Travel Tip: What to pack for your Incantato performance tour.

Dear travellers from Providence College Performance Tour,

As your departure for your 2013 performance tour comes closer and closer, Incantato Tours provides you with different travel tips to make it easier for you to get ready for your trip.

For most people, packing for a trip is the most difficult part. 

The solution for many is to just pack as much as you

possibly can into your suitcase and backpack, 

but as a colleague explains it: 

"You'll be thanking me later when you don't break your back from having to carry everything on your own. Don't do it!" 

Her advice: "Pack as lightly as you can. The best way to get it all to fit nicely into your suitcase is to fold it nicely and then roll it tightly. It can all fit into your bag like a puzzle."

Keep in mind, however, that many cathedrals have a dress code and will not allow you to walk in if you are wearing tank tops or shorts. A scarf is a good solution to this code. And shorts should always go to your knees (both for Ladies and Gents).

Here are a few things that we think are essential to have to be comfortable with what the weather brings and with the weight of your bag - remember, we allow only one checked bag per person and a small carry-on such as a bag pack or small duffel.

A sample packing list (just a suggestion!):

• Rain jacket, maybe with fleece insert
• Umbrella
• Gloves, scarf, hat… if you tend to feel chilly!
• An adapter plug/converter (if you are bringing electronic devices, please check if they are compatible, most new devices are – most……)
• Camera and batteries or charger with adapter
• At least two pair of jeans/pants, ladies may want to bring a couple skirts or dresses, too
• A sweater or two, (or three, if you tend to feel chilly).
• Plenty of shirts, including a polo or two and at least two dress shirts (Europeans dress much more formal than Americans)
• Plenty of undergarments and socks for daily changes
• A watch, make-up and jewelry if applicable (carry on any valuables at all times)
• Choir music and attire
• Don't forget shoes, we recommend a maximum of three pairs (tennis shoes, good everyday shoes, dress shoes). Bring nice concert shoes, but make sure that you will be able to walk long distances in them. Europeans do not wear flip flops other than to the pool or at the beach.
• Put all liquids that are in your carry-on into a zip-lock bag. And remember the 311 rules: TSA | Transportation Security Administration | 3-1-1 on Air Travel
• All scissors, fingernail clippers, etc. are better packed in your check-in luggage along with liquids over 3 ounces. Bring enough contact lense solution and prescription medication that you may need for the whole duration of the trip.
• If you forget anything there are plenty of shops where you can by shampoo, toothpaste, etc.

You can also check more info on:
Little things about Spain before packing
Travel tip: Money matters

Please do not hesitate to address us with any questions you might have about this or any other matter. We would love to help you!!

Little things about Spain before packing

In Incantato we love you to enjoy every single step of your way. Here you have some info on little things you might want to know about Spain before getting on the plane. Maybe they help you to enjoy better!

We have this saying:

“1 just-in-case worths more than 100 if-I-had-knew...”

Here we go:

-  It is customary to have always some kind of identification with a picture. You can use your passport or your driving license. It is good to have a photocopy of your passport done and kept elsewhere.

- In order to use a credit card, you will need to activate it and to get a pin number before coming to Europe: Let your bank know. No pin means no cash from ATMs.

- American Express credit card is not accepted in many places.

- Any kind of Traveler Checks is not accepted, and if it is, it becomes very expensive

- Please click here for more info on money matters

- Generally food and clothes are more expensive in Spain than in USA.

- It is forbidden to smoke in public places, including play grounds for kids in parks.

- Please bring a photocopy of your prescriptions in case you need medication. This is a just-in-case! The active ingredient is good to know too, as we do not always have the same medicines (though mostly)

Medieval Toledo streets

- Old town means cobblestoned hilly streets, pedestrian areas, steps... Happy feet help to have a happy tour. Please do bring comfy shoes.

- Flip-flops are for sure not comfortable in our old towns, but they migh be in the hotels. We do not go barefoot around!

- Showing your knees / shoulders is forbidden in the churches. We will be entering churches almost daily – concerts, art, history... Please bring appropriate clothing. Knee long pants/skirts. Girls can use a scarf to cover their shoulders. Men are not supposed to use it.

- Laundry service in hotels is very expensive. Still we do not have Laundromats around (few at the students area in Madrid and Barcelona)

Please if you have any specific question do not hesitate to contact us. There is so many little things that we could tell you! The best is that you will come to see them!

Hasta la vista!

Travel tip: Measures conversion chart

Dear friends and family from Providence College Performance Tour travelers,

We hope this chart helps you getting oriented in the different measures used in Spain.

Please notice money conversion changes everyday. 

Measures conversion chart

Europe	USA - Rhode Island		USA - RI	Spain
1 euros	1,29 dollars	x 1,2932	1 USD	0,77 EUR	x 0,77328
1 sq meter	10,76 sq yard	x 1,19	1 yr2	0,83 m2	x 0,83
1 Meter (m)	3,28 feet	x 3	1 feet	0,3 metros	x 0,3
1 Kilometer	0,62 miles	x 0,62	1 miles	1,61 Km	x 1,61
1 kilograms	2,20 pounds	x 2,2	1 pound(lb)	0,45 Kg	x 0,45
1 liter	0,26 gallons	x 0,26	1 gal	3,79 l	x 3,79
10º Celsius	50º fahrenheit		60º F	15,5º C
20 ºC	68º F		70º F	21,1º C
30º C	86º F		80º F	26,6º C
12:00 noon	6 am (behind)	- 6 hrs	12:00 noon	6 pm (ahead)	+ 6 hrs