Faqs

There are a number of options for wiring money -: Your bank, Western Union, Transferwise, World Remit, etc.  Check on the fees and exchange rates – They vary widely.

IMPORTANT NOTE: In some locations, the person receiving wired money must be 18 years or older.  If your child is under 18, please contact a director first to make the arrangements.  You’ll need to send the money to a staff member who will sign for the money and then give it to the student.

Find out where the money is to be picked up.  For example, in Westendorf – the wired money goes to the Post Office, not one of the banks.  The Westendorf PO is only open from 8 am- noon on weekdays.

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This varies depending where the Red Tour stays. The rooming assignments will all be set up by the AMA home office before the tour leaves, and the staff will receive a packet showing how the rooms are organized at each stop on the Tour. You’ll generally be with the same roommate for much of the Tour, sometimes you’ll be in pairs, while other times there will be 3 to 6 in a room. The hotels are often very different from here in the in the USA, and from each other. We’ll stay in great hotels the entire time, but some of them (like in Dinkelsbuhl) might have been built more than 500 years ago!! Some aspects of hotel stays are very different: Elevators (they’re small), showers (some have no curtain!), room keys (you’ll often have to turn them TWICE all the way around), windows & doors (there are no screens … but then there are almost no insects!), and even the way the floors are numbered (the “Lobby” is often on the 2nd floor!)

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The hotel rooms are widely varied. Most are very updated, and will remind you somewhat of American hotels, while other (especially in Dinkelsbuhl) will have been built literally hundreds of years ago. Over the years, we’ve found hairdryers in most hotel rooms and irons in about 50% of them. All things considered, here’s our recommendation: if you used the Roommate Request form and know in advance who you’ll be with, then make a plan with the roommate(s) to carry only ONE small-sized Travel Iron among your group. On the other hand, if you have pants/skirts/blazers with a high content of polyester, nylon or other synthetic fabric, follow the AMA instructions about rolling your clothes and you’ll be surprised how few wrinkles you’ll get. Also, the dress shirts marked “wrinkle-free” aren’t truly wrinkle-free, but they do provide some degree of protection.

Three final thoughts

1. Take a small spray bottle of wrinkle-remover (available in the laundry section of the supermarket) and practice using it before leaving the states. It can work very well. Bring a hanger with you for your concert clothes.
2. If you’re really concerned, try this – buy a sheet of 1/4″ foamboard (like you’d use for school presentations) and create a “form” for your concert clothes to stay flat. It is almost weightless.
3. As soon as you check into your hotel room each time, make it a priority to get the concert clothes out of the luggage, hand-smooth any big wrinkles, and hang the clothes. If you hang them in the bathroom, the extra moisture will often help release the wrinkles.

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The days of small bottles of shampoo, conditioner and lotion are over.  Now most hotels will have a squeeze bottle of Shampoo/Body wash.

There will be bath and hand towels, but no washcloth, so you should bring your own if you need one.

Also – There will not be any toiletries suppled at the college, so you will need to bring everything for the college stay.

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Am I really going to do it myself, in my room?

Yes, you’ll be doing it in the bathroom of your hotel, either in the sink or the tub.

You should bring a double ziplock bag with powdered laundry soap, laundry soap sheets or some travel packets.  Powdered soap has gotten harder to find, but look for a small box of Woolite or Dreft.  Powdered soap is much easier to deal with – liquids can (and will) leak.  The packets of liquid detergent will work, but you have to commit to one packet per load.  Sometimes it’s too much, and sometimes not enough. Laundry soap sheets are new and very convenient.

Do a search for Laundry Soap Sheets, or Laundry Soap Sheets for Travel

You’ll also want something to use as a clothes line (I use about 30 feet of 1/4″ polypropylene rope that I picked up in a hardware store), some clothespins, and some heavy duty suction cups with hooks.  Bring two large plastic trash bags – one for dirty laundry and one for laundry that my not be dry when we leave the hotel.

We’ll go over the details of how to wash clothes in great detail at the orientation sessions before we leave.

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You can, but consider this:

1. You’ll need to carry a bag of dirty clothes with you during your free time.
2. You’ll need to read the instructions for buying soap in a foreign language, and have the correct amount in euro for change.
3. You’ll need to read the instructions for operating the washing machine and dryer in a foreign language, and have the correct amount of change to operate the machines.
4. It will take about 2 hours, and you’ll need to do it during free time, when you would be sight seeing.

              Is this a good idea?  What do you think?

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There are washing machines and dryers in the dorm, so you can do a load of laundry after the recording session.

There is a charge for using them, and you will need to supply your own soap (which you will already have for washing clothes while on tour.)

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Look for clothes that will line-dry quickly and are wrinkle free or resistant. Microfiber clothing is great.

Choose things that will mix and match and that you can wear in layers.

Pick comfortable clothing. Most of the time you will be wearing shorts and short sleeve shirts/blouses.  Plan to dress in layers for cooler weather.

Restrictions:

• No Denim. (Denim is OK at the college, but not in Europe)
• Nothing with offensive language or pictures.
• No clothing that shows bare midriffs or excessive cleavage.
• No mini skirts or short shorts. (Ladies – we will not be seeing your rear end!)
• No low-rider pants (Gentlemen- we will not be seeing your boxer shorts!)
• No flip-flops or flimsy sandals. (We do A LOT of walking on cobblestones, gravel and dirt paths.  Many foot injuries have occurred because of poor choices of footwear.)

In general, clothing should be neat, and modest.   The directors will have you change your clothing if they feel it is inappropriate. So don’t waste valuable luggage space.  If you would have second thoughts wearing a piece of clothing in front of your grandparents, leave it home.

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Any tie will do – it should be red, white and blue or at least red and blue.  Design is not an issue.

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It can be any flag red blazer.  AMA will have suggestions in one of the newsletters.
I also recommend looking at sales at you local department store, Goodwill or Salvation Army Thrift shops, or, if someone from your school has gone on tour previously, they may be willing to part with theirs.  (Many blazers have seen repeated tours!)

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We do A LOT of walking, much of it on gravel, dirt or cobblestones, so sandals and flip flops don’t cut it.  In fact we’ve had to deal with numerous foot injuries in the past because of inappropriate footwear.

Bring good supportive and comfortable footwear on tour.  You will be glad you did.

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There are washing machines and dryers in the dorm, so you can do a load of laundry after the recording session.

There is a charge for using them, and you will need to supply your own soap (which you will already have for washing clothes while on tour.)

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All of your preparations should be done BEFORE you arrive at the college.  Once there, we have at most 18 hours of rehearsal to put everything together. Since you will have at least 10 pieces of music to learn, that’s about 1-1/2 hours of rehearsal per piece.  If you are in more than one group you may have as many as 25 pieces of music to prepare!

Once we leave the USA, we’ll have *zero* rehearsals. For that reason, the 3 days at the college will be jam packed with rehearsals, coaching, sectionals, and whatever else we need in order to have a great final product before we leave. The Farewell Concert will actually be a “dress rehearsal” for the Tour, so everyone must be as prepared as possible before arriving.

Now, in Europe … When we perform a Concert, we’ll pull into the venue, unload the coach/trailer, set up the stage, and then ALL the groups will perform. When we’ve finished, some of the cities will have arranged for a Reception!  It’s a great cultural sharing time, and they are very hospitable.

On non-Concert days, the Red Tour will pack in as much unforgettable sight-seeing as possible.  Red Tour band directors do often recommend that brass players keep a mouthpiece in your carry-on for buzzing, but if you do that, make sure it’s an *extra* one so the original never leaves your case.

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All of this will be made clear to you each day. On some days, there will be plenty of time to return to the hotel for a change of clothes. Sometimes, however, you will have checked out of the hotel and your luggage is carried beneath the coaches. On those days, you’ll take your performance clothing on the coach with you; for that reason, it’s a good idea to take along a (lightweight, foldable and very cheap) garment bag. Even a garbage bag would work just as well. Don’t worry – the Staff will tell you very clearly how the clothing works each day of the Tour, and you’ll be reminded about how to prepare for the upcoming day at bed-check each night

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Details will be provided on the final Itinerary provided at check-in when you get to the college. The Itinerary will show the places (at least it will list the town/city) and exact times; keep in mind you’ll be using global time so the Concert time will be listed as “20:30” for an 8:30 PM Concert. We don’t always know the exact places of all of the performances; most towns have a ‘good weather’ and a ‘bad weather’ venue set aside. Some will be very specifically stated on the printed Itinerary. Whenever any questions remain, give a call to the home AMA office.

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We recommend getting a credit card that can be used to get cash from an ATM, but with parents’ ability to monitor transactions (and cancel in the event of a lost card) from home. Amex, Visa and Mastercard are accepted pretty much everywhere. Discover is gaining acceptance in Europe, but not accepted everywhere.  Discover recommends having another type of card, just in case.

If you are interested  in a Prepaid card, a Visa Pre-Paid card is fine. Many banks offer a DEBIT card on your checking account that will work in the ATMs.

Credit cards generally offer fraud protection, while debit cards generally do not. Credit cards may incur transaction fees, while debit cards may not.  Check with the card issuer for details.

Debit cards pull money directly from a bank account.  You can ask for a specific credit limit on a credit card.

Important note: You MUST contact your bank and/or card company so they’ll know the dates & countries on the Tour. That way, they won’t deny the transaction which they might think is “suspicious” if transactions are seen in Germany then Austria only a few hours later.

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Using a credit or debit card at an ATM will be the easiest and fastest way to get cash.  Every place we’ll visit has ATMs, and the Staff will help students find them.

We’ve found that cards with the Mastercard, Visa and American Express logo almost always work.

Gift cards WILL NOT WORK OVERSEAS

Like anywhere, please be extra careful with your card! Keep the card in a safe spot so you’ll ALWAYS know where it is, and hide your PIN entry from other people’s view. Also, be sure you concentrate while you’re at the ATM …. if you enter the incorrect PIN twice, there’s a risk that the ATM will keep your card; if it’s after business hours and the Red Tour is leaving that town, you may lose your card and need to figure out what to do for the rest of the Tour.

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Amex, Visa and Mastercard are accepted pretty much everywhere. Discover is starting to be accepted, but not everywhere.  Discover suggests having another type of card when traveling internationally.

Look for a card that does not have an ATM transaction fee.  Also check to see if the card charges for foreign transactions. A lot of people have had success with cards from Capital One and Chase.  Check with your current bank/ credit card issuer to see what they have to offer.

Nerdwallet info on No Foreign Transaction Fee cards

SECRET and IMPORTANT MONEY SAVING TIP: If you want to avoid paying interest on the ATM cash advance (which can be substantial!), overpay your credit card with the amount of money you want your child to have just before the tour starts.

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We DO NOT advise getting a prepaid “Gift Card” – as most of them work only in the US and NOT overseas.

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For pocket-money it’s generally best to get about 75€ – 100€ and about $20 – $30 in any other European currency you may need. That way you can purchase things as soon as we arrive without having to look for an ATM.

You should also bring about $20-$30 in US cash. That way, you will have some American money at both ends of the Tour and it can be exchanged, if necessary, in Europe as well. You’ll need US money to buy food and stuff at the airport before we leave.

If we are in Switzerland for more than a day, you should get Swiss francs. If we are spending just one day in Switzerland, where we’ll only be at the hotel and airport, don’t bother getting Swiss francs – they will be happy to take your euros or dollars.

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In the US – PLAN AHEAD to get your European currency.  Many area banks can get you currency, but it will take at least 2-3 days and maybe up to a week. Your local bank manager can give you details. Chase, Wells-Fargo, Bank of America and M&T banks also are easy places to get currency, and American Express Offices usually have it on hand – but call ahead before you make a last-minute trip.   Many banks will also allow you to order currency online.  If you are a member of AAA, they can get you currency.

It is possible to get foreign currency at the airport, but they usually charge more than your bank and if there is a lot of traffic on the way to the airport on the day we depart, there may not be time to visit a currency exchange kiosk.

When in Europe, using a credit or debit card at an ATM is the easiest and best way to get cash.  In a pinch, you can also get cash at banks and at the front desk at most hotels, but they usually charge a commission or have a poor exchange rate.

Nerdwallet Information on getting Foreign Currency

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There are a number of options for wiring money -: Your bank, Western Union, Transferwise, World Remit, etc.  Check on the fees and exchange rates – They vary widely.

IMPORTANT NOTE: In some locations, the person receiving wired money must be 18 years or older.  If your child is under 18, please contact a director first to make the arrangements.  You’ll need to send the money to a staff member who will sign for the money and then give it to the student.

Find out where the money is to be picked up.  For example, in Westendorf – the wired money goes to the Post Office, not one of the banks.  The Westendorf PO is only open from 8 am- noon on weekdays.

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You should have a separate suitcase/overnight bag just for use at the college.

At the college, the first thing that will happen is we will weigh your Europe suitcase and carry-on.  Pack your uniform in your suitcase along with everything else that you plan to travel with.  Make sure your suitcase is less than 35 lbs, or we will have you remove items until your suitcase is an allowable weight.  (This can be embarrassing to do with everyone waiting in line, so weigh it before you get to the college.)  The suitcase must be less than 62 dimensional inches (L x W xH) Charges for oversize suitcases are $300.  (Really!)

After weigh-in, your suitcase goes on to the dorm room with you.

We recommend that you do not use the Europe suitcase at the college except for your uniform, toiletries and the wire music stand (which will be in your suitcase for the flight).  That will help you avoid changing the weight, which might result in an issue at the airport.  If your suitcase is overweight, you will have to pay for the extra fees, which have become quite expensive. ($150 or more in 2013).  You also want to be sure you have room and extra weight available for bringing home souvenirs.

Your carry-on should be less than 17 lbs. and fit under your bed.  We recommend using a backpack.

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Trying to cram all of the clothes and everything else, shoes, toiletries, and whatnot into a suitcase with a low weight limit it pretty hard. Can I hide clothes in my instrument case?

The weight limit is a compact between AMA and the airlines, and we have no way to allow anything other than what AMA has put in print. Also, this accounts for extra weight and space for souvenirs on the trip home.  Fees for excess weight (over 50 lbs) are $150 .  If your suitcase is overweight, you are responsible for the cost. In 2016, 4 people had to pay $150 because of overweight or extra baggage.

Make wise choices about clothing and stick to the limit. If you use the packing guide in the April Newsletter, you should be fine.  You’ll find that you’ll have plenty of clothing if you choose wisely, especially because the Staff will remind you when the ‘good’ laundry nights will be (i.e., when you stay in the same hotel for two nights, the first night becomes an excellent opportunity to wash your clothes).

Also remember that you’ll be carrying your suitcase, carry-on in the hotels.  Sometimes the busses cannot park near the hotel, and you may need to carry your suitcase down a cobblestone street.  Many of the hotels have small (or zero) elevators. Thirty-five pounds will be plenty when you have to climb stairs at 10PM!

That said, you can put clothing in your instrument case if you want. Especially for cases like Tubas, Euphoniums, and perhaps Trombone & Bari Sax, sometimes clothing can actually help protect the instrument as ‘padding’.

REMEMBER – When traveling – Less is More!

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You will keep the suitcase with you – You will need your uniform, music stand, toiletries and other stuff that you’ll take on tour.  For more info – see the Luggage FAQ

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1. First, look for something that weighs less than 14 lbs.  Bring a bathroom or luggage scale to weigh prospective suitcases.  Most luggage stores have hand held luggage weighing scales.
2. Second, look for something with INLINE wheels.  We will be traveling over cobblestones, and suitcases with small exposed wheels will soon find themselves victims of wheel amputation.
3. Third, look for something with decent zippers, latches and handles.  It’s no fun toting a suitcase that won’t stay closed, or has a broken handle. Most students find that duffle bags with wheels work well.  They are soft sided, making them lighter, and allow for needed expansion as souvenir purchases increase.
4. While you are purchasing a suitcase, purchase a luggage strap – just in case!

For Carry-ons – We recommend a backpack.

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We recommend packing two suitcases – the suitcase for traveling in Europe, and a smaller one (a small duffel or backpack) with the clothing for your stay at the college.

That way, when you are done at the college, your parents can take home all the dirty clothing, (including any denim you may have chosen to wear at the college), and other stuff you won’t need on tour.

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Small instruments (Flutes, Piccolos, Oboes & Clarinets) will be put into your carry-on, carried on as a small item, or packed inside your suitcase for the flight. In Europe, you’ll keep you instrument in your hotel room and will be responsible for bringing it to and from concert venues.

Medium sized instruments (Violins, Violas, Trumpets, Alto Saxophones and Bassoons) will be packed 2-4 instruments together in a cardboard box with bubble wrap for the flight overseas.  The boxes are tagged & checked at the baggage area and put under the plane.  You can choose to carry one of these instruments as your carry-on, but if it doesn’t fit in the overhead bin (too big or bins are filled) it may end up being put under the plane by itself.

“Larger” instruments are individually tagged & checked at the baggage area and put under the plane.

Once in Europe, medium and large instruments will be transported in a securely locked trailer that is towed behind one of the coaches.  You will not need to carry these instruments to your hotel room.

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No.

Many suitcases and ALL instruments are opened up by security at the airport.  If the case is locked, and you are not using a TSA approved lock, they will break the lock, and possibly your suitcase/instrument case.

If you are locking it because you are afraid it might open, use a luggage strap instead.

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If you are leaving after the concert, you will have about an hour after the concert to collect anything not needed on tour and take it home.

If you are staying overnight, you can pick up the stuff right after breakfast or before the busses depart for the airport.

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That’s OK if it won’t fit in your suitcase, and it’s fairly common, because it is in the same category as a purse or camera bag (but you should still try to consolidate everything into the smallest possible number of items). Here’s an additional good reminder: if while in Europe you purchase souvenirs that “must” be hand-carried (because they’re fragile, sentimental, easily-lost, etc.), make sure you have a plan for the return trip. A carry-on, small instrument, and a bag of souvenirs might be a difficult load.

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Staff members have taken both film cameras and digital cameras over the years. Some Staff members have taken X-ray bags to protect the film (available at any photo store, and probably in the photo departments of other stores as well) but usually had to send the loaded camera unprotected through the scanner anyway. However, they never suffered any damage. The airports say that the security machines have changed over the years so that film is generally good until you get to 1000 or 1600 ISO speeds. In the past, staff members have had some ISO-1600 go through with no visible damage.

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Chances are the school does not have insurance for the instrument.  You can go without insurance, but if anything happens to the instrument, YOU will have to pay for repairs or replacement.

I suggest contacting your homeowner’s insurance company. Tell them your child is traveling to Europe with their instrument. Ask them is if is covered with your policy. (Do not mention that it is a school instrument.)

If it is covered, you are set. They may ask for an estimate of the cost of the instrument.  You could go online to any music website and find a similar instrument to get an estimate.

If it’s not covered, ask if they can add a rider policy to cover it for the trip.  Riders are typically inexpensive.

If they do not have that option, you can get instrument insurance from a few companies:

Clarion

Anderson

Heritage

Music Pro

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1) Inspect your instrument case.  It should be a hard case with a zipper or good latches that work and stay shut.  If you think there might be an issue with that, purchase a luggage strap to keep the case closed. DO NOT plan on using a key to lock the latches.  During security check at the airport, the latches will be broken open.  Also, Murphy’s Law states that you’ll leave you key in the hotel room during a concert night.

2)If you feel you must lock your case – get a TSA approved lock.  Locks and luggage straps are available at most places that sell luggage.

3) Make sure your instrument fits snugly in its case and does not shift or bump around. Vibrations on the plane and in the trailer have caused instruments to disassemble themselves! If needed, add some extra padding – (bubble wrap, towel, t-shirt) to prevent the instrument from moving around in the case.

4) If you have an expensive wooden instrument, consider purchasing a “Dampit” to keep humidity stable during the flight.

5) If you have only a soft case, purchase a hard case or see if you can borrow or rent a hard case.  If that’s not an option, make sure your instrument has plenty of padding protection – it will get bumped around on the plane and in the trailer. You use a soft case at your own risk.

6) Not all hard cases are equal – in 2013 we brought 3 cellos overseas, and one had a case that was somewhat flexible.  The neck on that cello broke on the way over to Europe, and AGAIN on the return flight home.

7) ALL instruments get opened up by security at the airport.  If your instrument gets packed in a special way, take a picture of the correctly packed instrument, print it and put it inside the case for the security agent to see.  Also marking “TOP” or “THIS SIDE UP” or “OPEN THIS SIDE” on the outside of the case  may help insure that your case is opened correctly.

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All instrument cases will be opened and x-rayed at the airport.  This is usually done out of your sight so a few precautions are advisable:

1) Do not lock the case.  If they cannot open the lock, they will break it.  If you must lock it, use only a TSA approved lock.

2) If the instrument needs to go in the case a specific way – take a photo and print it on an large piece of paper with the words INSTRUMENT PACKING and leave it in the case so that the TSA Agent can see it.

3) Percussionists- make sure you have a drum key with you. – one year we had to disassemble a drumset bass drum so that security could see inside the drum!

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If you have a music stand that fits in your instrument case and will not damage your instrument, you can bring it.

Otherwise, you will need a Hamilton KB400N or something similar. (See photo on the left. Any color music stand is fine.)

It should separate into 2 sections and fold up compactly.  It will need to fit in your suitcase on the airplane, and in our rolling cases while on tour.  When folded up, the bottom part of the stand must be less than 26″ and the top must be less than 20″

DO NOT bring a stand with a solid/non-collapsing desk (the part that holds the music) or one with thick tubes.  It will take up too much space, may not fit in our case or your suitcase, and you will be responsible for schlepping it around yourself.

We DO NOT recommend the type that is in one piece that folds up and has little plastic knobs.  They tend to break off immediately and then the stand is useless.

IMPORTANT!!!  Before you arrive at the college, label the top and bottom of your stand with your name.

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Small instruments (Flutes, Piccolos, Oboes & Clarinets) will be put into your carry-on, carried on as a small item, or packed inside your suitcase for the flight. In Europe, you’ll keep you instrument in your hotel room and will be responsible for bringing it to and from concert venues.

Medium sized instruments (Violins, Violas, Trumpets, Alto Saxophones and Bassoons) will be packed 2-4 instruments together in a cardboard box with bubble wrap for the flight overseas.  The boxes are tagged & checked at the baggage area and put under the plane.  You can choose to carry one of these instruments as your carry-on, but if it doesn’t fit in the overhead bin (too big or bins are filled) it may end up being put under the plane by itself.

“Larger” instruments are individually tagged & checked at the baggage area and put under the plane.

Once in Europe, medium and large instruments will be transported in a securely locked trailer that is towed behind one of the coaches.  You will not need to carry these instruments to your hotel room.

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No.

Many suitcases and ALL instruments are opened up by security at the airport.  If the case is locked, and you are not using a TSA approved lock, they will break the lock, and possibly your suitcase/instrument case.

If you are locking it because you are afraid it might open, use a luggage strap instead.

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That’s OK if it won’t fit in your suitcase, and it’s fairly common, because it is in the same category as a purse or camera bag (but you should still try to consolidate everything into the smallest possible number of items). Here’s an additional good reminder: if while in Europe you purchase souvenirs that “must” be hand-carried (because they’re fragile, sentimental, easily-lost, etc.), make sure you have a plan for the return trip. A carry-on, small instrument, and a bag of souvenirs might be a difficult load.

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The AMA Office is handling Homebound busses. Contact the AMA office for information.

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It usually takes about 60-75 minutes from the time we land until we clear customs and exit the airport.

We will ask the students to call home as the bus departs JFK.

If traffic is light (Ha!), expect the following travel times from JFK:

NY- Bus – Love’s – 3 hours, 30 minutes, Treadway Inn, – 4 hours, 15 minutes, Horseheads HS – 5 hours

NY- Bus – Bethlehem Central HS – 3 hours, New Hartford High School HS – 5 hours

NJ Bus – IKEA – 1 hour, 30 minutes, King’s- Bedminster – 2 hours, 30 minutes

We will ask you child to call you when we leave the airport so you have a better idea of when to pick them up.

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Absolutely.  You will receive a detailed itinerary at check-in at the college.  If you need more detailed information earlier, you can check with the main AMA office mid June.

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Yes; however, in order to insure your child’s safety,  you must contact the main AMA office in advance of the tour to fill out a “Special Leave” permission form so that the directors know that the person coming to see your child is approved by you.

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Yes, that is an option that happens frequently.  We call this a “deviation” and you must contact the main AMA office by the end of February to work out the arrangements.

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(From Mr. Linaberry) For me, every stop on the tour has unbelievable interest, with a huge amount of variety. The cathedrals are amazing. The size and opulence of the Paris Opera House is stunning. There’s nothing like the ‘smell’ of the air at 11,000 feet, at the top of a glacier in Austria. Also, the kinds of cultural events you’ll experience (wait till you see the Tirolean Folk Festival!) are indescribable. All things considered, I think my favorite Tour stops are Dinkelsbuhl, GER and Westendorf, AUS. Ah, but then again, Brugge, BEL, is an ancient marvel, and the views you’ll get from the cruise ships on the Rhine and Seine rivers will be something you’ll remember forever. You’ll love every place you visit. I’m excited for you just writing about it!

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Yes and no. Most of the countries we’ll visit use the same power & receptacle style.  The voltage in Europe is 240 V as compared to the 120 V we have in the US.   If your appliance/item is listed as having “dual voltage” ( it will say something like 100-240 VAC), you’ll only need an adapter, and not a power converter.   The plug in most of Europe uses two cylindrical-shaped barrel plugs instead of the flat ‘blades’ that we use here. On the left is a picture for reference.   Color doesn’t matter, but you’ll want to be sure that the metal barrels AND the next 1-inch of plastic are basically in same width (i.e. the holes are often recessed there, so if you have a big “brick” style adapter, the metal plugs might not even be able to reach the holes).   On the picture to the left, two-thirds of this device will be beyond the flush surface of the wall (the metal plugs AND the next inch of plastic).

If the tour visits Switzerland, the plug is a little different, and some European plug adapters work, and some don’t.

If the outlet in the hotel is recessed (1st picture) the shape of of the hole may prevent your adapter from fitting.  If the outlet is flush with the wall (2nd picture), the regular European adapter will work.  You may want to get a “Type J” adapter just in case.

Here are some examples of adapters that will work:

European Travel Adapter

Universal Travel Adapter

IMPORTANT – if your electronic device is NOT dual-voltage, (it only says 120 V) you’ll need the adaptor AND a Power Converter (also commonly called a Transformer).

You can usually purchase plug adapters/transformers at any place that sell luggage.

If you have many devices that you will need to charge, bring a small American multi tap extension cord WITHOUT a surge protector (it will blow if it see’s 240 V).  You can plug the extension cord into the plug adapter/power transformer, and then plug all your devices into the extension cord.  That way you won’t need an adapter for every device.

Additional Electronics reminders from your Directors: With communications devices, grooming, electronics, irons, etc., it’s good to work out a sharing plan with Roommates if you’ve made a roommate selection plan with the home office. ONE hair-dryer; ONE travel iron; etc.

Know your phone/camera/camcorder/etc. well in advance, or plan to take the owner’s manual with you.

For pictures & video, do a little research in advance. Make sure you know about resolution, memory-capacity, etc. An extra (or high-capacity) memory card, (or two!), is probably a very wise purchase.

Know how to turn off your flash!! Many locations have a mandatory no-flash rule. Ask some good questions before you leave so you’ll know some ways to still take good pictures when you have the flash off.

Plan carefully for your method of carrying (and caring for) all electronics. Security is essential. We have watched some students experience heartbreak with they’ve dropped (or lost) their cameras/phones; that’s especially bad near the end of the tour when you’ve collected 2000 pictures!

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Yes. Even if you don’t plan to make calls or texts while abroad, you will want it at the airport before we leave, and to call home after we arrive back in the US.

If you have a smartphone, you will be able to use the Wi-Fi features (email, messaging, etc.) when there is Wi-Fi service.  Apps like WhatsApp and Viber are excellent ways to communicate with people back home.  These will also work if you have a data plan, but be very careful – some data plans are VERY EXPENSIVE!

You can also use it as your camera, but make sure you have enough memory, as you will be taking many, many pictures. If that is your plan, be sure to transfer all the photos currently on your phone to a computer or a hard drive, and then delete them from your phone so that you have enough memory to store your new photos.

IMPORTANT: Using a cell phone in Europe can be EXPENSIVE and distracting.  You are spending a lot of money to visit and see new things.  It would be a shame to miss seeing the alps or not to meet new friends on the bus because you were playing a game on your phone for the entire tour.   Use it sparingly (unless you are taking pictures).  Enjoy every moment of the trip!

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• If you are planning to use your phone to make regular phone calls, you need to make sure your phone will work in Europe. It will need to have multi-band GSM capabilities. ATT and T-Mobile operate with a GSM signal, Verizon may not. However, most smartphones now have built-in GSM capabilities. The easiest way to find out is to ask your mobile phone provider if your phone will work in Europe. If it will not, see the last paragraph below.

• You will need an international roaming plan. There are several ways to do this.
  1. The easiest way is to get a plan through your mobile phone service provider.  T-Mobile “Global Roaming” add-on are free and include Unlimited International texts and data. Phone calls to and from the US are 25¢/ minute.  AT&& has the International Day Pass  for $10/day for up to 10 days, then no extra charge. Verizon’s “Travel Pass” is $10/day and “Monthly International Plan” is $100 for 30 days with differing amounts of call time, text and data.
  2. Get a Global SIM card. You put this in your phone after you leave the US. It gives you a new phone number from another country, and sometimes a “toll-free” US number as well. That means anyone from the US can call you for free, but you pay for the incoming call. Usually, incoming calls and texts are free, and there is no connection charge for outgoing calls or texts. Search for “global SIM card“

Read the fine print carefully, as there are often connection and other charges. Also beware of companies that give you an Estonian number – the rates for using your phone in Europe will be very cheap, but anyone calling you will be making a very, very expensive call or text. Also, make sure it will work in all the countries we are visiting. Some providers are very inexpensive in one country, but expensive if you use it outside of that country.

VERY IMPORTANT – most of the plans allow you to use data (for using GPS, surfing the net, checking Facebook…) but using data can be VERY EXPENSIVE!!! (There are many stories of people running up bills of several THOUSAND dollars in data cost!)  Some plans charge $20/MB – which could set you back $40 just for checking you email and downloading a picture!  Always read the fine print about rates. It’s probably best to turn cellular data OFF while on tour.

In order to use an international SIM card, you will need to have your phone “unlocked”. Ask your mobile phone carrier to do this for you.

If your phone cannot be used internationally, most of the SIM card providers will also sell you an unlocked international phone with the SIM card at very low prices.

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Your American cell phone won’t work in Europe as a phone unless you have a GSM phone (with a global chip/system installed) and an international roaming plan.

You must contact your wireless service provider and give them a specific description of where you’re going (list the countries) and what you want to do with the phone (calling to the U.S.; texting; internet). Also, it’s important to ask them up-front about the “plan” so you’ll know the exact costs of each service, without confusion.  For more info about international plans, see the previous FAQ.

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GroupSpot – We will use this for communication, sharing documents, and pictures.

WhatsApp, Viber, Skype, Google Voice, and others for Communicating

Google Translate for translating foreign words

Forvo for pronunciation of foreign words.  They also have a new travel guide section on their website – click the “Guides” tab at www.forvo.com

Google Maps and CityMaps2Go for Maps and directions.  Be sure to use the download to phone feature for use when you don’t have wifi or data.

Mobile Passport for getting through US Customs quicker

TripAdvisor for reviews

Hotel  apps -if you have signed up for a frequent traveler account, you may be eligible for some perks like free or faster wifi.

Airline apps – for checking flight information and adding frequent flyer miles

CashTrails – for keeping track of expenses

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Can students purchase calling cards over in Europe or should I do it here?

Alert: the calling cards you’ll find here on our shelves – even those declaring that they’re “international” – are almost all lacking in convenience when it comes to making calls from Europe back to the states. Many advertise a specific number of minutes, but calling from there to here (accessing the #11 country code) chews up minutes before you can even speak! A “100-minute” card purchased here sometimes might give you only a third of that!

(Info from 2013):Some of our staff members have successfully used www.pennytalk.com.

Solid advice, however, is to simply get a calling card when we arrive in Europe. There are many, many shops in most of the places we’ll visit, and calling cards are quick and easy to get. Those will work more conveniently for calling from Europe back to the states.

Calling TO Europe: the Itinerary you’ll receive at check-in will list all of the hotels & their phone numbers (reminder ~ please don’t try to pre-arrange calls on specific dates & times; that almost never works, and can lead to frustration).

Call your phone company and ask about an international calling plan. It is usually about $15/month – you can usually set it up just for the time your child is on tour, and it can literally save you several hundred dollars!

Verizon International Plans

T-Mobile International Plans

AT&T International Plans

E-mail is a great way to communicate.

Most international plans allow for free text messages.  However, please refrain from doing to much texting – let your child enjoy the trip and have some independence!

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Most hotels have on-site computers which you can use (for free or for a small fee) for internet & e-mail.

Wi-Fi is available at many locations (sometimes free or for a fee).  Starbucks has free Wi-Fi in Europe. Be aware, however, that at many hotels, the Wi-Fi is slow, and with 100+ AMA students trying to Skype at the same time, internet access is often very slow or intermittent.

Tablets are OK to bring, but be very careful if you make that choice. We move fast, and taking an expensive tablet might be more weight and responsibility than you need. See below:

Some people have carried full-size laptops, but it’s a definite risk and adds weight!   Do you really want to be lugging it up to the top of the long, steep hill to the fortress?  What if you drop it in a canal?  What if you leave it behind at a Cafe?  NOT RECOMMENDED!

If you do choose to take a laptop or tablet, be sure you check carefully about the cost of Data Plans – they can be VERY EXPENSIVE – some charge $20/MB – which could cost you $40 just to check your email or download a photo!

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We had a question about mail. Will students be able to receive mail at the hotels they are staying at, and would it reach them?

Yes, they can receive mail at the hotels (but read on!). The amount of time it takes for mail to get from the U.S. to any given hotel is extremely variable so you will need send letters 10 or more days in advance!

The best way to send something physical – by far – is to use a FAX. When you arrive at the college, the final printed Itinerary will give the fax numbers for every tour-stop. If you send a fax, it will be delivered by the hotel staff to Mr. Fink or one of the other directors. In some towns, the Red Tour might be divided into several small hotels. At least one of the Directors will be in the hotel with the fax machine.

The faxes received at each hotel are handed out to students at breakfast and dinner. It’s a really nice treat, actually, and every year students get pretty excited about getting a note from home.

Some people send a handwritten letter, while others get a little more extravagant with drawings, puzzles, or a photocopied hometown newspaper article. Anything from home is nice!

IMPORTANT – Whether it is a letter or a fax, ALWAYS put  “AMA RED TOUR” and your child’s name clearly on the first page of the fax or envelope.

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Mr. Fink will post to Facebook on a regular basis throughout the tour.  To see the posts, go to the American Music Abroad Red Tour Facebook page

If you want notifications when posts are sent, follow the notifications instructions.

If you are  parent, you will also get to see posted photos on GroupSpot.  Mr. Fink is planning to copy the facebook posts to GroupSpot.

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• Make sure you have enough medication to last the entire trip, plus a few days.
• Keep a small amount in your backpack, and leave the rest in your suitcase. Keeping them split up will help in case something gets lost or left behind in a hotel.
• If you have several prescriptions, keep them in separate, clearly labeled containers so they won’t get mixed up.
• Make sure you have a written copy of the prescription in case of an emergency and you need to refill it on tour.  Be aware that it may not be possible to refill it, as some pharmacies may not accept American prescriptions, or they may not carry the medication in Europe.  But if you have it, it can help a pharmacist get a similar medication for you.
• Make sure you have complete info about your prescription on the medical form.

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Eating something that you are allergic to can be very serious.  It usually results in a trip to the hospital, and can delay the tour for 3 or more hours.  So it is important for you to be very careful.

• Before you leave, make sure you have the foreign names for anything you are allergic to in the language of each country you’ll be visiting.  There are many websites such as Google Translate that will help you.  Use several sites, as you may get several answers. (e.g. find translations for peanut, peanuts,  peanut butter, roasted peanuts, peanut paste.)
• Make several copies of the list and  keep one with you at all times
• ALWAYS ASK if the food contains something you are allergic to.
• Always keep an Epi-pen or something like Benadryl with you in case of an emergency.
• Make sure info about your allergy is on your medical form.

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The nurse on our tour  is there to determine if a medical issue is serious, requiring a trip to a doctor or hospital, or if it can be treated on the spot.

Because of this, you are responsible for bringing any items that you might need: Bandaids, cough drops, aspirin/tylenol/ibuprofen, etc.  That way, if you need something, you will have it with you, and won’t have to find the nurse.

Also – since the nurse a volunteer (not paid), they will be (hopefully) enjoying the tour as a participant, so it’s unfair to expect the nurse to carry enough supplies for the entire tour.

The nurse will have a small amount items, just in case, but it is YOUR responsibility to have a small supply of your own.

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You will check in, ideally between 11:30 am and noon.

First, you will get your Europe suitcase weighed to make sure it is under 35 lbs.  If it is overweight, you will have to remove items to get it under 35 lbs.

Next, you’ll show us your passport.

Next, you’ll get a bunch of stuff: Schedules, polo shirt, passport pouch, itineraries, meal card and room key.

You will then go to your dorm room, check your room for linens and damage.  You’ll unpack and eat lunch if you haven’t done so beforehand.(Lunch is on your own – not provided.)

Before 1:00 you’ll go to the rehearsal space with your music, pencil, music stand, instrument(s), passport and pouch. You’ll say goodbye to your parents and begin rehearsal!

(Parents – once you have brought your son/daughter to the dorm, you are free to go.)

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At the college you will receive: 2 flat bed sheets, a pillowcase, a pillow, a cotton blanket, 2 bath towels and a washcloth.

You need to bring:  Soap and any other toiletries.

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We will have rehearsals in the morning. After lunch we will have more rehearsals and Dress Rehearsals  for each group.

Sometime between 2:00 and 4:30, students will be released.  The exact time will depend on what group(s) they are in.

Students will go back to the dorms, freshen up, change into their uniform and meet their parents for dinner.  We suggest going out to dinner, although it is possible to eat dinner on campus.

Students are to be back at the concert space at 6:45 to warmup.

Parents are to be seated in the concert hall at 7:00 for a final information meeting.

The concert will start at 7:30 and will be over between 9:00 and 9:30. At that time, parents can collect the college suitcase and have a little time for an after concert treat.  Students must be back by 11:00 pm for an important orientation session.

Summary:

8:00 am  Rehearsals

12:00 pm Lunch

12:45 pm  Rehearsals/Dress Rehearsals/Recording Sessions

2:00-4:30 pm Dismissal, Freshen up, Change into uniform, Eat Dinner

6:45 pm Students call time for concert

7:00 pm Parent Meeting

7:30 pm Concert

9:00/9:30 pm Concert concludes

11:00 pm Orientation Session

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Everything is included in the tour cost while at the college, so participants may not need any money while there.

There are vending machines for purchasing snacks, a bookstore to purchase college apparel or merchandise, and there is a Starbucks and a strip mall located walking distance from the campus.  But all meals are included in the tour cost, so you may not need to spend any money.

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No.  Parents should drop off students at the college or have them ride with another participant.

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You will keep the suitcase with you – You will need your uniform, music stand, toiletries and other stuff that you’ll take on tour.  For more info – see the Luggage FAQ

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We recommend packing two suitcases – the suitcase for traveling in Europe, and a smaller one (a small duffel or backpack) with the clothing for your stay at the college.

That way, when you are done at the college, your parents can take home all the dirty clothing, (including any denim you may have chosen to wear at the college), and other stuff you won’t need on tour.

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If you are leaving after the concert, you will have about an hour after the concert to collect anything not needed on tour and take it home.

If you are staying overnight, you can pick up the stuff right after breakfast or before the busses depart for the airport.

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There are washing machines and dryers in the dorm, so you can do a load of laundry after the recording session.

There is a charge for using them, and you will need to supply your own soap (which you will already have for washing clothes while on tour.)

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