East Coast Trip
*Updated 3-18-25 @ 4:25pm
2026 East Coast Trip (signup link) *Current 7th Graders
Smithsonian American History and Natural History Museum Scavenger Hunt
Hunt by QR code:
Philadelphia Square Scavenger Hunt 2025
Hunt by QR code:
2025 Pre-Departure information:
(
Click Here)
2025 Trip
- Waiver Form - Personal Behavior and Medical (click here)
Facebook Group
- "CLMS East Coast Trip 2025"
- Announcements
- Pictures
- Livestream
GroupMe Students & Travelers
GroupMe for Students/Chaperones *Parent/Guardians see below.
GroupMe Parents and Guardians
GroupMe for Parent/Guardians.
Life360
All travelers please register to be placed on the groups Life360:
Code: XWN-OLY (code is active until March 20th apx. 4:15pm. I will need to create a new code after that time.)
The Itinerary is Here! *Subject to change
Saturday, March 22nd, 2025
- 4:45 AM - Meet at CLMS
- 5:15 AM - Depart for San Diego Airport
- 8:50 AM - Depart on Alaska Airlines Flight #322
- Snacks highly recommended
Weather in Washington D.C. on arrival
Sunday, March 23rd, 2025
Weather in Washington D.C.
Monday, March 24th, 2025
Weather in Washington D.C. - RAIN is forecasted.
Tuesday, March 25th, 2025
Weather in Philadelphia
Weather in NYC
Wednesday, March 26th, 2025
Weather in NYC
Thursday, March 27th, 2025
Weather in NYC
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast @ Hotel
- 8:00 AM - Depart Hotel - Bags on Bus
- 9:00 AM - 9/11"Ground Zero" Memorial
- 10:00 AM - One World Trade Observatory
- 12:00 PM - Lunch
- 1:00 PM - Lower Manhattan Walking Tour
- Wall Street
- Wall Street Bull
- Financial District
- Trinity Church
- Federal Hall
- 3:00 PM - Depart for Newark Airport
- 4:30 PM - Dinner at Airport - Alaska Airlines "Terminal B"
- 5:55 PM - Depart on Alaska Airlines Flight #297
- 9:10 PM - Arrive at San Diego Airport
- Transfer bus back to CLMS
- 11:30 PM - Approximate time for CLMS arrival
Pre-Trip Things to Know
Travel Logistics
- Meet at CLMS at 4:45 AM sharp on Saturday, March 22nd
- Bus departs at 5:00 AM for the San Diego Airport
- Return flight lands March 27th at 9:10 PM
- Approximate return to CLMS: 11:30 PM
- Parents: Please be on time for pick-up!
Packing Essentials
Clothing:
- Lightweight layers: T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts
- Sweaters or hoodies for layering
- Waterproof, wind-resistant jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes (water-resistant if possible)
- Extra pair of shoes
- Comfortable socks (bring extra)
- Pants/jeans, undergarments, pajamas
- Hat, sunglasses, rain poncho or small umbrella
Miscellaneous:
- Money for souvenirs/extras
- Non-perishable snacks
- Small backpack/daypack
- Personal ID (school ID if applicable)
- Hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, sunscreen, lip balm with SPF
- Portable phone charger
- First-aid kit & prescription meds
- Journal or notebook
- Reusable bag for shopping/carrying items
For the Flight:
- Snack food!!
- Comfortable warm outfit (planes can be chilly)
- Neck pillow, small blanket/scarf
- Headphones, entertainment (books, downloaded movies/music, games)
- Refillable water bottle (empty before security)
- Chewing gum/lozenges for ear pressure
Luggage
Carry-on Luggage:
-
- Size:
- The carry-on bag must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (including wheels and handles).
- Weight:
- Alaska Airlines does not specify a weight limit for carry-on luggage. However, you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin.
Allowance:
-
- Passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (like a purse or laptop bag) free of charge.
- Checked Luggage: (One checked bag)
- Size:
- The maximum dimensions for checked bags are 62 linear inches (length + width + height).
- Weight:
- The standard weight limit for checked bags is 50 pounds (23 kilograms).
- Bags weighing 51 to 100 pounds incur an additional fee. (Let's not have any bags over 50 pounds) :-)
Hotel & Security
- Hotels:
- Hotel phone numbers & addresses located on the CLMS 8th grade trip webpage
- Washington, D.C.: Westin Gateway, Arlington, VA
- New York City: Sheraton Lincoln Harbor
- Hotel Expectations:
- Volume control in rooms
- Only those assigned to a room should enter
- Keep rooms clean (trash in cans, towels in bathtub)
- Security guards on duty from 10:30 PM - 5:30 AM
- One knock = warning
Money & Budgeting
- Preloaded Debit Card:
- $20 loaded before each meal
- Students manage their own spending
- Any leftover balance is theirs to keep
- Budget wisely for souvenirs and snacks
- Extra spending money is optional but recommended
Communication & Safety
- Emergency Contacts:
- Mr. Quinn: (909) 576-2025
- Mr. Katona: (951) 764-0794
- Group Safety:
- Buddy system at all times
- Chaperones have emergency contacts
- If lost, stay put and call a chaperone
- Life360 Tracking App:
- Join our Life360 East Coast 24 Tour Circle for safety tracking
- Invite Code: UQX-ILN
- Download: Life360 App
Travel Etiquette & Expectations
- Group Togetherness:
- Be on time for all scheduled activities
- Inform chaperones if sick
- Safety first: Stay with your group
- Bus Etiquette:
- Be courteous to the driver & guide
- Drinks with lids only; no food
- Clean up after yourself
- NO MILK products! (No ice cream, no shakes, no Starbucks with any milk! Etc.)
- Airport & Flight Etiquette:
- Follow TSA carry-on rules
- Pack food/snacks for the plane
- Time for food purchases at the airport
- Dress appropriately (no sweats/PJs; we hit the ground running!)
What Not to Bring
-
- No large suitcases
- No expensive valuables
- No energy drinks or excessive snacks
- Limit electronics (label devices and chargers)
Emergency Support & Medical Care
-
- Night security guards on every hotel floor
- 24-hour emergency support
- Accident/illness insurance included
- Chaperones will assist if medical attention is needed
Fun & Expectations
-
- Engage in the experience!
- Be respectful & polite everywhere we go
- Take photos, journal, and learn!
- Make lifelong memories!
Questions?
-
- Open floor for questions from parents & students
- Final reminders before departure
- Contact information for chaperones
Thank You! We look forward to an unforgettable experience!
Below is information regarding the 2025 trip.
Trip Dates:
- Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 to Thursday, March 27th, 2025
- Note: 5 days, 4 nights
Planned Destinations:
- Washington D.C. (2 nights)
- Philadelphia
- New York City (2 nights)
Contact Information:
- Mr. Joseph Quinn - Trip Coordinator
- Mr. Douglas Katona - Co-Trip Coordinator
- Nations Classroom - Tour Company
Tour Details
Destinations:
* Washington D.C.
* Philadelphia, PA
* New York City, NY
All Inclusive:
* Round-trip airfare
* Deluxe motor coach
* Hotel lodging
* All Meals
* All admissions and fees (*including Broadway show)
* Luggage fees included
* All taxes & gratuities
* Night Security
* 24 hour emergency hotline
* Accident & illness coverage
* Souvenir group photo
Tour Leaders:
* Mr. Quinn
- Cell: 909-576-2025
* Mr. Katona
- Cell: 951-764-0794
Cost: *base on 35 paying travelers
* Quad Occupancy (4 students per room)
- $3220
* Double Occupancy (2 students per room)
- $3499
* Single (ADULT travelers only)
- $4009
Sign up:
- Trip ID # 36162503
* Call:
- (877) 270-1776