{"id":11684,"date":"2025-10-10T19:50:06","date_gmt":"2025-10-10T23:50:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aesu.com\/?page_id=11684"},"modified":"2026-02-13T03:55:05","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T08:55:05","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bobeckmedia.com\/aesu\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":" \n
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We’re here to answer any of your travel questions<\/h2><\/div>\n \n\n \n

Here are some things people want to know when booking a trip with AESU<\/h3><\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n \n\n\n
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Before Your Trip<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n \n
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How do I book a trip with AESU?<\/span>
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Booking your trip is easy! To make your reservation, click the CHECK AVAILABILITY<\/strong> button on any trip page to book your trip online, or call us at 800-638-7640 if you prefer to speak to one of our agents.\u00a0You should check on any visa requirements prior to traveling.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n \n\n \n

How do I pay for my trip?<\/span>
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There are a few ways to pay for your trip. After paying a deposit of $500 online to reserve your spot, you can pay the balance by check, money order, or electronic bank transfer. Full payment isn’t due until 90 days before departure (120 days for young alum trips \u2014 see invoice for details). FINAL PAYMENTS CANNOT BE MADE ONLINE. Send us the credit card form on the last page of your invoice for any credit card payments after the initial deposit.

Did you know we also offer a PAYMENT PLAN? <\/strong>
Pay a little at a time and make your trip more affordable. After paying a deposit of $500 online to reserve your spot, you can pay your balance in as many installments as you like, with a minimum of $100 for each transaction, with no fee. Full payment isn’t due until 90 days before departure (120 days for young alum trips \u2014 see invoice for details).

Learn more<\/a><\/strong> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n \n\n \n

Do I need a passport? What about a visa?<\/span>
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If you are an American or Canadian citizen, you need a valid Passport. The easiest way to get a passport is through your local post office, County Courthouse, or Passport Agency. When applying, be sure to take with you: your genuine birth certificate, which includes the registrar\u2019s signature and a raised seal; two recent photographs that are 2\u2033 x 2\u2033, full face view, black\/white or color; and ID, like your Driver\u2019s License (Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip). In addition to a valid passport, you may need a visa for our tours if you are not an American or Canadian citizen or traveling to Europe. If you are a citizen of another country, you must contact the appropriate consulates for each nation on the itinerary, and you must obtain these visas on your own.

Starting January 2025, US citizens, Canadians, and most other passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom (UK). The online process is simple and must be completed at least 72 hours before departure. We recommend applying at least 30 days before departure to allow time for processing. The current fee is approx. $15.00. Learn more<\/a><\/strong> <\/path><\/svg><\/span>

This is not a visa; it is a digital permission to travel to the UK. The ETA is like the US ESTA system and acts as a pre-clearance for travel. This change is part of the UK\u2019s move towards a digital border system. These new rules could impact your travel plans, so we encourage you to review these requirements carefully to ensure a smooth travel experience. You should check on any visa requirements prior to traveling.\u00a0

Note:\u00a0<\/strong>Some countries may charge for a tourist visa on entry or a departure tax on leaving the country.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n \n\n \n

Do I need any vaccinations?<\/span>
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Please consult your travel agent or doctor to find out if vaccinations are required (normally not for Europe). If you suffer from any form of illness, be sure to have an adequate supply of medicines before departing on your trip. You must advise us of any important medical condition you may have before departure.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n \n\n \n

Do I need travel insurance?<\/span>
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Yes! Travel insurance is required. (Some schools or alumni associations may offer travel insurance to you at a reduced rate.) If not, AESU also offers group travel insurance through Generali Travel Insurance<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n \n\n \n

How much luggage can I take with me on my trip?<\/span>
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Typical allowance for most European multi-country trips: Due to limited space on the tour motorcoach, please bring\u00a0ONE\u00a0<\/strong>suitcase only and ONE carry-on. Please limit your suitcase size to no larger than 29\u2033 x 20\u2033 x 10\u2033 and your carry-on to no larger than 8\u2033 x 16\u2033 x 21\u2033.\u00a0

For Latin America, Asia & other regions, which may have internal flights included in the itinerary, luggage weight restrictions must be within the restrictions of the given airlines you\u2019re traveling on. It\u2019s up to you to ensure you keep within these measurements and weight restrictions, so please check this out before you travel, as excess baggage fees will be at your own cost.

Keep in mind that throughout the duration of the tour, you are responsible for your own luggage, so do not pack more than you can carry. Laundry facilities are available in major cities.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n \n\n \n

What should I pack?<\/span>
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The easiest way to make your tour stressful is to overpack! You can use suggestions for Europe as a guideline, depending on the time of year traveling. Specific packing suggestions will be given with your final documents.

For every week you are away, consider:<\/strong>
1 pair of jeans \/ long pants and 2 shorts (again, check the weather)
6 T-shirts including a nicer shirt
1 Casual dress outfit
1 light jacket or thick coat, depending on the season
1 hoodie & 1 sweater
Bathing suit, PJs, underwear, socks, walking shoes (see misc. list above)

Learn More <\/strong><\/a><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n \n\n \n

What about packing important documents?<\/span>
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Never pack your passport! Always keep it on your person!

Pack two extra passport photos, if possible (if you misplace your passport); copies of your passport\u2019s personal data pages, any personal IDs, your boarding pass, unless you have an electronic ticket, and a listing of the credit cards you have with you.

This info will be extremely valuable should you lose any actual documents. Always keep actual documents on your person, and never in your checked suitcase.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div><\/div>\n \n\n\n

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Planning Your Trip<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n \n
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Where are we staying during our trip?<\/span>
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We stay in 3 or 4-star hotels, all with private bath\/shower. Our hotels have been especially selected for their atmosphere, friendly hospitality, cleanliness and location. Usual accommodations are two sharing a room (double occupancy).\u00a0If you are traveling solo and do not want to pay a single supplement, we will attempt to arrange a 2-share with a same-gender traveler. If no travelers are available to share when final rooming assignments are made, the single supplement will apply. In some of our European trips, the overnight ship from Italy to Greece offers 4-share cabins.

Some tour companies offer budget programs that stay in remote cabin campsites utilizing sleeping bags or occasional hostels with 4 or more sharing a room with no bath. We do NOT believe that this is the best way to spend a night when traveling abroad.<\/strong>

You\u2019ll be furnished a complete hotel address list with your final documents. Properties are subject to change and any substitutions would be the equivalent of those listed. Independent hotel reservations, certain special tours always apply a single supplement.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n \n\n \n

I don’t have a roommate, what do I do?<\/span>
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Going solo is not a problem with AESU. Many of our participants don\u2019t have a travel companion when booking a trip.\u00a0Our usual accomodations are two-share rooms (that is, two people sharing one room). If you are traveling solo and do not want a single room, we will attempt to arrange for you to share a double with a same-gender traveler, but if this is not possible, we will make arrangements for a single at the applicable single supplement.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n \n\n \n

Can I buy my airfare from AESU? What if I buy it elsewhere?<\/strong><\/span>
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AESU offers great low rates and If you purchase AESU airfare, you will receive airport transfers. If you purchase airfare elsewhere, transferring to the first hotel, as well as to the airport, is your responsibility.

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I know some meals are inc<\/strong>luded, but what if I have dietary restrictions?<\/span>
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Tours include breakfast daily, lunches & dinner as per itinerary. If you are a vegetarian, vegan, or have special dietary needs, please inform us when booking your trip. All meals are pre-paid, so a substitute meal is always up to the goodwill of the establishment. We cannot guarantee that all special requests will be granted, but most restaurants have been cooperative, especially regarding food allergies.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n \n\n \n

How much spending money will I need?<\/strong><\/span>
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We recommend $50-$80 per day, depending on your spending habits. That money covers items of a personal nature, laundry, beverages with meals (except for coffee\/tea at breakfast, water at dinner, and occasionally a glass of wine), meals not included on tour, and expenses for free-time activities (metro tickets, taxis, entrance fees). This amount does not include money for souvenir\/gift shopping.

We strongly recommend bringing a credit card (Visa, American Express, and Mastercard are the most widely accepted) as well as an ATM card. Check with your bank prior to departure to ensure your ATM card is usable overseas.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n \n\n \n

Does AESU support ECO travel?<\/strong><\/span>
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Every traveler shares a common responsibility to preserve our planet\u2019s environment and respect its people. AESU enthusiastically endorses ASTA\u2019s 10 Commandments, which effectively reaffirm that responsibility. Let\u2019s live by these commandments to ensure our world\u2019s beauty is preserved for our generation and for generations to come.

Thank you for the opportunity to travel together and to discover our remarkable world in a responsible manner. For over three decades, AESU founded TRAVEL FOR GOOD<\/strong>, many years before large travel companies became active in environmental travel.

AESU is also a member of Sustainable Travel International (STI) whose motto is: Protect the Places You Love.

Learn more<\/a><\/strong> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div><\/div>\n \n\n\n

If you need more information to prepare for your trip, visit The US State Department Travel Website. Learn More <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/mark><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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During and After Your Trip<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n \n
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How will I get from the airport to my hotel?<\/span>
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Free airport transfers are available on published departure and return dates. When you book your trip air-inclusive, the transfer to and from the airport to your start and end hotel is included. This can be a substantial savings and give you peace of mind.\u00a0

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What will the weather be like?<\/span>
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Travel to Europe<\/strong>: Just like the United States, Europe has unpredictable hot summers, cool summers, rainy summers, and dry summers! The weather, in general, is much like it is in most part of the US: sixties to seventies in May; seventies to nineties from June to August. It is generally cooler in England and warmer in Italy and Greece. The nations to which you travel in-between have moderate summer temps. You can always check on www.weather.com before you depart to see what the latest weather trends have been.

Travel to the Southern Hemisphere:<\/strong> The seasons are \u201cupside down\u201d \u2013 reversed, but not as extreme as North America. If traveling JUNE-AUGUST: this is their mild winter with temperatures in the 60\u2019s. Pack some light woolens and a coat or sturdy jacket. In mountain regions, where temps can be low 40\u2019s, bring warm sweaters and socks. If traveling SEPT-DEC: this is their spring and summer. Pack lightweight fabrics. Some shorts and casual wear are fine.

Other destinations:<\/strong> Use our packing list as guideline and see tour pages for destination-specific details. Learn More <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n \n\n \n

How do I exchange money?<\/strong><\/span>
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Your tour director will aid you in locating bank-owned kiosks or ATM machines, and can also advise you of how much money to change. Keep in mind that you can exchange only bills, not coins.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n \n\n \n

What if I lose my ID?<\/span>
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The best thing to do is take the necessary precautions before losing your IDs or valuables. Be prepared. Bring other forms of identification with you, and most importantly, make copies of IDs, passport and other important documentation.

The following are some helpful tips for preventing your IDs and other valuables from being lost or stolen:<\/strong>– Keep your hands free. If both hands are full, it is difficult to stop a pickpocket.
– Keep all valuables \u2013 money, passport and credit cards \u2013 in a pouch near the front of your body.
– Maintain physical contact with bags and other valuables.
– When standing up, always check to see if anything has been left behind.
– Be cautious of other travelers and everyone around you.

Some travelers may find it safer and more convenient to carry their IDs, credit cards, and funds in a single pouch around the neck. The pouch can be folded open to display all the essential information required for getting on a plane, decreasing the chance of leaving your ID behind.

Remember: <\/strong> Photocopied identification should be carried separately from the actual IDs. Another helpful tip is to make a digital copy of your passport, driver\u2019s license and other ID and e-mail it to an easily accessible account through the Web. If you lose your ID, you can simply pull up the copy on a nearby Internet connection and print it.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n \n\n \n

Do you have a frequent travel program?<\/strong><\/span>
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You are automatically a member when you take an AESU tour \u2014 no membership fees. After that, you can save $50 off the cost of your next AESU land tour (may be used in conjunction with other promotional discounts).

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Where can I leave a review and \/ or feedback about my trip?<\/strong><\/span>
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We appreciate the time you take to complete a post-trip questionnaire or email us with your compliments or complaints. The answers will help to make our programs even better in the future. All data will be handled confidentially and will not be made available to third parties unless explicitly authorized.

<\/mark>Leave us a 5-star review on our Google Page <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n \n\n \n

How do I keep in touch after my trip?<\/strong><\/span>
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Don\u2019t just let the memories fade away after your trip of a lifetime. Keep in touch with fellow travelers through your BAND group, follow us on our social, and sign up for our free newsletter to find out what\u2019s new in the world of travel. Keep an eye out for fun photo contests as well.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div><\/div>\n \n\n\n

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Do you have other questions?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chat with a live digital advisor 24\/7.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n \n\n\n
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Can’t find what you were searching?<\/h2><\/div>\n \n\n \n

Not to worry, feel free to speak to one of our friendly reservations agents by calling 800-638-7640<\/a>, emailing us at res@aesu.com<\/a>, or filling out the form below with details about your trip, and someone will respond shortly.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n \n\n\n

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