Frequently Asked Questions
Travelers
Only Stanford can offer these unique extras: trips and lectures led by Stanford faculty and scholars, behind-the-scenes access around the globe and like-minded, intellectually curious travelers. There are many more reasons to choose Stanford Travel/Study—take a look at our Top 10.
We welcome anyone interested in educational travel, not just Stanford alumni. We encourage membership in the Alumni Association. The program cost for nonmembers is $200 more than the members' price. Follow this link to learn more about membership benefits and rates.
Trip size varies. Check the trip brochure for more information. Most of our trips accommodate at least 25 travelers. Although some of our cruises can take up to 100 people, these larger trips are often shared with like-minded organizations, such as the American Museum of Natural History and Harvard Alumni Association, to name a few.
On average, over 60% of our travelers have participated in a previous Travel/Study trip. Read our traveler testimonials to understand why they keep coming back for more.
On most programs we welcome travelers over the age of 15. While there is no maximum age, all participants must be physically fit and in active good health. The minimum age for children on our Family Adventures varies between 6 and 8. Refer to the program brochure for requirements specific to each trip.
For most programs, the average age of our travelers is around 60. Our Family Adventures engage grandparents, parents and children. On Field Seminars, alumni and friends experience the excitement of discovery alongside Stanford undergraduates and graduate students. Watch our video series to meet a few of our travelers and see that curiosity comes in all ages.
In addition to our Family Adventures, which offer a Young Explorer program, several Travel/Study programs are family-friendly. Call our office to inquire about other possibilities.
Look for the "What to Expect" section in our brochures for more information on the rigors of individual trips. More detailed information, with health and medical recommendations, will be provided in informational mailings sent to confirmed participants approximately five months prior to departure.
Trips
The four categories below provide a quick overview of our trip offerings. Click on the icons to see trip listings by type
| ACTIVE ADVENTURES | EXPLORATIONS BY LAND | ||
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For travelers who like the idea of combining daily outdoor activities, such as river rafting, cycling, snorkeling, horseback riding and hiking, with the comfort and luxury that are hallmarks of Stanford Travel/Study programs. |  |
For travelers who love to immerse themselves in the cultures, traditions, sights, sounds and flavors of both urban and rural landscapes as they explore one or more countries on their journey through colorful, storied and exotic lands. |
| CLASSIC JOURNEYS | FAMILY ADVENTURES | ||
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For travelers who long to recapture the romantic, golden age of travel as they journey to exciting destinations in the lap of luxury aboard intimate cruise ships, vintage railcars, charming riverboats and private aircraft. |  |
For families looking to experience new countries and cultures with their children or grandchildren who, as Young Explorers, have the added fun of special projects and educational activities. |
Pricing
Trip prices listed on the web are per person, based on double occupancy, and do not include domestic or international airfare (unless otherwise noted). Once you're with Stanford, travel is all-inclusive. The following extras are included with all of our trips:
- gratuities for porters, guides, drivers and any ship or train crew;
- tours and excursions with first-rate English speaking guides;
- transfers and baggage handling (for travelers using recommended flight itineraries);
- minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance;
- a full educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including reading list, book and travel information;
- a professional tour manager who will assist you throughout the program, ensuring your travels are worry-free.
Reservations and Cancellations
Reservations are granted on a first-come, first served basis. Programs fill up very quickly. We accept deposits on programs as soon as they are announced.
Standard deposits are $1,000 per person. Some of our specialty programs, such as Private Jet Expeditions and World Leader Symposia, require a $2,500 deposit.
If the brochure is not yet available, your "early" deposit reserves space on the program and is fully refundable up to ten business days after we mail you the brochure. After the ten business days, your deposit is subject to our standard cancellation policy.
You can use a credit card to place your deposit online. Look for the "Reserve Online" button on every trip page. Alternatively, you can mail or fax the reservation form from the brochure. In addition to Visa, MasterCard and American Express, we accept checks made payable to "Stanford Alumni Association."
Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. In some cases, such as with our Private Jet Expeditions and World Leader Symposia, a different payment schedule and cancellation policy may apply. Please refer to the trip brochure or call our office for more information.
Standard deposits and payments are fully refundable, less a $500-per-person cancellation fee, up to 120 days prior to departure. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and your space can be resold, in which case a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee will apply.
Insurance
Stanford Travel/Study provides all travelers with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy. We strongly encourage that you subscribe to optional baggage and trip-cancellation insurance. Follow this link to read more.
Requesting Information
We publish an annual catalog, listing programs offered in the following calendar year. Our catalog is available in May/June and is sent to anyone who has traveled with us in the past or requested information about our trips.
Yes, simply call or email Travel/Study to be placed on our "catalog only" mailing list. In addition to our spring catalog, you will receive our winter and fall Destinations newsletters, which provide updates and listings of upcoming offerings.
To ensure that you receive information about each trip that interests you, request the specific brochures in advance. Request brochures online, by phone, by email or by faxing or mailing the brochure request coupon at the back of our catalog.
Brochures are generally printed six to nine months in advance. If you request a brochure before it is printed, one will be sent to you when available.
Not all brochures are automatically mailed to everyone. To guarantee your space on a program that interests you, place an early deposit. An early deposit reserves your space on the program and is fully refundable up to ten business days after we mail you a copy of the brochure. After the ten business days, your deposit is subject to our cancellation policy.
We regularly send e-mail updates. Be among the first to learn of newly added programs, last-minute cancellations on previously sold-out trips and more. Follow this link to sign up for e-mail.
Sign Up for E-updates
Sign up for email updates to be among the first to learn of newly added trips, last-minute openings on popular departures and other program announcements.