TripCARE
TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE
Our STA TripCARE travel system is a part of our STA TripSOLUTIONS. TripCARE focuses on operating educational tours with authentic experiences based on safety and viability. The safety and wellness of every traveler is always the primary concern for every trip. Additionally, we analyze the viability of the destination/itinerary/sites and review current state policies and requirements based on the location of the group. With potential changing mandates and vaccination regulations, the following general protocols and procedures of our STA TripCARE travel system will be helpful to prepare travelers for their upcoming tour.
ON THIS PAGE:
1. TripCARE Protocols
2. How to prepare for travel
3. What to expect on tour
4. COVID testing/quarantine procedures
5. FAQs
EAST COAST AIR QUALITY ALERT: School Tours of America continues to review air quality information for all of our groups for all of our destinations. Each traveler is equipped with masks and we will provide additional masks if needed. Currently all our trips are operating in our current destinations.
Page Updated: 06/8/2023
WHAT ARE THE BASIC TRIPCARE PROTOCOLS?
Most venues are not requiring masks be worn indoors however travelers should be prepared in case it is required
We highly encourage all travelers to be fully vaccinated before travel, but this is not a requirement
We highly encourage each participant to have a COVID test (with negative results) within 48 hours before departure
Some venues may have vaccination and/or testing requirements. STA will provide updated information based on your destination and itinerary.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR TRAVEL
Travelers should limit activities involving large social gatherings and being in crowds ahead of the departure date
People who are sick, have recently tested positive for COVID-19, (whether symptomatic or not) or have been exposed to a person with COVID-19 or any flu like illness should not travel/participate on the tour
Avoid contact with anyone who is sick and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Alert your group leader if you have any symptoms of COVID, or any illness, prior to your departure date
All participants should follow “return from travel” state guidelines after their trip including any testing, quarantine procedures if feeling ill
Airlines/airports no longer require travelers to wear a face covering
In general, most public transportations are not requiring passengers to wear masks on metros and subways, however we recommend travelers have masks available in case things change
Some venues may require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test, STA will communicate any venues that have this requirement
All STA hotels follow enhanced cleaning procedures. (Hilton, Marriott)
Nighttime security follows COVID protocols and testing procedures
Most restaurants will have procedures for groups to follow.
Your group leader may have additional protocols on tour, such as temperature checks
Itineraries will build in more time for each stop/venue/activity
COVID TESTING/QUARANTINE PROCEDURES
If a participant exhibits COVID symptoms while on tour, STA will help facilitate testing and safely isolate the participant from the group while awaiting the results
If the test is positive, we will arrange a quarantine protocol and help to secure the necessary care
STA will assist in making arrangements for a parent to join the traveler as quickly as possible
All additional costs due to testing and/or quarantine (air, hotel, incidentals, meals, auto, fuel, etc.), will be the responsibility of the tour participant
STA’s TOUR CENTRAL office will oversee and manage all testing/quarantine protocols
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Air travel is quite normal now. Travelers may be required to wear a face covering. Most airlines only provide a very small snack and beverage during the flight.
All of our hotel partners follow enhanced protocols and know how to work with our groups. STA staff facilitates the check-in process for enhanced safety and security.
The majority of indoor venues no longer require face coverings, but it is still a possibility. STA will communicate current site information and guidelines to your group leader.
Venues may require visitors to be fully vaccinated and/or receive a negative COVID test prior to touring. You may be asked to give an updated status on vaccination or COVID testing prior to travel. Please carefully complete the medical release form so your group leader has updated information.
Individual cancellations follow our general terms and conditions. Travelers enrolled in the PPP will receive a full refund minus the PPP fee should they decide to cancel. Travelers who did not select enrollment in the PPP follow standard cancellation guidelines. (Except for groups with previous cancel options.)
In the event the Group Leader or other entity associated with the Group Leader chooses to change the departure date, the standard cancellation charges remain effective for the original departure date. Cancellation of a tour is subject to standard cancellation charges.
It is not uncommon to have some sites/venues unavailable during a tour for various reasons including remodeling, etc. Currently, we anticipate most sites/venues to be open with health & wellness guidelines for visitors to follow. Should a site be closed we may alternate activities/destination. Please note refunds are not available due to the unavailability of a site.
Some groups may require all travelers to be vaccinated prior to travel. These decisions are at the sole discretion of the Group Leader or district. Should you decide not to travel with a group based on a vaccination requirement, such a decision shall be considered a cancellation by you for which our normal cancellation charges will apply.
HOW WE DEALT WITH COVID-19
COVID-19 may truly never leave our lives, but we can start referring to the pandemic in past tense terms when it comes to group travel. This video offers insight to how we handled the global pandemic during and still continue to operate in the highest care possible. The safety and well-being for our travelers is and will continue to be our highest priority.