1. When do I need to confirm that I am interested?  When do I need to have payment in to the school for this trip?  

We need to have confirmation of your participation in this trip by Monday, October 24, 2011 with a deposit of $300 per person submitted to the school at that time.  Make checks payable to Plumstead Christian School.  The remainder of the full payment will be due by April 15, 2012.

2. What if I am a vegetarian or have special dietary needs? 

We can accommodate special requests if we know about them.  There will be opportunity as the trip is being finalized to make special requests such as this for both air travel and food while in Greece.


3. Do I need a passport?  

YES .  Everyone needs a passport.  Even an infant will need a passport for travel to Greece.  Information can be found at travel.state.gov and if you don't already have a passport, I would recommend applying at least four months prior to travel.  Additionally, the expiration date on your passport should not be within three months of travel.  If it is, we strongly encourage that you renew your passport.

4. Can we drink the water in Greece?  On the cruise?  On all of the islands?

The water on the cruise ship is ok to drink.  You may also drink the tap water in Athens.  Bottled water is readily available and inexpensive everywhere as well.

5. Is Greece safe?

Greece is very safe.  It's a democratic Western European country.  Although they are having financial difficulties, almost all of their protests have been peaceful.  Additionally there is no anger or calls for actions against Americans or any foreigners.  The focus of any protests have been regarding the jobs, government budget cuts, and the Greek debt situation.  Tourism is one of the countries biggest industries and it is very important to the Greek people.  They want you to have a safe and enjoyable trip.

6. With the current economic climate in Greece is it going to be expensive to buy things there?

Prices have been stable.  The biggest influence on price is the value of the dollar against the Euro.  The current trend is a strengthening dollar which makes things less expensive for Americans during their visit.

7. How physically taxing is this trip?

There are several tours which will require walking.  In addition, it may be hot during the tour day time tours.  Drinking plenty of water and wearing comfortable shoes is recommended.  Participation in all of the tours is not mandatory and you can always take a break or skip something if you are tired.

8. Do people speak English there or will we need a translator?

Almost everyone speaks some English.  Your tour guide will also be with your group throughout the entire tour and he or she speaks fluent Greek and English.

9.  Do I need to buy Euros here before leaving for Greece?

You can certainly do that, but you can typically get the best rate if you just use your ATM card for a withdrawal once you arrive.  There are ATM's at the airport.  Almost every merchant also takes Visa and Mastercard. 

10. Can I use my cell phone in Greece?  

It depends upon your cell phone service provider.  If you have AT&T or T-Mobile then your phone can work in Europe if you have international service enabled.  Rates typically start at $1 per minute for received and dialed calls. 

11. Is there a fee for my luggage on the airplane? 

Currently, you are allowed one checked bag free of charge for international travel.