Updated on December 5, 2009
*Please see our ‘blog’ link for information on upcoming local trips
  Toronto, Dec 11-12, 2009
  Winter camp between February 5-7, 2010
  Musicfest March 4th or 5th, 2010
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AUSTRIA/CZECH REPUBLIC 2009 SPRING TRIP–our previous overseas 10-day excursion

Q.  When is the final payment due?
A.  Friday, January 30th.  Please submit earlier with that date, or earlier on the cheque.  The amount is $1,100 minus the grand total of your son/daughter’s fundraising efforts.  This chart is posted in the music room on the cupboard door. Cheques payable to: BMLSS Music

Q.  When do I need to order a passport for my son/daughter?
A.  Now!  There have been major delays the past year.  It can take 3 months.  Please pick up your application form from the post office on Manitoba St, or you can do it online on the government web site.  Mrs. Mitchell needs a photocopy of the first page of the passport that has the photo and number as soon as possible.

Q. How much spending money is needed?
A. This is difficult to answer specifically.  Approximately 150 to 200 euros.  There will be some gratuities (tips) for guides, bus driver etc.  You will need change to use toilets!  I always encourage students to put their money into the activities and take photos as their souvenir instead of buying expensive souvenirs.  Most breakfasts and dinners are paid for.  So, you will need to cash for drinks, tips, washrooms, snacks and lunch.

Q. Should the students have Euros before leaving?
A. Yes, I do recommend this as it makes life easier for them in the first few days.  There are ATM machines, but sometimes they are difficult to find or don’t work when you need them.  You can order Euros (200 euros) at your local bank branch as early as you want to, but allow 2 weeks to order.  So, order them before the March break.  The bank puts in the order one week and they receive the Euros the next week.

Q.  What is the safest way to carry money when travelling?
A. Please purchase a money belt (either a long one that is placed under your pants with a strap around your waist, or on a strap that is worn like a necklace). These can be purchased for about $10 at Zeller, Walmart or most luggage stores.

Q.  Clothing: What clothing is required?
A.  Band uniform (casual–black golf shirt, black pants), black shoes and black socks.  Beyond that, consider the layering concept-short-sleeved shirts, long-sleeved shirt, fleece, windbreaker.  Spring is cool, but we may get warm days too.  There is a “Trip Checklist” for clothing that will be distributed.

Q. Can we contact our son/daughter while they are overseas?
A.  I recommend emails, or follow our web site daily blog!  One of our students will volunteer to give you all daily updates!  So, travel along with us. At most of our locations (hostels) there is a computer, but many students stay at one hostel so access will not be daily.   There are many web cafes in Europe–cost money. Of course, one has to pay a couple of euros for about 10 minutes.  Cell phones here do not work over in Europe unless you have purchased the required chip—if not, please don’t bother as it is costly for 10 days.  Students can use a normal telephone, but please recognize that it is costly.  Phone cards can be purchased in stores.

Q. Insurance: Is their medical coverage offered?
A. Yes, this is included.

Q.  How many suitcases/carry-on pieces are allowed?
A. One suitcase (23 kg)  (because we also have large instruments) which must include the uniform, small instruments (flute/clarinet); one carry-on  (8 kg) plus purse, or instrument.  The carry-on packs cannot have any sharp instruments or tools like scissors in it and fluids that have no more than 100 ml per bottle—sample sized items are perfect; a purse/laptop.

Q. Electrical Plugs:
A. Yes, you will need to purchase an inexpensive ‘adapter’ to plug onto your hairdryer, camera and then the adapter plug with plug into the wall.  European adapters are 2-prong, like ours, but theirs have rounded prongs and are spaces wider apart.  In addition, I recommend that you purchase a small travel hairdryer ($19) that has DUAL voltage.  You just need to use a dime to turn it before departing Canada–and don’t forget to return it to our Canadian voltage upon returning.