Baltimore Bus and Hotel

Disclaimer: The NCTE trip to Baltimore is not a school-sponsored trip. It is a trip organized by families planning to attend the NCTE convention at the Baltimore Convention Center. This trip involves a bus ride with U.S. Coachways from Rolling Meadows, Illinois to Baltimore, Maryland and two nights at the Staybridge Suites Inner Harbor . Parent and parent chaperones will be responsible for making sure students are accounted for at all times. Dr. Donovan offers this website as a central location for families to communicate and access information; she is not liable for any harm or damage that occur during this trip, and she will not be traveling with the families.

Bus: US Coachways

We have 30 people who have expressed an intention to travel together to Baltimore with a few still considering. We have reserved a coach bus to travel from Rolling Meadows on 11/22 to Baltimore, returning 11/24. Their liability insurance is below.

It is a 49 passenger Coach bus with 2 rows of 2 seats with an aisle down the middle. All high back bucket reclining seats face the driver. There is AC/heat, AM-FM stereo, on-board restroom, CD-DVD players with drop-down TVs. With the 7% fee, the total comes to $6582.13. Our Go Fund Me page has raised $5780 (as of 7/23/19, including the deposit). Our charter code is #1215546.

Tips for Enjoying a Long Bus Ride

1. Charge your devices: Be sure your devices are fully charged and bring a back-up battery if you have it.
2. Bring entertainment: Phone, DVD player, iPad, laptop, book, book, book, journal, journal, journal, travel game, crossword puzzle, downloaded Netflix series — hours will fly by! An audiobook is the BEST idea as they are typically 6 to 12 hours long. A book each way — download one from the library app or Audible.
3. Be productive: Get some work done. If you have a paper or project due or if you are writing a novel or if you have been putting off a scrapbook or photo collage or website design — there will be few distractions on this trip so you can use those hours to be super productive. Perhaps you will take this opportunity to interview each other to make a documentary of our experience.
4. Pack earplugs and maybe an eye mask: Maybe you will want to sleep the first few hours, so stay up late the night before and bring earplugs and an eye mask to drift off into a lovely, dreamy sleep.
5. Take photos: Once we are underway and the sun is up, you might find the landscape to be appealing. You can create a photo story of the trip, try out some filters, or just enjoy the journey out your window.
6. Layer up: Bus air conditioning means it can get pretty cold. And if you bring an extra jacket or sweater, you can also use it as a pillow.
7. Pack snacks: There are only a few scheduled stops, and there is nothing worse than having no food when hunger hits. But don’t pack food that will sour your tummy! Also, if you rely on buying snacks at stops, the cost will be higher. Consider partnering with a friend to strategize snacks and drinks.
8. Dress comfortably: Loose fitting clothing, a soft hoodie, and comfortable shoes (cover those toes as it will be chilly) will make your experience more positive.
9. Use the rest stops! When the bus does stop, be sure to use the opportunity to walk around and stretch. You will feel more refreshed and ready for the next leg. Also, use the bathroom to freshen up – brush your teeth, splash your face, use the toilet.
10. Carsick? Try remedies with parent permission. Face the direction you are going. Keep your eyes on the horizon — a stationary object. Change positions by reclining or standing. Nibble on crackers. Drink water or a carbonated, non-sugar beverage like ginger ale — caffeine will make it worse. Distract with music or conversation. Reading or looking at text on devices may also make it words — try an audiobook! Bonine or Dramamine may help with parent permission.

Hotel: Staybridge Suites Inner Harbor

Reserving a Room

Each family must reserve a room for their child. If students/families are sharing a room, decide which parent will reserve the room and arrange reimbursement.

Heather Rebhan is the Group Sales Coordinator (401-624-7333) at Staybridge Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor. The cost for each night is $105, and this includes breakfast. You must make your reservation by October 22, 2019 by calling and asking for the “NCTE Group”; there are 16 rooms reserved. Here is the booking link with our group code to book online or just call. Here is our contract.

Parents, you do not have to pay upfront; however, you do have to provide a credit card to hold the room until arrival.  When you make the reservation, you have 72 hours (3 Days) before your arrival date to cancel.  If you don’t cancel, you will be charged 1-night room and taxes. 

Possible Room Arrangements

Here is a sample rooming list based on information gathered with the “interest forms” shared in April. You will notice several chaperone-student rooms have double occupancy; the cost is, obviously higher than quadruple, so you can connect with another double-occupancy group to arrange sharing. I have hyperlinked email addresses of parents, and you can communicate in the comment section (or exchange cell numbers). This is a password protected page.