Newsletter #3
November 2024

ITINERARY

Updated version of the tour itinerary, including flight details can be downloaded by clicking the links below. Please keep in mind the itinerary is subject to change.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY

TRAVEL VISA (ESTA)

Each person is required to obtain a USA travel visa (ESTA). These will cost you around $22 USD.
It is essential that you provide the correct information (especially the correct passport number).

Your ESTA lasts for two years so if you have been the the USA recently your current ESTA may just need to be updated.

Please follow the following instructions to obtain your ESTA;

1. When you have your passport and credit card, go to this website
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

2. Click 'New Application'

3. Follow the on-screen instructions

4. Read all questions CAREFULLY and answer HONESTLY

5. List your contact address while in the USA as Hotel Edison 228 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036

6. Where it asks you the USA CONTACT while in the USA, this should be YOU and YOUR phone number but list the Hotel Edison as the address.

7. Record a copy of your APPLICATION NUMBER. We recommend that you take a photo of the screen when it comes up with you application number.

8. Check the website again in two days for your approval.

NOTE- It is your responsibility to ensure that you have obtained an ESTA and correctly provided your passport number and legal name. Failure to do so will result in the refused entry into the USA.
Please add your approved ESTA number to your online portal by 30/01/25.

BROADWAY SHOWS

These AMAZING shows were selected in consultation with the teachers. There will be opportunities for students to attend other Broadway shows but we ask that students DO NOT book additional shows yet as our itinerary may still change slightly. We will also manage students in groups during their leisure time to ensure everyone is safe. You can start chatting with your friends about additional shows you might like to see together but don't book anything yet.

Each student has two shows included with their tour price.

WHAT TO WEAR ON TOUR

It will be early Spring when we travel in April to New York, which is the same temperature as an Australian winter. You will need warm clothing in layers that you can take off. Los Angeles will be warmer so you will be able to wear shorts and t-shirts.

Dancers please bring:

- Two leotards (one must be black)

- One pair of black contemporary tights

- One set of trainers shoes (for hip hop)

- Jazz shoes

NOTE - no ballet shoes, or tap shoes required. Please leave them at home.

TRAVEL MONEY

We recommend you carry a small amount of cash $60 in low denominations for tipping and purchases where no eftpos is available. We will not have time to find ATMs so ensure you have some cash.

Students can obtain travel cards in US dollar currency from Australia Post, banks and currency exchange stores like Travelex and Travel Money Oz. These should be pre-ordered ahead of your trip.

SPECIAL FLIGHT MEALS

When we provide your flight account login details in March, it will be your responsibility to go online and order any special meals you require for the flight if you have dietary requirements. You will need to do this for any flights that will have meals. Special meals should be ordered by 30/03/25. Please also note that airlines are notoriously bad at getting this right, even if you do pre-order a meal. We recommend you bring snacks as a back-up to ensure you don't go hungry.

COVID-19 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Here are the current requirements for all international travellers to the USA:

As of midnight on Sunday, June 12, 2022, international travellers will no longer need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result before entering the U.S.
Travellers are no longer required to have a negative COVID-19 test before travelling to Australia.
You must sign a CDC attestation. Attestations need to be completed for all travellers 2 years and older prior to boarding.
All non-U.S. citizens must be fully vaccinated to enter the country by plane (limited exceptions apply)
Travellers need to show proof of full vaccination status prior to boarding. See details on accepted vaccines, as well as acceptable forms of proof of vaccination.

NOTE entry requirements may change at any time without notice. Details can be found on the U.S CDC website.

NEXT PAYMENT DUE: JANUARY 1

The final payment of $2664 per person is due JANUARY 1, 2025.

All payments to be paid through the online portal. We use the secure payment gateway 'STRIPE'. You can pay with visa or mastercard debit or credit card. We provide reminders via the Facebook group when payments are coming up, but do not issue invoices. You payment history can be viewed on your portal. It is your responsibility to keep on top of payments and payment deadlines. Please ensure payments are made BEFORE each deadline.

Penalties apply for late payments according to our Terms and Conditions.

FACEBOOK GROUP

This will be used for communication before and while on tour.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/919676839643481

LUGGAGE DIMENSIONS

Special reminder that checked baggage allowance is MAXIMUM 23 kgs and you CAN NOT bring rolling carry on bags. Carry on must be a backpack like indicated in the image below

SIM CARDS

Every tour member is required to have data access on their phones at all time. This is to ensure we can contact everyone and nobody will get lost. For most people, your Australian network will become too expensive. We highly recommend you consider purchasing one of the following travel SIM cards. There is an option for a standard SIM or an eSIM if you have a newer phone. It is your responsibility to check whether your phone is compatible by reading the information on these links below. Travel Gang staff will be able to provide a basic level of support based on these specific SIMs.