Are there any special instructions about traveling with a group?
Yes. Keep in mind that the group needs supercede your own, and resist the temptation to act as if you were traveling independently. Seasoned international travelers struggle with this because of feeling so comfortable, but out of respect for the group, please follow the requests of your group leaders. Some group leaders assign “buddies” to make sure that the group does not depart without everyone accounted for. This helps the group leaders and ensures that no one gets left behind. In the airport, gate assignments may change and getting a group to a different gate can take more time. Please try to arrive at meeting places at appointed times (even if they seem a little early to you) and do not leave the airport or take other independent side-trips without consulting your group leaders. Regardless of whether your group uses the “buddy system,” always make sure that at least one person in the group knows where you are at all times.
