film, batteries • Waterproof sandals/flip flops • Alarm clock/watch • Comfortable day shoes • Water bottle • Jeans • Small first aid kit; plasters, personal medication • Casual trousers • Sun block • Dress/skirt • Biro, small notebook, small address book if you want • Pair of shorts • Waterproof jacket • Sunglasses • Warm sweater/s • Sunhat • Casual ‘evening out’ clothes • Insect repellent (containing at least 20% deet) • Underwear
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, comb • sanitary protection, etc) • Socks Hat • several plastic bags for dirty clothes/boots • Swim wear • CD’s for use in the maxi wagon (whatever music you prefer) • Small towel• Night wear • Flashlight or headlamp • Your STS trip requires that you bring a sleeping bag
PACKING FURTHER TIPS
• Small pillow – for the nights in the tent, useful also during the long hauls in the van • Headlight – very useful when it’s pitch dark in the tent; leaves both hands free which is essential when trying to find something in your backpack, for example • Warm clothes (e.g. jogging pants and a fleece). Some of the nights can be cold but you can manage with a normal sleeping bag if you have enough warm clothes • Light clothes • Wet towels – you never know
when you have to wash your hands/face and there’s no water available • Washing powder – there are Laundromats at many campgrounds but you need your own washing powder (of course it can be bought when you get to the States, but might come in handy to have some with you INSURANCE
Trip travel insurance is NOT included in the cost of the tour.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must be insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs, air ambulance, and helicopter rescue service). Our STS insurance policy is designed specifically to cover the potential risks on our holidays – particularly the many optional activities offered. If you would like to enquire about purchasing STS travel insurance please contact your local STS office for further info. If you do not take our STS Insurance, you must ensure that the policy you do take offers an equivalent level of protection and covers you for the activities involved – be aware that some policies do not include, or restrict coverage for this type of travel. There may be cheaper policies on the market, but this does not mean it may be better value – we strongly advise you check fully what will and won’t be covered. In particular, cover provided by credit cards is often very restricted. Any claims concerning matters for which you are insured must be directed to your insurers. We also require an emergency contact name for each person in their home country, with a contact telephone number.
YOUR TOUR LEADER/DRIVER
We understand that your STS leader and driver/guide is perhaps the most important ingredients in your trip. Thus we select only the absolute best of our many applicants.
They are chosen for their knowledge of their country, their ability to drive well and, of course, for their sense of humour and leadership. By the time our leaders conduct their first trips, they have been trained by a team comprising both management and the best of our senior trip leaders. Your trip leader will ensure that you have the time of your life while making sure that everything is still safe. However, they are not supermen or superwomen and you must be prepared to keep the vehicle clean, load the luggage and above all things participate in all chores.
TRANSPORTATION
For your tour to North America, we will use maxi-wagons.
These have 15 seats (maximum 13 passengers) and are the ultimate adventure vehicle. All have air-conditioning, tinted windows, comfortable seating with a stereo cassette or CD player, so bring some music with you! The maxi-wagons also pull a trailer where we store all of your luggage, as well as excellent suspension so we can travel off the beaten track where the crowds in coaches cannot go! All members of the group will need to be prepared to help load and un-
load luggage and equipment into the trailer, under the supervision of the tour leader. Please note that smoking is not permitted in the maxi-wagons.
TRIP ITINERARY
Although your tour follows a set itinerary, from time to time your trip leader may suggest a small change. This may be due to road conditions, weather, or to visit a special attraction, like a state fair that happens to be in progress.
Often a side diversion will be a highlight of the trip. The beauty of travelling in a small group means that you have the flexibility to take advantage of everything.
CAMPING
If you haven’t camped before - don’t worry, we make it easy. Most of our first timers actually grow to love sleeping in the great outdoors. We provide you with an inflatable sleeping mat for your comfort. If you wish please bring along a pillow and you will need a sleeping bag. We camp mostly in public campgrounds. Campsites are selected either for their scenic beauty, their convenience to places of interest or their environment, as well as facilities, and we aim for a selection of different campsite types on each trek.
Only two people share each tent, so there’s lots of room.
Previous camping experience is useful but not at all essential and your STS leader will help you. Our tents are easy to set up and you will soon learn how to use our compact yet efficient camp kitchen equipment. You will be assigned a specific tent, so it’s best to look after it. Camping is a group activity, and everyone is expected to help clean and take care of all equipment during the trek. The company supplies all cooking equipment, cutlery and dinnerware. All
campsites have a quiet time from 10 p.m. after which quietness must be maintained. Please respect these quiet times, as campsites are for everyone, and disturbances after 10 o’clock will bring complaints and unnecessary
unpleasantness.
FOOD KITTY
We will operate a food kitty system on your tour when you are camping which is $50-70 per person per week this covers breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner when we are on camping nights. An additional $60 per person per week should be needed for restaurant meals at hotels or when cooking is not convenient. You can expect to eat cereal, fruit juices, coffee/tea for breakfast. Lunch on the road is usually sandwiches, chips/crisps, salad and fresh fruit. The evening meal is cooked by members of the group and is up to you! We will provide all cooking equipment, ie: stoves, cooking utensils, plates and cutlery. Everyone will take turns being the nightly chefs in groups of three or four, you will all take part in the buying, preparation and cooking of the food. If you have a favorite recipe that can be cooked easily, bring it along to share with the group. Each person
should bring a total of US $320 for food during the tour. If you are not very good at cooking, don’t worry, you can get instruction from the others in your group. For all you vegetarians, it is quite common for each trip to have people with special dietary needs, don’t worry and just mention this to your group leader on the first day of your trip. In any case, meals are a fun part of the camping experience and many memorable dinners have resulted from collective efforts.
TIPPING
It is normal and expected in North America to tip waiters, any type of guide and taxi drivers. These service workers are paid a low wage and depend upon their tips for their livelihood. A minimum of 18% is standard in restaurants and taxis. Another charge not normally listed in North American costs is the state and federal taxes, keep this in mind when your bill comes out slightly higher than the original price listed. Your tour leader works long and hard for you. He or she may well become your friend during the trip but they do need to pay their bills. There is no obligation to tip your trip leader however, if the leader’s performance meets or exceeds your expectations they will gladly accept one from you. You should plan to tip your trip leader US $3-5 per person per day. You can give the driver the entire sum at the end of the trip.
DRINKING ALCOHOL
Drinking alcohol is not permitted on any STS language course. If you are caught drinking you will be sent home immediately at your parent’s expense. The safety of our students is paramount so please refer to the ABC Handbook for further info.
DRUGS
Possession of drugs without a proper medical prescription will not be tolerated. If anyone is found with an illegal drug they will be instantly excluded from the trip and sent home.
Should you need to take any special medication, please inform your driver/leader on the first day.
SAFETY
Not everyone is as honest as we’d like; therefore some precautions must be taken to safeguard your valuables.
The best place to keep cameras, Mp3 players, passport andmoney is on your person wherever you go, but this is obviously impractical at times. Campgrounds are almost always in safe locations, and those in cities are fenced or patrolled, so the best place to leave things is in your tent, preferably out of sight. The vehicle is occasionally parked on dark city streets at night and break-ins are an unpleasant but real possibility. In general, the safest place for items such as passports, flight tickets and cash is on your person.
When in doubt consult your STS leader. Never go off with a
stranger, even as a group, no matter how enticing the offer to show you something especially interesting. If a stranger approaches you with such an offer, walk quietly away as a group, keep to main paths and report the incident to staff.
TIME DIFFERENCE
US time is calculated on Standard time, which is observed from the last Sunday in October until the last Sunday in April. To determine US time during the remainder of the year (daylight saving time) add one hour. The continental USA is divided into 5 different time zones: Eastern Standard Time (New York): GMT – 5, Central Standard Time (Chicago): GMT – 6, Mountain Standard Time (Denver):
GMT – 7 and Pacific Standard Time (Los Angeles): GMT – 8.
SPENDING MONEY
In addition to the food money bring about US$200 in cash and a debit card preferably issued by a major International Bank, e.g. Barclays, Visa or American Express. You will need a minimum of US$30 (or equivalent) per day for expenses (excluding food kitty and optional activities), but it’s better to bring more than you need than to run short.
CLIMATE
Please be prepared for a variety of climate changes and weather. You may encounter wet weather and days with hot sunshine. Please bring warm clothing for cold evenings, a water proof jacket for any rain,hat, sunglasses and sunscreen when it’s hot.
TREK ROUTINE
On driving days we like to be on the road by 8 a.m. This means a good day’s driving, with time to linger for sightseeing on the way. We aim to camp at about 6 pm. It is essential that all STS students are punctual both for morning starts and for all other rendezvous. Delays caused by waiting for people who are late cause anguish among the group and can jeopardize planned sightseeing. A wrist watch is essential on tour. On a few days, it is necessary to cover long distances between points of interest for the overall enjoyment of the tour. Your STS leaders will forewarn you of these days and do his best to make them as rewarding as possible.
TEAMWORK
While our STS leaders will do everything possible to make your holiday one of the best you’ve ever had, its full success will depend to a “real extent on your own enthusiasm and cooperation.” A Trek is a unique holiday, and much of your enjoyment will come from the team spirit of your group and the fun you’ll have together, as well as from the local setting. We cannot stress too strongly the importance of
your own positive attitude - given which even the adversity of a rainstorm can be good fun!
CLEANLINESS
It is important that you and your fellow STS students keep the vehicle, tents and cooking equipment clean, as they are in regular use. At most of the campsites there are hot shower facilities. There might be a small charge at some of the camp grounds for showers. Please ensure that you keep yourself and your clothes clean, to avoid offending others and causing unnecessary friction amongst the group.
CULTURE SHOCK
Knowledgeable ex-trekkers advise handling ‘culture shock’
with adaptability, humour and a lot of common sense. Give yourself time to get used to culture differences, you may even find that they make a pleasant change from home.
The more you accept things as being merely different, neither better nor worse than at home, the more you’ll be able to enjoy YOUR Trek. In other words, the less you make comparisons, the more you’ll enjoy your new experiences.
They say ‘forewarned is forearmed’- so do your homework!
Read up on the areas you’ll be travelling in, or talk with others who have already been there. Think about what you want to see and do on your holiday. The more you put into it the more you’ll get out of it, and the less strange and different things will seem. Remember, too, that you will not only be discovering a different continent on your holiday - you may also have the chance to learn from your fellow- trekkers about other countries and customs. You may discover an exotic dish to cook, or some new card games, or you may find you have more in common with other nationalities than you thought.
COMPLAINTS
In the unlikely event that you are unhappy with an aspect of your tour, in the first instance bring it to the attention of your STS leader.
STS EXPERIENCE Miami-Boston Day 1 Miami
Your Group Leaders will meet you at the Miami International Airport and you will be transferred to your hostel. After checking in to the hostel a welcome meeting will be held where your Group Leader will give you important information about the tour.
In Florida, we drive to Miami for sightseeing, beaches, Art Deco buildings, and vibrant Cuban influence. Explore Miami’s popular South Beach for our last opportunity to enjoy beach activity.
Accommodation: Days Inn Thunderbird, 18401 Collins, Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL, phone +1.305.931.7700 Day 2 Key West
Crossing the Overseas Highway, we travel to Key West, the 120 mile-long island chain stretched into the Gulf of Mexico. Optional snorkeling and other water activities.
Accommodation: Hotel Day 3 Everglades NP
Drive to Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and home to several rare and endangered species. Get an in depth view of the Everglades on an airboat tour through swamps (included).
Accommodation: Homestead area hotel Day 4 Naples
Today we visit Sanibel Island, known for its wildlife refuges, including JN Darling Natural Wildlife Refuge. A visit to this refuge, which makes up more than half the island, and we can spot a variety of wildlife, with a chance to see pink pelicans and alligators. We finish the day in Naples.
Accommodation: Camp Day 5 Fort Myers
Back to the coast, we visit Fort Myers, at one time the winter home of inventor Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.
Relax on beautiful Fort Myers beaches or join an optional kayaking through wildlife preserves and mangrove forests with naturalist guide ($40).
Accommodation: Camp Day 6 Orlando FL
Orlando, home of thrilling theme parks is our destination today! We can visit Kennedy Space Center, ($43 per person) to get a unique chance to tour – up close – NASA’s
launch and landing facilities, experience interactive simulators, and view massive rockets.
Accommodation: Orlando area hotel Day 7 Orlando, FL
Today we can visit Universal Studios for thrills and behind the scenes look at movie making.
Accommodation: Orlando area hotel Day 8 Savannah, GA
Today’s drive takes us through Charleston to Savannah for Southern style charm. Sightseeing and shopping in Savannah's historic district. We enjoy stops in St. Augustine and Daytona Beach on the way. Optional Savannah River Boat Cruise ($22)
Accommodation: Camp Day 9 Myrtle Beach, SC
Staying close to the Atlantic Ocean, we head into South Carolina and enjoy miles of pristine beach known as the
"Grand Strand." Swimming, hikes among the sand dunes, and optional beach activities will keep us busy.
Accommodation: Camp Day 10 New Bern, NC
Today we will visit New Bern, home to historic Civil War fort and an intricate system of waterways. In addition to optional swimming and beach activities, it's possible to explore the marine ecosystem of salt marshes and estuaries.
Visit Fort Macon State Park.
Accommodation: Camp Day 11 Virginia Beach
Drive through Richmond to Virginia Beach where we can relax along the coast, play games on the beach, or go for a swim. Optional bike rental available (approximately $15).
Accommodation: Camp Day 12 Washington DC
Full day sightseeing and shopping in Washington DC.
Easily explored on foot, we can visit Smithsonian Museums, such as Air and Space museum, Natural History, among others.
Accommodation: Camp
Day 13 Washington DC
Drive to Washington DC, the nation's capital. We set up camp outside of Washington DC. Visit the National Mall in the evening with night tour of monuments.
Accommodation: Camp Day 14 New York, NY
Drive to the bustling and exciting city of New York. After check in at hotel, we have the afternoon to explore the city!
Optional visit to Empire State Building ($22) or Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center, $24). Our hotel is just outside of Manhattan, but the city is easily accessible by public transport (approximately 15 minute bus ride). Driving distance / time: 145 miles, 3.5 hours
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza, 2 Harmon Plaza, Secaucus, NJ, phone +1.201.348.6900
Day 15 New York
New York City has no shortage of famous sites and exciting activity. We have a full day to explore Times Square, Battery Park, Little Italy and other New York sites. Optional ferry to Statue of Liberty ($13).
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza, Secaucus, New Jersey Day 16 Mystic, CT
Drive through state of Rhode Island to Mystic where we will enjoy sightseeing and shopping in the historic Seaport area.
Optional visit Aquarium ($29)
Driving distance / time: 130 miles / 2.5 hours Accommodation: Camp
Day 17 Cape Cod, MA
Today's drive takes us along the beautiful Cape Cod National Seashore, the most eastern point of
Massachusetts. We can stroll along the seashore and visit the Plymouth, the site of Pilgrims landing on the Mayflower ship in 1620. We continue to the charming city of Cape Cod. Optional whale-watching tour by boat ($42).
Driving distance / time: 90 miles / 2.5 hours Accommodation: Camp
Day 18 Boston
Boston is a historically important city that was founded by the Puritans in 1630, and you'll have the chance to stroll along the British colonial streets. Visiting Faneuil Hall marketplace or the nearby Italian District is a great way to get a real taste for this popular city. We will also walk the Freedom Trail through historic Boston.
Accommodation: HI Boston Day 19 Boston
Today for those who have purchased the Explorer Pass, we will board the "DUCK," our amphibious landing vehicle for a unique tour of Boston.
Accommodation: Hostelling International Boston 12 Hemenway St Boston MA 02115 Phone: 617-536-9455 Day 20 Departure
Pack your bags and memories on this final day. Airport transfer included for departure flight home.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES OFFERED DURING THE TRIP (Optional activities are subject to change and prices are approx.!) Optional activities are subject to change. Some activities might not be able to book due to weather conditions, last minute itinerary changes, lack of time or weather conditions.
-Smithsonian Museums Washington DC free admission (allow full day; America’s national educational center and the world's largest museum complex including 19 museums, 9 research centers and the national Zoo) -Empire State Building New York $20.- (visit one of New York's most visited attractions; the observatory is located on the 86th floor offering panoramic views of Manhattan; soars more than a quarter of a mile into the atmosphere above the heart of Manhattan)
-Ferry to Statue of Liberty New York $14- (take the ferry to Liberty Island to visit the Statue of Liberty or take ferry even further to Ellis Island to visit the Immigration museum; allow 1 – 3 hours)
-Aquarium Mystic from USD $26
-Kayak rental Virginia Beach from USD $15 per hour -Bike rental Virginia Beach from USD $20
-Surf Lesson Virginia Beach from USD $60 (2 hour lesson) -River Boat Cruise Savannah from USD $20
-Kennedy Space Center ($43 per person) At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, you get the unique chance to tour – up close – NASA’s launch and landing facilities, experience interactive simulators, and view massive rockets.
-Typhoon Lagoon water park ($85 per person) -Gatorland ($21.99 per person) alligator and crocodile exhibit, aviary park, and zip line
-Other low cost/no cost options include an afternoon at Lake Eola Park (free), shopping (free to look), or taking in a movie ($7-$10)--movies on hot afternoons can be a welcome relief.
-Kayak Rental Sanibel Island from USD $25 (2 hours) -Bike Rental Sanibel Island from USD $10 (half day rental) -Nature & Sea Life Cruise Sanibel Island from USD $23
-Tram tour Sanibel Island from USD $13 -Snorkeling Key West from USD $45 (half day)
-Swimming with Dolphins Key Largo from USD $ 150 (30 minutes in water with Dolphins)
-Baseball / Basketball / Football game $35 - 90 (available in New York, Washington DC, Miami, depending on season).
