Explorica takes every precaution possible to ensure the safety of you and your group. With more than 17 years experience organizing trips to all seven continents, and an additional 50 years of collective experience provided by our partnership with Keating and WorldStrides, we have cultivated the resources that makes us an industry leader in safety.
Cancel For Any Reason policy
No one wants to think about having to cancel their trip, but sometimes life happens. That’s why we give your students the option to protect their investment with their choice of two trusted travel protection plans that provide a cash refund--not just credit for a future trip like other companies provide:
Comprehensive coverage
Explorica’s liability insurance is the largest in the industry at $50 million. This policy extends coverage to the group leader and chaperones, as well as the school and school board. So you and your academic organization can rest assured that you are protected while travelling with Explorica.
Global presence
Our partnership with WorldStrides means that we are part of a family that gives 400,000 students from more than 5,000 K12 schools and universities the opportunity, each year, to connect with their education in new and meaningful ways around the globe. We now operate out of 45 operation centres on six continents, meaning wherever you travel, we’ll be able to support you.
24/7 emergency support
For any problems that may arise, our dedicated Emergency Contact Line is always ready to provide assistance. And with offices around the world and representatives in every country we travel to, we’re there when you need us.
Your tour director is a safety expert
An expert tour director, who's fluent in your tour destinations' languages and customs will be with your group every step of the way, providing constant and immediate guidance. They have been thoroughly trained to handle any safety situations that may arise.
Doctors on Call
What happens if a student becomes ill on tour? In addition to the medical support provided through our TripMate protection plans, all Explorica travellers have access to an immediate consultation with a doctor via our Doctors on Call program. Facilitated by our exclusive partnership with the George Washington University Department of Emergency Medicine, the program is available 24/7 and includes translation services in over 100 languages. A George Washington University doctor serves on our staff as Medical Director, overseeing medical response planning and case management. Participants on local Washington, D.C. tours can even receive an in-person doctor visit.
Above and beyond
Explorica goes above and beyond to ensure our travellers have a safe and enriching experience on our tours. From our rigorous safety checks and detailed site visits to our continual safety trainings, we take every possible precaution to ensure a safe and worry-free tour for all participants.
Explorica’s unique online
Tour Diary allows family and friends of Explorica tour participants to check in on their loved ones and follow along with their tour. This private trip log is maintained by each group’s Tour Director, an area resident and expert in the local customs and language. Each day, they update the Tour Diary with commentary and one or more photos of the group, so family and friends can get a first-hand account of the unique activities, authentic cuisine and incredible places their loved ones are experiencing.
We partner with
iJET, a leading worldwide security and risk management organization, for additional assistance in evaluating global conditions.
Travellers’ payments are protected by applicable provincial Travel Industry Compensation Funds.
We help group leaders prepare for their first tour with New Group Leader Training trip. This program is designed to make group leaders more comfortable by meeting other teachers who love to travel, get insider tips from Explorica staff, and learn from a veteran Group Leader on how to be successful when leading student tours abroad. In addition to the training trip, Explorica has a Teacher to Teacher (T2T) mentor program which provides the opportunity to join a vibrant community and connect with teachers from across the country who share a passion for education and belief that travel is an invaluable life experience.
Travel industry associations
Explorica is committed to achieving educational excellence. Through our partnerships, accreditation, and professional affiliations, we continue to provide unique opportunities for safe learning beyond classroom walls. A full list of our affiliations is available here.
Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to plan and prepare for your tour. For more information, please review the Safety & Security Guide, which includes the Explorica Code of Conduct, the Explorica safety plan, the emergency management strategy, tips for travelers and much more. Additional resources are also available on our Resources page.