Wherever I may roam...
CELL PHONE DATA/TEXTING/CALLING PACKAGES
Call your service provider! But here is the website overview for the Big 3:
Call your service provider! But here is the website overview for the Big 3:
Rogers
http://www.bell.ca/Mobility/Features/Travel.tab
Money, packing, & destination information
Spending Money
"What is the best way for my child to carry money with them?"
You have a number of options when it comes to this question (listed here in no particular order)...
1. Cash
The pros about carrying cash is that it is accepted universally and it's easy to keep track of your balance (full wallet vs empty wallet). You can also re-exchange unspent money back into Canadian dollars after the trip, however you'll take a hit on the bank exchange and fees.
The cons are obviously its uninsured nature if it is lost or stolen. However, it is important to have some cash on you at all times for small purchases like food, and for small backup purchases such as forgotten supplies. Cash can also be withdrawn from a bank account in chunks throughout the trip... but be aware of withdrawal charges and also the potentially sporadic availability of bank machines.
Most banks will need to order foreign currency, so be sure to pre-order your Euros well in advance since this can take a number of business days to arrive.
2. Debit
Debit cards can be used to withdraw desired portions of money at different points throughout the trip, but are not recommended for constant point-of-sale transactions. It's important to check with your bank and inquire about withdrawal fees, as many charge upwards of $5 per transaction in addition to the currency exchange. Your debit must have a 4 digit PIN number to be accepted at European ATMs.
3. Credit Cards
As scary as it may be to give your child a credit card (attached to your name/account... the horror!!)... it's actually a very traveller-friendly and flexible method. Most credit cards do not charge any service fees for being used internationally... they simply process each transaction at that day's exchange rate. Your child would be considered an "Authorized User" on your account, with their own card and number. You can set the spending limit to whatever you feel appropriate, and if the limit needs to be adjusted at any time during the trip it would simply be a matter of the adult owner of the account calling their bank or going online. Credit cards have proven to be a convenient and safe way of carrying and spending money when travelling and are highly recommended. Be sure to allow lots of time to arrange this option before leaving... and be sure to call your credit card company to verify the dates that it will be used internationally.
4. Visa Debit Cards
The good thing about Visa Debit cards is that you can pre-load them with a set amount of money that can't be exceeded by the spender. Additionally, they are fairly secure. The negative aspects include having to pay an activation fee and also having your money locked on that card... any money not spent cannot be 'cashed out' back at home. Though it seems fair to assume that these would be accepted anywhere that credit cards are, this cannot be guaranteed.
5. Traveller's Cheques
NO!!!! This is an outdated method of carrying money that, 99% of the time, is simply not accepted (and inconvenient the 1% when it is since you have to find a bank, line up, etc). Traveller's cheques just won't work with our fast-paced and 'off the beaten track' itinerary.
Best case scenario... for your child to have cash on them at all times, ideally in a few different areas (some in wallet, some in bag/backpack, etc) as well as a more secure form of money (credit or debit) for larger purchases and/or withdrawals.
"How much money should my child take with them?"
The answer to this question varies on if your child hopes to do significant shopping, if they are a voracious eater who will be buying themselves constant food and snacks, and what you as a family are comfortable allocating as extra money to spend on gifts and souvenirs.
When deciding on how much money to bring, remember that all breakfasts and the majority of dinners are already being paid for, and so you do not have to factor those meals into their daily amount. Meals the kids will have to take care of themselves are lunches on most days, and a handful of dinners. It is up to the students in these cases how much they would like to spend... a take-out lunch will obviously be less expensive than choosing to sit down at a restaurant. Also, this is not a shopping-based trip, and so the opportunity to go on a 'shopping spree' will most likely not arise, but could if that's how students want to spend their free time.
So if you consider... 6-7 lunches + 2-3 dinners + snacks + shopping... that will be your magic number. And remember not all of these things need to be paid for in cash. Having the ability to withdraw extra money or have a bit of flex-room on a credit card can also alleviate the pressure of having the 'right amount' of money on hand.
You have a number of options when it comes to this question (listed here in no particular order)...
1. Cash
The pros about carrying cash is that it is accepted universally and it's easy to keep track of your balance (full wallet vs empty wallet). You can also re-exchange unspent money back into Canadian dollars after the trip, however you'll take a hit on the bank exchange and fees.
The cons are obviously its uninsured nature if it is lost or stolen. However, it is important to have some cash on you at all times for small purchases like food, and for small backup purchases such as forgotten supplies. Cash can also be withdrawn from a bank account in chunks throughout the trip... but be aware of withdrawal charges and also the potentially sporadic availability of bank machines.
Most banks will need to order foreign currency, so be sure to pre-order your Euros well in advance since this can take a number of business days to arrive.
2. Debit
Debit cards can be used to withdraw desired portions of money at different points throughout the trip, but are not recommended for constant point-of-sale transactions. It's important to check with your bank and inquire about withdrawal fees, as many charge upwards of $5 per transaction in addition to the currency exchange. Your debit must have a 4 digit PIN number to be accepted at European ATMs.
3. Credit Cards
As scary as it may be to give your child a credit card (attached to your name/account... the horror!!)... it's actually a very traveller-friendly and flexible method. Most credit cards do not charge any service fees for being used internationally... they simply process each transaction at that day's exchange rate. Your child would be considered an "Authorized User" on your account, with their own card and number. You can set the spending limit to whatever you feel appropriate, and if the limit needs to be adjusted at any time during the trip it would simply be a matter of the adult owner of the account calling their bank or going online. Credit cards have proven to be a convenient and safe way of carrying and spending money when travelling and are highly recommended. Be sure to allow lots of time to arrange this option before leaving... and be sure to call your credit card company to verify the dates that it will be used internationally.
4. Visa Debit Cards
The good thing about Visa Debit cards is that you can pre-load them with a set amount of money that can't be exceeded by the spender. Additionally, they are fairly secure. The negative aspects include having to pay an activation fee and also having your money locked on that card... any money not spent cannot be 'cashed out' back at home. Though it seems fair to assume that these would be accepted anywhere that credit cards are, this cannot be guaranteed.
5. Traveller's Cheques
NO!!!! This is an outdated method of carrying money that, 99% of the time, is simply not accepted (and inconvenient the 1% when it is since you have to find a bank, line up, etc). Traveller's cheques just won't work with our fast-paced and 'off the beaten track' itinerary.
Best case scenario... for your child to have cash on them at all times, ideally in a few different areas (some in wallet, some in bag/backpack, etc) as well as a more secure form of money (credit or debit) for larger purchases and/or withdrawals.
"How much money should my child take with them?"
The answer to this question varies on if your child hopes to do significant shopping, if they are a voracious eater who will be buying themselves constant food and snacks, and what you as a family are comfortable allocating as extra money to spend on gifts and souvenirs.
When deciding on how much money to bring, remember that all breakfasts and the majority of dinners are already being paid for, and so you do not have to factor those meals into their daily amount. Meals the kids will have to take care of themselves are lunches on most days, and a handful of dinners. It is up to the students in these cases how much they would like to spend... a take-out lunch will obviously be less expensive than choosing to sit down at a restaurant. Also, this is not a shopping-based trip, and so the opportunity to go on a 'shopping spree' will most likely not arise, but could if that's how students want to spend their free time.
So if you consider... 6-7 lunches + 2-3 dinners + snacks + shopping... that will be your magic number. And remember not all of these things need to be paid for in cash. Having the ability to withdraw extra money or have a bit of flex-room on a credit card can also alleviate the pressure of having the 'right amount' of money on hand.
Trip Jackets
Every traveller will be provided with a custom DHP Battlefields Tour jacket. Please ensure you try on the samples and submit your preferred size, fit and name on sleeve at the soonest date (ideally at the March 24 meeting).
These jackets are wind and rain resistant with a variety of pockets and trendy track-style neck. They feature the Juno Beach Centre logo... a privilege rarely granted to those outside the JBC!
It's your first souvenir from the trip... before you even leave!
These jackets are wind and rain resistant with a variety of pockets and trendy track-style neck. They feature the Juno Beach Centre logo... a privilege rarely granted to those outside the JBC!
It's your first souvenir from the trip... before you even leave!
Travel tips and tricks from Brightspark
travel_tips_and_tricks.pdf | |
File Size: | 196 kb |
File Type: |
Information on our destinations (history, features, culture and more!)
belgium_info.pdf | |
File Size: | 566 kb |
File Type: |
france_info.pdf | |
File Size: | 822 kb |
File Type: |
battlefields_info.pdf | |
File Size: | 1216 kb |
File Type: |