Travel FAQ:
Why are we staying at these Hotels?
All of our tournaments are Stay and Play tournaments and they were given to us by the Tournament. Plus, it is a lot easier to manage the players when we are all staying at the same hotel.
Why are we flying together and on Alaska?
1) Better rates
2) Team bonding
3) Experience - College athletes travel together
4) Player management - Easier to make sure all the girls are there on time
Does the team have transportation for the players to get to the tournament and back to the Hotel?
Hawaii - players will have a van. I will be collecting money for this prior to departing. Parents will have to get their own transportation.
Arizona - everyone is on their own. If the player is on their own, please arrange with another parent/player or me. If there are a lot of players without parents, I have no problem renting a van or something.
Colorado - you are on your own as well. There is a tram/bus that takes you close to the hotel or Uber. We are right across the street from the convention center. Everything is walking distance. Detailed tram/bus info will be with the itinerary (coming soon).
Can tickets to get into the Tournaments be purchased in advance?
Yes
Hawaii - available 1/1/2024 - https://transpacificvolleyball.com/
Arizona - TBD - http://www.volleyball-festival.com/Default.aspx?RD=6057
Colorado - TBD - https://coloradocrossroads.org/guest-info/
Can I block my airfare/hotel from the block online or is that for players only?
Yes - Parents & family members can use the block
Can I view my flight info online on Alaska’s website?
No - It is a Group Reservation.
Will I be able to check in and get my boarding pass online?
Yes, but you must to it from a computer. 24 hours prior to the flight. You will not be able to access it on your phone app. You will be able to text/email yourself the boarding pass which you can convert into a digital boarding pass and save it to your Apple or Google Wallet.
Where will I be seated? Can I request an aisle or window?
It will be random, but everyone in our block will be together. Once we are on the plane, if you need to switch seats with someone, you can.
Where do we meet at the airport?
We will meet at the Alaska Ticketing area. Full Itinerary with times for ALL TRAVEL will be emailed out soon!!
Where do we meet at the airport after we depart from tournament?
Everyone is on their own. Some people are extending trips. Itinerary will show when I would like the players to be at the gate.
More Tips...
Tip #1
Make friends.
This will enable you to attend more tournaments than you think you can afford. Even just one friend cuts you travel and hotel expenses in half. Most rooms in hotels have hair dryers, but not all rooms in that same hotel have refrigerators. Is there a room where you can bring food in for team dinners? Ask!Only hold hotel rooms with a credit card. All roommates should bring their portion of the bill in cash. Then there are no collection issues after you are back home.
Tip #2
Congrats, you are the proud new parent of extra teenage children!
Do not hesitate to accdept the gas money from extra passengers.Talk directly to their parents before the travel date. Get their cell phone number and email address. Add them and the player to your cell phone contacts. Time management is crucial. While your expenses are being cut, so is your shower and bathroom time. Place a wake-up call for your kids. Remember, they are teenagers. You want them to sit and eat breakfast- not inhale it.
Tip #3
Eating on the Run
Breakfast is generally offered at the hotels. Make it a point to make sure you and your players eat there. Lunch is eaten at the venue. Some venues don't offer concession stands, so plan accordingly. Plan on only one sit down meal per day (usually dinner). Pack food accordingly- fruit, cheesem crackers, granola, vegetables and dip. Don't pack junk; if it is not there they won't eat it. A sweet treat for the car ride home is ok, but not during playing times.
Tip #4
A camping we will go
Space can be very tight at these tournaments. Once your players have scouted out their "campsite", claim your space. Remember to leave your campsite spotless. Sloppy teams are not usually invited back. Bring travel chairs with you, not only for the down time between matches but to watch the games. Some gyms do not have bleacher seating.
Tip #5
Eat, Drink, & Play
Know when your team is scheduled to play. This helps to remind the players when to fit in nutrition and hydration throughout the day. Keeping good food ready and available is the key. Remind them to eat before they are starving and drink before they get that crippling dehydration headache. The only thing worse than one cranky teenage child is a team of cranky children. Remember, you must travel home with them. If you plan on stopping for something to eat on the way home, inform your extra passengers before you embark on your travels together, since they must budget their money accordingly.