Brianna Rice-Dietz, Gilpin County. This is a chance that could widen so many perspectives of students that decide to take a gamble and jump right into a different world. During the spring break of 2022,  twelve lucky students get the amazing opportunity to go to Spain and Portugal. The trip would be for nine days, the dates of when the trip will start and end have not been decided yet. The trip is only for next year’s 9th through 12th grade students. 

Some of the places that the trip will visit are Seville, Lisbon, Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Jerónimos Monastery, and the Chapel of Bones. All of these places are going to be wonderful sights to see and a true delight to experience. Within these places, the travelers will not only see the sights but can take a Flamenco dance lesson, visit Prado, and get to enjoy churros. This would be an incredible personal growth adventure for travelers, this has been proven over the years repeatedly. 

Though the spring of 2022 seems far away it gives something to look forward to and it gives hope that the world is not just completely turned upside down. The entire trip is possible thanks to EF and Kellie Bayne. This has been the company that has been used in the past. They have 55 years of experience to back them up. Their staff is on the ground 365 days a year, and are accredited just like schools. One of their offices is actually in Spain, we will have a personal guide with us around the clock. 

They are offering a discount if travelers enroll before the 21st of October, 2020. They offer peace of mind guarantee, that if the travelers are not feeling safe with where they are going within 45 days of the trip they can change or cancel. Students/travelers can get high school credit, three college credits, but it is a small out-of-pocket cost. The trip can also be used for a college essay topic. There are a lot of things that are there just for the traveler’s safety included by EF. Some of these include a personal tour guide, safety, and incident response team, enhanced safety precautions and procedures, one chaperon for every six kids, and support for safety policies. 

When the trip gets closer the travelers will get paired with another group of travelers, from different schools and countries, that we are with for the entire trip. This can help us to explore more new friendships and to learn about other ways of life. The group tours make it more affordable. The trip is being offered at a reduced price of $3270. Payments can be made, weekly it is $93 a week with a $95 down fee, if paid monthly it is $187 with a $95 dollar down fee. This is only the price until October 21, 2020, then it goes up by $500. 

Most of the money that is generated will be generated by fundraisers, some of these fundraisers include Mic Man wreath sales that the students will be doing. Others that may happen are the County Fair next year and any other fundraisers that may be decided. Each student will keep a portion of the money that they raise for the trip. It would be greatly appreciated if you could help the student in any way to raise funds for the trip. 

Students and parents of the prior students that have been on one of these trips say it helped them to be willing to try new things. It is a great experience. The payment plans are great. It gives parents and students a sense of accomplishment in working towards a dream adventure. This trip will be an amazing experience for all involved and will give the opportunity of a lifetime to the travelers.

(Originally published in the October 22, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)