schooltoursofamerica





HEALTH & SAFETY

OUR COMMITMENT TO CARE

 

 

TRIPSOLUTIONS: TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE

 

Teamwork really does make the dream work, and when it comes to the health and safety of our travelers on tour, teamwork is essential. That’s why we partner with the industry’s best vendors, suppliers and educators to ensure our standard of excellence is always met. Regardless of a pandemic or the common cold, our team will be ready to assist and provide the best care possible.

ON THIS PAGE:

1. Confidently moving forward
2. Partners in care
3. FAQs
4. Safety measures

 

 

CONFIDENTLY MOVING FORWARD

We've raised the bar on all things health and safety

TRIPSupport

School Tours of America has a broad network of safety resources, including on-call physicians, who can meet the group at the hotel, and if necessary, access to the region’s first-rate hospitals.

TRIPShield

Life happens, but the Payment Protection Program has your back. The “no questions asked” cancellation policy allows you to receive a 100% refund (less the cost of the program) should you cancel for ANY reason, even a global pandemic.

TRIPSwag

Every participant receives a STA drawstring bag to carry essential tour items, keeping you comfortable while on tour.

TRIPSafe

STA continues to partner with authorized and approved vendors and suppliers to ensure that every staff member is certified to meet our standard of excellence. Please make sure you review our safety policies, protocols, and procedures below.

 

 

PARTNERS IN CARE

Only the best

Clean Airlines

While each airline has slightly different processes and protocols in response to COVID-19, all are deep cleaning. Other actions may include reduced seating allocation and face covering requirements while on board. Additionally, food service on the plane is typically not available or pre-packaged.  Up-to-date information is available from each airline. Here are examples of the new safety protocols of some of our major carriers: United, American.

Secured Sites

Because each destination, site or venue, may have their own unique protocols in place, our local teams on the ground are now more important than ever. These expert drivers and guides will be prepared for each itinerary, ensuring that the integrity of the tour is maintained and your students get the experience they deserve.

Charter Promise

In order to be an approved vendor, our private coach partners must meet our safety and health standards. This includes protocols for maintaining a clean environment throughout the day, as well as guidelines for loading luggage, seating policies, and boarding/deboarding procedures.

Selective Food Service

STA selects local restaurants that offer enhanced food safety and hygiene.  This includes new policies like avoiding guest handling of food at buffets, enhanced cleaning/disinfecting, implementing physical distancing with table spacing and possible meal planning modifications, like boxed meals.

Hotel Coordination

Our hotel partners have implemented processes focused on enhanced disinfection and deep cleaning practices, as well as increased level of frequency. There is also guidance for all areas of the hotel with a specific focus on high-frequency touch points and common areas. This advanced detailed protocol is a requirement for all of our hotel suppliers.  We are also offering affordable rooming upgrades for participants who request different room occupancy.

 

 

 

 

 

Have questions? Our team is here to help. Email us at: help@SchoolToursOfAmerica.com

 

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What if a participant tests positive for COVID-19?

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 On-Call Physicians or a local medical facility to consult on the next steps, testing, and treatment. Next steps would be:

  • 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
  • Assist family member in making arrangements to join the ill traveler
  • Initiate thorough and proper cleaning of all necessary areas, such as hotel rooms, and motorcoaches

We 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. Please note that all additional costs, including travel and accommodations, etc., are the responsibility of the traveler/family.

Will we need to wear masks?

All participants 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.

What Safety, Insurance and Medical Precautions do you take?
  • STA has the best safety record of any tour operator in the industry and will never operate a trip if the safety or health of a single participant is compromised.
  • Extensive Group Leader Professional Liability Insurance.
  • Medical/Accident Insurance on all tour participants.
  • Physicians on 24-hour call  who will come to hotel or group on tour, if necessary.
  • Tour Central Office for 24 hour access on tour.
  • 24-7 Emergency Response Center for students and parents.
  • Emergency Contingency Planning in the event of a city-wide emergency.

 

 

OUR SAFETY MEASURES INCLUDE

Emergency Response

All tour staff is trained using a detailed Emergency Contingency Plan. Our East Coast office serves as the main point of contact, providing immediate response and communication with local and federal authorities. 

Hotline

School Tours of America maintains a 24-hour, toll-free emergency phone number (866-491-1543) exclusively for students and parents. 

On-Call Physicians

School Tours of America utilizes the services of on-call physicians who can meet the group at the hotel, and if necessary, students always have access to the region's first-rate hospitals. 

Professional, Bonded Security

Private guards are stationed on hotel floors each night, ensuring that students adhere to the strict nightly curfew. 

Medical, Dental & Accident Insurance

Tour participants are automatically covered by medical, dental and accident insurance.

Identification

All students wear a wristband or lanyard listing our 24/7 emergency contact information.

Hotel Representatives

A representative from STA stays in the hotel 24/7 to ensure a direct line of communication at all times. 

Communication

All tour personnel carry cell phones, and we encourage all students to bring their own cell phones.