SAFETY
Q. Is it safe travelling on EWT Tours?
A. The number one priority for EWT is the safety of all travellers. In all planning, organising and running of a tour; safety is built into every step. All destinations and activities are safe, secure and EWT staff are there on the ground with the group and are supported by staff at Head Office throughout the tour. EWT staff support the group at departure and welcome the group on arrival.
TRAVEL
Q. Who is a Group Leader?
A. A Group Leader is normally a teacher from the school you are attending. They have applied and been accepted as the leader of the group of students travelling and essentially act as your guardian. Group Leaders are supported by their school and EWT to fully prepare the group for travelling. Group Leaders do not organise the tour, but manage the group on tour, with the support of EWT staff.
Q. Can I join a group tour?
A. Yes you can. We have numerous groups travelling and if there’s space available you can join. Contact Head Office ([email protected]) for details and Application to Travel forms.
Q. Who will I be travelling with on the tour?
A. You will normally be travelling with students and a teacher from your school or neigbouring schools. Students range from 14-18 years from Years 9-12.
Q. Do I need a passport?
A. Yes you need a passport before we book flights, usually about 12 months prior to travel. EWT will remind you when to apply for your passport and help you understand the application process. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to make sure that you have the correct travel documents for your tour.
Q. Do I need a Visa?
A. EWT will advise if you require a visa to travel. Some countries require visas and others do not. Advise EWT if you are travelling on a passport other than an Australian passport.
Q. How do we move around while on Tour?
A. While on tour, a coach will transfer the group from venue to venue and event to event. Some itineraries include domestic flights between cities.
INSURANCE
Q. Do I need traveler’s insurance?
A. YES!. All travellers with EWT require travel insurance, including medical. EWT will provide you with information regarding travel insurance at an Information Meeting organised for all interested travellers and parents.
MEDICAL
Q. Do I need vaccinations?
A. Please consult your local GP. EWT staff are not Medical professionals and do not have authority to advise travellers on vaccinations or medications required. You can also contact Traveller’s Clinic Australia for specific information: www.travelclinic.com.au
DESTINATIONS
Q. What are destinations of EWT Tours?
A. EWT organises tours to some fantastic, fun and exciting destinations. Visit the USA, China, Cambodia or Vietnam or the Yasawa Islands (Fiji).
HOSTING (G'Day USA Program)
Q. Who will I be hosted with?
A. EWT aims to match you with a student around your age with similar interests. Tens of thousands of students have traveled with us and have returned home with friendships that last a lifetime!
COMMUNICATION
Q. Can I take my mobile phone or computer on a tour?
A. Taking a mobile phone, tablet or computer on tour is up to the individual. If you decide to take these items with you, please be sure to check your download charges and international roaming plans prior to departure. Nobody wants to come home to an expensive bill! Some hotels do offer Wi-Fi options, in most cases, fees do apply.
We suggest purchasing a phone card or Travel Sim to give you the ability to phone home and avoid any unexpected charges. Feel free to contact EWT for further advice on phone cards or Travel Sims.
Q. How can I communicate with EWT?
A. EWT welcomes any and all communication from travelling students, parents and teachers. Please contact our Head Office on 1800 337 930 or 03 9830 4545 or email: [email protected]
ACCOMMODATION
Q. What type of hotels do we stay in?
A. EWT organises 3-4 star accommodation in safe and secure locations. EWT staff also stay in the same accommodation with the groups on tour.
What are the rooming arrangements?
School tours to the USA are QUAD share. All other tours are TWIN share unless otherwise stipulated.
MONEY
Q. How do pay for the tour?
A. Parents and students have a variety of ways to pay for the tour. As part of EWT’s preparation of groups travelling; we support the parents, students and Group Leader/s to plan and make payments. Most tours are planned and organised over 18 months in advance, allowing families time to pay in instalments and then a final balance. Fundraising is also supported by EWT in assisting groups to raise money for their trip or project and experience of a lifetime!
Q. How can I pay my account?
A. A cheque or money order is required initially. A BPAY letter will be sent to you as part of your “Welcome” package along with details and instructions for further progress payments. Credit Card payments are possible; however merchant fees apply. Contact Head Office for details.
Q. If I drop out of the tour what happens, can I get a refund?
If you no longer wish to participate in our tour, please contact EWT in writing via email, fax or post. There is a non-refundable fee of $500. Further payments may be refunded depending on the time of withdrawing from the Tour. See Application to Travel Booklet for Travel Conditions and full details.
Q. What is the currency of….?
China = Renminbi (RMB- the People’s money, also known as Yuan)
USA= Dollar (USD - US Dollar)
Vietnam = Dong (VND)