Start Walking!

We are departing in less than three months, so that means it is time to start walking. Yes, your body, and especially your feet, needs to be conditioned for the trip. Although we travel by motorcoach (Europeans don't say bus) between destinations, we also do a lot of walking! Remember, these tours are fast-paced and designed for students to see as much as possible. We usually have an early breakfast, ride the coach into town, then hit the pavement, often stopping only as night falls (and sometimes later). So I recommend that everyone, but especially adult travelers, get conditioned before the trip.

I also believe it is important to break in those new shoes at least two weeks (if not more) before departure. I'm not fond of flip flops since pavements are sometimes uneven or rough and can be hard on the toes, but if you do want to wear open-toed shoes, be sure they are designed for walking.

It's a good idea to pack at least one spare pair of shoes in case the ones you are wearing begin to bother your feet, and pack a few Band-aids just in case you get a blister.

Happy trekking!

Chateau de Versailles

Source: www.fashionwindows.net
Check out this site if fashion interests you!

Our trip extension will include a day-long visit to Chateau de Versailles, that quintessential of everything French! And to think that it all started as a hunting lodge (not like the American version of a hunting lodge, I'm sure). I'm very excited about marking this off my bucket list! I'm also very pleased to learn that this year the palace of Versailles is celebrating its gardens, designed by Andre Le Notre. You can take a virtual tour of the palace and gardens even before we travel by visiting the palace website. Another highlight of the palace visit will be the luxurious Hall of Mirrors—more than 350 mirrors, beautiful arches, and inspiring works of art. We'll also visit the state apartments while at Versailles. I'm sure it will all be overwhelming, so read up beforehand to get the most out of your visit.

Trip fundraiser

Our fundraiser is one week from today. We need your help! If you or a friend like Pampered Chef, please order online and help our students earn on-trip expense money. To order, check out the catalog online and enter Europe when prompted so that our student ambassadors get credit for the fundraiser. And thanks!