Frequently Asked Questions.

Is travel insurance included in the trip price?

No. However, Educational Destinations offers Travel Guard International travel insurance as an optional purchase, should you determine there are risks you wish to cover. Ask your Educational Destinations representative for an application and description of coverage. Travel insurance is highly recommended by Educational Destinations.

What does the escort do on a trip?

An Educational Destinations Escort travels with the group to make sure the trip is glitch-free. Waiting in line for event tickets, calling ahead to tell a restaurant that the group will be 20 minutes early, or adding an unexpected guest to an event are all tasks that Escorts routinely handle. School faculty and chaperones monitor and manage student behavior, while the Escort manages travel details. Educational Destinations Escorts adhere to the strict SYTA (Student Youth Travel Association) code of ethics. They do not act as chaperones.

How do we contact our child in an emergency?

Call Educational Destinations toll free at 800.616.1112. During the business day, you'll get a real person who can help. After business hours, you may follow the prompts to be connected to ED's Manager on Duty. This system is to be used for true emergencies, only. Most trips provide travelers with a detailed itinerary booklet, which has ED's emergency contact information listed on the last page.

What if my child needs emergency assistance during the trip?

School or organizational staff, and chaperones, are the first-responders for emergency care needs. They keep a file of medical forms and child treatment release forms, which accompany the group everywhere during its trip. The Escort will assist staff and chaperones facilitate care for a student in an emergency.

What happens if I have to cancel?

Cancellations are considered to be any change made to the passenger list. Cancellations must be made in writing. If received 61 days or more prior to departure, monies which can be retrieved from suppliers are refundable. Cancellations received 60 days prior, up to and including day of departure, are non-refundable unless a substitution of traveler is made. Tours which include air travel or ship travel are subject to the conditions of those carrier contracts, which usually have non-refundability provisions and strict penalties for cancellations and substitutions - check with your Educational Destinations representative for the exact conditions that apply to your trip. Educational Destinations highly recommends purchasing optional travel cancellation insurance, and it will give each participant a summary of travel insurance benefits and coverages, along with a way to purchase it.

What types of identification are required?

Unless your trip is by air, or unless your trip goes outside of U.S. borders, identification is not required for travel. Educational Destinations recommends that students carry I.D. if they have it. For air trips, everyone 18 or older must have a government-issued photo I.D., and if leaving the United States, those of every age must bring a valid U.S. Passport.

Can I bring extra guests or family members?

There must be space available on the trip. If space is available, approval must be obtained from the teacher/person responsible for the trip, and from Educational Destinations.

Why are children not "free" if sharing a room with their parents?

Except in rare cases, Educational Destinations negotiates its costs from service suppliers, then shares costs among all group members. Special rates offered to individual families, i.e. children stay and eat free, are not typically the same rates offered to groups in negotiated accommodation contracts.

When do drivers rest?

Educational Destinations and its cooperating coach companies strictly follow U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. Once a driver has completed the maximum hours of drive time, a hotel room is provided. Or, on long runs, such as overnight to Florida, relief drivers join the tour periodically to replace the drivers that are soon to be "out of hours." These rules and procedures are vital to everyone's safety.

Can I watch movies or listen to music on the coaches?

Yes. Nearly every late model coach has a sound system, video system and public address system. Most coaches have either DVD or VHS players; some have both, and they are very popular. Usually the group leader is responsible to act as, "censor," to insure content consistent with the group's age and values. Coaches usually offer an AM-FM radio and a CD player. The latter is seldom used as most passengers prefer to listen through headphones to their own personal music devices.

Are there restrooms on the coach?

Yes, but for emergency use, only. Once the tank is full, it cannot be used. Rest stops are made at sites with good facilities periodically during the trip.

Can snacks be eaten on the coach?

Almost always. However, the coach must be kept clean. Chewing gum is frowned on by all bus drivers. Beverages should be in plastic bottles with screw-on caps, to prevent spills. Full-size coolers don't fit in the passenger compartment, and smaller coolers don't fit under most coach seats or in overhead racks.

What are luggage limits?

You must be able to carry your own luggage. The buddy system is an efficient way for those rooming together to pack lighter. For instance, those travelers rooming together should bring one hairdryer, one alarm clock, one shampoo and conditioner, etc. and share the one item. For most trips: 1 medium sized suitcase or large duffel, 1 carry-on bag (tote or backpack) and 1 personal item, such as purse, or camera bag or briefcase. (Performers may bring an instrument as a 2nd piece of luggage.) Carry-ons must fit in a coach's overhead rack or under one of its seats, each a space of 9" in height. One dimension [Width, Height, or Length] of the carry-on must not be larger than 9" to fit. Airline limitations vary by carrier, and Educational Destinations will inform you prior to departure of the exact size and weight allowed on your trip. The forgoing limits generally apply, with weight limits of 50 pounds on checked suit cases and 40 pounds on carry-on bags.

How much money should I bring on the trip?

Most trips are all-inclusive: transport, lodging, meals and events are included in the price. In those cases, money is needed for snacks and souvenirs. The amount varies per passenger, but an average of $5 to $10 per day covers most travelers. If there are meals not covered, or optional events, you'll be informed in advance of approximate costs.

What's the best way to carry money?

Cash is usually best, and an ATM card is favored by most adults. Credit cards are widely accepted, even at fast-food establishments. Travelers checks are secure, but they are difficult to cash sometimes, and most merchants charge fees to accept them. For minors to use travelers checks, an adult must be present to verify the transaction. Because of these obstacles, Educational Destinations does not recommend travelers checks. If designed into the trip, chaperones can hold funds for your child if monies are in a labeled envelope or baggie. If using Credit, Debit or ATM cards, be sure to notify the issuing organization that you will be using the card outside your "home turf", and verify with them that the card will work at your destination.

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