Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mission of UW Alumni Tours?
Why travel with a group of UW alumni and friends?
Who are the tour operators?
What is the UWAA's connection to UW Alumni Tours?
How are flights arranged?
Are the tour prices and itineraries noted on this web site final?
Are single rooms available?
What are the cancellation and refund policies?
Are we required to sign any forms?
Can friends or family travel with us on an UW alumni tour?
What are the physical requirements of a tour?
How do I enroll in a UW Alumni Tour?
How do I receive a brochure for a specific tour?
How do I sign up for the travel E-Newsletter?
What's the best way to contact UW Alumni Tours?
What is the mission of UW Alumni Tours?
Our goal is to delight and educate UW alumni and friends about other peoples and cultures through quality, worldwide travel opportunities. Our travel program offers many exciting and enriching ways to stay connected to the University of Washington and to each other.
Why travel with a group of UW alumni and friends?
Do you have a sense of adventure, a desire to have fun while you learn and a knack for making new friends? Then you'll love traveling with us! Traveling in a group lets you sit back and relax while someone else takes care of finding the best places to eat, sleep and sightsee in a new destination. We've done all the homework so you won't have to!
Group travel does require that you enjoy traveling with others and that you are also tolerant of the occasional changes, delays or minor mishaps that are part of any kind of travel. Our tour operators will do their best to see to individual needs, but their principal concern must be the welfare of the group as a whole.
Who are the tour operators?
Our tours are run by professional tour operators that have expertise in specific destinations. When we agree to work with a tour operator, it means the operator has met our criteria for financial responsibility, established reputation, professionalism, quality operations and all-around dependability. Learn more.
What is the UWAA's connection to UW Alumni Tours?
Our travel team is available to provide excellent customer service and to assist you in working with tour operators. Many of our tours are accompanied by either UW hosts or UW faculty lecturers who are there to help you get the most out of your travel experience. When possible, our hosts or lecturers also bring assisted listening devices for the group to use.
How are flights arranged?
Group air arrangements are available through the specific tour operator. By choosing the tour operator's group air, you take advantage of discounted airfares but won't have the flexibility of choosing the air carrier or the specific air routing. Of course, you may also make your own air arrangements to suit your own travel preferences.
Are the tour prices and itineraries noted on this web site final?
Itineraries, program details and costs are given in good faith, based on information available on May 1, 2008, and are subject to revision. Costs are based on the lowest per-person rates, excluding airfare. They are based on double occupancy, current exchange rates and tariffs and a minimum number of participants. Please note: Dates and prices are subject to change until the final tour brochure has been printed.
Are single rooms available?
A limited number of single spaces (at an additional cost) are available on a first-come, first-served basis and vary from one program to another. You are welcome to let us know if you are a single traveler but would be interested in sharing a room on a tour. If possible, we'll put you in touch with other single travelers. Please note: When traveling on Oceania cruises aboard the MS Regatta (Panama Canal, Italy and Scandinavia), a traveler desiring a single room pays the double occupancy rate.
What are the cancellation and refund policies?
Tour participants are subject to the cancellation policies governing the particular trip in which they are enrolled. Cancellation policies are outlined on a tour's brochure. Trip cancellation insurance is available at an additional cost and is highly recommended.
Are we required to sign any forms?
Yes, all travelers are required to sign a UWAA release of liability and waiver form. Signing this form indicates that you've read all of the tour materials and fully understand the physical requirements of the tour.
Can friends or family travel with us on an UW alumni tour?
Every UW alumni tour is open to all UW alumni, their families and friends of the University. Because the travel program is a benefit of membership in the alumni association, it is required that one person per reservation be a member of the alumni association. Current annual membership dues are $50 for individuals under 65 years of age and $35 for individuals over 65 years of age. Find out more about UWAA membership.
What are the physical requirements of a tour?
All travelers must be in good mental and physical health and be able to keep up with the pace of the group. Participants who require special assistance must be accompanied by someone who can and will provide it. To assist you in choosing the tour that's right for you, our tours are rated by the following three categories:
- Mildly Active: Easy pace, little walking and some stair climbing.
- Moderately Active: Faster pace. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and be able to walk three to five miles a day over uneven surfaces and climb many stairs.
- Active: In addition to being moderately active, the tour is suitable for participants who are extremely mobile and used to a very active lifestyle. Tour may include up to six hours of strenuous, moderate- to fast-paced activity per day.
How do I enroll in a UW Alumni Tour?
To enroll, you can call our office and provide the necessary information over the phone. Or, you can download an enrollment form and either mail or fax in the completed form with your deposit. Deposits are provisional pending your acceptance of the final brochure terms. A final brochure will be forwarded to you as soon as it's available.
- Enroll by phone - Call 206-685-9276 or 1-800-289-2586.
- Enroll by mail/fax - Download the tours reservation form (.pdf file) and mail or fax to UWAA Tours
How do I receive a brochure for a specific tour?
Not all brochures are automatically mailed to everyone. To ensure that you receive a specific brochure, please send us a request by e-mail or through our Web site. Brochures are generally available seven to nine months in advance of a tour's departure.
- E-mail your request to uwaatour@u.washington.edu.
- You may also request brochures or download them (.pdf files, not available for all tours) from our Web site.
How do I sign up for the travel E-Newsletter?
We publish a quarterly E-Newsletter announcing new tours and special announcements. You may sign up for the E-Newsletter by phone, e-mail or by using our "Contact Us" form.
What's the best way to contact UW Alumni Tours?
To contact UW Alumni Tours, you can use our "Contact Us" form on the site. Or reach us by mail, phone, fax or e-mail:
UW Alumni Tours
University of Washington Alumni Association
1415 N.E. 45th Street
Seattle, WA 98105
Phone: 206-685-9276 or 1-800-289-2586
Fax: 206-616-3863
E-mail address: uwaatour@u.washington.edu
Web site: UWalum.com/tours
