Washington, D.C.: The Capital Tour

We believe that all students should have the opportunity to travel, which means we do everything we can to keep our program prices the lowest in the industry without sacrificing quality. One of the ways we do that is by combining student groups from all across the country who are taking the same tour—unless your student’s teacher has opted into a private tour, or enrolls enough travelers to fill a standard motorcoach bus.
  


Whether your student is traveling with just their school or alongside peers from other schools too, they’ll automatically practice interpersonal skills like flexibility, adaptability, and compromise. They’ll also become stronger collaborators and communicators by engaging in group activities—and having shared experiences with other students outside their comfort zones is a great way to form lasting and meaningful connections.

If you’d like to enroll multiple travelers on this tour, you’ll have to fill out the enrollment form separately for each traveler.
  


The teacher leading this trip also has the ability to choose whether adult family members can sign up. If you or another adult does choose to enroll along with your student, we’re so excited to have you! Just remember, this tour is specifically designed for middle and high-school students and is not a personal vacation. Each moment is packed with educational value that’s tailored to student learning, and you’re expected to follow the group’s itinerary and participate in all scheduled activities.

When it comes to documentation, each destination and each traveler’s needs are unique.
 
For domestic flights (including to Puerto Rico), all travelers under 18 years of age at the time of travel do not need to present an ID.

Travelers 18 years of age and older will need a government-issued REAL ID for air travel in all U.S. states, including to Puerto Rico. If you are unable to obtain a REAL ID, you can travel with an alternate form of documentation.

If traveling to Canada, all travelers—regardless of age—are required to carry a valid passport. If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you must carry both a passport and proof of status in the U.S. Travelers under the age of 18 must also present a Canadian Entry Authorization Form at customs. A parent or guardian must complete this form, and the traveler must bring it on tour (please do not send it to us!).

Every adult aged 20 and older (including teachers, chaperones, and paying travelers) is required to complete a free background check before going on an EF student tour. It’s a secure process and is similar to what many school districts implement for adults in their communities who volunteer or chaperone.

3–4 students (aged 19 or younger) of the same gender are automatically placed in rooms together, and their rooms will contain double beds (meant for two people), and two students are expected to share each bed. While EF will take care of reserving hotel rooms, your child’s teacher will organize all roommate requests.
 
There are opportunities for families to submit special rooming requests after enrolling. Travelers who are interested in upgrading their room should do so before 110 days prior to departure.

We will accommodate travelers who identify as a different gender than what’s on their identification or prefer alternative arrangements based on their sexual orientation.

EF Explore America has gone cashless on our tours with Till—and it’s free! You’ll download the app, create an account in less than five minutes, and receive a debit card for your student to bring on tour.
 
Benefits of Till:

• Students don’t need to hold cash, providing a safer travel experience

• Tour Directors can quickly send money for meals (and ice cream!)

• Families can track spending in real-time and send additional money as needed

• Students practice responsible spending in a supervised setting

Travelers will usually start the day by conveniently enjoying breakfast right at their hotels, continental-style. This typically includes cereal, bread, jam, juice, eggs, protein, coffee, and tea.
  


Be sure to review what’s included in your price—many teachers choose to include all meals, while others leave out lunch. In most cases, your student’s Tour Director will add pre-paid lunch funds to their Till debit card, giving travelers the chance to practice responsible spending in a supervised environment.
  


At dinner, travelers will sit down as a group and enjoy a set menu of student-friendly options at restaurants specifically chosen for their ability to work with large groups. Travelers should expect to enjoy the same meal as their peers (except for those with food allergies or dietary restrictions), so it’s important to remember that these dishes are designed for many different tastebuds.
  


After enrolling, travelers should inform their teacher of any dietary needs or health concerns that could impact their experience. Then, please communicate this information to EF’s Traveler Support Team as well. While we strive to accommodate dietary restrictions during included meals, travelers with strict food requirements should bring snacks that meet their needs.
  


For round-trip flights, travelers should contact their airline(s) directly a few days before departure to arrange any dietary accommodations as EF does not have the ability to make these requests.

Transparency is important, and there are some flexible pricing factors that can vary by destination, family circumstance, and itinerary. Please connect with a Traveler Support Specialist below if you have any questions.
 


Individual traveler coverage


-       Many teachers leading EF tours automatically require every traveler to enroll in an individual coverage plan (or you can choose to add it, if not), which is then rolled into your tour price.


Beverages and lunches (except where indicated)


-       Please reference what’s included to see how many meals are included in your price each day. Some teachers choose to include daily lunches for every traveler, which will be added to your tour price. If your teacher does include lunch, your student will use their Till debit card with their lunch money automatically loaded onto it—you’ll have the opportunity to sign your child up for Till up to a month before they depart. If your child’s teacher does not include lunches in your tour price, you’ll need to budget a little extra spending money for your child’s lunch each day. And if students wish to drink something other than bottled water during an included group meal, they can purchase a different beverage.
  


Baggage-handling fees from airlines


-       Your tour price will usually include one small carry-on suitcase and personal item for flights. This does not include a checked bag or luggage that is over airline weight limits.

Rooming upgrades


-       3–4 students (aged 19 or younger) of the same gender will be automatically placed in rooms together, and their rooms will contain double beds (meant for two people), and two students are expected to share each bed. There are opportunities for families to submit special rooming requests after you enroll your student. Travelers who are interested in upgrading their room should do so before 110 days prior to departure.

Under Risk-Free Enrollment, you can cancel your student’s trip for any reason up to seven days after enrollment for a full refund. To be eligible, the traveler must:

1. Enroll on the tour at least 110 days prior to the scheduled departure date
2. Either pay in full or sign up for the Automatic Payment Plan at enrollment
3. Remain either paid in full or enrolled in the Automatic Payment Plan at the time of cancellation

Standard Cancellation Policy

If your student departs on or after October 1, 2024, please refer to the cancellation policy in our Booking Conditions.

If your student departs on or after October 1, 2025, please continue reading.

The cancellation policies below take into consideration the costs EF incurs often years before groups ever depart. The date of cancellation will be determined by the date on which EF receives notice from the participant, their legal guardian, or the Group Leader.

– 360 days or more prior to departure: Full refund less the $95 non-refundable enrollment fee, Non-Refundable Fees, and a $100 cancellation fee.
– 359-180 days prior to departure: Full refund less the $95 non- refundable enrollment fee, all other non-refundable fees, and a $300 cancellation fee.
– 179 to 110 days prior to departure: Full refund less the $95 non-refundable enrollment fee, all other non-refundable fees, and a $500 cancellation fee.
– 109 to 60 days prior to departure: Full refund less the $95 non-refundable enrollment fee, all other non-refundable fees, and 50% of the Program Fee.
–  59 days or less prior to departure no refund will be issued.

*Travelers who purchase a Travel Protection plan receive two options to cancel the trip due to reasons not covered by the insurance underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company: (i) travelers who cancel 360 days or more prior to departure will have the cost of the plan refunded and the $100 cancellation fee waived. The $95 non-refundable enrollment fee and other non-refundable fees will remain withheld; (ii) travelers who cancel 60 days or more prior to departure may rebook to another EF Explore America Tour within 30 days of such cancellation. Travelers opting for the rebooking option is responsible for finding a new tour, and final placement is based on availability. Such tour needs to take place within 180 days from cancellation, and any difference in price will be covered by the traveler (non- refundable fees from the original tour will not be put toward the rebooked tour). This cancellation fee waiver and the rebooking benefits are not an insurance provided by United States Fire Insurance Company.

Cancellation with replacement refers to a participant who cancels but finds a person to replace them for the same program. The replacement’s enrollment form must be submitted at the same time as the notification of cancellation.

EF cannot guarantee the replacement participant a place on the tour or the same flights as the group. This is primarily due to restrictions outlined in our airline agreements.

– 360 days or more prior to departure: Full refund including the $95 non-refundable enrollment fee and all Non-Refundable Fees.
–  359 –180 days prior to departure: Full refund less the $95 non- refundable enrollment fee, all other non-refundable fees.
–  179 to 110 days prior to departure: Full refund less the $95 non-refundable enrollment fee, all other non-refundable fees, and a $100 substitution fee.
–  109-60 days or less prior to departure: Replacements can no longer be accepted. EF’s Standard Cancellation Policy will apply.

All payments must be made on time to qualify for a refund in accordance with EF’s Standard Cancellation Policy.