Draft Itinerary...Order may vary.

Sightseeing activities are subject to availability and time restraints.  If necessary, the order of sightseeing activities may be rearranged or substituted. 

I am excited that you have decided to join us on this New York Experience.  I have been leading trips through the United States and throughout Europe for 16 years.  I am anxious to show you New York City.   First, let me help set your expectations. 

Our morning departures are sometimes early.  Our means of travel will vary.  We sometimes use public transit, sometimes use a bus, and sometimes travel by foot.  New York is a walking city.  There is so much to see around every corner.  I would suggest planning for some cab money in the event you choose not to join the group on the walking tours. 

            The good news is that we have a “packed itinerary”.  We are on the go for most of the trip.  On most days we have appointment times that we must adhere to.  It is important to respect the meeting times.  Please note that the order of the itinerary and events listed on the itinerary sometimes must be changed or rearranged due to closings or other events.

            Breakfasts and dinners will be provided while on tour.  Lunch is on your own.  Generally we are given some free time around lunch.  During this time, you may opt to sit for lunch or pick up something on the go and use the time to do some shopping or quick touring.  It will be your responsibility to meet back with the group at the designated time and place.

I have listed some preparation suggestions below.  I hope that preparing for the trip will be an exciting part of our upcoming tour.  In the meantime, feel free to call me or email me with any questions are concerns.  

 Phone:  225-687-7720 or 225-803-6013 Email:  donna@donnakirkland.com    
                  Looking forward to a great trip,

Donna Kirkland

 Getting Ready…

 Flights…Please check the attached flight itinerary.  Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to
departure.  Do not forget your driver’s license since it MUST be presented before boarding the plane.       

 Watch: You must have a watch.  It is important to respect meeting times.  On most days we have appointment times that we must adhere to.  Failure to do so may mean missing some of the exciting sights in New York City.

 Documents: In addition to your driver’s license, you should bring a copy of your health insurance card and the phone number of your insurance company.  It is always a good idea to record credit card numbers and customer service numbers for all credit cards in case of loss or theft.  Notify your credit card company that your will be traveling out of state to avoid problems using your card while traveling.  Record serial #s of any other important items.  Leave valuables such as expensive jewelry at home. 

 Rooms…Rooms were booked as requested as quads or triples.  We spend little time at the hotel.  I recommend bringing your cell phone and in order to keep in touch with your family.

 Books and Maps…You might want to consider purchasing travel books on New York.  I suggest versions that are small enough to carry with you while on tour.  DK books are my favorite travel books.  You can find these books at most book stores.  These books have great maps and history notes on New York City. 

      My favorite map is Map Easy.  It is important to know the layout of the city before visiting.  This map has great shopping, eating and touring tips.  Each location is enlarged and walking tours are highlighted.  There may be special sights that you would like to visit on your own.  In that case, it is extremely helpful if you have some idea of the location of specific sights. 

Luggage… If you do not have a rolling suitcase, now is the time to invest in one.  Wheels are a must!  You will be responsible for handling your own luggage.       As security tightens many tourist sights require backpacks to be “checked.”  This is sometimes a problem since we need some type of tote to carry our goods during the day.  Once we leave the hotel in the morning we will not return until late at night.  Alternately, ladies might consider a tote large enough to carry your goods but small enough to be considered as a purse.  Remember you will be carrying this tote most of the time.  New York is a walking city.  We will have some use of the bus but at other times we will walk or use the subway.  

 Airline Regulations…Keep your luggage weight to a minimum.  Checked luggage must be less than 50 pounds.  Travelers with bags over 50 pounds will be charged an overweight fee.  When you add the length, width, and height of the piece the total of the length, width, and height cannot be greater than 60 inches.  The dimensions of your carry-on bag cannot exceed 45 inches.  In other words, when you add the length, width and height of your carry-on the total cannot be greater than 45 inches.  *These are the current regulations but they change frequently.  You should contact with the airline(s) before packing. 

Labels:…Label everything with your name, address, and phone number...inside and out!  Luggage tags may be lost during transport.  Cameras and bags are easily misplaced.  Again, label EVERYTHING with your name and address.  This is very important.  Please complete and attach the “Worldstrides” luggage tag to your suitcase that will be checked.  I have also enclosed an “LSU Tie-On Tag” that should be attached to your luggage.  These two tags help us to identify the luggage as belonging to our group.  Additionally, you may want to invest in a brightly colored luggage strap.  Brightly colored luggage straps can be found at Wal-Mart.  Everyone’s luggage looks the same on the conveyor belt!

 Packing: ·       Do bring a lightweight jacket that is rain repellant and has a hood.  We tour rain or shine.  You may want to bring a small umbrella.   

·       Casual clothing is acceptable for all of our touring.  Casual but nice is fine for the night that we attend the theater.  Once we leave the hotel in the morning we will not return to the hotel before attending the play.

·       Comfortable walking shoes are a must.  New York is a walking city.  Buses are not always able to get into and out of midtown easily.  Be prepared to do some walking. New York is a walking city.  You have to walk to enjoy it.  Our main source of transportation will be walking and the subway.  I always suggest at least two pairs of shoes.  Even the comfortable ones seem uncomfortable after a day on your feet.  As for clothing comfortable and casual.  When we leave the hotel in the morning we do not return until after dinner.  Even on the day that we attend the play, we will not return to the hotel before departing for the play.    

·       You must have a watch.  It is important to respect meeting times. 

Contact Information: Leave a copy of your hotel and flight itinerary with a family member.  I suggest bringing your cell phone with you.  This is a great way to keep up with everyone on tour.  In case of EMERGENCY the Worldstrides Emergency number is 1-800-727-8692.   My cell number is 225-803-6013.  Please refer to the attached sheet for additional contact information.

 Money…Although breakfast and dinner will be provided while on tour, each traveler is responsible for purchasing his/her lunch.  New York can be pricey.  Plan accordingly.  Don’t forget about money to purchase food and drink items while in the various airports.  Travelers should set aside some taxi money.  There will be times when you may prefer to use a taxi instead of walking.  If you choose not to join us when walking through the city, you will be responsible for your taxi fees.   

     Prepare for a few unexpected expenses.  Sometimes the tour guide offers to arrange special activities that are not included on the itinerary.  Travelers who choose to participate in activities that are not included in the planned itinerary are responsible for those fees.  Other expenses to consider are airport meals and beverages.

Gratuities:   Gratuities for our Worldstrides assistants/guides are not included in the tour fee.  I am suggesting a $15 per person gratuity based on Worldstride recommendations.  Collecting the gratuities in advance greatly simplifies matters.  This is optional but greatly appreciated and strongly recommended for convenience purposes.  Those wishing to prepay the gratuity should mail the gratuity to me with the attached contact sheet.  I will purchase a card and include the names of those who contributed in the card.

Additional Information…Please report to the airline desk 2 hour prior to departure.  I will have our airline information and ticketing information with me.  Should you have additional questions, feel free to give me a call or drop me an email.  The best number to reach me is 225-803-6013 or email me at donna@donnakirkland.com.

 Hotel Address and Phone Number:

Worldstrides Emergency Phone Number….1-800-727-8692

I hope that preparing for the trip will be an exciting part of our upcoming tour.  In the meantime, feel free to call me with any questions are concerns.  However, if you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to call me or contact me by email. 

Phone:  225-687-7720 or 225-803-6013 Email:  donna@donnakirkland.com    
                  Looking forward to a great trip,

                                                                                                                                Donna Kirkland