General Questions:
How do I register for a program?
Registering for a WorldStrides program is easy. Students and parents have four options: (1) Register online at www.worldstridesabroad.org using the Trip ID number printed on the top right corner of the Registration Form, (2) complete the Registration Form and mail it with the non-refundable deposit to WorldStrides, P.O. Box 9033, Charlottesville, VA 22906-9033, (3) fax the front and back of the form with your credit card information to 434-982-8748, or (4) contact WorldStrides' Customer Service team at 1-800-468-5899.
Can a participant change his or her flight times and destination?
For the safety of all participants and to avoid disruptive delays for the rest of the group, we are unable to change any aspect of the flight, including departure and return flight times and destinations.
Can a participant use his or her frequent flyer miles toward the airline portion of the program?
Due to the nature of group airline ticketing, parents may not use frequent flyer miles.
Can participants get frequent flyer miles from purchasing a program?
We are unable to offer frequent flyer miles due to group airline ticketing restrictions.
Billing Questions:
What are participants' payment options?
Upon registering for the program, participants will receive a confirmation letter and statement outlining their
payment options:
- Pay the balance in full within 21 days, or
- Pay in regular installments established by WorldStrides.
Is there an additional fee for the regular installment payment plan option?
There is a handling fee of $6 for each installment payment set up for your program.
If participants choose the regular payment plan, can a payment be skipped?
All payments must be made by the date on the invoice. A $15 late fee will be charged for late payments.
How long do credit card payments take to process?
Credit card payments are processed instantly.
If a participant had a check returned, can he or she send another check for a payment?
Unfortunately, when a bank returns a check, we must require guaranteed funds for any further payments. We can accept a cashier’s check, money order, or credit card. There is a charge of $35 for a returned check.
If a participant's final payment arrives late, what happens?
There is a $60 late fee added to all accounts with an outstanding balance after the final payment deadline, which is 105 days prior to departure. All payments received after the final payment deadline must be in the form of a credit card or money order (no personal or business checks). If parents find it necessary to pay after the deadline, please have them contact one of our Customer Service Representatives at 1-800-468-5899 to confirm the status of their child's registration.
What happens if a participant has to cancel?
Please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of the Registration Brochure. All cancellations must be made in writing by the responsible party. Parents should allow four to six weeks from the postmarked date for their refunds to be processed.
Program Information Questions:
What airlines do you use?
Students will travel on regularly scheduled flights on one of several major airline carriers.
What hotels do you use?
All our hotels are 3-star, offer private bathrooms within city limits, and are located within easy access to the mass transportation system and every student will have their own bed. Each hotel has been chosen for its cleanliness, hospitality, and safe location. Our hotels are “student friendly."
Do students get to choose their own roommates?
Most students get to choose their own roommates. Ultimate approval of all roommate selections rests with the Program Leader.
What kinds of meals are provided for the students?
Students enjoy full continental breakfasts at the hotel or at a local restaurant. Groups are provided complete sit-down dinners at local restaurants or at the hotel. Lunches are not included in the base trip price (unless stated otherwise in your Registration Letter).
When will participants get their specific flight and program information?
Participants will receive a program information letter containing specific details approximately two weeks prior to departure. This letter covers the flight schedule, as well as hotel and touring information. All airline tickets or e-ticket manifests are sent directly to the Program Leader.
What kind of clothes should students wear ?
Comfortable touring clothes are preferable, and comfortable walking shoes are a must. As weather is often unpredictable, rain gear and dressing in layers is recommended. We also advise students to bring at least one outfit appropriate to wear inside churches.
How much luggage can students bring?
We recommend that students bring one suitcase and one carry-on bag. Students will have to carry their own bags, so please keep the weight manageable. Luggage, quantity, weight, and dimensions must meet the requirements of the individual airlines.
How much spending money will participants need?
A typical allowance is $50 per day for lunch, snacks, soft drinks, postage, souvenirs, free-time activities, and optional excursions not already included in your itinerary.
What kind of currency should participants bring?
Credit Cards and ATM: You may obtain cash with your credit card or local bank card at ATM machines. ATMs generally give a wholesale exchange rate, which is as much as five percent better than banks. Most big department stores and restaurants in major cities will take U.S. credit cards, and using credit cards gives you the best exchange rate. Please contact your bank at least three months prior to departure to ensure that you will be able to use your credit card in the host country to make purchases and/or withdraw cash.
Travelers Checks: If you are going to use travelers checks, we recommend that you buy fairly large-denomination travelers checks (at least $20, preferably $50), since overseas banks charge a high commission for each travelers check you redeem, regardless of the dollar amount. We recommend that you cash your travelers checks at banks or change windows in the host city, or even better, that you purchase travelers checks in euros (Paris, Rome, Madrid/Barcelona) or pounds (London).
Travelers checks not always accepted. Make sure that you have some local currency and dollars since you may not be able to cash your travel checks easily. Some places do not accept travelers checks from a minor.
What type of travel documents are required to travel overseas?
Passports are required for our programs to England, France, Spain, and Italy. Students should make two copies of their passport before travel in case their passport is lost or stolen; keep one in their secured luggage and give one to the Focus Director. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the end of your program. You are responsible for obtaining your own passport. If you do not have already a passport, please act now as the process can take several months. If you already have a passport, make sure that it will still be valid for six months after your return date. We strongly recommend that you visit these websites: http://travel.state.gov/passport and www.tsa.gov for more information on how to obtain a passport. WorldStrides is not responsible for trip cancellation or interruption due to delayed passports.
What type of travel documents are required for non-U.S. citizens?
Non-U.S. citizens are responsible for obtaining all documents needed to enter the countries to be visited or connected through, and for reentry into the U.S. If you are denied boarding for the countries to be visited or connected through, you are not eligible for a refund for missed travel services. We urge you to contact the consular offices of the countries on your itinerary, as well as the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, for complete information.
Are there any restrictions in terms of age or general health?
Registration for participants under the age of 15 is subject to individual review by WorldStrides. Students under the age of 14 should carry a "Notarized Statement of Consent" signed by both parents just in case the student loses their passport while traveling. Even if the student is traveling with a parent, the form must also be signed by the second parent. This form can also be found on http://travel.state.gov/passport.
Our programs are designed to experience the city life from a native perspective, and in most of the cities we will visit some streets and buildings that are hundreds of years old; therefore, a fair amount of walking and narrow stairways are to be expected. Special meals and/or medical supervision cannot be provided.
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