2024-2025 TRIP PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT
WORLDSTRIDES SPECIALTY TRAVEL PROGRAMS

IMPORTANT TERMS & CONDITIONS, READ THOROUGHLY

This Agreement sets forth the terms and conditions under which WorldStrides Specialty Travel Programs (STP), 1121 White Rock Road, Suite# 203, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762, and Lakeland Tours, LLC d/b/a WorldStrides VA, agrees to provide travel and travel related services to the you the “Group” and/or “Participant” (“Traveler”).

 

PARTICIPANT RELEASE: I, the undersigned (or my parent or guardian if I am under 18 years old), a participant on an educational tour provided by Lakeland Tours, LLC d/b/a WorldStrides (hereinafter referred to as “WorldStrides”), hereby agree to the following:

WorldStrides, its owners, directors, officers, employees and affiliates, your sponsoring school, teachers, chaperones and Program Leaders, (collectively “WorldStrides”) does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip including, for example, ownership or control over hotels or other lodging facilities, airline, vessel, bus, van or other transportation companies, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions or equipment used thereon, food service or entertainment providers, medical service providers*, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, WorldStrides is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, or of any other third party. Without limitation, WorldStrides is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God, acts of government, government-imposed travel restrictions, force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, or the threat thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, structural or other defective conditions in hotels or other lodging facilities, the closure or shut-down of any building, facility or attraction, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely, dangers associated with or bites from animals, pests or insects, marine life or vegetation of any sort, dangers incident to recreational activities such as scuba diving, zip lining, snorkeling, paddle boarding, surfing, swimming, kayaking, sailing, canoeing, rafting, hiking, bicycling, rock climbing, etc., sanitation problems, food poisoning, lack of access to or quality of medical care, government-imposed quarantine, difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency, illness, disease, epidemics or pandemics or the threat thereof or for any other cause beyond the direct control of WorldStrides. (For further information regarding travel to your specific destination(s), you are encouraged to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health website at www.cdc.gov/travel, as well as, if applicable, the State Department’s International Travel website (http://travel.state.gov/travel/))  I hereby acknowledge and understand the risks associated with traveling and voluntarily assume these risks in order to participate in the tour provided by WorldStrides. In addition, I release WorldStrides from all liability related to these risks.

Without diminishing Paragraph 1 of this Agreement, I understand that WorldStrides is not responsible for me when I am apart from WorldStrides-organized activities, such as visits to friends or relatives, during free time, or during stay-ahead/stay-behind optional periods if the optional period does not include the services of a WorldStrides Tour Director.

If I become ill or incapacitated, WorldStrides, or my chaperone, may take any action they deem necessary for my safety and wellbeing, including attempting to secure medical treatment and/or transporting me home.

*Important: WorldStrides is not a medical service provider, and its employees are not trained to render medical care or treatment, nor does WorldStrides control the selection, hiring, training, or supervision of the staff of any medical service provider, including, but not limited to, The George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates (GWMFA). The Doctors on Call program is independently operated by GWMFA and WorldStrides disclaims all liability arising out of the rendering or failure to render any medical, dental, surgical, nursing or therapeutic service of treatment, or from the furnishing or failure to furnish any drugs, medications, medical or dental supplies or appliances, or to any claim you may have related to screening, selection, hiring, retention, training, instruction or supervision of any employee, or any other person or organization engaged in providing or failing to provide such services.  I hereby acknowledge and understand that WorldStrides is not a medical service provider, and I hereby release WorldStrides from all liability related to any provision of, or failure to provide, any medical services.

BINDING ARBITRATION: I agree that any dispute concerning, relating, or referring to this Agreement, the brochure, or any other literature concerning the tour, or the tour itself shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration in Charlottesville, Virginia, according to the then existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) Virginia law. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this Agreement, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this Agreement is void or voidable. I understand and agree that I am irrevocably, unconditionally, and expressly submitting to binding arbitration, in lieu of having any such dispute decided in a court of law before a jury. I further understand and agree that I am expressly waiving any right that I may have to participate in any class, group, or representative proceeding.

I agree to abide by WorldStrides’ regulations and the directions of my chaperone or WorldStrides’ personnel during my tour. Failure to do so may result in WorldStrides terminating me from the tour immediately. I understand that disobeying such rules or directions is cause for me to be sent home, at my own expense, with no right of refund.

I agree to abide by all local laws including those concerning drugs and alcohol. I understand that to abuse or disobey such laws is cause for me to be sent home, at my own expense, with no right of refund. I understand that I will be subject to the laws of the country I am visiting.

I understand that I will be required to pay for any phone calls or incidental personal expenses that I incur at hotels, as well as for any damage I cause to hotel rooms or facilities, buses, ferries, trains, or cruise ships. I will indemnify WorldStrides and hold it harmless for any financial liability or obligation which I incur, or injury or damage to the person or property of others which I cause or contribute to, while participating on a WorldStrides tour.

I understand that both WorldStrides and my chaperone reserve the right to refuse or cancel my enrollment for conduct which in either’s sole discretion could impact the participant’s ability to comply with trip regulations or which could impact the group’s enjoyment of the trip and that in any such case standard cancellation fees will apply.

WorldStrides has the right to make changes in tour itineraries and departure dates and to modify transportation or lodging arrangements. In the event of changes being made, refunds will be given only in accordance with the provisions of the Terms & Conditions applicable to my program.

I understand that it is my responsibility to secure all necessary travel documents, including passport, visas, transit visa and any required travel insurance unless specifically arranged for the group by WorldStrides. Failure to do so does not constitute grounds for a refund except according to the normal cancellation guidelines as outlined in the “WorldStrides Terms and Conditions.”

I acknowledge my choice to travel with my group, and I understand that this choice is not the responsibility of WorldStrides.

Any film or video likeness taken of me while participating in a WorldStrides program and any comments or statements made by me while participating in a WorldStrides program may be used in future promotional or other materials published by WorldStrides without payment of any consideration therefor.

This agreement, and the Terms & Conditions supplied herewith (collectively, “Agreement”) constitute the entire agreement between WorldStrides and me. I understand that no warranty or representation not herein, including but not limited to any online or printed marketing materials or any oral statements made to me by agents of WorldStrides or by my school or Program Leader, applies to any WorldStrides tour. This agreement may be amended or modified only in writing, signed by a WorldStrides officer.

RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS: 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 & due date are set by STP & the Group’s Trip Program Leader (PL). Remaining balance is due on or before the final payment date listed on your specific STP trip agreement or invoice(s). If space is not available when your initial 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). If there is a cancelled spot available, a participant on the waiting list will be added in that cancelled slot (in priority order). For Youth group trips, Students will always have priority over parent/adult travelers. Checks, money orders, cashier’s checks, E-Check/ACH, MasterCard, Discover Card, Visa Card, and money wire may be used for deposits and payments up to final payment date, so long as there is still space available. After the final payment date, only E-check/ACH and credit cards will be allowed for payment. American Express cards and cash are not accepted at any time. STP only accepts personal checks up until your final payment date as listed on your invoice(s). Should you choose to use a gift and/or preloaded credit card to make one or more payments on your STP account, STP is not responsible for replacing any credits that are successfully processed back to any lost, stolen, or destroyed gift or preloaded credit card account used for payment. If your credit card account is closed after sending payment, it is your immediate responsibility to notify STP.

Reservations received after the published deposit or final payment date are based on availability and will be assessed a $30 late fee plus any additional air or hotel costs that may be incurred to book the late reservation (see below). Once your deposit is received, you will be sent a confirmation invoice that includes your Traveler ID Number, how to access your online account and your payment schedule including final payment date. Please include your Travel ID # on all future correspondences & payments to us. Credit Card payments be made at https://SpecialtyTravel.WorldStrides.com.

NOTE: Credit card charges may be assessed a surcharge.   All credit card charges will appear as “WORLDSTRIDES TRAVEL 916-939-6805” on your credit card statement. When you provide a check as payment, you authorize us the company either to use information from your check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account in the amount noted or to process the payment as a check transaction. Changes and updates in your address, email address and phone number should be submitted in writing or online at https://SpecialtyTravel.WorldStrides.com. For inquiries or question on payments please call our offices at 916-939-6805.

OPTIONAL ACCOMMODATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS: Participants may upgrade to a triple, twin, or single room for an additional fee upon availability (not available for all trips). All participants under the age of 23 will be placed in a room with other participants from the entire group. Rooms are assigned based on gender identity. Minors, under the age of 18, are not able to room by themselves.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: WorldStrides cannot be responsible for accommodating any food allergies, or dietary requirements and restrictions, and is not responsible for any problems associated with the same. All issues regarding food and drink, including allergies, or dietary requirements and restrictions, are the sole responsibility of the participant.

MANDATORY PAYMENT & FEES: Participants (confirmed or wait listed) will receive a monthly invoice and are required to make a minimum MANDATORY payment towards the price of the travel package. Failure to make your monthly payments may result in your registration status changing from “Confirmed” to “Pending”, with all potential cancellation penalties still enforced if cancelled. FINAL PAYMENT must be received on or before the final payment date listed on your invoice(s). Failure to pay your final balance by the final payment date may result in your registration being cancelled or it being moved to a “Pending” status. All final payments received 5 calendar days after Final Payment Day listed on your invoice(s) will be accessed a mandatory $30 late fee. All new registrations request/received after the group’s final payment date are assessed a $30 late registration fee. All returned checks (NSF) will incur a $35 service fee per incident and any declined credit cards, or client charge backs will incur a $10 service charge (per incident).

PRICES: The price of this travel package, as set forth in your invoice, are based supplier rates in effect at the time of booking (transportation, hotels, attractions, meals, etc.). All rates are subject to change. Price increases could include, but are not limited to, where applicable, an increase in the price of airline fares, applicable fuel surcharges, government-imposed taxes/fees, baggage fees, charter coach fuel increases, room occupancy changes, fees due to change of travel date, not meeting minimum participation requirements* and other unforeseeable fees beyond our control. Your trip price is based on a minimum number of paid participants per motor coach or air carrier. Minimums not being met could result in additional charges, changes to the itinerary or combining with another group at STP ’s discretion. You hereby provide your written consent to the potential for such increase(s). Trip prices are also based on requested room occupancy (normally double, triple, quad, or quint, i.e., 2, 3, 4 or 5 per room) unless otherwise specified. STP DOES NOT assign any roommates. You and your Program Leader (PL) are responsible for choosing roommates 60 days prior to departure. Rooms must be separated by gender. Once final rooming is complete, and a participant is not in the selected occupancy (i.e., not in the priced quad, triple, etc. room), STP reserves the right to bill you for the agreed upon occupancy rate (triple (3/room), double (2/room) or single price as stated in your package. Adult Participants will be roomed double occupancy or if requested, in single occupancy and will be charged the applicable occupancy cost. For youth trips, students’ room with students & adults with adults.

TRIP REFUND PROTECTION (TRP) PLAN:
These terms apply to those registered participants who HAVE elected to purchase the optional Trip Refund Protection (TRP).

1. Land Only, Bus Transportation and Other Non-Air Flight Travel Programs- In order to be eligible for TRP coverage, you must elect to include the TRP in your initial registration form or choose to include it and pay for it, on or before the final payment due date, as listed on your trip invoice, (for land only, bus transportation and/or other non-air flight inclusive travel programs) and if cancelled, then cancelled 24 hours or more before your scheduled trip departure date. The cost of the TRP is based on your trip price (noted on the Table A below) and, once elected, will be included in your confirmation invoice(s). Please note, any elected & paid TRP fees are non-refundable. All trip payments, including the optional TRP, are due as on or before the final payment date stated on your invoice(s). If the additional amount for the optional TRP Plan has not been received in full on or before the final payment due date, your TRP election will be canceled, and you will not be enrolled in the TRP Plan.

Table A: Land Only or Bus Transportation and other (non-air flight) Travel Programs

Trip price is $1.00 to $299                     TRP fee is $29
Trip price is $300 to $499                      TRP fee is $39
Trip price is $500 to $699                      TRP fee is $49
Trip price is $700 to $999                      TRP fee is $69
Trip price is $1,000 to $1,999               TRP fee is $109

1. Air Flight Inclusive Travel Programs -The Air Inclusive TRP is available based on your selected air inclusive travel program costs. Please see your Program Leader or call our offices for more information and a TRP quote. To be eligible for the air flight inclusive TRP coverage program, you must elect to include the TRP option on your initial registration form or choose to include it and have the appropriate TRP payment received in our offices within 14 calendar days of your initial trip registration and initial published deposit due date.
   We are not able to except your air flight inclusive TRP more than 14 calendars days after your initial registration and trip deposit due date and if cancelled, then cancelled 5 days or more before your scheduled trip departure date. The cost of the TRP is based on your trip price can cover up to a maximum of $5,000 per trip and, once elected, will be included in your confirmation invoice(s). Please note, any elected & paid TRP fees are non-refundable.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS:
The services and value STP provides each participant begins long before your date of departure, and there are significant unrecoverable costs throughout the planning period that occur as your trip progresses and your departure date approaches. Therefore, if you do not enroll in the Trip Refund Protection (TRP) and either you, the Program Leader, the group/school, or school administration cancel beyond the initial 24-hour registration grace period, your right to a refund is limited and STP will be entitled to retain and follow the noted cancellation schedule. All cancellations and requests for refunds, if applicable, must be submitted in writing via email to specialtytravel@worldstrides.com. NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED FROM VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS. Once cancelled, there will be a $30 reinstatement fee, plus any applicable documented additional airline/hotel/other fees (based on availability) to rejoin the trip.

1. Standard Cancellation Policy for TRP purchased tour registrants: Within 24 hours following our receipt of your registration deposit payment, you may cancel your STP program and receive a full refund. If you, your Program Leader, the group/school, or the School’s Administration, need to cancel beyond the initial 24-hour grace period, for any reason and up to...

• • 1 day (24 hrs.) prior to your scheduled travel date
    • (Land Only, Bus Travel and/or Other Non-Air Flight Travel Programs)
  • 5 days (60 hrs.)  prior to your scheduled travel date
    • (Air Flight Inclusive Travel Programs)

... the Trip Refund Protection (TRP) Plan will reimburse you for 100% of the amounts you’ve paid, minus the TRP enrollment fee paid and minus your initial trip deposit (plus, where applicable, other Non-Refundable Fees* you may have incurred).

1. Standard Cancellation Policy for Non-TRP tour registrants: Within 24 hours following our receipt of your registration deposit payment, you may cancel your STP program and receive a full refund. After 24 hours of our receipt, but before the final payment date set forth on your invoice(s), cancellation will result in loss of your initial non-refundable deposit. Cancellations received after your final payment day are subject to no refund.
2. Exceptional Circumstance Cancellation Policy for TRP purchased tour registrants: If you purchased the TRP by the above noted TRP due dates, and if you, your Program Leader, the group/School, or the group/school’s administration, need to cancel at any time due to an exceptional circumstance** (see definition below), the TRP will reimburse you for 100% of the amounts you’ve paid, minus the TRP enrollment fee paid.
3. Exceptional Circumstance Cancellation Policy for Non-TRP tour registrants: If you DID NOT purchase the TRP but must 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).
4. Exceptional Circumstance Policy for Ticket Only Groups (Groups purchasing only attraction tickets and no other services):
   If, due to Exceptional Circumstances, there are attractions or other venue closures and/or travel restrictions mandated from the CDC, National or State Government Agency regulations, preventing the timely delivery of your trip, the group program leader can opt to reschedule the trip with no change fees attached, or choose to cancel for the group. If the ticket only group must cancel due to an Exceptional Circumstances, the ticket only group will be entitled to the total refund amount that is being offered by the vendor (i.e., Disneyland, Universal Studios, Six Flags, Cedar Fair Parks, Sea World Parks, etc. ticket refunds in full, then STP refunds the same amount(s) in full to the group).
5. Refunds (where applicable):Any refunds issued may be 6-8 weeks after cancellation and will be by the original method form of payment on the account (i.e., credit cards refunded to original credit cards and check payments refunded by checks). Check refunds are only issued in the account holder’s name (unless requested otherwise in writing).

If the credit card account you used to make a payment is closed after use, it is your responsibility to notify STP in writing as soon as you know this, otherwise, any refunds made to this account are final unless you provide a statement from your banks confirming closure & clear returning of funds to STP. Should you choose to use a gift and/or preloaded credit card to make one or more payments on your STP account, STP is not responsible for replacing any credits that are successfully processed back to any lost, stolen, or destroyed gift or preloaded credit card account used for payment. The rights and remedies made available under this contract are in addition to any other rights or remedies available under applicable law. However, we offer refunds under this contract with the express understanding that receipt of that refund(s) by a participant waives any additional remedies.

*Non-refundable fees (where applicable): These include fees for TRP enrollment, your initial deposit (except for some exceptional circumstance cancelations), fees for credit card handling fees, returned checks, fees for declined credit cards or electronic drafts, late payment fees, and/or name changes.

**Exceptional Circumstances: These include, but are not limited to, acts of war (whether declared or not), local terrorist activities, declared national epidemics or pandemics, government-imposed travel restrictions or closures, and other catastrophic national events outside WorldStrides’ control that make performance & delivery of your entire group’s trip as contemplated impossible or impractical. Note, without limitation, STP, including its WorldStrides affiliates, owners, officers, agents, employees or any associated organization, is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely, dangers associated with animals, sanitation problems, food poisoning, lack of or quality of medical care, illness or disease, difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency, or for any other inconvenience beyond the direct control of STP in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, Exceptional Circumstances.

PERSONAL EXPENSES: Trip Price includes only those services specifically stated in the trip package as noted on the trip registration form. Items such as airflights, transfers, snacks, clothing, room service, telephone calls, purchased activities, tipping, additional or overweight baggage, medical issues, and other items not specifically mentioned in the trip package/invoice are not included and are the participant’s responsibility.

SUPPLIER POLICIES:
a. Hotels: Check-in time is typically between 3pm and 4pm on arrival date and check-out time is typically 12pm on departure date (during peak periods, check-in may be delayed by one to two hours). An adult group leader must check in rooms at each hotel. Most hotels will store luggage for guests arriving before check-in time and/or departing after check-out time. All hotels require an additional credit card authorization at the time of check in for incidental charges and may require a deposit hold (you will not be charged for your prepaid room). Early check-in and late check-outs are not guaranteed and may require an additional fee if available and should be paid to the hotel directly as an incidental charge. STP does not take responsibility for renovations happening or any unforeseen technical, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical failures at the hotel, transportation, or attraction level. STP does not control any additional group or leisure business that the program hotel property books and cannot be held responsible for the actions or behavior of others. Noise and safety complaints are a hotel level issue and STP is instructed by all hotels as a first response to refer guests with noise and/or safety complaints to hotel security and/or the front desk. All room requests or change needs prior to arrival or onsite must go through STP and not the hotel directly. It is the responsibility of the group leader or account holder to advise STP of any participant food allergies or physical disabilities or handicap needs by the last day to cancel. It is the guest’s full responsibility to report any damage or smells of smoking in the room they are checked into upon arrival to the hotel directly and request another room or have maintenance attend to it. Please log the name of the person you spoke with and when. If posted, verbal or written hotel property rules are violated or if there is any damage of any kind to the room that results in fees upon or after check-out, it is the responsibility of the room occupant and/or group leader to cover 100% of the charges. STP is not liable for any incidentals, fees or damages caused by a guest and reserves the right to charge the credit card on file should it not be satisfied with the hotel directly. Due to specially priced hotel rooms, hotels participating in STP programs are unable to issue hotel awards points or credits for stays booked through STP, unless otherwise noted on the website or in writing. Please retain all valuables, such as cash, prescription medications, gold, silver, jewelry, laptop computers, proof of identification, photo or video equipment, cell phones, or any other valuables in your personal control when checking or transferring bags.
b. Motor Coaches: For the safety of passengers, California State Law does not allow passengers to use the restrooms while the bus is in motion (strictly enforced by the CHP and required for licensing of the bus and drivers).  Driver must keep the restrooms locked during travel.  The bus driver will occasionally stop, as requested, to allow exceptions.   Otherwise, restroom stop breaks should / will be planned in advance.

TRAVEL DATES/FLIGHT CHANGES/DELAYS (Air flight groups only): STP strives to keep your original travel dates. However, STP reserves the right to change the date of departure due to heavy demand and flight availability by no more than five business days from the original date.  Participant acknowledges that these changes are not grounds for cancellation without penalty. Flight times are not guaranteed and may affect the actual length of time in destinations. Any flight information provided prior to departure is considered tentative and is subject to change in accordance with this agreement.

Flight delays/cancellations are unfortunate but are an inherent risk in air travel and beyond our control and responsibility. STP will work with the airline to attempt to re-accommodate the group. Flight deviations are not available on group air travel. Participants who deviate from any part of the tour are required to sign a Waiver.

NOTE: Beginning May 7, 2025, every California resident air traveler, 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport and in order to board a US Domestic Flight (International Flights continue to require a valid passport).  A REAL ID is a State issued driver’s license or identification card that is also a federally accepted form of identification. If you are traveling with WorldStrides on a motor coach or train tour within the US, a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card is optional and not required. If you are under 18 and traveling on a US Domestic flight, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require anyone under the age of 18 to provide any identification when traveling with a companion. However, your adult traveling companion will need acceptable identification, such as a REAL ID, U.S. Passport, U.S. Passport Card, DHS Trusted Traveler Card, etc. 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. For more information on REAL ID and how your State of residence is handling it, visit, https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.

PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY & BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS: WorldStrides, the Program Leader, and chaperones establish behavior rules and directions for all student participants. Failure to abide by the rules or directions may result in the student being sent home at the parents’ expense without any right to a refund. All program participants will be responsible for their own actions at all times, and the Program Leader and chaperones will be held accountable for the action of all participants in their group.

Review the full Program Leader and Chaperone Expectations here.

The following constitute grounds for immediate expulsion from the program: consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages or drugs of any kind for which you do not have a valid prescription; behavior infringing upon the ability of others to enjoy the program; behavior compromising your own or others’ safety; behavior that violates the law; and any other behavior that breaches the code of conduct or is otherwise deemed inappropriate by WorldStrides or your Program Leader.

Review the full Traveler Code of Conduct here.

WorldStrides is committed to providing an environment that is free from harassment. WorldStrides has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.

On occasion, program participants may be allowed by the Program Leader to leave the group and to explore on their own. WorldStrides has no responsibility for participants when they are on their own and it is the sole responsibility of those participants to take whatever actions are necessary to rejoin the group, at their own cost. If a program participant is late in appearing for a scheduled departure, the Program Leader has no duty to delay the program to wait for the participant.

PARTICIPANTS WITH DISABILITIES: WorldStrides welcomes all participants on our programs. Early disclosure of accommodation requests enables the participant to gather information and plan for the access available in the program destination, including any additional costs that the participant may incur to meet their accessibility need. Understand that sharing this information does not guarantee that accommodation requests can be met and there may be some activities or program components in which a traveler is unable to participate. WorldStrides is not responsible for any denial of service by carriers, hotels, restaurants, and other independent suppliers, and cannot refund the cost of any activity in which you were unable to participate. WorldStrides will make reasonable attempts to accommodate accessibility requests; however, participants requiring accommodations that exceed what Program Leaders and WorldStrides can provide must be accompanied by a paying companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the necessary assistance.

INFORMATION: Because our travel services are offered in conjunction with the services of other companies such as airlines, hotels, and other tour operators, STP may be sharing your personal information with those companies. Please see our privacy practices for further information regarding the type, use, and disclosure of our information. You acknowledge and agree to our practices, including as may be amended and updated. STP may capture the trip on film/digital images and use photos, videos/digital images for its marketing materials. STP appreciates your participation and reserves the right to use these to advertise tours and without compensation to participant.

SELLER OF TRAVEL: WorldStrides is registered as a seller of travel services in the states of California #2041618 -20, Washington # 601887646, 602 011 744, Florida #ST24541, Iowa TA568 and Hawaii TARS #5388. WorldStrides, as an Active Member of USTOA, is required to post $1 million with USTOA to be used to reimburse, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program, the advance payments of WorldStrides’ customers in the unlikely event of WorldStrides’ bankruptcy, insolvency, or cessation of business. Complete details of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program may be obtained by writing to USTOA or by visiting their website at www.ustoa.com.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT: The terms of this agreement shall serve as a complete release and express assumption of risk for the undersigned trip participant, his or her parent(s)/legal guardians(s), heirs, assignees, administrators, executors, and all members of his/her family. I/we have read and fully understand the provisions and legal consequences of this voluntary release/assumption of risk, and by registering & making our deposit, I/we hereby agree to all its conditions.

If you have questions regarding these terms, please call our office during our hours Mon – Fri, 8:30am to 4:00pm PST at (916) 939-6805 or email us at SpecialtyTravel@WorldStrides.com.

 

Updated 11/20/24