Travel Policies

Reservations

Reservations are honored in order of receipt. A specified deposit, per person, per tour is required with a completed reservation form to reserve a place on a tour. Balance of payment is generally due upon receipt of final invoice or as specified by the tour operator. If the program of your choice is fully subscribed when we receive your application, you will automatically be placed on a waiting list and your deposit held or credit card not charged until you are confirmed on your trip. We will contact you if a space becomes available. Meanwhile, if you choose to withdraw from the waiting list, please notify us by mail, phone, or email and your check will be returned or destroyed or credit card number destroyed. Please note that some tour operators do not accept credit cards for payments. Make a reservation »

Cancellations and Refunds

The initial deposit for all tours is refundable with some limitations based on individual tour operator terms and conditions as stated in individual trip brochures. Please read the individual trip’s cancellation policy carefully. After this time, tour participants are subject to cancellation policies set by the tour operator governing the particular trip in which they are enrolled. There are no refunds for unused meals, accommodations, or other included features. Trip cancellation insurance is offered and is highly recommended.

Please be advised that the Cal Alumni Association is not a secondary insurer. Refunds, if any, come from the trip tour operator or travel insurance carrier, rather than from CAA.

Travel Safety

At all times, and especially during troubled times, our highest priority is the safety of our travelers. Our second highest priority is their peace of mind. Cal Discoveries Travel and our tour operators carefully monitor situations all around the world. Our sources of information include:

• U.S. State Department (speaking directly with country desk experts in Washington, D.C.)
• Major airlines
• Travel industry colleagues at home and abroad
• Academic resources
• University of California contacts on campus and abroad

Should it ever become prudent for either Cal Discoveries Travel or our tour operators to cancel a trip before departure, every effort is made to fully refund participants. Should it become necessary to interrupt a trip while in progress, our tour operators will assist in every way possible.

Stay Informed

The U. S. Department of State issues three different levels of travel advice based upon various situations as they relate to the safety of U.S. citizens in foreign countries. We take all public announcements from the State Department seriously.

Situations assessed as presenting a lesser risk are designated as “Public Announcements,” while those presenting a greater risk are designated as “Travel Alerts.”

View the U. S. Department of State Travel Advisory.

View the latest airport security information.