ENROLLMENT QUESTIONS: How do I enroll? Option 1: Go to www.globaltravelalliance.com/enrollment/ and enter your Group Leader last name and the Trip ID #. If you are unaware of the Group Leader last name or Trip ID #, please call 866-313-2577. Option 2: call 866-313-2577 and a representative can assist or manually enroll you. Can I change or update my account once I enroll? Yes, once enrolled you will be able to update your account information. I want to enroll, but the flier states the deadline has passed. Can I still enroll? Yes! If there is still space available you can still enroll. Please refer to the How do I enroll options. What is the trip cap and when does the waitlist get cleared? The trip cap is the maximum number of travelers Global Travel Alliance can accommodate for a specific trip. If the trip is capped we will start a waitlist. Once the waitlist reaches the appropriate number to allow us to make additional reservations (this usually pertains to booking another motor coach), we will clear the list and accept all the students that were waitlisted. Note: if your child is on the waitlist and does not get to go on the trip they will be entitled to a full refund (including the non-refundable deposit and the Trip Protection Plan purchase price, if applicable - late fees are never refundable). Why am I on the wait list? The trip has reached its cap. When will I know if my child will be cleared from the waitlist? As soon as we reach the number of travelers needed to clear the list, we will call or email each traveler and let them know. You may also call our office for specific group questions at 866-313-2577. If I am on the waitlist, do I still need to make payments? What if my child doesn t get to go? Yes, you must continue to make all payments as scheduled. If you stop making payments you will be withdrawn from the trip. If the waitlist does not get cleared and your student does not get to go on the trip ALL monies paid in will be refunded (except late fees if applicable). This DOES include the cost of the Trip Protection Plan (TPP) and the cost of the non-refundable deposit. Are parents allowed to enroll on the trip? Does the trip cost more for adults? Some trips do allow parents. Please call our office for details at 866-313-2577. A trip does cost more for parents because of their required upgrade to a double occupancy hotel room.
I would like to be a chaperone on the trip, how do I enroll? Chaperones are selected by the group leaders. Contact your group leader for information regarding chaperones. In most cases, the chaperones are picked well in advance and are teachers or other staff members at the school. TRIP INFORMATION & SAFETY QUESTIONS: How many chaperones will be with my child while traveling? Each trip will have AT LEAST 1 adult for every 10 students. On average the adult-to-student ratio is 1 adult for every 8 students. Will my child ever be left alone on the trip? No! Students will never be left alone on a trip. The smallest group that will be allowed to leave the sight of chaperones will be groups of three. Example: While visiting the Smithsonian s Museums in Washington, D.C. students will be allowed to explore the museum in groups of three or more. If students do not follow this policy they be immediately put with an adult chaperone. If there is an emergency, how do I get a hold of my child? Global Travel Alliance has a 24 hour emergency hotline at 866-837-7639. Also, please refer to your student packets where you can find the tour director s phone number. Is there a professional tour director with the group at all times? Yes! Every trip will have a professional Global Travel Alliance tour director with the group for the entire length of the trip. They will be with the group from the moment the group arrives until the group departs (unless otherwise noted). Do you have 24hr-Emergency support while my child is on the trip? Yes! Please call 866-837-7638 for emergencies ONLY. If my child breaks the safety rules, what are the consequences? Safety is our number one priority. Therefore, we have strict policies in place. In most cases, the student will be sent home IMMEDIATELY at the parents expense. FLIGHT TRANSPORTATION QUESTIONS: When should I drop off my child at the airport? In general we recommend arriving at the airport 2 hours prior to departure. Please refer to your parent packet for specific information for your group.
Where can I find the most up-to-date security information for flying? Transportation Security Administration (TSA) www.tsa.gov/traveler-information How much luggage can my student bring? We recommend that students pack light. Layering is a great idea because it allows the traveler to be prepared for a variety of temperatures. Most airlines charge a baggage fee for checked bags. Can my child check a bag? Does it cost? We encourage the students to have carry-on approved luggage for their trip. If they choose to have checked bags please note that almost all major air carriers have baggage fees. Does my child need any form of legal ID to get through security? Children under the age of 18 are not required to present a legal (or state issued) form of ID. For the most up-to-date information on acceptable IDs and requirements visit http://www.tsa.gov/travelerinformation/acceptable-ids Can my child receive frequent flier miles for their flight(s)? Yes, all travelers are entitled to their miles flown. Global Travel Alliance does not get credit for the frequent flier miles that belong to travelers. It is up to the individual to advise the airlines about their specific frequent flier miles accounts. MOTOR COACH & GROUND TRANSPORTATION QUESTIONS: How does the group get around while on the trip? In most cases, the group will be on a private deluxe passenger motor coach. Does the group share a motor coach with another school group? No, each group will have their own dedicated motor coach during the duration of the trip unless otherwise noted. Can my child leave items on the coach while visiting a site? Yes, all the coaches are locked up and secure. Students are encouraged to be mindful of their personal belongings. Are the coaches clean, comfortable, and safe? Yes, our motor coaches are kept extremely clean and we ask that all travelers respect the cleanliness of the coaches we charter. The motor coach drivers are fully trained and insured with the proper qualifications required by law.
What are driver s hours? Driver s hours are the legal limit that a motor coach driver is allowed to drive. These hours include the prep-time (approx. 30 minutes) and the shut-down time (approx. 30 minutes). The hour limit currently in place is 15 hours. We respect all of our drivers and will not ask them to go over the legal limit for safe hours. What other transportation method will my student use? In some cases students will have the opportunity to travel by boat, train, subway or metro rail. All transportation methods used by Global Travel Alliance are safe and meet all of the safety standards required by law. HOTEL QUESTIONS: What type of hotels will my child be staying at? We use 3 star or better hotels with a central location at our destination, unless otherwise noted. The hotels are safe, clean, and have inner corridor room access. Does my child get to choose their roommates? The rooming list is created by the group leader for each trip. Please contact your group leader if you have questions. What if my child tries to sneak out at night? Global Travel Alliance has a strict safety policy, and any violation to it may result in the traveler being sent home immediately at the parents expense. Also, we hire uniformed private nighttime security to monitor the hotel hallways at night (unless otherwise noted). What does a typical hotel breakfast include? Most hotel properties we use provide a continental breakfast with 1-3 hot items. Depending on the size of each group, they may have their own private eating/meeting room reserved at the hotel. MEAL QUESTIONS: What type of meals will my child eat? Breakfast is typically at the hotel in the morning and includes many options and often 1-3 hot items. Lunch is usually at a food court or restaurant pavilion that gives each traveler the option to pick their food of choice. Dinners are at more sit down-group friendly restaurants.
My child has dietary/allergy concerns, can you accommodate them? Yes, we do as much as we can to accommodate each dietary need or concern. Our vendors specialize in student groups and do a great job of accommodating those specific needs. We also ask that you make note of the concerns in the medical conditions box during the enrollment process. Should I pack extra food or are the meals provided filling? The meals provided will be more than enough for your child. However, we do allow extra snacks to be packed for the trip. PRE-TRIP INFORMATION QUESTIONS: How do I get the most up-to-date trip information? Sign on to your account at www.globaltravelalliance.com/login/ here you will find the most up-to-date trip information. You can also call our offices at 866-313-2577. Will I receive an updated itinerary? Visiting your account will provide access to the most up-to-date itinerary. Also, at the pre-trip meeting (usually scheduled by the group leader 3-4 weeks prior to departure) you will receive an updated itinerary and parent packet. What information will I have prior to sending my child on the trip? The parent packet (also online) will have all the updated trip information including: hotel contacts, guides contacts, updated trip itinerary, flight information & schedules, along with other pertinent information to your specific trip. PACKING QUESTIONS: What should my child pack? We suggest packing for all kinds of weather. This way you can adjust your outfit for the appropriate conditions. Packing light and dressing in layers is always a good idea as well. What type of shoes or sandals should my child bring? We recommend wearing comfortable close-toed walking shoes. It is not uncommon for our groups to walk over 5 miles in one day while touring. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed for touring. Are there dress codes while touring? Global Travel Alliance honors the dress code for the school at which they represent. Also note that you are representing your school, community, and state while touring. Please dress modestly and be appropriate.
How much spending money should my child bring? Most trips with Global Travel Alliance are all inclusive, so spending money is not required. However, many students bring $10-$20 extra per day for personal shopping (gifts, snacks, & souvenirs). What is the best way to give my child money? We recommend a combination of cash or pre-charged debit cards. If your child brings cash make sure the bills are smaller ($1s, $5s, $10s, & $20s). Also note that Global Travel Alliance is not responsible for any loss of money or personal belongings while on the trip. PAYMENT & BILLING QUESTIONS: Do you offer any payment plans? Yes, our standard payment plan divides the trip price into monthly installments starting with the initial deposit until the balance is paid in full 60-90 days prior to travel. Are there any discounts if we sign up early? For some trips there may be an early sign up discount. Please contact your group leader or call our office for specific group information at 866-313-2577. Is there a paid in full discount? No, at this time there are no paid in full discounts offered. Are there any fees for using the payment plan? The payment plan is free of charge. However, if you miss a payment you will be assessed a late fee. What are the fees for missing a payment? Global Travel Alliance will assess a $10 late fee per installment for each missed payment. Unfortunately, due to the payment plans and obligations to our vendors, we are unable to refund the assessed late fee. I have received a letter that says Oops, you have missed a payment, what does that mean? This is a courtesy letter reminding you that you have missed a payment. I have received a letter that says Cancellation is pending, what does that mean? This means you have missed 2 or more payments and we have not heard from you. Depending on the waitlist your spot may be given up to another traveler who has been making prompt payments. Please call 866-313-2577 for more information. Why are there payment deadlines? Are the payment deadlines flexible? We have payment deadlines because our vendors require us to make timely payments. Unfortunately,
due to the obligations with our vendors, we cannot move your deadlines back. What are the fees for sending a check? We have a $5 check processing fee for individual checks mailed to our office. Our mailing address is: Global Travel Alliance 1645 Parkhill Drive. Suite #7 Billings, MT 59102 What are the fees for having my check bounce? We have a $35 bounce check fee. How do I make a payment online? Visit your account at www.globaltravelalliance.com/login/ and choose the make payment button, then follow the steps. If you have questions along the way please call our office at 866-313-2577. Is the deposit refundable? No, the deposit is not refundable. (Unless the trip is cancelled by Global Travel Alliance or your child is on the waitlist and does not get to travel due to space restrictions). Prior to my enrollment, can you tell me what my monthly payments will be? Your monthly payments can be determined by dividing the trip price into the number of months until the final payment is due. Typically the final payment is due 60-90 days prior to travel. I have lost my password, can I have it reset? Can I change it? Yes - to reset or change your password, click the forgot your password button. If further assistance is needed, please call our offices at 866-313-2577. Can I view my payment history? Yes, in your account you can view trip updates, modify your traveler s personal information, email your group leader, and see your personal payment history. I am having trouble logging into my account. Who should I contact for assistance? Please call 866-313-2577 or email alicia@globaltravelalliance.com for assistance. TRIP PROTECTION PLAN (TPP) & STANDARD CANCELLATION QUESTIONS: How do I cancel from the trip? You can cancel by emailing cancel@globaltravelalliance.com stating your reason for cancel, group name, and the travelers name. Or by mailing the above information to:
Global Travel Alliance 1645 Parkhill Drive Suite # 7 Billings, MT 59102 All cancellations must be made in writing to be processed. What is the Standard Cancellation Policy? This policy applies to all travelers who elect to opt-out of the Trip Protection Plan. In the event that you, the Group Leader, or school cancel, Global Travel Alliance will refund any trip payments made, less the initial non-refundable deposit, according to the following Cancellation Date Penalty Schedule: 61 90 days prior to departure 30% of total trip cost 31 60 days prior to departure 50% of total trip cost 30 days or less prior to departure 100% of total trip cost *Initial deposits are not refundable at any time. If I cancel my child s enrollment, when will I receive my refund? Refunds are processed within 7-10 business days. What is the Trip Protection Plan (TPP)? The Trip Protection Program is a comprehensive travel protection that covers cancellation for personal reasons prior to a trip s departure and other unplanned expenses while traveling, such as additional expenses incurred due to airline delays or cancellations due to weather. For a complete description of coverage offered, please contact your travel consultant. What is the cost to enroll in the Trip Protection Plan (TPP)? The cost varies depending on the total package cost for your particular trip current prices range from $44-$194 per person. What are the benefits of the Trip Protection Plan (TPP)? The Trip Protection Program is a comprehensive travel protection that covers cancellation for personal reasons prior to a trip s departure and other unplanned expenses while traveling, such as additional expenses incurred due to airline delays or cancellations due to weather. For a complete description of coverage offered, please contact your travel consultant. Is the enrollment in the Trip Protection Plan (TPP) required? No, enrollment in the Trip Protection Plan (TPP) is not required, but it is highly recommended. Unplanned personal events prior to a trip s departure and unexpected weather delays while traveling can (and do) happen to everyone.
When do I have to decide if I want to enroll in the Trip Protection Plan (TPP)? Enrolling in the TPP typically takes place at the time of enrollment for your trip. However, should you decide to add this valuable coverage after enrollment, you have 30 days from your enrollment date to contact our office directly at 866-313-2577 to add the TPP to your trip. Payment for the TPP is due at the time of enrollment in the program and is not refundable. What happens if I cancel and my child is enrolled in the Trip Protection Plan (TPP)? First, you will cancel your trip by contacting us in writing by email, fax or regular snail-mail. Once we receive your cancellation notice, your refund, per the cancellation guidelines outlined in the TPP, would be processed within 7-10 business days. If you made credit card payments, those will be sent back to the card first before mailing you a check for the refund balance. What happens if I cancel and my child is not enrolled in the Trip Protection Plan (TPP)? First, you will cancel your trip by contacting us in writing by email, fax or regular snail-mail. Once we receive your cancellation notice, your refund, per the standard cancellation guidelines, would be processed within 7-10 business days. If you made credit card payments, those will be sent back to the card first before mailing you a check for the refund balance. If my child does not cancel, will I be refunded the Trip Protection Plan (TPP) cost? No. The Trip Protection Plan fee is an extra cost to cover you in case of cancellations for personal reasons prior to a trip s departure and for additional, unplanned expenses while traveling due to things like weather delays or lost baggage. Once the TPP fee is paid to our office, it is completely nonrefundable. If my child cannot go on the trip, can the monies I paid be transferred to another traveler (friend or family)? Unfortunately, we are unable to transfer monies to another traveler should you decide to cancel your spot in a trip. We would first need to process your cancellation (according to either the standard cancellation guidelines or the Trip Protection Plan guidelines, if enrolled in the program), including any refund(s) you may be owed. The new traveler(s) would need to enroll and pay their deposit (and TPP cost, if chosen) separately.