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Orlando, FL, USA Overview
With a great combination of STEM learning and fun activities this trip will be an experience you will never forget!
ESTA Visa Information
ESTA Visa Information
As part of preparing you and your group for travel to the USA I wanted to give you the following information on the visa waiver program.
US Immigration & Customs requires travellers to the United States, that qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, to apply for authorisation through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).
The Visa Waiver Program allows foreign nationals from certain countries to travel to the United States for business or pleasure, for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.
Most countries participate in this program but we recommend checking the official website to ensure everybody in your group complies. Those who do not meet the requirements may have to get an alternative travel visa and we recommend starting this process as soon as possible.
Normally we recommend that groups complete the ESTA Procedures at least three months prior to departure. Please note there is an ESTA application fee required by the Travel Promotion Act of 2009. The fee required for each new application is US$14 per person.
This ESTA lasts for two years or until the traveller’s passport expires.
Completing Authorisations
To complete this form please visit the website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta. You will need the following information on-hand for each individual:
Passport Information
Personal Email Address
Home Telephone Number
US Point of Contact Information: Educating Adventures, Rosen Inn @ Pointe, +1 530 554 2192
Address While in States: Rosen @ Pointe, 9000 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
You will find all the information you need on the website, but if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Baggage - United Airlines
Hand Baggage
Every flight includes a hand baggage allowance, of one cabin bag weighing up to 23kg and a personal bag (hand bag or laptop). Passengers must be able to lift the bag into the overhead storage compartment unaided.
| Journey | Cabin Bag | Personal Bag (handbag/laptop) |
| All flights | Up to 22in x 14in x 9in | Up to 17in x 10in x 9in |
Exceeding the allowance
Any bags in addition to your carry-on and personal item, or carry-on bags over the size limit, will need to be checked. If you do have to check bags you may have to pay a fee.
Checked baggage
The most a standard checked bag can measure (length + width + height) on the outside is 62 inches. This includes the handles and wheels. The most a checked bag can weigh depends on your cabin and Premier® status at check-in. If the maximum size or weight differ based on your cabin and MileagePlus status, United Airlines will apply the larger limit.
Weight limits by class of service
| Class of service | Maximum weight per bag |
|---|---|
| United Economy® Premium Economy® |
50 pounds (23 kilograms) |
Please click here for more information regarding oversized/overweight checked baggage.
Packing List
If you are unsure regarding any of the items you should bring, or any other info in this guide then you should talk to your teacher - better to be over prepared than under prepared!
Passport, Visas and Money!
| Passport | Must have at least two blank pages |
| Be valid for at least 6 months (from returning home) | |
| Needs to be in excellent condition with no pages peeling | |
| Visas | Your teacher will let you know if a visa is required |
| Spending Money | To cover lunches, drinks and snacks |
| Extra for souvenirs and shopping! | |
| Ask your teacher if you don’t know how much money to bring |
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| Credit cards and pre-loaded travel cards are also widely accepted |
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| We recommend having your money in at least two different forms – e.g. cash and card, credit and debit card. Just in case one fails/ is lost |
HELPFUL TIP
Do not bring any agricultural products or fresh food with you when coming through customs, they are strict on this rule!
Essential day to day gear...
| Day to day clothing | T-shirts and tops |
| Jeans, pants or skirts | |
| Nightwear | |
| And several pairs of underwear and socks! | |
| Warm Clothes | Hat/ Beanie |
| Warm gloves | |
| Woollen jersey or hoodie | |
| Jacket | Insulating and waterproof, ideally with a hood |
| Footwear | These should be comfortable |
| And bring an extra pair in case these get wet! | |
| Personal Toiletries | Deodorant, shampoo and shower gel |
| Toothbrush and toothpaste | |
| Any required medication | |
| Sun Protection | Sunscreen |
| Sunhat | |
| Sunglasses | |
| Lip protection | |
| Swimwear | Towel and bathing suit |
| Small Pack | Take this on the plane and use during the day |
| Sunglasses | |
| Lip protection | |
| Other | Camera or video camera |
| Cards or a book to read | |
| Water bottle | |
| Don’t forget your chargers! |
HELPFUL TIP
Remember to have some warm clothing with you for the plane journey because it can get cold up there!
Tips for travelling
10 requests to ensure you are a responsible, welcome and tidy traveler!
1. Don’t litter! You are heading to a country proud of its cleanliness and pro-active in recycling, so help out by putting your rubbish in the right place. This includes while traveling on buses!
2. Always play above the line - there will be times you may miss your mum’s home cooked meals and get frustrated with your friend’s snoring, but try to act responsibly, be positive and become a leader.
3. Take only photos and leave only footprints - you won’t have room to take large rocks back home with you anyway, but keep to this tip to show respect for the local environment.
4. Be sensitive to cultural practices - you are not expected to know all which is required here so rely on your on tour manager to advise when and where required.
5. Listen to instructions - these will come from your teachers and your tour manager. Always listen carefully to instructions and not listening can lead to dangerous mistakes.
6. Support and respect your fellow classmates - no one likes to see bullying, disrespectful or aggressive behavior, keep the mood positive and everyone will benefit - especially you!
7. Represent your school well - leave a good impression everywhere you go. This includes being friendly to locals by day and ensuring you are not disturbing the peace at night. This will also go a long way to impressing your teachers!
8. Leave accommodation neat and tidy – make sure all litter is put in the bins provided.
9. Respect the environment – You will be witnessing and submersed in some of the most unique natural environments in the world so be sure to respect this by staying on formed paths.
10. Make the most of it! With the other tips in the back of your mind make the most of your trip by taking lots of photos, asking questions, keeping a journal and acknowledging those who made it possible - because the main objective is for you to have a good time!
