MOST IMPORTANTLY, BEGIN PLANNING EARLY!

In general, we recommend that you sign on with Ambassador Tours 18 months before your departure date, earlier if you'll be doing fund raising. This is especially important if you will be participating in a music festival. Good hotels near a festival site fill up over a year in advance.

CHOOSING A DESTINATION:

Allow your tour coordinator at Ambassador Tours to recommend destinations. He or she will know the latest developments regarding concert venues, festivals, airfares, etc.

CONCERT PREPARATIONS:

Begin choosing music 8-10 months before departure. Remember that some church venues do not permit secular music. If possible, choirs should include several A Cappella pieces, in their repertoire. European churches have wonderful acoustics and lend themselves better to A Cappella music (and pianos are not always available).

Prepare demo tapes for Ambassador Tours at least 10 months prior to departure. You will also be asked to complete a "Concert Information Form" and to submit a sample repertoire, photographs and background information on the director, as well as the band or choir. An Ambassador Tours Concert Coordinator will be in touch to work out details.

PACKING INSTRUMENTS:

Plan to pack instruments in several smaller boxes, whenever possible, to avoid excess baggage charges. Airlines generally impose a weight limit of 70 pounds and 62 combined inches for checked luggage. Anything over is considered to be excess baggage. A charge of about $110.00 per piece (per flight) will be imposed. Excess baggage charges are not included in the tour price. Ask your Ambassador Tours tour coordinator about renting bigger instruments abroad. It may be cheaper than paying excess baggage fees.

CHOIRS MAY ALSO HAVE EXCESS BAGGAGE!

Concert programs, uniforms, music folders, music stands, etc… All of these may add up to excess baggage for a group. All directors should compile a list of total poundage and dimensions of baggage, and submit it to Ambassador Tours at least 6 months prior to departure, so that the appropriate coach (and possible trailer) can be reserved.

WE'RE HERE TO HELP!

Ambassador Tours is at your disposal. Your tour coordinator will remain in close contact with you and keep you on schedule regarding the various deadlines. We will send you ample supplies of trip cancellation brochures, itinerary updates, "Most Frequently Asked Questions" brochures, city and country maps, tourist brochures, theatre ticket information, packing lists and background information on the tour destinations.