Question 1

Are there dietary options on these tours?

Accepted Answer

Answer: Explorica does have different meal options depending on individual needs. Explorica will accommodate all medical and/or religious requirements but does not cater to dietary preferences. Please keep in mind that once you tell Explorica your meal preference, you cannot change it midway through the trip. If you want vegetarian meals, you will be served the vegetarian option at every dinner.

Question 2

What do I do with my medications while abroad?

Accepted Answer

Answer: Students are responsible for all needed medications while on tour (please notify trip leaders of ANY medical issues prior to the trip).  We expect “INDEPENDENT TRAVELERS”, and all applicants will be responsible for their own medical needs. The Trip Leader will monitor medications and give reminders to the student as needed. Our Tour Director will provide guidance to the Trip Leader when a traveler must go to a pharmacy/clinic/emergency room (and parents will also complete medical waivers giving me permission to bring their child to any medical assistance).

Question 3

Does my academic performance and behavior at school impact my chances of going?

Accepted Answer

Answer: Neither your academic performance nor behavior in school affect your participation on my trips. However, I’m expecting both a general interest in travel and the destination of the trip when you join us. If you're not interested in learning about historical sites, then these trips are not for you. In addition, I’m expecting that all students know how to conduct themselves while traveling: if you’re not good in groups, don’t like a lot of walking, are a picky eater or have a low tolerance for the disruptions of travel, then student travel isn’t for you. You will have plenty of opportunities in high school to travel; there’s no need to start before you’re ready.

Question 4

Are these travel dates guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

Answer: No, while we are 90% sure these dates are correct, our dates could shift one or two days either way depending on flight availability.  We will not know our final dates until about 110 days prior to departure.

Question 5

Are we guaranteed to fly out of Logan Airport?

Accepted Answer

Answer: No, flight options might change our departure gateway.  No matter where we fly in and out of, however, Explorica will bus us to the correct airport at no additional expense to our group. We will not know our final departure gateway until about 110 days prior to departure.

Question 6

Can I "go ahead" or "stay behind" on this tour?

Accepted Answer

Answer: There are no deviations to the group itineraries.  All students are expected to stay together during this trip. If a parent would like to take their child someplace else for dinner, they can with the understanding that the meal will not be covered and they are responsible for transportation to and from the group.

Question 7

Are all items in the current itinerary “guaranteed” as part of this trip?

Accepted Answer

Answer:  We aim to deliver all the items shared on the itinerary. With that said, nothing in travel is guaranteed due to the ever-changing and evolving travel landscape. We will let you know of changes as we become aware of them. Some changes may also occur while on tour and might be unforeseeable. Our goal is to provide the tour that is pitched by Explorica but we expect all travelers to be flexible when things change.

Question 8

What if I cannot pay the full trip cost?

Accepted Answer

Answer: Once you commit to this trip you are obligated to pay your way.  There are penalties for early withdrawal with Explorica. Speak with Explorica for more details.

Question 9

Why should I travel as a Middle School Student?

Accepted Answer

Answer: A question I’m asked repeatedly. The answer is simple: I believe that if a person has a travel opportunity during their most impressionable years (middle school) then that individual will continue to seek additional adventures for life (high school, college, and beyond). Catching the "travel bug" in middle school leads to a bright future as a true world adventurer and informed global citizen!

Question 10

If I am a parent, do I get to travel with my child?

Accepted Answer

Answer: Yes! And this includes aunts, uncles, grandparents and whatever family member would like to join us. The bigger question is if the adults can keep up with the rigor and pace of a student-oriented trip. Our walking tours in the cities cover significant distances and you must be able to keep up. Something else to keep in mind: we are not eating at Michelin-rated restaurants nor are we staying at the Bellagio - think Courtyard Marriott and an average restaurant that serves local fare.

Question 11

What are the meals like?

Accepted Answer

Answer:  Breakfast is typically a buffet with something for everyone. Lunch is on your own as the Tour Director will bring us someplace with a variety of eateries. Dinner will be together at a preselected restaurant (sometimes at the hotel) with predetermined meals based on your meal preferences (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc).

Question 12

Who is eligible for these trips?

Accepted Answer

Answer:  The travel trips are offered to students in the Attleboro area.  Enrollment in each trip is available to students who are currently enrolled in the 5th-8th grade at the time of trip sign-ups. Priority is given to 5th-8th grade students, but as space allows, older and younger students may join us. For these other age groups, a family room will be required.

Question 13

What travel documentation is required for these trips?

Accepted Answer

Answer: All international travel requires a passport that is valid six months after the completion of the tour.  For specific destinations visas may also be required, your Trip Leader will let you know if a visa is required for your specific trip.  Both documents must be purchased separately and are not part of the trip's costs.

Question 14

How do I raise money for these trips?

Accepted Answer

Answer: The majority of students fundraise on their own to raise money for these trips.  They babysit, mow lawns, pet sit, etc., which helps students to earn their way.  The amount of money a student can earn is dependent on their work ethic and desire.  Please see my “fundraising” tab on the AttleTravel website for more ideas.

Question 15

What is not included in the trip purchase price?

Accepted Answer

Answer:  Passport, Visa (if applicable), lunches, spending money for souvenirs, and additional travel excursion offerings (you’ll know about those ahead of time). Tips ARE included but if you want to give an additional tip to the Tour Director, Bus driver(s), or local tour guides, you may (but again, it’s covered).

Question 16

How do I contact my child while on these trips?

Accepted Answer

Answer: We usually have downtime at the end of each day where the students can relax, contact people at home, and reflect on the many adventures of the day. 🙂Wifi is typically available at each of the hotels. There will be a group chat among the travelers for reminders/updates in the itinerary, photos, etc. If a parent at home needs to reach me, there will be a WhatsApp contact number.

Question 17

How long are these trips?

Accepted Answer

Answer: These trips vary in length; the typical trip is 9-11 days long.

Question 18

How do I get my child money while abroad?

Accepted Answer

Answer: The best way to get your child money while traveling is to provide them with a Visa debit card and numerical pin from a local bank that you can access here at home to add money if needed.

Question 19

What does my Adventurer need for their trip?

Accepted Answer

Answer: This questions comes up a lot. As we get closer to the trip I will hand out a suggested packing list but until then here is a list of perfect gifts for your traveler.