1. What will my child do on the trip?
Your child’s teacher and a WorldStrides Account Manager will determine the specific itinerary and details will be provided to your child's teacher prior to departure. Depending on the group size, your child’s teacher will be supported by other chaperones as needed.

However, the trip will look something like this:
Your child’s group arrives in Washington, D.C. and is met by a WorldStrides representative at the airport. The group boards its motorcoach and the adventure begins. During your child’s educational travel program, the group has a WorldStrides Course Leader. The Course Leader not only provides details about what the group is seeing but also engages the group in critical thinking, encouraging students to think about what they are learning and process the information in ways that will be meaningful and memorable. At the hotel, your child will have time to hang out with friends, receive instructions from his/her teacher, and call home.

Your child’s days are full of fun activities and learning. Students will come away with a greater appreciation of our country’s heritage and how that heritage has contributed to the freedom we possess. They’ll gain a greater understanding of the branches of our government and discover how they can be active and involved citizens. They’ll spend time at some of the Smithsonian Museums, where they’ll get to explore at their own pace the thousands of treasures they’ll find there. Students will visit several of the presidential memorials and gain a greater understanding for these great Americans and the impact their decisions and leaderships had on our country’s history. They’ll also visit several war memorials and discover the impact these wars had on America and its citizens. Click here to see a sample itinerary.

During the trip a chaperone will be present at each site visited by your child’s group. At selected sites, students may be allowed the freedom to explore on their own. To make the trip more enjoyable and safe for everyone, it is important for each student to exhibit responsible behavior at all times, in accordance with the Behavior Contract he or she signed prior to departure and in addition to the rules established by his or her teacher.

2. Will my child be safe/What happens should an emergency arise?
At WorldStrides, your child’s Safety is our highest priority . From start to finish, our staff is dedicated to your child’s safety and making your investment count. WorldStrides employs over 350 professionals who make sure each program is safe, worry-free, and enjoyable. However, should an emergency arise, participants can reach a WorldStrides representative 24-hours a day using a toll free number. Should your child become sick or need treatment during this educational travel program, WorldStrides provides accident and illness coverage free of charge. Click here for more details on accident and illness coverage.

3. Where will my child be staying?
All of our hotels are nationally recognized chain hotels such as Holiday Inn, Sheraton, Hilton, Marriott properties, or comparable and are located around the Washington, D.C. beltway. Each hotel has been chosen for its cleanliness, hospitality, and safe location. Our hotels are “student friendly” and rated by the teachers leading trips every year.

4. What kinds of meals are provided for the students?
Students enjoy full American breakfasts at the hotel or at a local restaurant. Groups usually eat at food courts or enjoy cafeteria-style lunches while touring and are also provided dinners. In some cases, lunches may or may not be included in the program price (see your registration letter for details).

5. What kind of clothes should my child wear/what should he/she pack?
Comfortable clothes and comfortable walking shoes are a must. As weather is often unpredictable, bring rain gear and dress in layers as the temperature may change throughout the day. Check our suggested packing list for more details.

6. What is the weather like in Washington, D.C.
In D.C., fall and spring are beautiful and moderate, winter tends to get more rain than snow, and summer is hot and humid. Listed below are the average high and low temperatures (F°) for each month:

7. How do I register my child for his/her program?
You can register three easy ways:
(1) register on-line
(2) complete and return your registration form (attached to the letter given by the teacher/educator leading your child’s trip,)
(3) or contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-468-5899.

8. What is the payment plan for this program?
You can learn about the payment plan for WorldStrides educational travel programs in the Financial Information section of Parent Place. Click here to reach Financial Information online.

9. Can I participate in the trip along with my child?
Your child’s Program Leader makes the decision as to whether or not parents can participate. There is an additional cost for adults depending on the number of program participants per room:

          10% of Base Program Price* per person for a triple (three to a room)
          15% of Base Program Price* per person for a double (two to a room)
          30% of Base Program Price* per person for a single (one to a room)

To ensure a quality educational experience for the students, some tour sites have strict student-to-adult ratios. Please ask your Program Leader for specific details. Adults are automatically registered two to a room and WorldStrides charges an additional 15% of base trip price. If WorldStrides is unable to accommodate adults in a double room because of group configuration and/or hotel availability, adults are then required to pay a 30% single-room supplement of base trip price. If adults, upon all parties’ approval, are able to share a quad room or a triple room, WorldStrides will charge an additional 5% of base trip price or 10% of base trip price respectively.

*Base Program Price = Initial price as stated in the registration letter, or as revised per Program Leader and Account Manager.

For more answers to your frequently asked questions about WorldStrides, the registration process, payment questions, cancellation policy and protection, and general trip information.