General Info
Eligibility
University of Illinois Alumni Association tours are open to all Alumni Association
members and their families, as well as friends of the University. Our travel
offerings are a benefit of Alumni Association membership and a service to our
members.
Are You A Member?
All University of Illinois graduates as well as current students are automatically
members of the University of Illinois Alumni Association. Former students, parents
of students and friends of the University may become members, upon request, by
contacting the Alumni Association. To see the many services available to you
as a member or to upgrade your membership with a tax-deductible gift to the Alumni
Association, go to www.uiaa.org/membership. Membership contributions help the
Alumni Association provide unique programs, services, information and resources
to build meaningful connections and relationships among alumni, students, faculty,
staff and friends of the University, across generations and around the world.
Tour Schedule
Our tours are compiled from proposals presented by
the finest specialized tour operators. Tours we sponsor have met our strict criteria
for financial responsibility, established reputation, professional staff, quality
operations and all-around dependability. We require all tour suppliers to carry
professional liability insurance and provide bank references to ensure they provide
the best possible travel experience. If an operator cannot meet our strict criteria,
we do not work with them. We've done your homework for you.
Travel Arrangements
Travel arrangements for these travel and study programs will be handled by the
particular tour operator designated for each tour. Dates, itineraries, program
details and costs are given in good faith, based on information available as of
Aug. 1, 2006, and are subject to change and revision. All trip prices are per
person, excluding airfare, based on double occupancy and current exchange rates
and tariffs. Every effort will be made to carry out the program as planned.
Expectations
Group travel includes many advantages such as security and companionship, but
also may be subject to minor changes, delays or mishaps that can occur in any
kind of travel, whether group or individual. While the Alumni Association and
tour operator management will do their best to see to the individual needs of
travelers, their principal concern must be the welfare of the group as a whole.
Single Travelers
All tours offer a limited number of single rooms. We encourage you to book early
to avoid disappointment and secure your desired room assignment. Those requesting
a single room are charged a single supplement. If you prefer shared accommodations,
we will make every effort to find a compatible roommate of the same gender and
smoking preference. If a roommate cannot be found, the single supplement fee is
required, pending availability.
Physically Challenged Travelers
Any physical constraints must be reported at the time of registration. Participants
who require extraordinary assistance must be accompanied by a caretaker who is
capable of and totally responsible for providing required assistance while on
tour.
Refund Policy
Refund policies may vary slightly for certain programs, but generally are as follows:
Written cancellations from time of booking up to 90 days prior to departure will
be assessed a minimum administrative fee of approx. $250; within 90 days of departure,
refunds vary according to the policies of each tour operator. Please read the
cancellation clauses contained within each brochure carefully.
Travel and Cancellation Insurance
We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance to cover your trip cancellation
or interruption, emergency medical evacuation, medical expense, and baggage loss
incurred while traveling. All confirmed passengers will receive travel insurance
information – it's one of our many membership benefits!
Coverage for preexisting medical conditions, terrorist incidents and travel supplier financial insolvencies will be provided if the insurance is purchased within 15 days of your trip deposit. Please read the insurance brochure carefully.
Disclosure
The University of Illinois Alumni Association receives a commission from the
tour operator for each EXPLORERS program tour to support its EXPLORERS operations
and other programs such as advocacy, communications and outreach programs and
services on behalf of the University of Illinois and its alumni and students.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment. Travel
Insurance can provide you with peace of mind while on the road, either at
home or abroad. 
EXPLORERS Help
Questions & Registrations
Scott Williams, UIAA
ph: 312/996-6609
toll free: 800/556-2586
e-mail srwilly@uic.edu
