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HANDS ON TRAVEL
Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I use H.O.T. Destinations Itinerary Service?

H. O. T. is specifically for schools. We save educators time and money, by searching for educational venues that will keep your students’ attention, be entertaining, and help them retain more information. Whenever possible, we include destinations that involve student participation such as living history sites and hands-on exhibits.

H. O. T.’s other benefit is that we charge a flat fee. Most itinerary services charge by the hour for research, which can really hurt a school’s travel budget. Tour guide companies are also more expensive and less flexible.

2. Are the itineraries flexible?

Yes! H. O. T. believes that open communication is important for a successful school-sponsored trip. We provide several venue options for each day of travel so that teachers, students, and chaperones can vote on the sites that hold personal interest. Allowing everyone a voice in their travel plans will help reduce boredom and possible conflicts during the journey. Once your itinerary is agreed upon, an educator or chaperone can use the contact information provided to make reservations, buy tickets, and ask any questions of the vendors. You can also schedule how much free time the group has during the journey. All reservations and ticket purchases are the responsibility of the group.

3. How many sites should we visit in a day?

We recommend no more than three sites a day. Considering the amount of time needed for three meals, the travel time between venues, and the length of time needed to appreciate each site…touring three venues can take a whole day.

4. Do you recommend restaurants or hotels?

No. We do recommend picnic lunches for most days of travel to help the group save money and time. Picnics also allow the group to experience the local food and learn more about the culture(s).

5. Should our group use a local guide?

In some areas of the world, especially where there may be translation or political issues, an experienced local guide is useful. We do not recommend specific tour guides, so please check the credentials, background, and guidelines of anyone you consider hiring. In most cases, the driver of your coach bus will be able to assist you.

6. Is there a minimum or maximum group size?

No, but it is important that you let us know your group’s size because it can affect which venues you are able to see.

7. How far ahead should I place an order?

We ask for at least two months before your departure date, but more is always better. The more time you have to make reservations and purchase tickets the less stress you will have in planning the trip. Providing a venue with a 14 day notice, will usually be sufficient time for them to accommodate your group. During the tourist season, the further in advance the reservation, the less likely a venue is to deny your group tickets.

8. What is your policy on changing plans?

Minor changes start at $25 US. For additional days or locations, please refer to the price list. There are no refunds, even if you cancel the trip.

9. When will we receive our itinerary?

Please allow 2 weeks for delivery. Itineraries will be emailed as a Word document, unless a postal order is requested. There are additional fees and time required for postal orders depending on your school’s location (postal/zip code) and how far in advance you request an itinerary.

10. How will our personal information be handled?

H. O. T. does not share or sell credit information or personal information. We use PayPal because they are a secure and encrypted website. Our itinerary request form does not ask for details about your payment information because the form is sent via email, which is not secure. We also do not keep a record of your previous orders, so your request form will be shredded once your group is scheduled to return home. Any payment problems will need to be resolved through PayPal.

11. Do you reserve the right to refuse service?

Yes, because we are based in the United States, we reserve the right to deny requests to areas listed as dangerous by the U. S. State Department (even if your country of origin permits travel to the area). This is for the safety of your group. We also have the right to refuse service to schools that have had previous payment problems with H. O. T. and for reasons beyond our control. Refusal of service will be rare.

12. Will your rates change without notice?

Your fee will be based on the day your request is made. If our rates change the day after your request arrives, your fee will be based on the previous rate. Rate changes, if they are necessary, will only take place once a year and usually in January.

13. When is the payment due?

Your payment is due in full before research can begin. There are no refunds, even if you cancel the trip.

14. Does your price go down if I just want part of a day planned?

No. The minimum fee is for one full day.

15. Will you accept itinerary requests on short notice?

H. O. T. prefers at least a 60 day notice to provide you with the best service possible. Please send an inquiry to travel@global-academy.net if you need an itinerary on short notice. We will let you know within 72 hours if your request is possible and what additional fees are required.

*HOT Destinations is not a full service travel agency.
Please send your request at least 2 months ahead of departure date.
The average response time is 14 days.

email: travel@global-academy.net