Frequently Asked Questions

W&M Alumni Journeys offers a wide variety of domestic and international travel experiences throughout the year. Our programs feature thoughtfully crafted itineraries, deluxe accommodations or ships, expert guides, and enriching insights from local specialists, all shared alongside fellow members of the William & Mary community.

With special access to remarkable destinations and curated cultural experiences, our travelers discover unforgettable places, people, and stories. Whether you prefer to explore close to home or journey around the globe, by land or by sea, your next great adventure awaits!

W&M partners with highly experienced tour operators who specialize in alumni travel. They handle all advance planning and cultivate local connections to provide access, convenience, and cultural experiences not typically available to individual travelers. Group travel also offers added peace of mind: daily activities, transportation, and excursions are arranged for you, allowing you to explore with ease. And of course, many lasting friendships are formed along the way!

Our thoughtfully designed itineraries strike a balance between the structure of group travel and the freedom to pursue your own interests. Many programs offer included options to personalize your journey, along with elective activities and extensions that allow you to follow your passions and make the experience uniquely your own.

Yes! We welcome all friends and family of William & Mary Alumni.

W&M Alumni Journeys partners with leading tour operators who specialize in creating and managing exceptional travel programs for alumni communities. These companies bring deep expertise, long‑standing local connections, and a commitment to high‑quality educational travel. Each itinerary reflects the academic excellence, cultural enrichment, and elevated standards that define William & Mary and our alumni programs.

Your deposit secures your place on the program. Deposit amounts typically range from $750–$1500 per person, a portion of which includes non‑refundable administrative fees (varies by trip). Payments are made online by credit card through a secure portal.

Final payments are due at least 120 days prior to departure. You may receive extended savings when you pay in full at the time of booking or take advantage of early‑booking opportunities. If your reservation is made after the final payment deadline but before the program’s scheduled departure, the full cost of the program including any pre‑tour or post‑tour options, elective excursions, and additional fees is due at the time of registration.

You may book your own air arrangements or choose to have the tour operator book your flights for you. Many travelers prefer to arrange their own flights to use frequent flyer miles or select upgraded seating. However, please note that ground transfers between the airport and hotels are only guaranteed for passengers who book the group flights.

Our tour operators can arrange air travel on your behalf and provide personalized assistance in the event of flight delays or schedule changes. When you book flights through the tour company, you also receive a price guarantee to protect against fuel‑surcharge increases, arrival and departure transfers, and 24‑hour emergency support to help manage unexpected delays.

We strongly recommend that you purchase travel and cancellation insurance to protect your investment in the event of unexpected or unforeseen circumstances. It is best to explore insurance options as soon as you make your deposit, as certain coverage may depend on the timing of your initial payment.

If you are traveling on an international departure, you should purchase a policy that—at a minimum—includes emergency medical, evacuation, and repatriation coverage. Please review available plans carefully to ensure you select the coverage that best fits your needs.

W&M has partnered with USI Travel Insurance for more than 30 years, and you may find their policy information here.

Yes! We offer several solo‑friendly programs where the single‑supplement fee is waived. AHI Travel, one of our tour partners, specializes in creating exceptional experiences for solo travelers. These opportunities are limited, capacity‑controlled, and tend to fill quickly.

You can use the solo‑friendly filter on our website to view all available options. Unless otherwise noted, all trip prices are listed in USD, per person, based on double occupancy, with airfare not included.

Yes. Dietary needs related to medical conditions or allergies can usually be accommodated with sufficient advance notice. Because menus on many tours are pre‑selected to keep the program running smoothly, it’s important to share your dietary requirements ahead of time so the tour operator can plan accordingly and ensure the best possible experience for you.

Yes. We ask that you share any mobility concerns with us in advance so we can best prepare and accommodate your needs. Tour days can be full and may move at a steady pace, often including longer periods of travel. Guests should be prepared for extended walking, climbing stairs, and standing during city walks, sightseeing stops, and excursions, sometimes on uneven surfaces such as cobblestones, unpaved paths, or trails.

Some destinations may involve variations in altitude or temperature. Daily pace and timing can vary significantly between shorter and longer travel days, with some activities scheduled in the early morning or evening. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance, and elevators may not always be available at accommodations or sites visited. Travelers should also be comfortable getting on and off motor coaches and boats.

Our cruises are exclusively chartered with other like‑minded university alumni and operate on smaller ships, typically carrying 120–200 passengers total. These small‑ship explorations offer flexible itineraries, cozy accommodations, and personalized service, with the ability to access ports and waterways that larger ships cannot reach.

Our land journeys are also designed for an intimate travel experience, typically accommodating 24–55 travelers and often paired with another alumni association group.

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. Each itinerary includes a posted activity level with a clear description of what to expect, helping you choose the trip that best matches your comfort and interests.

Our office is open Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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

We share live stories, videos, and photos from our Hosts while they are on tour, giving you a real‑time look at the experiences our travelers enjoy.