What is Group Travel?
Group travel involves traveling with people sharing similar interests and a common bond in Saint Louis University. All details are taken care of for you. Your lodging is guaranteed; your luggage is handled assuming it is appropriately identified. Many of our programs offer special experiences, which would be difficult for you to arrange on your own.

Do I have to be a graduate of SLU to travel with you?
No, you do not have to be a graduate.
Can my friends or relatives join me?
Yes, anyone can travel with SLU.

How early should I make a reservation?
A. We recommend making reservations as early as possible. If a trip is going to sell out, it will generally do so within the first 30-60 days of the information becoming available. However, it is impossible to predict which trips will sell out. The longer you wait, the greater the chances that a trip will be full when you send in your registration. You may call (314 977-2250) or e-mail alumni@slu.edu at any time to inquire about the status of a trip.

Who makes all of the travel arrangements for the Alumni Tour program?
Our programs are designed and managed by the finest travel operators, most of whom specialize in providing trips for alumni associations. We select these travel operators based on our criteria of established reputations, dependable operations and professional staff. All itinerary and flight details are handled by the travel operators. The Alumni Association selects the trips based on feedback we receive from our past travelers as well as current trends in the industry.

Is my money refundable if I have to cancel my trip?
Most travel companies charge a nominal cancellation fee from the time of deposit to cover expenses incurred in processing a new reservation and mailing out preliminary trip information. As the departure date gets closer, the travel company has made more financial commitments to their suppliers (airlines, hotel, ground transportation) and accordingly, cancellation fees become more substantial. Cancellation penalties are structured to coincide with advance payments that our travel vendors must make to their suppliers and the penalties are strictly enforced due to these contractual commitments. Because our many travel providers have different policies regarding cancellations, we suggest that you discuss cancellation fees with them prior to making your trip deposit. We also strongly encourage purchasing trip cancellation insurance to minimize financial risks.

Should I purchase travel insurance?
We strongly recommend that you be adequately insured against last minute trip cancellation and other travel related risks. For example, if you must cancel your trip due to a family emergency and can only recover 50% of your money based on the travel company's cancellation policy, the insurance company will cover the remainder of the loss up to the level of coverage that you selected, provided you meet the criteria spelled out in the policy selected. For more information about travel insurance, click here.

Can I take my children on a SLU trip?
Occasionally, we do offer trips that are designed especially for families, inclding 2006’s Family Adventure in Costa Rica (link). However, most of the trips are best suited for adults, especially trips on small expedition vessels or those with long side-trips that include lectures. Small children may be bored on many of our trips as well, since there would most likely be no activities or playtime facilities available for children. If you are interested in taking your children on one of our trips, please contact the travel company to find out if a particular trip is appropriate for children.

Can I take a SLU trip if I have a disability or special need?
While SLU encourages people with disabilities to participate in its activities and programs, some of our expeditions cannot accommodate people with severe health problems or physical limitations. The SLU Alumni Association and their travel vendors cannot take responsibility for special arrangements or problems incurred by passengers unable to participate in the planned activities. Travelers requiring extraordinary assistance must be accompanied by someone who can and will provide all required assistance. Many countries do not offer the same level of access for persons with disabilities as the U.S. For this reason, we recommend that you call the travel vendor prior to registering for a trip to inquire about the physical access provided and to obtain information regarding the trip best suited to any physical limitations that you may have.

How many people generally travel on a SLU trip?
The number of travelers on a trip can range from six to forty-five, but is typically somewhere in between. Trips may consist entirely of individuals who are affiliated with SLU but other travel programs include groups from other colleges and universities in addition to our Billikens.

Why do I receive travel brochures even though I didn't request them?
SLU travel brochures are generally mailed to individuals who have made recent inquiries regarding our travel program, or who have taken a trip with us in the past three years. Travel brochures are also sent to alumni within specific graduation years based on selection criteria provided by our vendors. If you prefer not to receive our brochures or if you would like to be added to our mailing list, please contact us at alumni@slu.edu or (314) 977-2250. You may also request to be added or deleted from our mailing list by selecting "request brochure" at the right of this page.

Can I make my own airline arrangements using my frequent flyer miles?
Yes, unless the trips are listed as "air-inclusive." The tour operator will give you a discounted trip cost if you decide to make your own air arrangements. Please note that the discount will not be substantial since most tour operators receive special negotiated group airfares. Also, if you are not traveling on the group flights, you will be responsible for making your own ground transportation arrangements between the airport and the hotel.

Am I required to depart from the designated departure city?
Most of our travel companies base their tour price on a group departure from a designated city or cities. The travel company obtains better airfares because of the group departure, and is better able to facilitate transfers upon arrival in the destination city. You may depart the U.S. from another city of your choice if you prefer. However, you may incur additional airfare, deviation fees, and you will be responsible for arranging your own ground transportation from the airport to the hotel when you arrive. If the SLU gateway city is not a convenient airport for you, be sure to ask if there are any other gateway cities available for your particular trip.

How can I contact the Alumni Tours program?
Our direct number is (314) 977-2250. We can also be reached by e-mail at alumni@slu.edu and by fax at 814-865-3325.(314) 977-1405

What are the ages of our Travelers?
The ages of most of the passengers range from 40 – 90.

How to Reserve or request a Trip Brochure?
Please complete the brochure information form located here (link)

How do I learn more about the trip I'm interested in?
If we don't have the information up on our website yet, please call us at (314) 977-2250 and ask for information to be sent to you. Brochures are printed about 6-9 months in advance of the tour. Once you are actually booked on the tour, a packet of additional information will be sent to you. This information will include what to pack, hotel/ship information, inoculations needed etc.

Can I go early or stay later on your tour?
Yes, you can deviate either at the beginning or the end of the tour with a minimal air deviation charge. Our tour operator can also assist you with additional hotel nights etc.

Your dates won't work for me, are there any other options?
Yes, many of our programs are offered weekly, although you wouldn't necessarily be traveling with a SLU alumni group.

I noticed a travel operator you work with is offering a program that I really want to do but you aren't sponsoring, what can I do?
If we are not sponsoring a tour that you want to go on, we can still make the reservation for you and assist you in getting any of the group discounts and amenities.

What can I do if a trip I want to take is sold out?
A. Don't despair! If you have your heart set on a trip that is sold out, let us know! It may also be possible for you to travel on the same trip with an alumni group from another school.