SAFETY WHILE TRAVELING

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PERSONAL SAFETY & HEALTH: Please note that we always have at least one American physicians on tour with us. In addition, we do our best to make arrangements for students with allergies or health issues, and are present to see requests followed. Staff members on each tour bus will help with finding further medical attention if there is an emergency or if our tour doctor determines tests or other medical attention is needed. Water and food is safe in all the places we travel to. No immunizations are necessary to travel to Europe, but we do recommend the basics such as tetanus shot, etc. Any current concerns of flu, etc. are no different than in the U.S. Yes, just like at home, anything can happen - twisted ankle, pinched finger, reaction to bug bite, sore throat, fever, infection, appendicitis, injury, collapsed lung, fainting, low sugar, etc. It can and does occasionally occur. That is why we have our doctor on tour. Our tour members' health and safety are that important.

INTERNATIONAL SAFETY: After touring the past 12 summers (post 9-11), we know all SOA tour members can attest that they felt very safe and comfortable traveling in Europe. The SOA Staff, most who have traveled dozens of times to Europe, agree that it seems as safe as ever. Being in Europe has been wonderful and the people are still very, very welcoming! Although we did make some changes to better the safety of our members, and airports and some other places have increased security, we felt no threat and received no negative reactions throughout our stay of any recent years. We can assure you that if we felt it were unsafe, we would alter the tour. Based on the last several years' tours, and on information from the state department and news, we do not anticipate any safety reasons to avoid Europe. Europe has been heavily visited by tourists (many American) over the past several years. It appears no less safe in Europe than in the U.S. The Europeans know that American individuals are not the same thing as American politics or foreign relations, etc. and therefore treat Americans as warmly as ever. As different issues arise in the international world, please be assured that SOA staff monitors and assesses each situation and location to be sure that it is safe.

For an extensive email outlining some of the safety measures we have taken to better ensure a safe tour, contact us.

Rick Steves, travel expert on Europe The well-known and well-liked American travel expert, Rick Steves, has a great website. SOA Staff members have always admired him and felt he is the most down-to-earth European expert in travel.

As a European travel guru who spends much time in Europe, with locals and American groups, Rick has posted a statement about travel today in Europe that may interest you. Please also read what some recent Americans have to say about Europe. To hear first hand what some American tourists are saying, please visit Rick Steves' website where he has a "graffiti wall", where recent travelers send their comments. These pages are specifically about traveling right now in Europe and what their reactions are as Americans. See this short video on how to travel safely with your valuables.

Concerned about air travel? See this info at the bottom of our FAQ pages. Click here

We thank the 1000's of Europeans and Americans for attending our concerts for sharing their concerns and caring about us, and for supporting those who gave their lives Sept. 11th, by purchasing our Tribute to 9/11 CDs. You have made a difference in our lives, and we hope we have and will continue to make a positive difference in your lives and in the world. May there be Peace on Earth.

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 "This will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before."

Leonard Bernstein
 

SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

This information was posted after 9/11, but still carries meaning.

We honor the innocent victims of the attacks of September 11, 2001

We are indeed horrified by the hatred of a few individuals.
In anguish, we cry for each and every innocent victim and their loved ones.

We are truly amazed (but not surprised) and encouraged by the selfless bravery, aid and sacrifices that regular people and emergency personnel have demonstrated.

We are comforted by the support of other Americans who also grieve. We are given strength by their love and their willingness to reach out and help one another.

We are warmed and uplifted by the support and love sent by our friends and comrades in Europe and around the world. We are very moved by their concern and solidarity.

With the help of each individual's faith, the love and support we feel for each other, as well as our love for freedom, tolerance, understanding,justice and goodness, we will overcome and become stronger than we were before.

From SOA, a hug to each of you. We love you all. We wish only the best for you. Be safe and share your love.

Love and peace to our world -

SOA, 9-12-01

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LEARN MORE ABOUT SOA:

NEWS / 2014 Itinerary / FAQ's / Directors & Staff / Eligibility / How to apply / Cost & Inclusions / Non-Profit Information / Music / Safety & Security

Special Alumni / Distinguished Alumni Talk about SOA / Testimonials from Past Tour Participants, by state

2013 Highlights / 2012 Highlights / 2011 Highlights / 2010 Highlights / 2009 Highlights / 2008 Highlights / 2007 Highlights / 2006 Highlights / 2005 Highlights / 2004 Highlights / 2003 Highlights / 2002 Tour Highlights / 2001 Tour Highlights / 2000 Tour Highlights / '99 Tour Highlights / '98 Tour Highlights / '97 Tour Highlights /

PHOTO GALLERY / Fun website links / ALUMNI news /

updated 11-5-13

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page created 11-27-02