2022 Ireland Trip Frequently Asked Questions
1. The initial deposit date has passed. Can I still register for the trip?
Yes, you may! We have requested an extension due to the tremendous interest. The absolute final day to register is July 15, 2021. All that is necessary is that you keep up with the installments. Percussionists should read more information below.
2. I am auditioning for the drumline, front ensemble, or color guard and will not know until August if I am part of the fall ensemble. Can I still sign up for the trip?
All color guard members can be guaranteed a spot on the trip. Go ahead and sign up - even if you do not see 'color guard' on the MTC website roster, we will be able to manually place you in that section when the season begins.
All percussionists desiring to go need to register before July 15th. If you do not pass the audition to make it in the ensemble, percussionists will be refunded their entire balance (including deposit). This is an exception for percussionists only. Percussionists who make the line but who did not register by July 15 will NOT be able to add in. It may be the case that percussionists swap instruments from the fall season (I.e., a front ensemble member now on cymbals, a bass drummer now on snare, etc.), but it will be necessary for the percussionist to make the fall line on some instrument.
3. Do I need a passport to travel to Ireland?
Yes, you do need a passport to travel to Ireland. You don't necessarily need to provide it at the time of registration, but if you do need to apply for a passport, we suggest doing so by August 1, 2021, as the routine processing time is 10 - 12 weeks.
Things to note:
- The passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the Republic of Ireland.
- Non-US Citizens are required to inquire with their respective government passport agencies, embassy, or consulate regarding the validity of their passport traveling to the UK & Ireland and are responsible for any required Visas.
- Members will be responsible for their own passports – the Green Brigade will not collect them.
4. Where can I apply for a passport?
Conveniently, you can apply for a passport as a UNT student on campus! Visit https://studyabroad.unt.edu/passport-office to book individual appointments for international travel.
5. How can we indicate dietary restrictions?
5here is a place in your Music Travel account where you can indicate any dietary restrictions. That information is sent directly to the trip organizers and will be accommodated.
6. Will instruments be provided?
The same instruments that are provided during the fall season will be provided for the trip, and this will include mellophones, baritones, sousaphones, and percussion.
7. How much leisure time will I have on the trip?
Members will have 4 evenings to explore the countryside without structured full-group activities.
8. Can family and friends of students in the Green Brigade attend the trip?
Yes – there is a family and friends package option to sign up for! The Family and Friends tour has a separate itinerary of a different tour and hotel accommodations but will meet up with the band during performance times. Participants of this tour can register through their student’s account.
For more information, please see the bottom of this webpage: https://greenbrigade.music.unt.edu/trip/registration
9. How will rooming work? Will members get to pick their roommates?
Members will have the opportunity to select their roommates. As of now, we are anticipating that two students will be in a room together. It will be possible to book a single room if desired, although it would be at an increased cost. More information will be released as registration is finalized.
10. What should I remember to pack? What are luggage limits?
The weather in Ireland during early March is colder than what it is in Texas. Pack for cool and sometimes rainy weather (50-60 degrees F), such as:
- Light coat or jacket, heavier one for higher altitudes
- Raincoat, umbrella
- Thermal layers
- Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
Remember to pack travel size (3 oz.) containers for liquids, and all electronic chargers and voltage adapters (addressed below).
The standard luggage weight limit for all airlines is 50 lbs. Be mindful that the weight of luggage could increase when traveling back from Ireland. Members will also be allowed one carry-on item - we recommend that being a backpack or something similar that is easy to move around between the plane, motor-coach, and day-to-day activities.
11. How do I bring medication? Do I register it with Green Brigade?
If you regularly take medication, you do not need to register it with the Green Brigade. You are responsible for it throughout the duration of the trip. Please make sure all medicine containers follow international travel guidelines.
12. Do I need to bring different chargers for electronics?
Yes – you will need a voltage adapter for international travel. In Ireland, the power plugs and sockets are of type G. The standard voltage for these plugs is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Voltage adapters are available at stores such as Best Buy, Walmart, Home Depot, Staples.
13. Will my cellphone work overseas?
Yes - Make sure with your service provider that you have a plan in place before the week of travel either for internet/data or text messages. Some phone companies have international plans for $10-15 a day of phone service or different deals. You could also avoid the fees by using wifi to call/text in various establishments.
14. Will I have to exchange currency to euros? When can I do that and what is the conversion rate?
Yes – it is recommended that you exchange dollars for euros in the United States. If at all possible, do this at your own bank. You can do it at the airport, but the conversion fees are higher. Here is the website that displays the currency conversion rates: https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/
15. Approximately how many euros do I need?
Members should budget for four evenings to be on their own for meals, money for exploring the area, and purchasing souvenir items as desired.
16. Can we use a credit card instead?
Yes - Visa and MasterCard are the two most accepted overseas, although other cards are likely also accepted. Please check this with your personal bank or credit provider and let them know your travel dates and destination.
17. Will COVID vaccinations be required to travel?
The situation is fluid and constantly changing in the travel industry. Although not explicitly stated at the moment, it is a possibility that Ireland and the EU could very well require COVID vaccinations from travelers. Once details are confirmed, the information will be directly communicated.
18. I have more questions. Who can I contact?
Please email GreenBrigade@unt.edu or daniel.cook@unt.edu.