FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long has Global Routes been in business and who owns the business?
Global Routes has been in business since 1986 and is owned by Kenneth Hahn and Andrew Rivin, its founders and still its directors. Global Routes began with trips for high school students to Kenya, Thailand, Costa Rica and Bali. These programs are oriented around cultural immersion, community service and adventure travel and were the first of their kind for high school students. In 1990 Global Routes expanded its offerings to college students. The college programs are intensive cultural immersions for students interested in teaching in rural villages throughout the developing world. In addition to high school, college and adult programs, Global Routes also offers individual placements and custom programming for groups, schools and organizations.How can I reach Global Routes?
Our address is: 1 Short St, Northampton, Ma 01060. Call us at 413-585-8895 or email us at mail@globalroutes.org.What do your program fees include?
Almost everything except your airfare to and from the program is included in your fee. This is something we feel is important for you to know and what distinguishes us from others in the field. You will have paid a significant amount of money to join us on this adventure. The last thing we want is for you to feel that you haven’t been well cared for. Global Routes will not "nickel and dime" you. The things that are not covered in your program fee are: alcohol, any gratuities that you are free to offer or not to guides or leaders, extra massages or spa treatments not included in the program, airport departure taxes where applicable, personal expenses.What do I bring on the trip and do I have to carry any of my own luggage or gear?
Generally we suggest that you pack light. You will not require more than one piece of luggage and a smaller carry-on bag. You will receive suggestions for your clothing and equipment needs once you enroll in your program. The lighter you come the easier it will be for you to manage any moving during the program, not to mention all those presents you'll want to buy. At nearly every airport and hotel there will be porters to assist you with your luggage or a Global Routes staff member will assist you if required.Who travels with Global Routes?
Participants generally range in age from 35 to 65 although occasionally we have outliers on either end of the spectrum. Global Routes participants are enthusiastic about new adventure, flexible and open-hearted in the face of adversity, attentive of their own needs while also supporting the well-being of others, and seriously playful.How large will my group be?
Group size ranges from 10 to 20 particpants with most groups being between 14 and 18.Are children welcome on your adult programs?
Global Routes offers programs for both high school and college age students which might be a better choice for your child. If you would like to have your under 20 year-old child join you on your program please consult with a Global Routes representative to determine if this is the best choice for the two of you.If I’m traveling alone will you find me a roommate or can I have a private room?
Our program fees are based upon double occupancy (two people per room). Some participants come with a friend; other participants know of another traveling in the same program and the two choose to room together. If you would like a roommate, Global Routes will try to pair you with one, bearing in mind that the roommate must be of the same gender. We will always make every effort to place you with a roommate of around the same age and temperament. If no roommate is available to you at the time you sign up, we will put you on a waiting list for a roommate. If no roommate becomes available to you by 30 days in advance of the program, the single supplement (private room charge) will apply. Should a roommate ultimately be found before your program begins, the single supplement will be refunded to you. On occasion, in some hotels a triple or even a quad room might be available allowing a single supplement to be avoided. In such instances Global Routes will be able to refund a portion of the single supplement fee to a participant who would have preferred a roommate and the double occupancy rate. On rare occasions, double rooms consist of one bed and a rollaway or foldout sleeper.What gear do I need to bring?
A thorough and detailed clothing and equipment list will be provided to you upon enrollment. Generally you can expect to bring casual and comfortable travel clothing. Whenever you will be in climate that requires warm weather or rain gear, we will include this in our clothing and equipment list. In addition, whenever there is specific clothing that is expected in the culture in which you are traveling, Global Routes will either include this on your clothing and equipment list or provide you with ample opportunity to make purchases upon your arrival in country.Can you provide me with guest references for this trip?
Yes. Please contact us by email or phone for the names and contact information of guests who have traveled with us in the past.How far in advance do I need to reserve my space in the program?
Our programs are available on a first come first served basis. To insure you get a space of course we would encourage you to enroll as soon as you become clear that you want to join us. When a program is full we create a waiting list. It isn’t unusual for a space or two to become available, sometimes even days before a program begins.What are standard accommodations on Global Routes trips?
Global Routes identifies and selects accommodations with unique flavor in venues that afford the best opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area and to immerse you in the local culture. We do this with an eye to maintaining the western standard of comfort to which you’ve become accustomed. Our accommodations are often boutique hotels or intimate guesthouses. On occasion we might choose a 3 or 4-star branded hotel chain.What responsibilities do I assume as a guest?
Guests are responsible for selecting a program that best suits their interests, abilities and needs. Guests must sign a Release of Liability and complete a Personal Information Form prior to departure. Guests are expected to respect the laws and customs of the countries visited and to respect the rights and privacy of other participants. A guest may be asked to leave the program if the director feels that the guest’s continued participation may be detrimental to his or her well-being or the well-being and enjoyment of others.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MAKING RESERVATIONS
How do I sign up for my Global Routes trip?
Signing up for a trip couldn't be easier. You have two choices. First you go to the page on our website that allows you to select how you'll enroll. You have two choices: you can print out a paper copy of the registration form and mail it to us with a $600 deposit, or you can enroll online with a credit card using the form to which you'll be directed.How much of a deposit is required and is it ever refundable?
At the time of your enrollment a $600 deposit is required. If you decide not to join us before 60 days in advance of the beginning of your program, $400 of your $600 deposit will be refunded. Within 60 days before the beginning of your program your $600 deposit is not refundable.What are Global Route’s limitations of liability?
Global Routes is not liable for bodily injury or property damage as a result of (but not limited to): physical exertion for which a guest is not prepared; forces of nature; travel by plane, train, auto, truck, boat or other conveyance, or by bicycle, elephant, foot or other form of active or adventure travel; consumption of alcoholic beverages; civil unrest; terrorism; breakdown of equipment; high altitude; lack of or limited access to medical attention in remote locations; and the adequacy of medical attention once provided. Global Routes is also not liable for: expenses not specified as included in the trip cost or those which may be required to get to or from a trip start or end. Global Routes reserves the right to make itinerary, programmatic and hotel modifications as necessary to improve the trip's quality or to accommodate the comfort and well-being of guests. Guests grant Global Routes express permission to take photographs, make visual and audio records of its trips and use their images and voices for promotional and commercial use, as well as approving such use by third parties with whom Global Routes may engage in joint marketing, without financial remuneration.When will I receive more detailed information about my trip so that I can start planning?
As soon as you enroll and make your deposit, you will be given a login password for your program. There you will find information about passport and visa requirements, inoculation suggestions, a clothing and equipment list, etc.What if I need to cancel my trip?
Your final balance of payment is due 60 days before the start date of your program. If you need to cancel your trip between 60 and 30 days before your program starts Global Routes will refund you 50% of your program fee. If you cancel your trip within 30 days before the trip begins there will be no refund of your program fee. If you have concern that you might have to cancel your trip, we strongly urge you to consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance.Does Global Routes offer travel protection insurance?
Yes. We will give you information on travel insurance options when you enroll in the program. Global Routes requires that you purchase travel insurance covering emergency medical evacuation. You may purchase it through Global Routes, or show proof of coverage from some other company. This type of insurance also generally offers primary medical coverage as well as insurance against such perils as baggage loss, trip interruption and so on. This type of insurance is generally very inexpensive, and it is well worth the investment. It is a small price to pay for the peace of mind it brings. With it you will be protected in the event you become sick during your travels, in the event that an airline loses your luggage or your trip is interrupted. An additional level of coverage for Trip Cancellation, while not required by Global Routes, is also available at a somewhat higher cost to you.Will I need a passport or visa?
You will require a passport that has an expiration date at least 6 months later than your departure date from the country to which you are traveling. For some Global Routes destinations you will require a visa. We will provide this information to you in our registered participants section of our website once you enroll in your program.How can I arrange my travel to and from the trip’s starting and ending points?
Global Routes does not include international air arrangements to and from the beginning and ending points of our programs. All flight bookings and airfares within the program itself are included in the program fee. We will provide you with all the information that you will require to easily make your international flight reservations. Generally we have guests arrive in country within a 12-hour or even a 24-hour window. The same is true for departures to return home.