We stay in close contact with our group leaders and tour directors throughout the entire trip-planning process; from the first phone call to returning home, we are there every step of the way. Here are a few of the frequently asked questions that we get during the planning process regarding hotels on tour:
What should we expect from our hotels?
Hotels on your tour are different from accommodations most have come to expect in the US and Canada. You will often stay in a variety of locations ranging from modern chains to family-run inns, in rooms with private bathrooms. Note too, that air conditioning is not standard in most places like it is in North America, so be prepared to keep cool. Hotels will be on your Tour Center and confirmed by 30 days prior to your trip.
Is there Wi-Fi at all hotels?
Wi-Fi connections overseas are not as common or as reliable as they are in the States and Canada. In some cases, it may only be available in specific locations on the property and some also may charge for use. Connections may be slower as well. When your hotels are posted and confirmed 30 days prior to the tour, we encourage you to check online to see if Wi-Fi is an available amenity.
What is the difference in your hotel standards?
Standard Explorica hotels are tourist-class accommodations that are typically located within roughly a 10-minute walk from public transportation, and are within 45 minutes travel time from a major tourist attraction. All hotels are within a 2-3 star rating, according to European standards. Our Standard Central hotels are similar in standard & rating, but are located closer to the city center: within 20 minutes travel time to a major tourist attraction. While your group will enjoy a shorter commute to tourist attractions, you should bear in mind that due to their location and age, these hotels often provide less floor space and are situated in livelier neighborhoods. Our Upgraded hotels are a bit nicer and generally rate at 3-4 stars, according to European standards, and are located in quieter areas 20 minutes travel time from a major tourist attraction. They typically offer more amenities, as well as desk service. For sample hotels in select cities, visit our website’s Hotel samples page.
Are we required to put a deposits down at hotels?
In some cases, this will be the hotel’s policy. You will be informed upon arrival at the hotel and can arrange the deposits however you would like. Deposit costs range from $5 to $30 per person and will be refunded upon checkout, so long as no damage is assessed by the travelers in that room.
How is student rooming arranged on tour?
Students will mostly be placed in triple and quad rooms on tour with students of the same gender and will be combined with other groups on consolidated tours. In many occasions, on tours to Paris, students will be placed in rooms of two. Hotel rooms are furnished with either twin or double beds; twin beds sleep one person and doubles are shared. Rooms are assigned by the Group leader(s) during check-in at each hotel. We encourage you to make two lists to bring with you for assistance, divided by gender: one based on triples and the other based on quads (the quad list can be split in the event of double rooms).
What if my group does not want to share rooms and beds with students from other groups?
Unique to the industry, Explorica offers Exclusive Rooming, which is $5 per traveler, per night. By adding this, you ensure that your students only rooms with travelers from your group. This must be added by the final signup deadline.
I am uncomfortable having my students share beds. Can we avoid this?
Sharing beds on tour is an educational travel industry standard. The only way to avoid this is by upgrading to twin rooms for all travelers (an additional $45/night). Rooming upgrades like this must be added 65 days before your tour.
How are adults roomed on tour?
Unlike student rooming, adult rooms can be assigned prior to the trip. To do so, just log into your Tour Center and click on the link for Rooming under your Teacher Toolbox. At the bottom of the page, click on “add new rooming assignment” and drag the names to arrange appropriately. Adults will share rooms of two in either a twin (two separate beds) or a double (one shared bed).
Are any rooming upgrades or special requests available?
Absolutely! Adults may upgrade to a single room for an additional cost of $40/night. Students may upgrade to a twin room for an additional cost of $45/night. However, if the student does not have a roommate who has done the same by the rooming deadline, he/she will default back to standard student rooming & will be refunded the cost of the upgrade. A student also may room in a twin with a parent, but must pay the twin room upgrade fee. Family triples may be requested as well (1 parent/guardian & 2 students or 2 parents/guardians & 1 student) but the adult(s) are still expected to pay their Adult Rooming Supplement.
How is rooming arranged on overnight trains, ferries and cruises?
On overnight trains, all travelers will sleep in couchettes with 4 to 6 beds with access to a shared restroom in each car. Travelers should be aware that couchettes on overnight trains are considered public transportation, so rooming is not guaranteed to be private or gender exclusive (Exclusive Rooming will also not apply). On cruises, students will be roomed in quads and adults will be roomed in double or twin cabins. On ferries and cruises, the rooming will be separated by gender, unlike the overnight trains. It is important to know that any rooming requests and upgrades cannot be honored on overnight trains and must be specially requested on cruises and ferries. Upgrade fees are not charged for these nights but special rooming upgrades on the boats can be requested; pricing for this is subject to the ship and is based on availability.
Have more question? Visit the FAQ page on our website or contact us directly!