Possible school trip from Louisiana to Quebec questions, please

[lucyanna girl]

The French Club at my daughter's school is considering taking a Spring Break trip in April to Quebec, Canada. Permission has been granted providing they can raise the money and that enough of the thirty odd members are interested and can get permission from their parents.

I am one of the parents who has been asked to go as a chaperone and to help the teacher "fact find" some possible places to see and stay. She is exploring possible ways to cut expenses (example, charter a bus or maybe fly - doubtful, I think). It would be quite a long ride, over 1700 miles and 27 hours one way.

This would be a wonderful opportunity for the students of our small rural school as many of these kids have never been far from home. Quebec was chosen because of our French heritage in Louisiana.

What would you suggest we see in Quebec? I know there are some Canadian members of the DIS. Any place you wouldn't want your teen to miss? Members of the French Club range from 15 - 18 years of age.

Hotels? Restaurants? Points of Interest? Really great shopping areas? And what about on the way there and back? I'm not sure what the exact best route would be but maybe someone has some suggestions about that too.

Thanks a lot. I know I have asked a lot of questions but we need lots of advice.

Penny

 

[golfgal]

A bus from Louisiana to Quebec--you have to be CRAZY to do that . I would check with a travel agency. They can typically put together trips like this for a very reasonable price-and generally they work in a couple of the chaperone trips for free. You might also want to check into a trip to France. Often you can find trips overseas more inexpensively then you can in the states or Canada-just a suggestion. Our high school French classes go to France every year.

 

[suejai]

Sorry, I can't give any info, I've only ever driven through Quebec. But, have you tried putting this on the Canadian Trip Planning board, as well?

 

[lucyanna girl]

A bus from Louisiana to Quebec--you have to be CRAZY to do that . I would check with a travel agency. They can typically put together trips like this for a very reasonable price-and generally they work in a couple of the chaperone trips for free. You might also want to check into a trip to France. Often you can find trips overseas more inexpensively then you can in the states or Canada-just a suggestion. Our high school French classes go to France every year.

I hear you. I'm thinking this trip will never happen. The money will scare most of them off. But, I did promise to help so I'm trying.

I can tell you this, I get motion sick on a bus and IF that happens I will be conked out on Dramamine the entire ride. DD too.

I just looked and Southwest flies in New Hampshire out of Jackson, MS. I'm wondering if they ever "Ding" those flights. Maybe fly in and out of there and charter a bus for the middle part?

Penny

 

[lucyanna girl]

Sorry, I can't give any info, I've only ever driven through Quebec. But, have you tried putting this on the Canadian Trip Planning board, as well?

GREAT idea!

Thanks,

Penny

 

[golfgal]

I hear you. I'm thinking this trip will never happen. The money will scare most of them off. But, I did promise to help so I'm trying.

I can tell you this, I get motion sick on a bus and IF that happens I will be conked out on Dramamine the entire ride. DD too.

I just looked and Southwest flies in New Hampshire out of Jackson, MS. I'm wondering if they ever "Ding" those flights. Maybe fly in and out of there and charter a bus for the middle part?

Penny

Our kids just do a lot of fundraisers right now. DD14's best friend is going to France for spring break with the French classes. I think their trip for 10 days, all inclusive, is about $1800. They are selling the Happenings books, pointsettia's/Christmas centerpieces, etc. right now. The kids can either pay for the trip or fund raise to help with the costs.

I know when DS17 went to China with the band that trip was $2200, all-inclusive, and many of the kids were able to raise money for their entire trip through fundraising. Our band trip was arranged through Macy's travel. They took care of making all of the reservations for flights, hotels, meals, sightseeing, tour guides, etc. The band directors didn't have to do anything. Macy's even arranged for some outfit to come to the school to register all the kids for their passports and take pictures. It was SUPER easy for everyone. They make their money off the commissions so there isn't an extra fee for their services. They have a special school travel division that does all of this. Our travel agent on our trip had been to China 10 times in the past few years so he was very familiar with everything.

 

[lucyanna girl]

Our kids just do a lot of fundraisers right now. DD14's best friend is going to France for spring break with the French classes. I think their trip for 10 days, all inclusive, is about $1800. They are selling the Happenings books, pointsettia's/Christmas centerpieces, etc. right now. The kids can either pay for the trip or fund raise to help with the costs.

I know when DS17 went to China with the band that trip was $2200, all-inclusive, and many of the kids were able to raise money for their entire trip through fundraising. Our band trip was arranged through Macy's travel. They took care of making all of the reservations for flights, hotels, meals, sightseeing, tour guides, etc. The band directors didn't have to do anything. Macy's even arranged for some outfit to come to the school to register all the kids for their passports and take pictures. It was SUPER easy for everyone. They make their money off the commissions so there isn't an extra fee for their services. They have a special school travel division that does all of this. Our travel agent on our trip had been to China 10 times in the past few years so he was very familiar with everything.

That sounds great. I'll pass it along to the teacher in charge. France would be wonderful, the teacher is from Belgium, but I was super surprised they even got approved for Canada. The only field trip Sarah has had the opportunity to take in the entire four years she has been in high school was a day trip to South Louisiana last year. For some reason our kids just don't get the chance to go. The entire school district is that way.

We are lucky and travel as a family but for some of these kids it would be a once in a lifetime thing. The thought of that makes it worth the time to try.

Thanks again, I'll bet your son had a wonderful time.

Penny

 

[NotUrsula]

Does your school have an affiliation with CODOFIL? I know that they used to arrange for kids to go to Quebec as exchange students; there were a couple of kids in my HS class who went. They may be able to help you, or at least point you in the right direction.

Trust me, you are going to have to fly to pull this off. (I grew up in your neck of the woods, and I lived through the 700-mile class trips by school bus, but international travel is something else again. The kids will miss too much school if you try to bus the entire distance; it would take days. Don't forget that snow is still an issue in April that far north.) Unless CODOFIL can set you up with some special international charter fares, your cheapest alternative would probably be the one you are thinking of -- flying SWA from New Orleans to New Hampshire, then crossing the border by bus.

Don't forget that the kids will need passports; that is an addition expense if they don't already have them.

Bon courage! They'll have a great time if they can get there, Montreal is a wonderful city.

PS: I forgot that you live "up North" -- it may make more sense to arrange flights out of Memphis than New Orleans.

 

[lucyanna girl]

Does your school have an affiliation with CODOFIL? I know that they used to arrange for kids to go to Quebec as exchange students; there were a couple of kids in my HS class who went. They may be able to help you, or at least point you in the right direction.

Trust me, you are going to have to fly to pull this off. (I grew up in your neck of the woods, and I lived through the 700-mile class trips by school bus, but international travel is something else again. The kids will miss too much school if you try to bus the entire distance; it would take days. Don't forget that snow is still an issue in April that far north.) Unless CODOFIL can set you up with some special international charter fares, your cheapest alternative would probably be the one you are thinking of -- flying SWA from New Orleans to New Hampshire, then crossing the border by bus.

Don't forget that the kids will need passports; that is an addition expense if they don't already have them.

Bon courage! They'll have a great time if they can get there, Montreal is a wonderful city.

PS: I forgot that you live "up North" -- it may make more sense to arrange flights out of Memphis than New Orleans.

Jackson, MS is a little over a two hour drive from here, it would be the best option.

I really hope we can. This area is mostly rural. Lots of farmers, etc. Not a lot of extra money for most families. The kids would definitely have to fund raise hard, be good for them I know to raise the money themselves.

Penny

 

[golfgal]

Another thing about the bus, there are restrictions on how far the bus drivers can drive each day, 8 hours in our area, so you would have to bring 4 bus drivers on the trip if you wanted to drive straight through or take 4 days of driving to get there and 4 days back. I wouldn't even bother looking into the bus trip. Our kids just got back from St. Louis, a trip that takes us about 9 hours with stops, took the buses 12 hours because of how long it takes for bathroom stops, food stops, etc. with that many kids. I would plan on adding at least 4 hours to a normal driving trip so that means another bus driver or another day of travel each way.

 

[Rora]

My mom is a high school spanish teacher and she takes her students to various countries over spring break. She travels with EF Tours. DEFINITELY check their website out. They offer pretty good packages!

http://www.eftours.com/

EDIT: Not sure if they go to Canada...

EDIT Again: I found a different Educational Tours company that my mom used once and they go to Canada!! They are a bit more expensive..
Here's their Canada page: http://www.visitcanada.com/acis/
and here's their normal homepage: http://www.acis.com/

 

[lucyanna girl]

Sorry, trying to cook and DIS at the same time.

My husband is worried a little about the driving time too, golfgal. We own a small trucking company and are more aware that most people of driving hours and driver fatigue.

Thanks for the website Rora, I'll look at it and pass it on to the teacher.

The more I think about it the less I can see driving being an option.

Penny

 

[declansdad]

Where in Quebec are you planning on going? There are two major cities, Montreal and Quebec City. For historical sites, I would chose Quebec City. Old Quebec is a completely walled city that is about 400 years old.

You also mentioned that you have choosen because of the French heritage in Lousiana. Did you know that many French settlers in Lousiana came from Acadia, which was on the east coast of Canada; what is now mostly the coastal regions in the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The British expelled the Acadians in 1755. Many of them went to Lousiana, the Acadians became the Cajuns.

 

[sunnyday123]

I went to Quebec in high school; it was beautiful, and we had a blast.

Is this during their winter carnival? That was so very cool however, it was also one of the biggest parties I've ever seen! I really wish I could find my pictures, there were people decked out in fur from head to toe, passed out in the snow. They had walking sticks that were hollow and you put your drink of choice in them.

Good times when you're 16.

 

[kangareaux]

Another thing about the bus, there are restrictions on how far the bus drivers can drive each day, 8 hours in our area, so you would have to bring 4 bus drivers on the trip if you wanted to drive straight through or take 4 days of driving to get there and 4 days back. I wouldn't even bother looking into the bus trip. Our kids just got back from St. Louis, a trip that takes us about 9 hours with stops, took the buses 12 hours because of how long it takes for bathroom stops, food stops, etc. with that many kids. I would plan on adding at least 4 hours to a normal driving trip so that means another bus driver or another day of travel each way.

WOW! I looked up the amtrak option out of new orleans and thought it was too long. But if it takes this long by bus maybe you should look into it. It would take 2 days to get there via amtrak changing trains and having a one night layover in NYC. It would be about $400/person RT.

It's MUCH more comfy (AND CLEAN!) than a bus or a plane. I took a train to hazlehurst ms last week and was AMAZED how much room there was. I was totally impressed...


Departing: New Orleans, LA (NOL) To New York - Penn Station, NY (NYP)
Service
20 Crescent New Orleans, LA
(NOL)
D-7:05 am
21-APR-10 New York, NY
- Penn Station
(NYP)
A-2:04 pm
22-APR-10 29h 59m

Returning: New York - Penn Station, NY (NYP) To Montreal, QC (MTR)

69 Adirondack New York, NY
- Penn Station
(NYP)
D-8:15 am
23-APR-10 Montreal, QC
(MTR)
A-7:10 pm
23-APR-10 10h 55m Snack car 1 Reserved Coach Seat

 

[lucyanna girl]

Where in Quebec are you planning on going? There are two major cities, Montreal and Quebec City. For historical sites, I would chose Quebec City. Old Quebec is a completely walled city that is about 400 years old.

You also mentioned that you have choosen because of the French heritage in Lousiana. Did you know that many French settlers in Lousiana came from Acadia, which was on the east coast of Canada; what is now mostly the coastal regions in the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The British expelled the Acadians in 1755. Many of them went to Lousiana, the Acadians became the Cajuns.

I'm not sure exactly where we would go yet. Quebec is all the teacher said. I honestly think she was amazed at getting permission. I have to make a small mom-brag here, a couple of weeks ago she asked my daughter to compose a letter asking permission for the trip. DD wrote a very nice letter and today they got word the trip was approved.

Yes, I did know about the Acadians. It is very interesting reading isn't it?

Thanks

I went to Quebec in high school; it was beautiful, and we had a blast.

Is this during their winter carnival? That was so very cool however, it was also one of the biggest parties I've ever seen! I really wish I could find my pictures, there were people decked out in fur from head to toe, passed out in the snow. They had walking sticks that were hollow and you put your drink of choice in them.

Good times when you're 16.

The trip would be at the end of April during Spring Break. Some of these kids have never seen snow beyond the few flakes we get here every couple of years. I wonder if there is still snow there at that time of year.

Winter Carnival sounds like a blast.

Thanks

WOW! I looked up the amtrak option out of new orleans and thought it was too long. But if it takes this long by bus maybe you should look into it. It would take 2 days to get there via amtrak changing trains and having a one night layover in NYC. It would be about $400/person RT.

It's MUCH more comfy (AND CLEAN!) than a bus or a plane. I took a train to hazlehurst ms last week and was AMAZED how much room there was. I was totally impressed...


Departing: New Orleans, LA (NOL) To New York - Penn Station, NY (NYP)
Service
20 Crescent New Orleans, LA
(NOL)
D-7:05 am
21-APR-10 New York, NY
- Penn Station
(NYP)
A-2:04 pm
22-APR-10 29h 59m

Returning: New York - Penn Station, NY (NYP) To Montreal, QC (MTR)

69 Adirondack New York, NY
- Penn Station
(NYP)
D-8:15 am
23-APR-10 Montreal, QC
(MTR)
A-7:10 pm
23-APR-10 10h 55m Snack car 1 Reserved Coach Seat

I had not thought about the train! That might work. Wouldn't they have a ball and they could move around and be much more comfortable.

Thank you for taking the time to look it up.

Penny

 

[declansdad]

The trip would be at the end of April during Spring Break. Some of these kids have never seen snow beyond the few flakes we get here every couple of years. I wonder if there is still snow there at that time of year.

Winter Carnival sounds like a blast.

Thanks

Winter Carnival iin Quebec City is in February and snow at the end of April would be iffy.

 

[lucyanna girl]

Winter Carnival iin Quebec City is in February and snow at the end of April would be iffy.

Oh well that was just a thought. I'm sure they would find plenty to see and experience without snow.

Penny

 

[kangareaux]

I


I had not thought about the train! That might work. Wouldn't they have a ball and they could move around and be much more comfortable.

Thank you for taking the time to look it up.

Penny

you are very welcome. I think for about $40 more you can get round trip between Jackson and New Orleans.

 

[lucyanna girl]

I've been on the Amtrak site looking around some too. Did you see there is a student discount card the kids could get for twenty dollars that would save them fifteen percent? Not a huge savings by the time you add in the twenty dollars but every little bit helps.

My daughter thinks the train sounds like fun. She has traveled nearly every other way but never by train.

Penny