***Please scroll all the way down to get complete travel information.

WASHINGTON, D.C. TRIP #16
May 31 - June 3rd,  2006
16 ADULTS  +  14 STUDENTS =   30 TRAVELERS + 1 Tour Guide

Our trip is rapidly approaching.  I will try to answer some of your questions here.  

DEPARTURE...

            Each person is responsible for his/her own transportation to the airport.  We are scheduled to depart from Baton Rouge on Wednesday, May 31st.  Please pay close attention to your flight information.  Everyone must arrive at the airport no later than 5:10 am.  You MUST be on time.  We will meet at the CONTINENTAL AIRLINE desk.  I will have your airline tickets.  Do not check your bags individually.  We will check our bags as a group. I will handle ticketing and boarding pass details.  Please check the attached itinerary for specific departure and arrival times.  Pay close attention to your departure and arrival times. 

            All travelers 13 years of age and over may be asked by the airline to present a picture ID (drivers license, ID card, passport, student ID, etc) which matches the name on the airline ticket.  Travelers under age 13 are not required to present IDs but it is a good idea for these travelers to bring a copy of their social security card or library photo ID or other photo ID.

            Everyone is reminded that the airline takes security very seriously.  No one should joke about anything regarding security at any time.  Be prepared to take off your shoes as you pass through security.  (Although this seems minor…easy on easy off shoes make security checks must quicker.)  Also, avoid coins or other metal object in pockets etc. 

We will arrive at National Airport in Washington, DC.  Security is extremely tight at that airport.  You will not be allowed to leave your airline seat 30 minutes before arriving in DC.  Please remind minors of this rule.  The airlines take this rule very seriously.   

PHONING...

       We will stay at the Holiday Inn National Airport.   The address is 2650 Jeff Davis Arlington, Virginia 22202.  The phone number at the hotel is:  (703) 684-7200.  Remember that we spend very little time at our hotel.  We leave our hotel around 8 am each day and sometimes do not return until 10 pm.  Keep this in mind when you "promise" to call home or ask someone to call you.  I suggest bringing your cell phone.  Don't forget that D.C. is an hour ahead of us! 

 MONEY...

      Three breakfasts and 3 dinners are included in the trip price.  Each person is responsible for purchasing his/her own lunch.  Allow at least $10.00 per person per day for lunch.  If you are not a 3 meal a day person, pack some snacks to bring with you on the bus.  Many travelers find that a water bottle comes in handy since we do not make many cold drink stops.  It's also a good idea to pack change to use in the vending machines at the hotel.  After a long day most travelers, are ready for a cold drink or snack before settling into the room for the night.

      You may visit some souvenir shops during the trip.  However; the best buys for t‑shirts and caps are with the street vendors.  Students traveling with an adult other than his/her parent may want to pack an allowance for each day in a separate envelope.  These students should also have their guardians hold some "just in case" money.  Please do not expect the guardian to cover extra expenses.  Since each traveler will be responsible for his/her own money and belongings, a "fanny pack" and a tote bag are a great idea for both adults and students.  The tote bag should be left on the bus when visiting sights.  The small “fanny pack” with the essentials can be carried off of the bus.  Security does not allow large bags in most buildings.

PACKING...

      Weather permitting shorts are acceptable most of the time.  Casual but nice is fine.  On the day that we go to the dinner theater, we will dress for the theater that morning since we will not go back to the hotel before going to the dinner theater. Plan to wear appropriate casual clothing.  Skorts, capris, skirts, pants, khaki shorts with pull over collar shirt are all acceptable.  Dresses coats and ties are NOT necessary.  Again…casual but NICE is fine.       

      Plan for cool and warm weather.  Like Louisiana the weather is unpredictable.  On cool rainy days you may be uncomfortable in shorts. Usually it is cool when we leave the hotel and warm during the day.  Since we usually do outside night tours until around 9pm, we are usually in the cool night breeze. You may find yourself wearing a light jacket in the morning, leaving it on the bus during the day and wearing it again at night.

      When packing, be sure to include a light weight rain repellent jacket preferably with a hood for wet afternoons or cool nights.  It is a good idea to bring at least one pair of pants in order to be prepared for cool weather.  Don't forget to bring an umbrella or poncho since we tour rain or shine.  Comfortable shoes are a necessity!  You might want an extra pair in case of rain.  You will really appreciate comfortable shoes on the days that we visit Mount Vernon (Wednesday) and Arlington (Friday).  Both of these visits include lots of walking.  It's time to get in shape!  

      Do bring a camera and LOTS of film!  If you are using a digital camera, bring lots of image cards and batteries.  Film and batteries are much cheaper in local department stores than in the tourist shops.  Practice using the camera before the trip.  A neck strap is a good idea.  Make sure that you know how to turn off your flash.  Some places will not allow you to shoot with a flash.  Watch out for those automatic flashes.

      CLEARLY MARK YOUR NAME AND PHONE # on all valuables especially your camera and tote bag.  Your cameras and bags will be passing through several security machines.  It's easy for someone to pick up the wrong bag or camera.  A bright colored ribbon or some other recognizable identification is HIGHLY recommended for all valuables.

      When packing, remember that each traveler will be responsible for carrying his own luggage.  Complete and attach luggage tags to your suitcases.  This helps with group boarding.  Be sure to include an identification tag inside and outside of your luggage.   Don't forget to tie a bright ribbon on your suitcase and bags so that it can easily be identified at the airport.  Leave mace and anything that might resemble or be defined as a weapon at home.  Remind students that airline security is very strict and will not tolerate any jokes regarding airline security.  Finally, NEVER pack your keys inside your luggage.       

      When we board the bus around noon in D.C., our luggage will be packed away on the bus.  This means that we will not "get to" anything in our luggage until late Wednesday night.  Pack everything that you will need for the afternoon in a tote bag that you will carry onto the bus.  Wear whatever you plan to wear or walk in for the day.  We will not go to the hotel to unpack before touring.  You will want to have your camera with you or in an easy to "get to" place in your luggage.  Or you might want to have a tote bag with your "touring items" (umbrella, jacket, camera, medicine) ready to carry onto the bus.  This tote bag can be left in your bus seat when we get off to tour.  You will want to pack our “tour bag” daily.   

          Don't forget your WATCH and an ALARM CLOCK!  A watch and clock are necessary to keep our group on schedule.   Too many delays will result in us missing sights scheduled later in the trip.  Finally, leave the gum at home.  Museums and buses will not allow gum.   

RETURNING HOME...

    We are scheduled to arrive in Baton Rouge Saturday night, June 3rd.  We sometimes experience flight delays.  Family members, who are meeting you at the airport, should check with the airline to verify the arrival time.    

ITINERARY...

    As we travel, keep in mind that the schedule is subject to change.  The schedule, order of events and the sights that we visit may vary depending on time restraints, sight availability and the timeliness of our group members.  Please note that the flight numbers and flight times are listed on the itinerary.  The name and location of our hotel and the hotel phone number are listed on the itinerary.  Don't forget to leave a copy of this information with your family. 

    Since we will spend very little time at the hotel, Worldstrides has an emergency phone number that you should leave with your family in the event that they must reach you.  The Worldstrides emergency phone number is 1-800-999-4542.  You may also give family members my cell number 225-803-6013.

ETC.

** ”Just for Fun”…In the past, travelers have enjoyed bringing our guide an INEXPENSIVE Louisiana token of appreciation for our tour guide and/or bus driver.  (ex…key chain, cap, tabasco, red beans and rice, Mardi Gras beads, Mardi Gras pin, bag of gumbo mix)  Something you probably have at home.  This is VOLUNTARY and just fun.  This should not be costly.  Everyone seems to enjoy this tradition! 

**Our guide is paid a minimal fee.  Our tips make up a good portion of the salary.  I suggested a $10.00 per person tip that will be split between our driver and guide at the end of the trip.  I received tips from the majority of you.  I will take care of preparing a thank you card with your names.  If you have not sent tip money, it is not too late.  These people really do work hard!

**You might want to bring some playing cards to use on the plane.

**There is no need to bring swimming suits.  By the time we return to the hotel at night, the pool is closed.

**If you ordered a t-shirt, you may wear it on the day of your choice.   

**Students and adults MUST have 2 copies of their health insurance cards.  One for me and one to keep with them at all times.  If you have not done so, please send my copy ASAP. 

**My cell number is 225-803-6013.  This is the best number to reach me.  I plan to have my cell with me in DC.  If you are bringing your cell phone, I would like to get your number in case we get separated.

**GETTING READY…Check www.donnakirkland.com for additional Washington info including a tentative itinerary. Give this link to your family and friends. (Click on “Trips” and click on links under Upcoming Trips.

Time permitting I will add photos to this sight while on tour!

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *    DETACH HERE AND RETURN TO MRS. KIRKLAND   *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Names of travelers:_____________________________________________________________________

We have received the departure information. _________________________________________________
                                                                                                         Parent’s Signature

If you are bringing your cell phone to Washington and have not sent me your number please list the number here.