FAQ

Who is A La Carte Travel?
A La Carte Travel has been specializing in group travel to Europe, Canada, and Costa Rica for over
15 years. We are committed to providing educational institutions with affordable access to a
priceless opportunity, the chance to experience other cultures and languages. Join the hundred of
groups who have benefited from our language programs and cultural exchanges.

What makes A La Carte Travel the logical choice for group travel?
A) Low Monthly Payment Plans
A La Carte Travel arranges for low monthly payment on all its trips to make it easier and more
affordable for all the participants.

B) Exclusive Tours
A La Carte Travel specializes in customized small group tours that provide the best possible
experience and avoid the need to share large buses and hotel rooms with strangers.

C) Medical and Liability Insurance
All participants in the group are automatically covered under our comprehensive medical and liability
insurance that include baggage loss and trip delays.

What kinds of hotels are used on the program?
ALCT uses tourist-class hotels with private bath and breakfast in the center of the cities.

What airlines are used on the program?
A La Carte Travel uses regularly scheduled carriers.

What meals are included on the program?
All breakfasts and dinners are included. We sometimes deliberately do not include reserved meals
in order to provide students the opportunity to order their own meals, to eat when they want and to
eat where they want. During the family stay, all at-home meals are provided.
Custom programs may include special arrangements for meals, but breakfasts tend to be always
included.

How much spending money should a student take?
ALCT recommends a minimum of $30-$40 per day outside the family stay. This is "survival" money
to cover lunches and maybe an occasional snack. Additional money would be needed for souvenirs
and gifts.

What are the rules of conduct for students?
ALCT provides a short document describing the rules of conduct. But in general we don't allow the
students to drink, do drugs, and participate in any sexual conduct.

Are the students going to be alone at any time?
ALCT does not allow any student to be alone on his or her own. Students may go to nearby places
with a group of fellow students, for shopping nearby or eating in a nearby student. In home stay
programs the students may be alone in occasion or go out to a store nearby by themselves.

What happens if the trips are delayed because of weather or other reasons?
The insurance company will pay out all the costs due to the delay. Although ALCT follows-up with
the insurance company and help to file the claims, it is up to the insurance company to make the
final reimbursement decision.

Does ALCT have other insurance?
Yes we have all the insurance policies that are required by tour operators (i.e. professional
insurance, liability insurance) we can provide you with the details if you are interested.

Are the students allowed to call home?
We recommend that students do not call their parents very often when they are in home stay
because it breaks the flow of the experience. But others can call any time.

Do you accommodate special diets?
It depends on the diet and the teachers' preference. We can usually make some special
arrangements.

How many people in a room?
Group organizer stays in a single occupancy. The rest of the adults and all the students are in
double, triple and quadruple occupancy, which is determined by the availability of the rooms at the
local hotel.

Do the students go out at night to clubs?
ALCT does not promote that but if the group organizer decides to do it, they can.

How about the transfers from one place to another?
It depends on the distance. Every destination that is not walking distance will be provided for by
ALCT.

What about Lunch?
Students will have to pay for their own lunch. All the meals for the adults who get a free trip are paid
for by the ALCT.

Are airport taxes and registration fees included in the price of the trip?
Yes for taxes. And we do not charge any registration fees like other operators.

How many pieces of luggage are allowed on the trip?
Packing light is recommended, one suitcase per person plus a carry-on. This is especially important
because we use buses and trains during the trip.

How about the handicapped students?
It depends on the group organizers.

A La Carte Travel's Standard Payment and Cancellation Policy
$500 is due with the application payable to A La Carte Travel. Inc.
Equal monthly payments will be set up for the remainder of the price with the final payment due 60
days prior to departure.
You will receive monthly statements from A La Carte travel.
All cancellation notices must be received in writing at the A La Carte Travel office.
The following cancellation schedule applies:
More than 120 days prior to the departure: 100% refund (minus $300 non- refundable deposit)
45 to 119 days prior to the departure: 50% refund less $300 non-refundable deposit. In addition, all
hotel and ground transportation retainers will be deducted from the total reimbursed.
There will be no reimbursement for trips cancelled less than 45 days prior to the departure.