COVID-19 & Educational Travel
Our commitment to our travelers and their families
—In a short period of time, so much has changed about our lives—how we work, how we communicate, how we move around our communities, and how we think about the world. The past few months have been different—and difficult—for every single one of us. We’ve been closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation around the world and are working tirelessly to provide safety, flexibility, and value as we focus on the future of educational travel.
In March, we led the industry in rapidly bringing travelers home as travel bans and restrictions were instituted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We went above and beyond federal, state, and international guidelines to get customers out of harm’s way. As soon as all travelers were home safely, we turned our focus toward amending policies and creating options that allow as many teachers and students as possible to still travel with us—when restrictions are lifted, and when they’re ready.
As we navigate these unprecedented times together, we know some of you have outstanding questions regarding your travel plans that have been affected. We’ve gathered our policies and resources here so you can quickly understand all the ways to proceed. And we’re here to talk through your options in more detail or work through specific situations.
¿Prefieres leer en español? Visite nuestra página de Viaje Educativo y COVID-19.
Learn more:
1. Rescheduling group travel
2. Options for individual travelers
3. Flexible policies
4. Traveler safety
5. FAQ
6. What teachers are saying
Reschedule travel for 2021 and beyond
Flexibility is one of our top priorities because we want to make sure that, when the time comes, experiencing the awe-inspiring power of travel remains a possibility for students.
We remain committed to providing flexible options for groups that are unable to travel this year. We have been in touch with affected Group Leaders directly to communicate all available options (learn more in the FAQs below). To make rescheduling a group’s trip as easy and simple as possible, and to protect the full investment our travelers made in their tour, we’ve taken the following actions:
- Any group originally scheduled to travel on tour in 2020 that wishes to embark on the same itinerary in 2021 can do so with no additional costs or fees
- As soon as your Group Leader selects a new date for your tour, we’ll move all travelers to the new date—there is nothing you need to do
- All details from the original tour—optional extensions, Travel Protection Plan or Anytime Travel Protection, rooming, upgrades, etc.—and money paid will be transferred into the new account
Options for individual travelers
We recognize that it might be difficult for some travelers to reschedule their tour right now.
Any individual traveler who is unable to travel with their group can receive an electronic Future Travel Voucher. Our vouchers provide a ton of flexibility: You can redeem them for all sorts of programs offered through EF’s wide variety of products. They’re also in the amount of all the money you paid towards your 2020 tour—including non-refundable fees. And you have until September 30, 2022 to use them.
To understand all the options available with a voucher (including partial refunds), visit our dedicated Future Travel Voucher page.
Feel confident planning for the future
We’re adjusting cancellation policies to help new customers book with confidence and give existing customers more time to decide about upcoming trips. We’re expanding the reach of our Peace of Mind Program, which provides groups flexibility to change the dates and destination of their tours in uncertain times. And we’re offering more options for individual travelers who want to purchase coverage that further protects their investment.
We’re leading the charge on student safety
As the world opens and we all get ready to travel again, your health and safety will continue to be our top priority. With our extensive global presence, our best-in-the-industry experience, and our close working relationships with U.S. and international authorities, that’s a statement we can back up with real insight. We are following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and local and federal authorities around the world, while also developing our own protocols to help keep travelers healthy and safe.
Frequently asked questions
¿Prefieres leer en español? Visite nuestra página de Viaje Educativo y COVID-19.
For inquiring journalists please email [email protected].
What teachers are saying
Every single one of our actions in response to COVID-19 has been made with students, teachers, parents, and administrators at the top of our mind. The true results of those decisions can only be measured through their reactions.