Frequently Asked Questions

A custom group student tour of any scope and duration will come with questions. Below are some of the questions we hear most often about our custom group tour excursions. If you can't find the answers to your questions below, please contact Student Travel Society.

How many students are needed to make a tour?

Tour sizes begin with 10 students and can be as big as 200. Anything in between is perfectly acceptable.

How much notice do we need to book a tour?

We are flexible and can work with any deadline. Larger groups take longer to plan. Most groups need anywhere from 8-12 months. Tours can be booked right until the last moment provided that there is availability.

What qualifications do your local guides have?

All guides that Student Travel Society uses are local to the area and an expert in their field. They all have certification from their respective countries tourist board and have a minimum of 5 years experience. Guides are available in either English or French.

When will we know our flight schedule?

We will provide you with a flight schedule with the quote and will confirm it once deposits are received. If we suggest a change after deposits are received, it is only with the permission of the teacher/tour leader. Changes are generally made for better connection times, fewer connections or for a reduction in price which will lower the tour cost. American Carriers are only used with the permission of the teacher/tour leader.

Will we be merged with another group?

All of our tours are private and you will never be combined with any group for any tour component. If you would like to travel with another school, it is possible but is only available on request from both schools.

When do departure taxes become guaranteed?

Departure taxes quoted are estimates from the airlines. The price of departure tax becomes fixed once tickets are issued. Generally, tickets are issued 60 days prior to travel. Until that time, it is subject to change. Tickets can be issued anytime up to a year before travel. Some teachers prefer to issue tickets immediately upon booking so as to guarantee the rate of tax. Once tickets are issued, they are non refundable thus we stress purchasing insurance when using this approach.

What standards of hotels do you use?

Unless requested otherwise, Student Travel Society always uses centrally located tourist class (or above) hotels with private facilities. Students are accommodated in a maximum of quad occupancy.

Are you available for a parent meeting?

One of the Student Travel Society members can attend any amount of meetings provided that it is within a three-hour drive of Toronto.

What is the benefit to Student Travel Society’s insurance plan?

There are many insurance plans available which are perfectly acceptable. The insurance plan we offer through Tips is customized to the exact tour under a group policy. Should anything happen, you can contact us at Student Travel Society for assistance under our 24 hour emergency number. We have an excellent working relationship with Tips and can often expedite the process.

When is the latest we can add students to the tour?

Students can be added right up until the date of departure provided that there is availability. Surcharges may apply within 60 days of travel to account for increases in airfare.

Do you offer tours for adults?

Absolutely. Our sister company, STS Tours designs tours specifically for adults.

Can parents join the student tour?

It is possible but only with permission from the teachers/tour leaders. An adult supplement rate for twin or single occupancy applies and adults will never share rooms with the students (unless parents request to stay with their children).