Travel FAQs
Find answers to travelers’ most frequently asked questions. Looking for assistance? Contact us directly at (510) 900-8222 or caldiscoveries@alumni.berkeley.edu.
Who is eligible to travel with Cal Discoveries?
A traveling pair and their children under 21 years of age may travel on one membership.
Please make dues payable to CAA by separate check, or, if you prefer, provide a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express number with expiration date for payment. Learn more about CAA membership.
Cal Discoveries Travel tours are designed for adults who are interested in the educational and cultural aspects of travel. Some tours may be appropriate for children ages 8 and older. Children, regardless of age, must pay the advertised price and any child under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Should I purchase trip insurance?
The initial deposit for all tours is not always refundable 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. 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.
How is Cal Discoveries and its tour operators responding to COVID-19?
We understand that this has been an unprecedented time, filled with confusion and frustration. We also realize that this ever-changing situation can bring on a mix of emotions about future travel plans. Please know that Cal Discoveries Travel and our tour operators are working to ensure that you are safe while traveling. Your safety is our number one priority. In order to instill confidence in our travelers, many of our tour operators made adjustments to their terms and conditions. For more detailed information, please check out their tour brochures. We thank you for your continued support and patience as we navigate these challenging times.
See all updates related to Covid-19 and travel.
How much activity is required on your trips?
Please keep in mind that all trips involve group activities, and your level of preparedness and ability will have an impact on the other participants. Those requiring special assistance must be accompanied by someone who can and will provide all required assistance. Travel to and from the tour is not factored into our activity-level ratings. You should take into account your stamina when traveling long distances, and factor in multiple flight changes as well as handling personal hand luggage independently throughout the itinerary.
How do I make a reservation?
If you need to mail in payment you can send the printed reservation form and check to:
Cal Discoveries Travel
Cal Alumni Association
1 Alumni House
Berkeley, CA 94720-7520
Reservations are processed on a first come basis. Your reservation will not be confirmed until our office acknowledges receipt of payment and reservation form.
What if I need to cancel my trip?
What tour operators do you use?
Tour Operator CST Registration Number
- AHI Travel [2028271-40]
- Eureka by Cal Discoveries Travel (Cal Alumni Association) [2090031-50]
- Gohagan & Company [2031868-40]
- Holbrook [2129299-40]
- Lindblad Expeditions [pending]
- Odysseys Unlimited [2077973-40]
- Orbridge [2098750-40]
- TCS World Travel [2071584-20]
- Thomson Safaris [2084806-40]
I see that there is a lecturer assigned to the trip I am interested in, does that mean they are going on our trip?
What is the purpose of an enrichment lecturer?
Travel News
Travel Resources
Our Tour Lecturers
Meet the enrichment lecturers who accompany our tours and offer fascinating educational details to take your vacation to the next level.