Spring Break 2010: London, England

TRAVEL WITH AALC!

Information to this webpage will be updated regularly. Please be sure to check periodically for more information.

 

TRIP DETAILS

Dates: Friday, March 12, 2010- Friday, March 19, 2010

Location: London, England

Total Cost: $1650/per person

   

MISSED CLASSWORK

Students will miss one afternoon of classes (afternoon only, Friday, March 12, 2009) which will be excused as this is a university sponsored event. Students will recieve an official letter as our travel approaches to share with their professors. HOWEVER, students are responsible for speaking with their professors PRIOR to the trip to inform them they will not be in class and to make up any work prior to our departure. It is highly recommended that students approach professors early in the Spring semester concerning this absence. Students should able to attend morning classes.

 

PAYMENT INFORMATION

The cost of the trip will be $1650.00 per person (unanticipated-changes may occur due to unforseen circumstances). The deposit payment of $250.00 is due by Friday, October 23, 2009 to confirm your spot on the trip. The deposit will be put towards your balance. If we have reached capacity for the trip, you will be notified and offered the opportunity to be on the waitlist.

 

Payment Deadlines:     Friday, October 23, 2009 deposit due: $250.00

                                          Friday, December 4, 2009 payment of $700.00

                                          Friday, January 22, 2009 payrment of $700.00

 

Payments can be made by check or money order. Cash may be taken if the exact amount is available. Aggie Access does not have the ability to make change. Check and money order are preferred. We cannot accept credit or debit cards.  Please be sure your name and UIN are on the check. Checks may be made out to "TAMU GAP-Aggie Access" with "London Spring Break"  in the memo portion of the check.

 

Your payment includes: 

• Bus travel to and from TAMU to IAH and back
• Roundtrip airfare
• Bus travel to and from airport and hotel in London
• 6 night hotel accommodation-two students to a room, own single bed (includes full English breakfast)
• London Undergrand Traveler's Card for Zones 1 & 2 (subway pass)
• Insurance

REFUNDS

Deposits will be refunded for cancellations made by December 4, 2009. Cancellations between December 4 and 31, 2009 result in forfeiture of deposit and refund of payment. All funds are forfeited for cancellation after January 1, 2010 unless student finds a replacement traveler and pays the change of airfare costs (up to $500.00).

 

If a student changes their mind and does not wish to go on the trip and has paid money towards the trip, they must submit their decision IN WRITING by the appropriate deadline. However it is encourages that students notify AALC as soon as they know they may not be going on the trip.

 

FINANCIAL AID

In some cases, financial aid may be available. Below you will find links to financial aid documents. You will find the Budget Adjustment Form for Financial Aid.  All you need to do is write your name and UIN at the top of the second page and turn it in to the financial aid office.They will review your information and provide information to each individual as to if financial aid is available. Indicate that you are seeking funding for Access travel.

 

Please remember that this does not guarantee you will receive additional aid, but it could be an option for you.  Also, instructions on how to apply for a short-term loan are also linked below.  This is a low-interest loan through the university and it must be paid back one year from the day you sign the promissory note. You are allowed to borrow up to $1500 for this trip. 

 

Spring Break Budget Adjustment Form 2010

Short Term Loan Instructions

MSC Funding Information-Spring Break Trip

 

PASSPORTS

Every student that is participating in the trip MUST have a valid passport. If you do not have one and are a United States citizen, you can begin the process with the paperwork at the United States State Department website-- http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/get_840.html. Processing can be VERY SLOW, so do this as early as you can! NOW is a great time! You cannot get on the plane to leave the country, even if you pay your fee, if you do not have a passport. 

If you have dual citizenship or are a citizen of another country, please be sure to have all additional documents you may need to get in and out of the United States and England. No matter where your citizenship lies, you will need a valid passport as the official form of identification for travel.

 

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS & ROOMMATES

We will be staying in the hotel we have utilized in the past when in London; Holiday Inn (97 Cromwell Road, London England). Each room has 2 twin beds with a private bath. Europeon lodging is much smaller than what is available in the US. It is cozy but comfortable. Students will have the opportunity during the trip meetings (spring) to request a roommate. If you do not have a preference on roommate, you will be assigned one of the same sex.  A suggested packing list will be shared with students at a later time. Holiday Inn, London, England

 

AIRLINE INFORMATION

We will be traveling on Continnental Airlines. The specific flight information will be shared at a later time. For luggage information you can visit the Continental Airlines website however please note this information is subject to change as airlines make changes. http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/check.aspx

 

SAFETY & SECURITY

During trip meetings and upon our arrival in London the students will have recieved security information numerous times. Each student will recieve an emergency card with important phone numbers (including chaperone cell phone), must travel with a group of 3 at all times, must check in during breakfast each day with an itinerary of their plans for that day with their assigned chaperone, experience the public transportation system with their group upon arrival and a few other activities to get them comfortable with the city. However, students are expected to act as responsible adults and to be conscientious of the consequences of their decisions. They will be held to the laws of England which they may or may not be fully aware. As we travel we count the group members OFTEN and have yet to leave anyone anywhere! Don't be the first!!!!

 

TRAVELING

Traveling with 80-100 persons can be a challenge. Students are assigned to smaller chaperone groups in order to keep track of everyone more easily. Again, students should be helpful in this process and look for their chaperone as well. Students will be assigned seats in alphabetical order as requested by the airline (obviously they don't know who you are friends with!). Students may trade with each other to sit by who they wish on the plane however this SHOULD NOT delay the plane's departure or the loading of other travelers. In some cases, switching seats may not be an option. The reality is we HIGHLY encourage you to sleep on the way to London (with the time change we will arrive the following day and will stay awake!!) and you should have done so much in London you should want to sleep on the way home!

 

LONDON WEATHER

We will share the predicted weather in London as our travel time approaches. However, London in March can be quite chilly, windy, rainy and unpredictable!

Average High: 50°F (10°C)

Average Low: 35°F (2°C)

 

WHAT TO DO IN LONDON

There are many venues and activities to keep you busy in London. Travelers will spend the first day together learning the transportation system, exchanging money, and possibly taking a guided tour together. Beyond the first day, travelers will be responsible for researching and planning their own itinerary for their time in London. We will provide a guide with resources and suggested activities however travelers should spend some time BEFORE we depart in planning what they will do with their time.  Planning ahead will help you make the most of your short time there!