Frequently Asked Questions – Enrichment Programs

Below, you will find some general information on our most commonly asked questions. Please review your program invoice & registration materials for your specific trip deadlines, policies, & payment schedules.

What do I do if I have any questions about my trip, registration or payments?

If you have any questions about your trip, how to register, how to make payments, trip refund protection, or anything regarding your travel program, please feel free to either email us at SpecialtyTravel@WorldStrides.com or call our Guest Services Department, Monday – Friday between 8:30am to 4:00pm Pacific Time at 916-939-6805.

How do I log onto my account online?

Please visit our website. At the top of the screen, you will see an “account login” button. Enter your last name AND Traveler ID #. If this is your first time logging in, please leave the password field blank and click the log in button. The system will prompt you to make a new password. If at any time you forget your password you can reach out to our guest service team either via email at SpecialtyTravel@WorldStrides.com  or phone 916-939-6805 and our team can reset your password. You will be asked to verify your Traveler ID and additional personal information on your account for security purposes.

What forms of payments does WorldStrides accept?

We accept valid credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover Card), Gift Cards, and personal checks. We do not accept America Express or Cash. Credit card charges will appear on your credit card statement as “WorldStrides Travel 916 939-6805.” See Term & Conditions for full explanation.

Who do I make my check payable to?

Please make all checks payable to WorldStrides and always include your Traveler ID # and school/group name (ex. Eastlake High School Cheer Team).

Can I give my payment to the Organizer/Teacher at my school?

We ask you to make your payment online or call our office for faster processing and a less likely chance of your payment being delayed. Delayed payments will be considered late.

Can I pay my account in full during registration?

Yes. At any time, you may pay your account in full. To pay in full at registration, please change the amount in the payment box and type in the amount you would like to pay.

What is a Traveler ID?

This is your Customer Account Number, which you receive after registering for a WorldStrides trip. It is included in your confirmation letter and on every invoice. You will need this to make payments. Please include with any correspondence.

How do I know what is owed and when payments are due?

A non-refundable trip deposit per group and/or passenger and a completed and signed Registration Form, either by mail, call or online submission, are required to secure a reservation no later than the first deposit due date. Deposit amount and due date are set by Specialty Travel Program (STP) and the Group’s Trip Program Leader (PL). Remaining balance is due on or before the final payment date listed on your specific STP trip invoice(s). If space is not available when your reservation is received, we will hold your payment and place your name on a waiting list until space becomes available or until you request a full refund. If no space becomes available, you will be refunded in full, by the method of original payment made to us (Credit Card or Check).

Upon Registration, how long will it take for me to receive a confirmation invoice?

Upon online registration you will receive a confirmation email to ensure your registration has been received. An updated invoice will be sent after each initial deposit and payment.  If you would like to request an invoice at any time, please reach out to your Program Manager for assistance.

Do I have to be paid in full by my final payment date?

Yes. If you are not paid in full by the final payment date, you will be subject to cancellation and the corresponding cancellation penalties.

What if my invoice says “Waiting”.  What does that mean?

You will see “waiting” if you register and the trip is currently full (the trip is either sold out of air/bus seats or if additional transportation has been requested, then the group is “waiting” for a few more spaces and/or travelers to register in order to receive the group discounted rates). We will continue to monitor the available space and let you know via e-mail as soon as we can guarantee you a seat. You will still need to make payments and pay in full by the final payment date for your reservation to be accepted for active status.  If seats do not open up, then you will be refunded all payments made.

I did not receive an invoice; how do I make a payment?

You do not need an invoice to make a payment. Invoices are sent approximately 2 weeks prior to the payment due date. If you sign up in-between invoicing dates or if we have an incorrect email address you may not receive an invoice. To make a payment simply call or email our guest services team to update your email address and/or to make your payments. You can also make payments on-line on our secure website (Click here) using your Traveler ID #.

Do you offer Trip Refund Insurance?

Yes. For domestic travel programs, we offer a Trip Refund Protection (TRP) Program. The TRP is optional and available for a nominal fee, that must be paid in advance for your trip to be covered.  Under this optional program, you are eligible for a refund of money paid to WorldStrides (minus the TRP fee and the initial deposit) should you have to cancel in writing, for any reason, up to...

• • 24 hours prior to your scheduled travel date (Land Only, Bus Transportation and Other Non-Air Flight Travel Programs)
  • 5 days prior to your scheduled travel date (Air Flight Inclusive Travel Programs)

1.     For Flight inclusive programs, the TRP must be purchased within 14 days of the initial registration date. If a customer opts out when they register and changes their mind, within the 2 weeks, they can purchase it through their online account or contact their Program Manager for assistance.  After 14 days of receipt of initial deposit date, the TRP can no longer be added, and you will be subject to all terms and conditions for cancellation penalties.

2.    For non-flight programs (i.e. trips with bus or no transportation), you have until your final payment date to add and pay for the TRP. After the final payment date, this program can no longer be added, and you will be subject to all terms and conditions for cancellation penalties.

The TRP is available based on your selected flight inclusive or land only (non-flight inclusive) travel program costs and will be listed on your trip itinerary.  You may also find the pricing table by reviewing our Term & Conditions.

If I did not purchase the TRP, how much am I eligible to receive refund?

If you choose not to purchase the TRP, your right to a refund is limited. If you cancel your trip (for any reason) after the final payment date (listed on your registration form), no refund will be issued.   If you did not purchase the TRP and your trip is cancelled due to a “Exceptional Circumstances” shutdown (see Terms & Conditions for exact definition), you will receive a refund minus a cancellation fee of $149 per person for groups traveling land only (by bus or other non-flight inclusive programs) and $289 per person for flight inclusive travel programs.

If the Trip is Canceled due to government shutdowns/Exceptional Circumstances, what is refunded?

If you purchased Trip Refund Program (TRP) insurance by the noted TRP due dates, and if you, your Program Leader, the School, or the School’s Administration, need to cancel at any time due to an exceptional circumstance (see definition in Terms & Conditions for exact definition), the TRP will reimburse you the amounts you’ve paid, minus the TRP enrollment fee paid. If you did not purchase the Trip Refund Program (TRP) but have to cancel due to Exceptional Circumstance, you will be entitled to a refund of all monies paid minus your initial trip deposit (for non-air flight travel programs) or a flat fee of $289 (for domestic air flight Inclusive travel programs).

How do I cancel my trip?

All cancellations must be in writing. Please email your cancellation letter with your Name, Traveler ID #, and school name. All cancellation charges will apply. Email SpecialtyTravel@WorldStrides.com or your Program Manager directly.

If the Trip is Canceled due to our school/district restricting travel, what is refunded to us?

If you purchased Trip Refund Program (TRP), you will receive a full refund minus the TRP enrollment fee and initial deposit payment. If you did not purchase the Trip Refund Program (TRP), refunds will follow the “Cancellation Schedule” listed on your Program Contract.

If a student tests positive for COVID prior to the trip and must quarantine, what is refunded to us?

If you purchased Trip Refund Program (TRP), you will receive a full refund minus the TRP enrollment fee and initial deposit payment. If you did not purchase the Trip Refund Program (TRP), refunds will follow the “Cancellation Schedule” listed on your Program Contract.

If someone tests positive for COVID during the trip, how is that handled?

If someone gets sick during the trip, your school will most likely have protocol from the school administration as to how this will need to be handled. Ask the Program Leader if she/he has been given any instructions from the administrators. WorldStrides will not be liable to pay for hotel rooms, flight changes, etc. if someone tests positive and needs to be quarantined, but we can help with the process and logistics of getting them a room, changing flights, etc. If a parent is not on the trip with their daughter/son, then they will be responsible to get to their child. We can arrange for a chaperone to stay with the individual until a parent can arrive.

When will I get my specific flight and program information?

You will receive a Travel Program Departure Information from WorldStrides or your Program Leader containing specific final travel details approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. This document includes the flight schedule (if applicable), and other transportation, as well as hotel and sightseeing information. All airline tickets are sent directly to the Program Leader.

Are we able to book our own hotel and/or flight and only purchase reservations for attractions?

At WorldStrides, we are able to negotiate and contract group pricing. The package price for trip components (such as hotel, air, attractions, meals) is determined with all applicable components included, divided by the number of participants. We are typically unable to subtract any part for an individual as it would affect the price that everyone else is paying.

Can I change my traveler’s flight times and destinations?

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.   The group must travel together throughout the entire program.

What is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a driver’s license or identification card that is also a federally accepted form of identification. In 2005, the United States Congress passed the REAL ID Act in response to the terrorist attacks on 9/11. The REAL ID Act requires states to adopt and implement uniform standards for the issuance and production of state-issued driver licenses and identification cards if they are to be accepted as identity documents by the federal government. This Act strengthens the integrity and security of state-issued cards to reduce identity fraud and terrorism.  Beginning May 7, 2025, only state-issued driver licenses and identification cards that are fully compliant with the REAL ID Act will be accepted for official federal government purposes, such as boarding domestic flights.  All states, the District of Columbia, and the 5 territories are REAL ID compliant and issuing REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and IDs.For more information on the Real ID and how your State of residence is handling it, please visit, https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.

How do I know if my license or identification care is REAL ID compliant?

REAL ID-compliant cards will have of one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity to board commercial aircraft. Examples of REAL ID markings:

It is your responsibility to be REAL ID compliant. If you’re not sure, check your state driver’s licensing agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card.

Do I need a REAL ID for my trip?

If you are traveling via US domestic carrier, then beginning May 7, 2025, you must have a State Issued REAL ID to board a domestic flight within the U.S. If you are traveling on a motor coach or train within the US, a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card is optional. For more information on the Real ID and how your State of residence is handling it, please visit, https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.

Do I need a REAL ID if I am under 18 by date of travel?

No.  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require anyone under the age of 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the U.S. However, the traveling companion will need acceptable identification, such as a REAL ID, U.S. Passport, U.S. Passport Card, DHS Trusted Traveler Card, etc.

For any further questions about your trip and our polices, please review our Term & Conditions, contact our Guest Services Department via email at SpecialtyTravel@WorldStrides.com, or call us Monday thru Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm Pacific Time at (916) 939-6805.

Updated 07/25/24