Travel with Confidence

Over 550,000 travellers choose to explore the world with us each year, and our WorldClass policies support individuals and groups with added flexibility should the need arise.

The following policies apply from 1 August 2023. To qualify, all payments must be made on time as per the standard payment plan in the Terms and Conditions.

For bookings made prior to 1 August 2023, please contact your Program Specialist or Consultant for more information.

Let’s journey forward, where safety comes first

WorldStrides has built a 55-year-old reputation for industry-leading commitment to health and safety. Expecting the unexpected is where we excel. Our experienced team is leading the way now in innovating and evolving to make sure your travel experience is safe, and full of fun, even in uncertain times. We’re committed to providing you peace of mind and ultimate flexibility. More than 550,000 students and teachers experience educational travel programs with us each year. As we journey forward, we look forward to having you join us soon on your next educational travel adventure!

A team approach to safety and security

WorldStrides’ in-house Health & Safety Team, led by our Chief Academic, Health & Safety Officer and Head of Health & Safety, leverages decades of experience to continually assess the safety of the destinations where we travel and the activities in which our students participate. Our WorldAssist by WorldStrides Team serves as our emergency response command center, staffed 24/7 by WorldStrides employees who are specially trained to handle any on program situation — no matter how big or how small.

WorldStrides relies on a deep network of partnerships. Through our exclusive relationship with the George Washington Department of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Neal Sikka serves as WorldStrides’ Medical Director and manages our 24/7 Doctors on Call program. We work with outside partners, like the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO), the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), and the European Tourism Association (ETOA). We are one of only several organisations to be a Certified Student Travel Organization (CSTO) by the Student Youth Travel Association (SYTA), a designation awarded to companies meeting a rigorous set of safety standards. We maintain an ongoing relationship with ExLog, a global risk management company providing intelligence, insight, and in-depth assessments of our program destinations, up-to-date reporting on breaking situations and evolving threats worldwide, and emergency response services.

Frequently asked questions

What will flying be like?

If you are flying to your destination, each airline we work with has slightly different processes and protocols to respond to COVID-19, and we recommend you check the website of your airline for the most up-to-date information. Airlines are deep cleaning, and may be reducing the number of people on each plane, and requiring face coverings while on board. Additionally, food service on the plane is either not available or pre-packaged, and so we recommend packing a meal and snacks, particularly if you are flying around a meal time.

Will we need to wear masks?

You will need to follow any local, state, or national guidelines, and also follow any site-specific requirements for face coverings, including on the airplane and inside any cultural site or venue that requires a mask. When the group is on the bus or outside in open public areas, you may be able to make a group decision about wearing masks. For groups performing (playing musical instruments or singing), we’re actively monitoring discussions in the scientific and music education communities to develop options that are appropriate for your ensemble.

Will we get our temperature checked?

There may be temperature checks at the airport and at certain venues prior to entry.

How will our group dynamics be impacted?

We may make adjustments to reduce each individual’s daily exposure to other people and allow more flexibility in meeting COVID-19-related requirements. This could include changes to keep groups from mixing if you are travelling with other schools or communities, or adjusting the size of a group. These changes will be made on a case-by-case basis and communicated in advance.

What would happen if a student has COVID-19 symptoms while on tour?

If a participant feels ill with symptoms of COVID-19 (which include fever, chills/aches, shortness of breath, coughing), our team will immediately facilitate movement of the participant to a location where they can safely be separated from others, while simultaneously engaging our Doctors on Call or a local medical facility to consult on the next steps, testing, and treatment. We would then, as required:

Establish and coordinate communication with the participant and the family
Facilitate transportation for the participant to a local medical facility
Coordinate quarantine arrangements for the participant, in consultation with local health authorities
Provide guidance to the group to reduce the risk of additional exposure and coordinate testing

WorldStrides will provide the resources necessary to facilitate the recommended treatment, including an isolated, chaperoned location for the participant to recover and arrangements for a new itinerary to return home.

Travel with Confidence