Making travel arrangements for your Overland program is an important part of preparing for the summer. The information below is designed to help make your planning this spring and your travel this summer trouble free.

Please note: do not purchase non-refundable airline tickets until you receive an email from us confirming that we have received and reviewed your school reference and transcript, the physical fitness reference, and the health information provided by you and your physician.  

FLYING? WE’LL BE THERE FOR YOU

For students who fly to their program start location, Overland staff will meet you at baggage claim, and you will call home to confirm that you have been met by us. Even if you arrive early or late, we will be there. The same goes for flying home… we will assist with check in, and we will stay in the airport until every student is safely on his or her way home. If there should ever be a problem, the Overland staff at the airport, along with our directors in Williamstown, will resolve it. You can count on us.

PLANNING YOUR FLIGHTS

Travel Early In The Day

Please travel early in the day to avoid delays and to have options should you be delayed. Please note that most airlines do not allow a minor to travel on the last flight of the day.

Choose A Direct Flight

Even if this means driving to an airport that is not as close to home as your local airport, we recommend purchasing a non-stop flight. For example, if you live in Richmond, Virginia, consider flying out of Washington, D.C.; if you live in Philadelphia, consider flying out of New York; if you live in Hartford, consider flying out of Boston or New York.

If You Must Connect To Reach Your Destination

• Choose a connection time that is longer than necessary (at least 90 minutes). If you are delayed on your first flight, a longer connection time could help you catch your second flight.
• Consider flying with your child to the connection city. For example, if your child is headed to Europe, Alaska or Hawaii, fly with him/her to his/her connection in New York, Washington, Atlanta or Chicago.
• Consider flying with your child to his/her final destination. Every summer, there will be a good number of parents who fly to Albany, Boston or Denver, for example. This is certainly not necessary, but it can make logistics go smoothly and it may help with the transition from home to Overland, especially for a younger student.
• Coordinate your travel with another Overland student. Please e-mail or call our office, and we can let you know if there are other students traveling from your area on your travel dates.

Where Possible, We Ask That You Do Not Use An Airline Escort

For years Overland students have flown without airline escorts—parents assist at check in, and we assist at the destination. Flying without an airline escort simplifies everyone’s airport logistics—Overland’s, yours, the airline’s.

Airline policies regarding escorts vary from airline to airline.  It is absolutely essential that you contact your airline by phone to confirm their policy.

If you plan to purchase your flights on-line from your airline's website or from a travel website like Expedia ( or Orbitz, Kayak, etc.), then you must contact your airline by phone before you make your purchase to confirm their escort policy to ensure that you are in compliance.

Most airlines have code-share agreements with other airlines.  This means that you might think you are on United, when, in fact, you are on US Airways.  The rules of the carrier, i.e., the company whose name is on the plane, not the rules of the code-share partner, apply.  On the phone, confirm your carrier and make sure that you are in compliance with their rules.

Please note:

• Many airlines do not allow students who are traveling alone to make a connection.
• Some travel websites will indicate that your child cannot travel alone or that your child needs to have an airline escort.  We have found this information to be unreliable; please contact the carrier by phone to confirm their rules.

Arrive And Depart On Time

Your cooperation with the arrival/departure times that we have set for your program is appreciated. Please review the Program Start & End Locations, Dates & Times Form. Please note: we will always make an exception to these times for students coming from the West Coast for East Coast programs and for students whose only non-stop possibility is outside our arrival/departure times.

Travel To Europe

Please keep in mind that you must fly from the U.S. on Saturday evening to arrive in Europe on Sunday morning when your Overland program begins.

Multi-City Tickets

Sometimes it seems like you’ll have to buy two one-way tickets (for example, program starts in Seattle but ends in San Francisco). You do not, however, need two one-way tickets. Airlines call routings like these multi-city tickets, and they consider them round-trips.

Using A Frequent Flyer Ticket

Using frequent flyer tickets is acceptable; note, however, that frequent flyer tickets are not transferable to another airline. If you miss a connection, you’ll have to wait until your airline has another flight. Our advice is to use frequent flyer tickets only if your trip is non-stop, or if you can travel early in the day when there are later flights to your destination on your airline.

MEETING YOUR GROUP & CALLING HOME UPON ARRIVAL

All Domestic Programs

At the airport all students should go to baggage claim for their flight. Please wait there to be met by a member of Overland’s staff. We will be able to recognize you (we know your schedule and have your picture), and you will be able to recognize the Overland staff because they will be wearing Overland T-shirts and/or hats.

All International Programs

For programs abroad, at the airport all students should collect their bags and exit the secure part of the airport through customs where a member of Overland’s staff (in an Overland T-shirt and/or hat) will be waiting with your schedule and picture in hand.

Calling Home Upon Arrival

On arrival, you will call home to confirm that you have arrived safely. For programs in Europe, Hawaii and Alaska, this may mean that the call home arrives in the middle of the night.

Photo ID (U.S. Programs)/Passports & Visas

• For all U.S. programs please bring a school ID, driver’s license or other ID (e.g. a photocopy of your birth certificate). Please do not bring your passport with you on a U.S. program (except Nova Scotia & Acadia and Virgin Islands Service).
• Nova Scotia & Acadia, all Costa Rica- and Europe-bound students must bring a signed, valid passport with an expiration date of at least six months after the program end date. For students on Virgin Islands Service, Overland recommends traveling with a valid passport. Please leave a photocopy of your passport at home. Visit www.travel.state.gov for additional passport information.

Problems On Travel Days

If you have any problems on travel day (for example, a missed flight), don’t worry—the Overland office is available to help you. Our leaders check in regularly from the airport on travel days to help us keep track of students, their flights and any problems that might arise. Students should carry Overland’s phone number (800.458.0588 or 413.458.9672) and a phone card while traveling so they can check in with us if they have any problems.

PROGRAM START & END LOCATIONS, DATES & TIMES 2008

INTRODUCTORY PROGRAMS

Berkshire Adventure I-VI

• DATES: 6/22-6/28, 6/29-7/5, 7/6-12, 7/13-19, 7/20-26, 7/27-8/2
• START If You Will Fly: Arrive at Albany International Airport (New York) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END If You Will Fly: Depart from Albany International Airport (New York) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Saturday.
• START If You Will Drive: Drop off in Williamstown, Mass. at 10:00 a.m. Sunday (location TBD).
• END If You Will Drive: Pick up in Williamstown, Mass. at 10:00 a.m. Saturday (location TBD).

 Mountains & Sea Adventure I, II, III

• DATES: 6/22-7/4, 7/6-18, 7/20-8/1
• START If You Will Fly: Arrive at Albany International Airport (New York) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END If You Will Fly: Depart from Albany International Airport (New York) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday.
• START If You Will Drive: Drop off in Williamstown, Mass. at 11:00 a.m. Sunday (location TBD).
• END If You Will Drive: Pick up in Williamstown, Mass. at 11:00 a.m. Friday (location TBD).

New England Adventure I-VI

• DATES: 6/22-28, 6/29-7/5, 7/6-12, 7/13-19, 7/20-26, 7/27-8/2
• START If You Will Fly: Arrive at Albany International Airport (New York) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END If You Will Fly: Depart from Albany International Airport (New York) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Saturday.
• START If You Will Drive: Drop off in Williamstown, Mass. at 10:00 a.m. Sunday (location TBD).
• END If You Will Drive: Pick up in Williamstown, Mass. at 10:00 a.m. Saturday (location TBD).

Teton Adventure I, II, III

• DATES: 6/22-7/4, 7/6-18, 7/20-8/1
• START: Arrive at Jackson Hole Airport between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END: Depart from Jackson Hole Airport between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday.

BIKING PROGRAMS

American Challenge

• DATES: 6/21-8/3
• START If You Will Fly: Arrive at Savannah International Airport between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Saturday.
• END If You Will Fly: Depart from Los Angeles International Airport between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• START If You Will Drive: Drop off at Savannah International Airport Baggage Claim at 12:00 noon Saturday.
• END If You Will Drive: Pick up at Los Angeles International Airport Terminal 7 United Check-In at 8:00 a.m. Sunday.

Cape Cod & the Islands I, II, III

• DATES: 6/22-7/4, 7/6-7/18, 7/20-8/1
• START If You Will Fly: Arrive at Albany International Airport (New York) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END If You Will Fly: Depart from Albany International Airport (New York) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday.
• START If You Will Drive: Drop off in Williamstown, Mass. at 11:00 a.m. Sunday (location TBD).
• END If You Will Drive: Pick up in Williamstown, Mass. at 11:00 a.m. Friday (location TBD).

European Challenge

• DATES: 6/29-7/26
• START: Arrive at Amsterdam-Schiphol between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.*
• END: Depart from Barcelona International Airport between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Saturday. *Please note: to arrive in Amsterdam on Sunday morning, you must fly from the U.S. on Saturday night. If possible, please choose a flight that does not connect in Europe (e.g., fly non-stop from a U.S. gateway).

Nova Scotia & Acadia I, II

• DATES: 6/22-7/11, 7/13-8/1
• START IF YOU WILL FLY: Arrive at Portland International Jetport (Maine) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END IF YOU WILL FLY: Depart from Portland International Jetport (Maine) between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday.
• START IF YOU WILL DRIVE: Drop off at Portland International Jetport (Maine) Airport Baggage Claim at 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END IF YOU WILL DRIVE: Pick up at Portland International Jetport (Maine) Check-In at 12:00 noon Friday.

Pacific Coast

• DATES: 6/28-7/25
• START: Arrive at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Saturday.
• END: Depart from San Francisco International Airport between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday.

Paris to the Sea

• DATES: 6/29-7/26
• START: Arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport (Paris) between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END: Depart from Cote d’Azur International Airport (Nice) between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Saturday.
• *Please note: to arrive in Paris on Sunday morning, you must fly from the U.S. on Saturday night. If possible, please choose a flight that does not connect in Europe (e.g., fly non-stop from a U.S. gateway).

Vermont I, II, III

• DATES: 6/22-7/4, 7/6-18, 7/20-8/1
• START IF YOU WILL FLY: Arrive at Albany International Airport (New York) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END IF YOU WILL FLY: Depart from Albany International Airport (New York) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday.
• START IF YOU WILL DRIVE: Drop off in Williamstown, Mass. at 10:00 a.m. Sunday (location TBD).
• END IF YOU WILL DRIVE: Pick up in Williamstown, Mass. at 10:00 a.m. Friday (location TBD).

HIKING PROGRAMS

Alaska Explorer I, II

• DATES: 6/22-7/11, 7/13-8/1
• START: Arrive at Anchorage International Airport between 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m. Sunday.
• END: Depart from Anchorage International Airport between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Friday.

Alaska Leadership Course

• DATES: 6/28-7/24
• START: Arrive at Anchorage International Airport between 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m. Saturday.
• END: Depart from Anchorage International Airport between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Thursday.

Alpine Challenge

• DATES: 6/29-7/26
• START: Arrive at Geneva International Airport between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on Sunday.*
• END: Depart from Geneva International Airport between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Saturday.
• *Please note: to arrive in Geneva on Sunday morning, you must fly from the U.S. on Saturday night. If possible, please choose a flight that does not connect in Europe (e.g., fly non-stop from a U.S. gateway).

Blue Ridge Explorer I, II, III

• DATES: 6/22-7/4, 7/6-7/18, 7/20-8/1
• START: If You Will Fly: Arrive at Charlotte Douglas International Airport between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END: If You Will Fly: Depart from Charlotte Douglas International Airport between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday.
• START: If You Will Drive: Drop off at Charlotte Douglas International Airport US Airways Baggage Claim at 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END: If You Will Drive: *Please call for a convenient pick up time.

European Explorer

• DATES: 6/29-7/26
• START: Arrive at Barcelona International Airport between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.*
• END: Depart from Geneva International Airport between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Saturday. *Please note: to arrive in Barcelona on Sunday morning, you must fly from the U.S. on Saturday night. If possible, please choose a flight that does not connect in Europe (e.g., fly non-stop from a U.S. gateway).

High Sierra Explorer I, II

• DATES: 6/22-7/11, 7/13-8/1
• START: Arrive at San Francisco International Airport between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END: Depart from San Francisco International Airport between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday.

New England Explorer I, II, III

• DATES: 6/22-7/4, 7/6-7/18, 7/20-8/1
• START If You Will Fly: Arrive at Albany International Airport (New York) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END If You Will Fly: Depart from Albany International Airport (New York) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday.
• START If You Will Drive: Drop off in Williamstown, Mass. at 12:00 noon Sunday (location TBD).
• END If You Will Drive: Pick up in Williamstown, Mass. at 12:00 noon Friday (location TBD).

Rocky Mountain Explorer I, II, III

• DATES: 6/22-7/4, 7/6-7/18, 7/20-8/1
• START: Arrive at Denver International Airport between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END: Depart from Denver International Airport between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday.

Yellowstone Teton Explorer I, II

• DATES: 6/22-7/11, 7/13-8/1
• START: Arrive at Jackson Hole Airport between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END: Depart from Jackson Hole Airport between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday.

Alaska Service I, II

• DATES: 6/22-7/11, 7/13-8/1
• START: Arrive at Juneau International Airport between 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m. Sunday.
• END: Depart from Juneau International Airport between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Friday.

Costa Rica Service I, II

• DATES: 6/22-7/11, 7/13-8/1
• START: Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (San José) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END: Depart Juan Santamaria International Airport (San José) between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday.

Hawaii Service I, II

• DATES: 6/22-7/11, 7/13-8/1
• START: Arrive at Honolulu International Airport between 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m. Sunday.
• END: Depart from Honolulu International Airport between 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m. Friday.

New England Service I, II, III

• DATES: 6/22-7/4, 7/6-7/18, 7/20-8/1
• START If You Will Fly: Arrive at Albany International Airport (New York) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END If You Will Fly: Depart from Albany International Airport (New York) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday.
• START If You Will Drive: Drop off in Williamstown, Mass. at 12:00 noon Sunday (location TBD).
• END If You Will Drive: Pick up in Williamstown, Mass. at 12:00 noon Friday (location TBD).

Rockies Service I, II

• DATES: 6/22-7/11, 7/13-8/1
• START: Arrive at Denver International Airport between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END: Depart from Denver International Airport between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday.

Southwest Service I, II, III

• DATES: 6/22-7/4, 7/6-7/18, 7/20-8/1
• START: Arrive at Albuquerque International Sunport between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END: Depart from Albuquerque International Sunport between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday.

Virgin Islands Service I, II

• DATES: 6/22-7/11, 7/13-8/1
• START: Arrive at Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport (St. Croix) between 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m. Sunday.
• END: Depart from Cyril E. King Airport (St. Thomas) between 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m. Friday.

LANGUAGE & SERVICE PROGRAMS

L&S Costa Rica 3-week I, II

• DATES: 6/22-7/11, 7/13-8/1
• START: Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (San José) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END: Depart Juan Santamaria International Airport (San José) between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday.

L&S Costa Rica 4-week I, II

• DATES: 6/22-7/19, 7/6-8/2
• START: Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (San José) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END: Depart Juan Santamaria International Airport (San José) between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Saturday.

LANGUAGE PROGRAMS

LSA France 3-week I, II

• DATES: 6/22-7/11, 7/13-8/1
• START: Arrive at Charles deGaulle Airport (Paris) between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END: Depart from Charles deGaulle Airport (Paris) between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday.
• *Please note: to arrive in Paris on Sunday morning, you must fly from the U.S. on Saturday night. If possible, please choose a flight that does not connect in Europe (e.g., fly non-stop from a U.S. gateway).

LSA France 4-week

• DATES: 6/29-7/26
• START: Arrive at Charles deGaulle Airport (Paris) between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END: Depart from Charles deGaulle Airport (Paris) between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Saturday.
• *Please note: to arrive in Paris on Sunday morning, you must fly from the U.S. on Saturday night. If possible, please choose a flight that does not connect in Europe (e.g., fly non-stop from a U.S. gateway).

LSA Spain, Barcelona: 3-week I, II

• DATES: 6/22-7/11, 7/13-8/1
• START: Arrive at Barcelona International Airport between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END: Depart from Barcelona International Airport between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday.
• *Please note: to arrive in Barcelona on Sunday morning, you must fly from the U.S. on Saturday night. If possible, please choose a flight that does not connect in Europe (e.g., fly non-stop from a U.S. gateway).

LSA Spain, Barcelona: 4-week

• DATES: 6/29-7/26
• START: Arrive at Barcelona International Airport between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END: Depart from Barcelona International Airport between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Saturday.
• *Please note: to arrive in Barcelona on Sunday morning, you must fly from the U.S. on Saturday night. If possible, please choose a flight that does not connect in Europe (e.g., fly non-stop from a U.S. gateway).

LSA Spain, Seville: 3-week I, II

• DATES: 6/22-7/11, 7/13-8/1
• START: Arrive at Seville San Pablo Airport between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Sunday.
• END: Depart from Seville San Pablo Airport between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday.
• *Please note: to arrive in Seville on Sunday morning, you must fly from the U.S. on Saturday night. There are no non-stops from the U.S. to Seville; we have found good connections through Madrid on Iberia (from New York, Washington-Dulles or Chicago). In addition, the following airlines have non-stops to Madrid and may be able to put together an itinerary with a connection to Seville: Continental (from Newark), US Airways (from Philadelphia) or Delta (from New York or Atlanta). The preferred arrival time in Seville is mid-day (the best Iberia connection arrives at 12:50 p.m.) and the preferred departure time is early- to mid-morning. Please contact Brenda Briguglio at Overland for assistance (800.458.0588).

LSA Spain, Seville: 4-week

• DATES: 6/29-7/26
• START: Arrive at Seville San Pablo Airport between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Sunday.
• END: Depart from Seville San Pablo Airport between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Saturday.
• *Please note: to arrive in Seville on Sunday morning, you must fly from the U.S. on Saturday night. There are no non-stops from the U.S. to Seville; we have found good connections through Madrid on Iberia (from New York, Washington-Dulles or Chicago). In addition, the following airlines have non-stops to Madrid and may be able to put together an itinerary with a connection to Seville: Continental (from Newark), US Airways (from Philadelphia) or Delta (from New York or Atlanta). The preferred arrival time in Seville is mid-day (the best Iberia connection arrives at 12:50 p.m.) and the preferred departure time is early- to mid-morning. Please contact Brenda Briguglio at Overland for assistance (800.458.0588).

SUMMER WRITING PROGRAM

Summer Writing Program I, II, III

• DATES: 6/22-7/4, 7/6-18, 7/20-8/1
• START IF YOU WILL FLY: Arrive at Albany International Airport (New York) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday.
• END IF YOU WILL FLY: Depart from Albany International Airport (New York) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday.
• START IF YOU WILL DRIVE: Drop off in Williamstown, Mass. at 12:00 noon Sunday (location TBD).
• END IF YOU WILL DRIVE: Pick up in Williamstown, Mass. at 12:00 noon Friday (location TBD).

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