FAQ's
Are there dietary options on these tours?
Answer: Explorica does have different meal options depending on individual needs. Explorica will accommodate all medical and/or religious requirements but does not cater to dietary preferences.
What do I do with my medications while abroad?
Answer: Students are responsible for all needed medications while on tour (please notify trip leaders of ANY medical issues prior to the trip). We expect “INDEPENDENT TRAVELERS”, and all applicants will be responsible for their own medical needs. We travel with a medical professional for emergency purposes only.
How do I know if I am a good applicant?
Answer: If you can answer YES to the following question, then you are a good applicant.
Does my academic performance and behavior at school impact my chances of going?
Answer: Yes, we are looking for travelers who are trustworthy, responsible, and respectful to ensure the tour is a success for all.
Are these travel dates guaranteed?
Answer: No, while we are 90% sure these dates are correct, our dates could shift one or two days either way depending on flight availability. We will not know our final dates until about 110 days prior to departure.
Are we guaranteed to fly out of Spokane Airport?
Answer: No, flight options might change our departure gateway. No matter where we fly in and out of, however, Explorica will bus us to the correct airport at no additional expense to our group. We will not know our final departure gateway until about 110 days prior to departure.
Can I "go ahead" or "stay behind" on this tour?
Answer: Due to recent travel issues and the chaos, it causes the rest of the group and the individual travelers, there will be no deviations to the group itineraries. We will depart MMS together and return to MMS together.
Are all items in the current itinerary “guaranteed” as part of this trip?
Answer: We aim to deliver all the items shared on the flyer. With that said, nothing in travel is guaranteed due to the ever-changing and evolving travel landscape. We will let you know of changes as we become aware of them. Some changes may also occur while on tour and might be unforeseeable. Know our goal is to provide the tour pitched but we expect all travelers to be flexible when things change.
What if I cannot pay the full trip cost?
Answer: Once you commit to this trip you are obligated to pay your way. There are penalties for early withdrawal with Explorica.
Does applying for previous trips help or hurt my chances for this tour?
Answer: Every tour is independent which means previous applications do not impact this tour’s selection process.
Why should I travel as a Middle School Student?
Answer: A question we get asked repeatedly. The answer is simple. We believe that if a person has a travel opportunity during their most impressionable years (middle school) then that individual will continue to seek additional adventures for life (high school, college, and beyond). Catching the "travel bug" in middle school leads to a bright future as a true world adventurer and informed global citizen!
How do people get selected for these tours?
Answer: Matthew and Jason will review every individual’s (student and parent) application. They look for detail, completeness of application, and well formulated and thoughtful responses to each question. They also make selections based on how they believe a person will travel within the group and how they will handle being overseas for 9-14 days. If they can't trust you to behave responsibly on a trip, they will not invite you to travel with them.
If I am a parent, do I get to travel with my child?
Answer: All parents must also complete an adult application and apply for the trip. Typically, if your child is selected you too will be selected; however, this always depends on trip space availability and the quality of your application. We only allow one parent to travel with a student unless we have additional room on the trip. Priority is given to students first.
Who is eligible for these trips?
Answer: The travel trips are offered to students in the Moscow area. Enrollment in each trip is available to students who are currently enrolled in the 5th-8th grade at the time of trip sign-ups, which occur in late Fall each year. Student will travel with us at the completion of their 7th-9th grade year. Priority is given to 6-8 grade students, but we have enrolled 5th graders if space is available, and we know/meet the traveler.
Why are you guys called "GlobalXpeditions?"
Answer: We strive to make our trips more than just "travel tours" and much more than "student vacations." We believe an Xpedition is an adventure and a journey which embodies our vision for a travel opportunity. Every time we travel, we aim to expand global understanding ... growth that occurs while on a true "GlobalXpediton!"
Can I receive frequent flyer miles for these trips?
Answer: Explorica's policy says that you cannot, due to the group discount rate that we receive while traveling with them.
What travel documentation is required for these trips?
Answer: All international travel requires a passport that is valid six months after the completion of the tour. For specific destinations visas may also be required, your tour advisors will let you know if a visa is required for your specific trip. Both documents must be purchased separately and are not part of the trip's costs.
How do I raise money for these trips?
Answer: The majority of students fundraise on their own to raise money for these trips. They babysit, mow lawns, pet sit, etc., which helps students to earn their way. The amount of money a student can earn is dependent on their work ethic and desire. As a group we also host fundraisers such as carwashes, food sales, and dinner and auctions.
What is not included in the trip purchase price?
Answer: Passport, Visa (if applicable), lunches, drinks at meals, spending money, ropes course fees, additional travel excursion offerings, and gratuities.
Is the price of the trip tax deductible? No. Explorica is a for profit company, and we are NOT affiliated with the Moscow School District, so these expenses are not tax deductible.
How do I contact my child while on these trips?
Answer: We recommend that each travel purchase a calling card prior to departure.
How long are these trips?
Answer: These trips vary in length; the typical trip is 9-14 days long.
How do I get my child money while abroad?
Answer: The best way to get your child money while traveling is to provide them with a Visa debit card and numerical pin from a local bank that you can access here at home to add money if needed.
What is the purpose of the ropes course?
Answer: The ropes course is designed to help us come together as a team of travelers so we can meet one another and prepare for the challenges of international group travel. Working together and preparing ahead of time helps us to maximize the enjoyment of the time we spend together when traveling overseas.
Why do I pay for the rope's courses in advance?
Answer: Paying in advance allows us to reserve the ropes course and set dates for our events far in advance so participants can get them on their personal calendars. It is vital for every traveler to be at these important team building events.
What if I cannot attend a ropes course day? Can I get a refund?
Answer: No. We need every traveler to do everything they can to be at the two ropes course days. We have found that these ropes courses are a great way to make our trips the best they can be. We do understand that things can come up and if you are unable to attend you will need to let us know prior to the event. If you, for any reason, are unable to attend the ropes course day we are unable to refund the ropes course fees because we schedule and pay for the ropes courses well in advance and expect everyone to attend.
Are there dietary options on these tours?
Answer: Explorica does have different meal options depending on individual needs. Explorica will accommodate all medical and/or religious requirements but does not cater to dietary preferences.
What do I do with my medications while abroad?
Answer: Students are responsible for all needed medications while on tour (please notify trip leaders of ANY medical issues prior to the trip). We expect “INDEPENDENT TRAVELERS”, and all applicants will be responsible for their own medical needs. We travel with a medical professional for emergency purposes only.
How do I know if I am a good applicant?
Answer: If you can answer YES to the following question, then you are a good applicant.
- Are you ABLE to participate in this VERY active travel trip (i.e., physically, mentally, and emotionally?) Physically, this will include early mornings and late evenings and walking 10,000-20,000 steps daily. Emotionally and mentally, this will include being with a large group, cooperating with others, being away from home in a new environment, trying new foods and being able to advocate for yourself while abroad.
Does my academic performance and behavior at school impact my chances of going?
Answer: Yes, we are looking for travelers who are trustworthy, responsible, and respectful to ensure the tour is a success for all.
Are these travel dates guaranteed?
Answer: No, while we are 90% sure these dates are correct, our dates could shift one or two days either way depending on flight availability. We will not know our final dates until about 110 days prior to departure.
Are we guaranteed to fly out of Spokane Airport?
Answer: No, flight options might change our departure gateway. No matter where we fly in and out of, however, Explorica will bus us to the correct airport at no additional expense to our group. We will not know our final departure gateway until about 110 days prior to departure.
Can I "go ahead" or "stay behind" on this tour?
Answer: Due to recent travel issues and the chaos, it causes the rest of the group and the individual travelers, there will be no deviations to the group itineraries. We will depart MMS together and return to MMS together.
Are all items in the current itinerary “guaranteed” as part of this trip?
Answer: We aim to deliver all the items shared on the flyer. With that said, nothing in travel is guaranteed due to the ever-changing and evolving travel landscape. We will let you know of changes as we become aware of them. Some changes may also occur while on tour and might be unforeseeable. Know our goal is to provide the tour pitched but we expect all travelers to be flexible when things change.
What if I cannot pay the full trip cost?
Answer: Once you commit to this trip you are obligated to pay your way. There are penalties for early withdrawal with Explorica.
Does applying for previous trips help or hurt my chances for this tour?
Answer: Every tour is independent which means previous applications do not impact this tour’s selection process.
Why should I travel as a Middle School Student?
Answer: A question we get asked repeatedly. The answer is simple. We believe that if a person has a travel opportunity during their most impressionable years (middle school) then that individual will continue to seek additional adventures for life (high school, college, and beyond). Catching the "travel bug" in middle school leads to a bright future as a true world adventurer and informed global citizen!
How do people get selected for these tours?
Answer: Matthew and Jason will review every individual’s (student and parent) application. They look for detail, completeness of application, and well formulated and thoughtful responses to each question. They also make selections based on how they believe a person will travel within the group and how they will handle being overseas for 9-14 days. If they can't trust you to behave responsibly on a trip, they will not invite you to travel with them.
If I am a parent, do I get to travel with my child?
Answer: All parents must also complete an adult application and apply for the trip. Typically, if your child is selected you too will be selected; however, this always depends on trip space availability and the quality of your application. We only allow one parent to travel with a student unless we have additional room on the trip. Priority is given to students first.
Who is eligible for these trips?
Answer: The travel trips are offered to students in the Moscow area. Enrollment in each trip is available to students who are currently enrolled in the 5th-8th grade at the time of trip sign-ups, which occur in late Fall each year. Student will travel with us at the completion of their 7th-9th grade year. Priority is given to 6-8 grade students, but we have enrolled 5th graders if space is available, and we know/meet the traveler.
Why are you guys called "GlobalXpeditions?"
Answer: We strive to make our trips more than just "travel tours" and much more than "student vacations." We believe an Xpedition is an adventure and a journey which embodies our vision for a travel opportunity. Every time we travel, we aim to expand global understanding ... growth that occurs while on a true "GlobalXpediton!"
Can I receive frequent flyer miles for these trips?
Answer: Explorica's policy says that you cannot, due to the group discount rate that we receive while traveling with them.
What travel documentation is required for these trips?
Answer: All international travel requires a passport that is valid six months after the completion of the tour. For specific destinations visas may also be required, your tour advisors will let you know if a visa is required for your specific trip. Both documents must be purchased separately and are not part of the trip's costs.
How do I raise money for these trips?
Answer: The majority of students fundraise on their own to raise money for these trips. They babysit, mow lawns, pet sit, etc., which helps students to earn their way. The amount of money a student can earn is dependent on their work ethic and desire. As a group we also host fundraisers such as carwashes, food sales, and dinner and auctions.
What is not included in the trip purchase price?
Answer: Passport, Visa (if applicable), lunches, drinks at meals, spending money, ropes course fees, additional travel excursion offerings, and gratuities.
Is the price of the trip tax deductible? No. Explorica is a for profit company, and we are NOT affiliated with the Moscow School District, so these expenses are not tax deductible.
How do I contact my child while on these trips?
Answer: We recommend that each travel purchase a calling card prior to departure.
How long are these trips?
Answer: These trips vary in length; the typical trip is 9-14 days long.
How do I get my child money while abroad?
Answer: The best way to get your child money while traveling is to provide them with a Visa debit card and numerical pin from a local bank that you can access here at home to add money if needed.
What is the purpose of the ropes course?
Answer: The ropes course is designed to help us come together as a team of travelers so we can meet one another and prepare for the challenges of international group travel. Working together and preparing ahead of time helps us to maximize the enjoyment of the time we spend together when traveling overseas.
Why do I pay for the rope's courses in advance?
Answer: Paying in advance allows us to reserve the ropes course and set dates for our events far in advance so participants can get them on their personal calendars. It is vital for every traveler to be at these important team building events.
What if I cannot attend a ropes course day? Can I get a refund?
Answer: No. We need every traveler to do everything they can to be at the two ropes course days. We have found that these ropes courses are a great way to make our trips the best they can be. We do understand that things can come up and if you are unable to attend you will need to let us know prior to the event. If you, for any reason, are unable to attend the ropes course day we are unable to refund the ropes course fees because we schedule and pay for the ropes courses well in advance and expect everyone to attend.