What is WorldStrides?
WorldStrides is the largest provider of educational student travel in the United States. We work with your teachers to design interactive trips based on what you learn in school . We have a wide variety of history, science, and international programs. WorldStrides trips are not only educational, but they are a lot of fun, too. On your WorldStrides trip, you’ll go cool places and do exciting things, all while hanging out with your friends!
What will I do on the program?
The specific itinerary will be chosen by your teacher. For more information, 1) please check sample itineraries available in our brochures and on our website, 2) look at your registration letter for more specific details about your trip, or 3) contact your teacher. One thing is for sure: you and your friends will have an awesome time seeing new places and learning new things!
What is it really like to be on this trip?
We know you want to hear about this from other students – not from us. Check out sections of this site like ‘Travelers’ Photos’ under ‘Visuals’ or ‘Featured Travelers’ under the ‘Destinations’ section. If your teacher has led this trip in years past, ask him/her to recommend a past student traveler to whom you could ask questions.
How do I register?
Your parents can register you three easy ways: (1) register on-line at www.worldstrides.com/register
(2) contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-468-5899, or (3) complete and return your registration form (attached to the letter given by the teacher/educator leading the trip).
How many students are signed up for the program?
Please check with your Program Leader for this information; he or she will have the most recent counts.
What kind of transportation will we use?
Depending on how far your hometown is from your destination, you will travel by either airplane or motorcoach. A comfortable, air-conditioned motorcoach will be used to take your group to the various sites/activities in your destination city. You will also travel by motorcoach when traveling to other cities on your itinerary (ie, for trips to Washington, D.C. and New York City).
Where will we stay?
All of our hotels are nationally recognized chain hotels such as Marriott properties, Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, Hilton, Sheraton, or comparable. Our hotels are "student friendly" and rated by the teachers leading trips every year. Students on Our Westward Adventure programs get to experience life as an early settler: camping in tent cabins, eating around a campfire, and learning to live in the great outdoors.
What kind of food will we eat? What if I have dietary restrictions?
Students enjoy full American breakfasts at the hotel or at a local restaurant. Groups eat fast food, food court, or 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 more details.
WorldStrides can usually accommodate special diets (ie, vegetarian, Kosher, allergies) if given advance notice. Please contact your Program Leader and make him/her aware of any special dietary requirements before you leave on your program.
Who will my roommates be?
Although it’s the teacher’s decision, most students get to choose their own roommates. Ultimate approval of all roommate selections rests with the Program Leader. Students are placed four to a room with double beds in each room. Our Westward Adventure students sleep four to a
tent/cabin
on individual bunks.
Can I change my flight times and destination?
Due to the nature of group travel, we are unable to change any aspect of the flight, including departure and return flight times and destinations.
I have a physical disability; can I still go on the trip?
Yes! WorldStrides welcomes physically disabled participants, and makes every effort to accommodate their needs. Please have your Program Leader contact his/her Account Manager regarding any special needs so we may work on the necessary arrangements.
Can my parents come too?
The Program Leader makes the decision as to whether parents can participate. There is an additional cost for adults depending on the number of program participants per room. Ask your Program Leader for specific details.
Are there going to be chaperones?
WorldStrides requires a safe ratio of adults to students on each trip. The Program Leader carefully assigns the trip chaperones. Please contact your teacher/educator with any questions or concerns you may have.
Will I be safe? How can my parents reach me case of emergency?
Your safety is our number one concern. WorldStrides maintains offices in Washington, D.C., New York City, NY, Williamsburg, VA, Orlando, FL, Reno, NV, and Charlottesville, VA. WorldStrides staff is available 24 hours a day to handle any emergency that may arise. We also give you a toll-free number which you can call at any time if you are lost or need help of any kind.
Tell your parents that they can call our Tour Central office at 1-703-933-6143. We have staff on call 24 hours a day, so that we will be able to put your parents in touch with you in case of an emergency.
What kind of clothes should I pack? How much luggage can I bring?
Packing lists specific to your program can be found on this site under ‘Details.’ Comfortable clothes and comfortable walking shoes are a must. As weather is often unpredictable, bring rain gear and dress in layers
in case temperature changes
throughout the day. You can refer to weather information also under the ‘Details’ section of this site.
Students are allowed to bring one suitcase and one carry-on bag. You may have to carry your own bags at times, so keep the weight manageable!
How much spending money should I bring?
We recommend $50.00 to purchase souvenirs for programs lasting three or more days. Students participating in shorter programs are advised to bring $5-$10 for each day. If your program does not include lunch, you should bring an additional $5-$10 to buy lunch each day. These recommendations may differ if you’re going on an international program. Please speak with your Program Leader for more information.
I missed the registration deadline. Can I still go on the trip?
There is always a chance that space may still be available. For the fastest service, have a parent register you online at www.worldstrides.com/register or call toll free 800-468-5899. Otherwise, ask your Program Leader for a registration form. We will do our best to accommodate you. If your program is leaving in less than seventy-five days: (1) full payment for the trip is required with your registration, and (2) you are automatically placed on a waitlist until it is determined whether a bus seat and/or airline seat can be secured. In the rare instance space does not become available, all of your money will be returned. If you want to register after the group's final payment deadline, a late registration fee (10% of the trip cost) is added to the base trip price.
