Traveling Abroad

[txAOII_15]

hi! i was wondering if any of you had used EF College Break or a similar company to travel with in the past, and if so, what was your experience with them? i'm looking to travel sometime next summer, but i would love to get some feedback before i decide. thanks!

[psusue]

I went on an EF trip to France with my school in high school. My best friend went on that one and another one to Italy and Greece. Overall their trips were well organized however much of the reason they're so cheap is they rely heavily on walking tours (which are free) although the guide is nice. Also the hotels they chose weren't the greatest in accommodations, but they weren't gross or anything and hey, it's student travel.

I'd suggest going with a friend or two though. That way you're more likely to be not as bored on the trips and you can cut out and do your own thing once in awhile. Also, never ever wear those horrid backpacks anywhere. Ever. They scream tourist and I feel like them along would make you a target. A girl on my HS trip actually did, which is why I say that, although I'm sure you probably wouldn't ever want to anyway (I know I didn't). In short you get what you pay for but if you don't mind it definitely being student travel then I say go for it. They organize stuff for you and you have a guide that speaks the language. And budget for food too! Because very little is included.

[SWTXBelle]

I've lead 4 tours with EF - I was very pleased. They have one main guide who stays with you the entire time and have local guides at the different locations. Typically, you go to a venue in the morning, have your tour and then free time - lunch is on your own. Then it's back on the bus to some other locations. We always had first-rate guides. In fact, the second time I went to Scotland - 15 years after the first time - Robbie was once again our guide! Walking tours are important not so much because they are cheaper - we had Blue Badge guides in London and they are NOT cheap - but because it is often the best way to see everything. Also, they will walk you around to try and combat jet lag.
Breakfast and dinner are included in your fees. I've had some SUPER meals, and some crappy ones - just like any travel. In the 40+ nights I have spent in EF accommodations there was only one hotel I found unsatisfactory, and when I got back and reported it to EF they were very interested in what I had to say. All of the listed attractions are included - one thing I like is that we had plenty of time on our own. Also, they have a go ahead/stay behind option - you can chose to have them arrange your airfare so you can go early or stay later. If you do that (we did once) you will have to arrange everything for your non-tour stay.
One very good thing is the number of offices they have all over the world. I initially picked them because of their history and size - they are very trustworthy. Let me know if you have any specific questions.