Cinnamon Posted April 12, 2012 Share Posted April 12, 2012 I am really cross My youngest is in Rome at the moment with her college. It was an all inclusive trip which cost about £600, & we gave her £100 to spend too,which we thought would be more than enough. However either the college or the travel agents have messed up - it is only half board,which means that they need to buy lunch each day,& as they are in touristy places,it is not cheap! Secondly the college didn't tell us that the travel by train to the places they are visiting while there is also at the students expense,& that is costing her 15 Euros a day too Consequently she is running very low on cash & has little left for her 4 days left over there! I need to find some way to get some cash out to her, but I am furious at the college for not telling us about these extra expenses! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted April 12, 2012 Author Share Posted April 12, 2012 Oh & also the 'emergency UK contact' phone number they have given me is wrong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted April 12, 2012 Share Posted April 12, 2012 oh my word does her phone work out there? have you any way of contacting her? i know she isnt little, and she seems like a sensible girl, but thats pants hope you get something sorted. ((hugs)) cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted April 12, 2012 Author Share Posted April 12, 2012 Thanks. Yeah,its pretty rubbish - have been on the phone to the college principle who said he had been trying to sort things out all day,& have now wired her some more cash via Western Union....luckily there is a pick up next door to the Hotel He had no explanation as to what has gone wrong & doesn't even recognise the phone number that was supposed to be his on the paperwork! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted April 12, 2012 Share Posted April 12, 2012 That's pretty poor, no wonder you're furious . Imagine if there had been a real emergency (not saying yours wasn't but you know what I mean!). Surely the one thing that should be right is the contact number . Glad you managed to get some money to her and she can enjoy the rest of the trip . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 12, 2012 Share Posted April 12, 2012 I'd be writing them a very strong letter when she gets back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted April 12, 2012 Author Share Posted April 12, 2012 Oh I will be,don't you worry! I am already composing it in fact Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 12, 2012 Share Posted April 12, 2012 I thought we could rely on that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted April 12, 2012 Share Posted April 12, 2012 Can't add anything constructive... just wanted to send you my sympathy. What a cockup! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 That is very bad indeed, I guess it's stopped her from enjoying herself as much now she has to worry about being able to eat! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 That is really bad When our school takes trips abroad they have an emergency fund incase everything goes pearshaped. Each person pays a little extra and if they don't need it they all get to go out for a treat. It sounds like a very poorly planned trip that even an emergency fund couldn't have covered Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted April 13, 2012 Author Share Posted April 13, 2012 It gets even worse...........I wired her money yesterday,on the Colleges recommendation I might add,& she was unable to pick it up as she is under 18 So I had to wire it again (the office was shut,so I couldn't phone them & change the name) in the name of one of her over 18 friends,so she could go with him,pick it up & eat! Just phoned Western Union who told me that it is ONLY ITALY where you have to be over 18,& they would refund the first wire,but not the £10 fee they charged me to make the transaction. It beggars belief really,the lack or organisation,co ordination & plain common sense that has gone on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 That's terrible, have they never organised a trip abroad before ? I'm glad you got a refund but how infuriating you can't get your fee refunded . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 Good grief even I was better organised when I was travelling, and they are teachers, not teenagers. I'd make a mention to the educational authority if you don't get any joy from the school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted April 13, 2012 Author Share Posted April 13, 2012 Good idea! This trip happens every year,believe it or not,although I am not sure if it is organised by the same chap each year. They also do a cruise of the Greek islands - one year the ferry sank (daughters boyfriends sister lost EVERYTHING!),the next year the ash cloud kept them stranded in Greece for 10 extra days. They gave up on that trip after those events Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 I'd make a mental note to avoid any school trips in future. Rosie has asked to opt out of any involving coaches - they make her dreadfully sick and also have a habit of crashing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 it makes you feel like not sending them on anything. ES went with football club last year and seemed to get thro a lot more money than was antiscipated on food. Luckily one of the mums was with them and bailed him and 2 others out. I was so I had the cash waiting for her on arrival back home. School trips should be better organised thou - YS off to PGL this summer - getting worried as ES came back with Lymes disease some years back. Amazingly the school has made no provision after assuring me future trips would be warned re long trousers and insect repellent. Hope she gets back ok and good luck with your letter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted April 13, 2012 Author Share Posted April 13, 2012 I'd make a mental note to avoid any school trips in future. Not a problem any more - she dropped out of College 3 weeks ago,but was still able to take this trip as we had paid for it already Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 Good grief - I've been following this on Fb - it totally beggars belief that they didn't tell you all the facts about the trip ie half board and the travelling. How completely frustrating. I'd be absolutely fuming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 Just phoned Western Union who told me that it is ONLY ITALY where you have to be over 18,& they would refund the first wire,but not the £10 fee they charged me to make the transaction. I'd ask the college to pay that. What a mess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
