Frequently Asked Questions

We offer a variety of tours throughout the year both internationally and in North America. Tours range from five days to three weeks and can be land or ship based. The Alumni College Abroad program focuses on a particular region and the group stays in one hotel for seven days where meals, lectures and excursions are included in the price. Other tours are less structured and many offer different cities each day of the itinerary. There is something for everyone!

We use the expert services of the most experienced companies working with alumni associations to plan and guide all aspects of our tours. They do all the advance planning and make contacts locally to provide many benefits that are not available to individual travelers. There is safety in group travel where your daily activities are programmed and they arrange all the in-country transportation and excursions. You just need to remember what time to show up for the bus and where. Many new friendships are formed on alumni tours.

We welcome all friends and relatives of the William & Mary family on our tours.

The Alumni Association researches and selects companies with a strong history of alumni travel experience to organize tours for William & Mary alumni and friends.

A deposit is need to guarantee your space on a tour. This can be made by check or credit card. Deposits are generally $500 per person, of which approximately $150 is a non-refundable administrative fee.

Final payments are generally due 60-90 day prior to trip departure and can be made by check or credit card. Passengers booking space within the final payment period will be required to pay the full amount of the trip at the time of booking.

You can make your own air arrangements or let the travel organizer do the planning for you. Many people participate in frequent flyer clubs and prefer to book their own flights. Ground transfers between airports and hotels are only guaranteed for those passengers who book on the group flights.

We suggest that you purchase travel insurance, which covers trip cancellation, lost luggage and medical needs while traveling abroad. Your options include purchasing insurance on your own, obtaining insurance through a participating credit card company (when you charge your entire trip cost), purchasing travel insurance or not purchasing any insurance at all. Information on travel insurance will be sent with your reservation confirmation from the William & Mary Alumni Travel Office. Since 1996, the William & Mary Alumni Association has chose USI Travel Insurance Services to provide travel insurance for alumni and friends.

Group tours are excellent for individual travelers because of the safety and companionship they provide. Trip pricing is based on double occupancy room and board so there is an additional charge for single travelers. Single supplements on cruises are generally higher than for land programs.

Dietary concerns for medical or allergy reasons can usually be accommodated with enough advance notice. Menus are pre-selected on many tours to keep on schedule so making your needs known ahead of time is best for everyone.

OSHA requirements in the US are not observed globally. Be aware that you may be expected to do more walking on uneven ground and stair climbing than may be your normal routine. Most tours are gently paced to make sure everyone can keep on schedule. Some groups are more ambitious than others. Be realistic about your abilities. If you have severe mobility challenges we recommend that you have a traveling companion who can assist you. Wheelchairs are not as readily available in all destinations so these items should be arranged well in advance of departure -- including airports. If you need wheelchair assistance you must had a companion traveling with you to assist with your mobility needs.

Group sizes vary depending on destinations and transportation. Remote locations generally limit group sizes to 20 or fewer. Buses average 45 seats. Chartered boats and ships can range from 125 to 600 passengers and would be comprised of other alumni and professional associations.

We find our travelers come in all ages from 10 to 85 years young. Couples, singles, brothers, sisters, multi-generational groups, sorority sisters etc. all have traveled on William & Mary alumni tours.

Our office is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Yes! You can follow us on the W&M Alumni Journeys Facebook page or the Instagram page!