Answers:

What will my child do on your program?
The specific itinerary will be chosen by your child’s teacher based on his or her educational goals. Christian Discoveries hires specially-trained professionals, chosen for their ability to work with students and their knowledge of the program, the destination and its sites. For more information, 1) please check sample itineraries available in our brochures and on our website, 2) look at your registration letter for more specific details about your trip, or 3) contact your teacher.

How is the trip chaperoned?
To ensure your child is properly monitored, Christian Discoveries requires a safe ratio of adults to students on each trip. The Program Leader carefully assigns the trip chaperones. Please contact your child’s teacher/educator with any questions or concerns you may have.

What about safety?
Your child’s safety is our number one concern. Christian Discoveries and WorldStrides maintain offices in Washington, D.C., New York City, NY, Williamsburg, VA, Orlando, FL, Reno, NV, and Charlottesville, VA. In each location on your Christian Discoveries program, your child’s hotel room is monitored from late evening through the early morning hours by our night chaperones who are posted on each floor. Also, there is a Christian Discoveries representative available 24 hours a day to handle any emergency that may arise. Christian Discoveries provides comprehensive medical and illness coverage should your child become injured or sick and need treatment.

How can we reach our child in case of emergency?
Simply call our Tour Central office toll free at 1-800-999-4542. We have staff on call 24 hours a day, so that we will be able to put you in touch with your child in case of an emergency. Please also note that all program participants carry with them an emergency card or a name badge with a toll free number listed on it so they can reach Christian Discoveries in the case of an emergency.

When will I get my specific flight and trip information?
You will receive a program information letter from Christian Discoveries or your Program Leader containing specific details approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure. This letter covers the flight schedule, as well as hotel and sightseeing information. All airline tickets are sent directly to the Program Leader.

Where will my child be staying?
All of our hotels are nationally recognized chain hotels such as Holiday Inn, Marriott properties, Hampton Inn, Hilton, Sheraton, or comparable. Each hotel has been chosen for its cleanliness, hospitality, and safe location. Our hotels are “student friendly” and rated by the teachers leading trips every year.

What kinds of meals are provided for the students?
Students enjoy full American breakfasts at the hotel or at a local restaurant. Groups eat fast food, food court, or cafeteria-style lunches while touring and are also provided dinners. In some cases, lunches may or may not be included in the program price. See your registration letter for more details.

Are meals for participants with dietary restrictions available (i.e. Kosher, vegetarian, etc.)?
Christian Discoveries can usually accommodate special diets if given advance notice. Please contact your child’s Program Leader and make him/her aware of any special dietary requirements prior to the program.

Does my child get to choose his/her own roommates?
Most students get to choose their own roommates at the discretion of the teacher. Ultimate approval of all roommate selections rests with the Program Leader. Students are placed four to a room with double beds in each room.

Should my child use traveler’s checks?
Traveler's checks are sometimes acceptable, but not recommended.  Many stores do not accept traveler's checks from a student.

What kind of clothes should my child wear?
Comfortable clothes and comfortable walking shoes are a must. As weather is often unpredictable, bring rain gear and dress in layers should the temperature change throughout the day. Please refer to one of the on-line weather services (www.weather.com) for the local forecast.

How much luggage can my child bring?
Students are allowed to bring one suitcase and one carry-on bag. Students may have to carry their own bags at times, so please keep the weight manageable.

How much spending money should my child bring?
We recommend $50.00 to purchase souvenirs for programs lasting three or more days. Students participating in shorter programs are advised to bring $5-$10 for each day. Students who do not have lunches included in their program should bring an additional $5-$10 for lunch each day.