Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Please read our general FAQs, where you can find essential information that applies to all of our programs.

Resources to Learn & Teach about Scotland

Visit our recommended reading page to see the list of books GEEO recommends reading before your program (this is not required reading). We also have lesson plans and Pinterest boards that may be useful for you as you learn about your destination and prepare to bring lessons back to your classroom.

Terms and Conditions

It is very important for you to visit our Terms and Conditions page before signing up for this program.

GEEO Program Confirmation Process

Most GEEO programs are officially confirmed to run once 4 participants have registered. If at least 8 people sign up by our designated deadline, the program will run as a private GEEO trip. Should enrollment fall between 4 and 8, the trip will still take place, but it may transition into a shared departure with our partner tour operator, G Adventures. In this scenario, the itinerary, dates, and pricing for those who have already registered will remain unchanged, although additional travelers from outside GEEO may join the trip.A large majority of GEEO programs remain private for just educators, retired educators, and their guests. We encourage you to sign up for any program that interests you, and we’ll keep you updated throughout the process—first when 4 participants have registered and again once 8 people have signed up. As always, we recommend exercising caution when making non-refundable travel arrangements (for example, booking flights with flexible change or cancellation policies) until your program is confirmed to run.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be submitted to GEEO in written form by emailing your request for cancellation to travel@geeo.org. If you do not receive a confirmation that we have received your written cancellation request, please call us at +1 347-433-6674. Verbal cancellation requests will not be honored.

• If you cancel 60 days or more prior to the start of your program, all payments will be refunded excluding your $350 deposit, which is kept on file for future use and never expires. (Exception for participants who receive grants from our university partners: To address disruption caused by cancellation from grant recipients, deposits paid by grant recipients are forfeited upon cancellation.)
• If you cancel between 30 and 59 days prior to the start of your program, you will receive a 50% refund and your deposit will be kept on file for future use and will never expire.
• If you cancel within 30 days prior to the start of your program, you will receive no refund, but your deposit will be kept on file for future use and will never expire.

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Trip Notes & Expectations

Before you decide to travel with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the information about the program contained on this page. Our programs are quite adventurous, and we find that clients who read the trip details in full are happier with their experiences.

1. ACCOMMODATION: Our program fees are based on double-occupancy accommodation (see "Single Travelers" below if you do not have a travel companion and would be interested in a private room). Our accommodations are chosen to provide a safe, conveniently located place to sleep. While you may be pleasantly surprised, please don't expect luxury, as we prioritize keeping our programs affordable. Please be aware that single-room accommodations in European hotels are often smaller than double-occupancy rooms. Some accommodations in Europe do not have air conditioning units in the rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes or workplaces, but nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan to use in your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your tour leader to organize one for you with reception. Important: Single room accommodations in European hotels are often smaller, and may not be to the same service level as double-occupancy rooms.
2. ACTIVITY LEVEL: This trip includes light walking and optional moderate hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels. Please make sure you have thoroughly read the itinerary and can handle the group activities, which sometimes include day hikes with your daypacks. We recommend always carrying snacks. Meals can sometimes be far apart.
3. TOUR LEADER: Please make sure you understand the role of your tour leader on this trip. All GEEO/G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of G Adventure's group leaders, which they refer to as Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends. Our itineraries often have plenty of free time to explore on your own. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it’s the best of both worlds.

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Single Travelers

Half of GEEO’s participants travel by themselves, so please don’t worry if you do not have a travel companion for your trip. Our program fee is for one traveler in double-occupancy accommodation, and GEEO can find you a roommate of the same gender if you do not have a travel companion. Most of our programs have a “My Own Room” option, also known as a “Single Supplement,” which is an extra fee that you can pay to have a room to yourself. You will only incur an additional charge if you specifically request a single room. To see the price for the “My Own Room” option, please find your program on our extra services page. If you want to room alone, please email travel@geeo.org to request a single room.

Emergency Contacts

Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local G Adventures office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS G Adventures UK office (8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.): +44 (0) 2072439878 For absolute emergencies after office hours, please contact +441858378000 If you are unable for any reason to contact the local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with the 24-hour Sales team, who will happily assist you. Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from Australia: 1300 796 618 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

Packing List

Please read this article on GEEO’s blog for our staff’s suggestions on the best gear to pack for your upcoming travels. You must be prepared to carry your own bags and be comfortable carrying them up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels. As a rule, we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags, which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 22-30 lb. Most travelers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size. No XXL bags please! A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person plus a daypack per person.

Suggested (click to expand)

• Raincoat/waterproof shell jacket
• Umbrella
• Light fleece top
• Personal clothing for mild to warm weather (50's and 70's F) that fluctuates throughout the day – we recommend packing 7 outfits so you don't have to do laundry
• Sturdy walking, hiking, or running shoes. (Waterproof is best and I would bring a second pair of shoes too)
• Daypack
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Water bottle
• Watch or alarm clock (or use your phone)
• Toiletries – important: some hotels do not give you soap and shampoo
• Camera (or use your phone)
• Insect repellent
• First-aid kit, including lip salve, Aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking

Optional (click to expand)

• Travel pillow
• Light weight silk sleep sheet
• Money belt
• Phone/tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
• Chargers for electronics as well as converters/adapters, if needed
• AirTags or Tile trackers
• Packing cubes
• Earplugs
• Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can buy snacks when you get there too, so don't go crazy here
• Ziplock bags
• Reading/writing material
• Hand sanitizer/baby wipes

Documents (click to expand)

• Passport (with photocopies)
• Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
• Travel insurance ID card
• Flight itinerary/boarding pass(es)
• USD/EUR cash
• Credit/debit card
• G Adventures vouchers
• GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent a few days before departure

Laundry

Laundry facilities are sometimes offered by the hotels. You can also use a local laundromat if need be. We recommend bringing enough clothes so you don't have to do laundry during the trip. You won't be sweating much, so it should be pretty easy. Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. You can also use a local laundromat, if necessary.

Passports and Visas

All GEEO programs require that the participant have a valid passport. Please see our general FAQ for information on obtaining a passport. As with all of our trips, we try to provide the most accurate information we can, but governments sometimes change visa rules. It is your responsibility to double check the information we provide below by searching the U.S. State Department's website. PASSPORT Your U.S. passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the United Kingdom, including Scotland. It’s recommended to have at least six months of validity remaining beyond your planned departure date to avoid any unforeseen issues. VISA Starting January 8, 2025, U.S. citizens traveling to the UK will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before their trip. The ETA is electronically linked to your passport and grants permission to travel to the UK. Applications can be submitted online or via the UK ETA app, and the process typically takes about 10 minutes. The cost is £10 per person. Once approved, the ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first). Non-American participants should check with their government and local embassy to find out if they need a visa.

Money Exchange

The local currency in Scotland is the British pound (GBP). As currency exchange rates fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. We recommend that you obtain cash from ATMs while traveling; they will dispense the local currency. We do, however, recommend that you bring at least $200 USD in cash for emergency use or in case you have trouble with the ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, but you may be charged an international transaction fee; ask your financial institution about their international fees. Please note that if you are carrying U.S. dollars, the bills should be in good condition (i.e., not torn, wrinkled, or marked on in any way) and dated recently.

Tipping

It is customary in Europe to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service. Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of this program and an expression of satisfaction with the people who assist you on your trip. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There will be opportunities during the trip to tip your local guides or drivers. You may do this individually, or your tour leader may offer to collect the money and give a tip on behalf of the group. Ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and expectations. Also, at the end of your program, if you felt your G Adventures tour leader did an outstanding job, a tip would be appreciated. Tipping amounts are entirely your personal preference, but as a guideline:

• Service providers/Waiters: £1-2 GBP for snacks or 10% of a meal bill
• Local guides and drivers: £3-5 GBP per person per day
• Tour Guide (CEO): £30-40 GBP per person per week

Flights

We find the best prices for flights are often available around 90-120 days before departure, but of course this varies greatly from route to route and year to year. You should wait until this trip is confirmed before you book non-refundable flights. GEEO and G Adventures bear no responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed. This program begins in Edinburgh and ends in Glasgow. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Edinburgh, which usually means departing the U.S. one day prior. You may want to arrive in Scotland one or more days early in case you have flight disruptions. You can arrive at any time you choose, but try to make it in time for our 6:00 p.m. Welcome Meeting on Day 1. You can depart from Glasgow at any time on the final day of the trip, or stay later to see more of the city.

Plugs and Converters

There are two components to provide external power to your device: adapters and transformers (also called electrical converters). The adapter is for your device's plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. two- to three-pronged power cord to fit the local outlets. The transformer/converter changes the local voltage to the voltage used in the U.S. The UK uses Type G outlets with three square prongs, and the voltage is 220-240V. (Standard U.S. electrical outlets are 120V.) Most new devices, including phones and laptops, are made to work with the different voltage rates, but some devices, like hair dryers, may only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check your device's plug or manual to see what voltage range it requires. Most transformer blocks will have an “Input” line that defines its voltage capacity; for example, “Input: 100-240V” means that it will work with voltages between 100V to 240V. If your device can’t handle the higher voltage, you’ll need to purchase a transformer/converter. You can find world transformers/converters online or at many retail stores in the travel section.

Weather

We’d be lying if we said that Scottish summers are all warmth and sunshine—they’re not. But they’re also not wet and cold like people might think. A day out in the hills can be fascinating: It can feature cloud cover, wind, and rain one moment, and then you can have warm temperatures and bright sunshine in equal measure. June, July and August are normally the warmest months in Scotland, with average maximum temperatures ranging from approximately 15°C (59°F) to 17°C (63 °F). Scotland's high latitude means that they enjoy lovely long summer days and often an extended twilight. In the north of the country, Lerwick in Shetland has about four hours more daylight at midsummer than London. At this time of year, there is actually no complete darkness in the far north of Scotland.

🗣️ Jesse's Tips

GEEO's founder Jesse Weisz went on this trip in the summer of 2022. Here are his tips.

1. Most of the museums and galleries are free of charge! No reservations necessary.
2. They take credit cards nearly everywhere. If you don’t have one already, get a credit with no international transaction fees like a capital one card. I would take out no more than 100 to 150 pounds from the ATM, mostly for tipping your guide and your driver.
3. You probably know this, but the weather changes throughout the day. Short sleeves at some times, rain coats, fleece, and umbrellas at other times.
4. One good way to get an overview of the city is through one of the hop on hop off bus companies. I got the combo ticket for the City Sightseeing Edinburg, Majestic Tour, and, Edinburg Tour for 20 Pounds. It lets you use all three tourist bus routes. If you have less time I would just get one of the 10 Pound tour busses or instead just go around by foot if you are a good walker.
5. You will want to walk around throughout the old town, the most unmissable part of the city.
6. There are great views of the old town from Princess Street near the national gallery.
7. Our group had already done the royal mile walk so we skipped it on the morning of day 2, but I imagine not all of you will have time to go there before the trip starts. We all had tickets for the 11 AM castle tour. That took about 1.5-2 hours to see. For future years, we are recommending purchasing 9 AM tickets to the castle on Day 2.10. There is no need to do a three bridges tour. We go to a lookout point on our way to Inverness.
8. The suggested tip for the guide is 35 pounds per person. G Adventures does not have a tipping guideline for the driver. My suggestion is 20 pounds per person.
9. It costs about 10 pounds to get a SIM card with 7 to 16 GB of data on it. I recommend getting one from Vodaphone as they have good coverage. You can pick one up at a convenience store, supermarket, or better yet go into a mobile phone store do they can help you figure it out. I would get one if you are spending time in the UK before or after our trip. You will need a paper clip to pop open the sim tray on your phone.
10. I would bring two pairs of shoes, one of them ideally waterproof. I would bring two pairs of pants, one of them ideally quick-dry material. I did not wear shorts in Scotland, but I did in London for the few days I spent there before the trip. I did not at any point need my down jacket. A light fleece and a waterproof shell was all I needed.
11. The hotels all have duvets, but no separate top sheet. The rooms are a good temperature, but not cool enough to use the provided duvets. I recommend asking at the front desk for a top sheet and they will give you one. Or bring a silk sleep sheet like I did.