Contact
Will I be able to call home once I get into the city?
Of course! Although it is exciting to travel and leave school and home behind for a few days, we understand that it is important to keep in touch with those at home. Most hotels will have pay phones that you can use – be sure to bring a calling card or become familiar with making collect calls.
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Accommodation
How many people are in each room?
In most accommodations, you will be sharing a room with 3 other students (4 to a room) some exceptions include university residences where two students are housed in each room and pensions in Québec City vary from room to room (2-5).
With whom will I be sharing a room?
It is up to the individual school’s discretion how rooming lists are made. Although you might have the chance to room with a friend, that friend should be of the same gender as you. Rooms are typically localized by gender; boys and girls rooms might be in separate areas or on separate floors of the accommodation.
Can we swim in the hotel pool?
Information about the specifics of the hotel and what will be included in your itinerary will be sent to your school a few weeks prior to your departure. Not all accommodations have pools, but if your accommodation does have a pool, then it is at the discretion of the teachers and planning committee as to whether or not there will be time allotted for swimming.
Will we have to bring our own linens and towels?
All accommodations use their own bed linens, so you do not need to bring your own. However, some residences and pensions require that you bring your own towel – if you are staying at one of these locations, your teacher will notify you of this. Please note: if swimming is part of your school’s itinerary, it is advisable to bring your own towel.
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Itinerary
Who decides what activities we do on our trip?
The teacher or principal who is planning the trip with the Program Consultants at Keating Tours decide what activities are included on the tour. They factor in the school curriculum, the needs and interests of the students, and the availability of sites and accommodations in your destination. These dedicated people are working toward creating an educational and fun trip for you and your peers!
When will I receive the final itinerary?
The school will be sent a final itinerary a few weeks before trip departure.
Will we have any free time to shop and hang out with friends?
In and around the many activities included on your tour, there is usually some free time planned by the school. This can take the form of a lunch where you can buy your own food, a visit to a local mall, or a block of time to explore a specific area of the city in small interest groups. However, the times on the bus, in the hotel, and during meals are great times to relax and socialize with your friends. The amount and purpose of the free time will appear on your final itinerary.
How is free time supervised?
Each school decides how free time is supervised. In most cases, the students spend their free time in small groups of four or more with a teacher exploring the designated area. Older students are usually allowed the privilege to explore the area independently in small groups, with periodic check-in times and locations. In all cases, students are instructed of boundaries and when and where to meet.
How will we be moving around the city?
There is a fair amount of walking on your tour, but you will not be doing it all the time. Most activities and restaurants are relatively close together; so using the bus is not always the most appropriate option. There is usually a walking tour scheduled in your itinerary, as walking is a great way to experience the sights and sounds of your destination. However, when the distance is too great or the weather is poor, the bus will be available.
What are we going to be doing at night?
Whether it is a dance party with your school after dinner, a hilarious theatre performance starring your teachers and friends, traditional Quebecois entertainment at a sugar shack, a dazzling IMAX show, or participating in an informative walking tour, the evenings on your tour are active and fun-filled.
What time is lights out?
The night supervisor comes on duty at 10:00pm (for Canadian destinations), so most schools choose this to be the time for lights out; however, teacher chaperones on the trip will exercise their discretion.
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Money
How much money should I bring?
The amount of money you should bring depends on the details of your school’s trip. If all of your meals are included in the cost of the trip, then you will not need money for anything essential. If some (or all) of your meals are NOT included in the cost of the trip, then you should bring about $15 for each meal that is not included. Additionally, you are usually given a small amount of time for shopping, so it is recommended that you bring only a modest amount of spending money.
If I get sick at the last minute or something serious comes up, will I get my money back?
The trip deposit of $100 is non-refundable. If you cancel more than 15 days prior to departure, you will receive a refund for the cost of the trip less the deposit. If you cancel within 15 days of departure, there is no refund. Please see Keating Terms and Conditions and Insurance Policies for more detailed information.
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What To Bring
Should I bring valuables?
All of our buses are locked when students are away from them and the hotels we use are safe and secure. However, it is always best to leave valuables at home.
How many bags can I bring on the bus?
One medium-sized suitcase for clothing (on wheels if possible) can be stored under the bus and one backpack for everything you think you will need to access regularly (books, wallet, diary, cards, etc.) can be brought with you on the bus.
Should I bring a camera?
There will be opportunities when you might like to capture the moment with a picture; so many students opt to bring a camera. It is a good idea to think about bringing a disposable camera!
What sort of clothes should I bring?
It is helpful to use the weather forecast for your destination as a guide. For all destinations, it is wise to pack versatile clothing: items that can be layered to adapt to different temperatures and weather conditions. Always pack a warm sweater (even if you are travelling in the summer), an umbrella and/or a raincoat (even if it is not forecasted to rain,) extra socks, and comfortable walking shoes. If you are going on a winter trip – bring lots of warm clothes, as you will be outside a lot. If you are going on a spring trip, be prepared for unpredictable weather. For more information, please refer to the packing list section of this website.
Will we have to bring our own linens and towels?
All accommodations use their own bed linens, so you do not need to bring your own. However, some residences and pensions require that you bring your own towel – if you are staying at one of these locations, your teacher will notify you of this. Please note if swimming is part of your school’s itinerary, it is advisable to bring your own towel.
What else should I bring?
For the bus ride, you might want to pack some snacks/a lunch (consult your teacher if lunch is included en route to your destination), a few books, magazines, a deck of cards, games to play, a camera, a notepad, some writing utensils, and anything else that you might want to do on the ride.
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Transportation
What kinds of buses does Keating Tours use?
We have a great relationship with Coach Canada and Great Canadian Coach lines. Keating Tours use modern highway motor coaches, which are clean, and well equipped with heating, air conditioning, a TV with a DVD player, and a washroom.
What will we do on the bus?
It might be a long bus ride, so your Tour Guide comes prepared with exciting stories, games, and interesting discussion topics to share with the group. The trip often provides a great opportunity for the group to become acquainted with one another and go over important aspects of the trip. Of course, the bus comes with a TV and a DVD player, so you can always watch movies and relax while en route. It is also a good idea for students bring a carry-on bag with things to do during downtime on the bus.
What happens if there is a problem with our bus?
Even with the most modern and state-of-the-art buses, problems periodically occur. If the bus breaks down, your tour guide is in radio communication with Keating Tours’ Destination Representatives and they will immediately contact the bus company to resolve the problem as soon as possible.
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Food
What will we be eating?
Most groups will be at a different restaurant for each meal in order to get a variety of tastes unique to their destination and at most meals, there will be some choice. Part of the experience of travel is to occasionally experience new flavours and most students appreciate the chance to challenge their palate! If you are on your own for a meal, it is up to you to decide what you eat.
What is I have specific dietary needs/restrictions or food allergies?
Make sure you inform your school at least two month before your trip of any dietary needs or food allergies. In advance of your arrival, a form is sent to any restaurants you will be eating at, notifying them of any food allergies and dietary needs or restrictions.
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Health and Safety
What happens in the case of an Emergency?
In the event of a serious emergency, your teacher or tour guide will call 911 and an ambulance will take you, accompanied by a Keating Tours Representative and a chaperone from the school, to the nearest hospital. If the emergency is non-life-threatening (i.e. a sprained ankle), a taxi can be taken (with a Keating representative and a school chaperone accompanying the student) to the nearest hospital. In all medical situations, parents/guardians should be contacted immediately.
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Supervision
Who is supervising us during the tour?
For every 10 students on the trip, there will be one adult chaperone (the chaperones are decided by school.) These chaperones will be supervising the students and participating in the tour: riding on the bus, eating in restaurants, enjoying activities, exploring the city, and sharing memories.
Who is supervising us while the chaperones are sleeping?
Every trip with Keating Tours includes a night supervisor who patrols the hallways and monitors the students from 10:00pm/11:00pm to 6:00am. The night supervisor will fill out reports at the end of each night to notify the chaperones of any problems or issues that occurs during the night. The night supervisor ensures that all students stay safely in their rooms and get a good night sleep to prepare for an upcoming day.
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Tour Guides
Who is our Tour Guide going to be?
Keating Tour Guides are carefully selected university students from Ontario and Québec who are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and fun. They share a passion for working with young people like you and motivating and involving students in a positive learning environment. The Guides we hire have criminal background checks and are also mature, well-rounded individuals with special skills in history, geography, theatre, French, and other related fields.
What is the tour guide responsible for?
The guide has 3 main tasks:
- To work with the chaperones to ensure a successful trip.
- To stimulate discussion, generate questions, and highlight points of interest.
- To monitor the details of the tour, including itinerary, meals and accommodations.
Your Tour Guide brings to life the city you are exploring in dynamic and exciting ways. They relate the history of the city to current events, while explaining the personal significance of events to your lives. The Tour Guide also gets to know all of you en route and strives to understand your needs and personal interests throughout the trip. In many ways your Tour Guide is your lifeline while on tour and works at creating the best possible trip for your school
!
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