Is airfare included in the cost of the trip?
Since we have students traveling from all over the US and abroad, it is not possible to include airfare in the cost of your trip. However, we have arranged group flights for specific international trips to allow the students to fly together. These trips include Chamonix, Ecuador/Galapagos and our Machu Picchu trip. At least one leader will accompany students on flights for our Kilimanjaro and Thailand trips. On our Ecuador/Galapagos trip, there is a flight from Quito to the Galapagos Islands which Moondance purchases. Also, handles reservations and costs for the inter island flights for the Hawaiian Islands flights as well as the Belize/Costa Rica trip.
Can I use frequent flyer miles?
You can use frequent flyer miles to get to your location. Also, keep in mind that many frequent flyer miles are non transferable should you miss a connection and have to change airlines. We recommend you use only frequent flyer miles on non stop flights. Furthermore, we suggest you do not make non-refundable reservations for your trip in case you cannot join us.
When should I purchase my ticket?
Once you have received your Trip Information Packet (acceptance packet) that gives you specific times to arrive and depart your gateway city, you can begin securing your flight. In the event of low enrollment for a specific program, we will encourage you to hold off on making your reservations until we secure more students on your trip.
Do you work with a travel agency?
We do. All Seasons Travel is well in tune with all of our trips and can help you secure the best deal for your trip.
Do I need identification?
For all US programs, please bring a school ID, driver’s license, photo copy of your birth certificate or other form of ID. Please do not bring your passport on our US trips. Identification is not required for most travelers under 15 years of age, but check with your airline to confirm. For International trips, you will need one the IDs listed above and your passport.
Do I need a passport?
For all students on our international programs, you will need to bring your valid passport with an expiration date of at least six months after the trip end date. If you do not already have a passport, you should begin the process as soon as you enroll for your Moondance trip. You can apply for a passport at the Post Office. You can visit www.travel.state.gov for additional passport information. It typically takes six weeks to receive your passport once you have submitted your application. Please leave a photo copy of your passport at home.
Can my family visit me while I’m on my trip?
Since we are constantly on the move while on our trips, it is impossible for parents to meet up with groups. In addition, having parents meeting groups can disrupt the dynamics of the group, so we feel that it is best to share this adventure with only your group.
Do I need any additional money on travel days?
We ask each student to bring an extra $20 bill with them to give to their leaders for travel money home at the conclusion of your trip. This money will be taken up on the first day and returned at the airport at the end of your trip. We also suggest that students bring personal spending money which will be used for laundry, showers, and personal items. For domestic trips, $60 a week will suffice, and for International trips $75 a week will suffice. If you traveling in international destinations, we suggest bringing smaller bills which are easier to use and exchange abroad.
Should I choose a direct flight?
This always seems to be the best way to travel, even if it means driving to an airport that is not as close to your local airport. For example, if you live in Birmingham, AL, consider flying out of Atlanta to your destination. This helps eliminate difficulties in connecting cities should a delay occur. However, direct flights are nearly impossible for some of the destinations in which we travel (i.e Jackson Hole, Cusco, Peru) so please choose the most convenient itinerary.
What about flying as an unaccompanied minor?
Each airline has its own policies for flying as unaccompanied minors. We suggest you contact your airline directly to find out how they handle this. Moondance will give you the names and phone numbers of your leaders who will meet the students at the gates several days before your trip begins. Keep in mind that almost all airlines will not allow unaccompanied minors travel on the last flight of the day.
Can Moondance put me in touch with others who are flying from the same city?
Absolutely, especially if you are flying out of a major city. Give us a call and we will help in any way we can.
When should I arrive?
We have set guidelines that will be included in your acceptance packet of when you should arrive on opening day and depart at the conclusion of your trip. It is very important that you stay within the given time frame. If your flight times seem questionable, please call the Moondance office for assistance.
What if I have to make a connecting flight?
If you do have to make a connection, give yourself plenty of time to make the flight in the event of a delay. We try to get everyone in to our opening city at a certain time, so this may mean that you will have to leave rather early in the morning to connect to your final destination.
Where will I go once I arrive at the airport?
Moondance leaders will be wearing a Moondance t-shirt and waiting for you at every arrival location, but if you are unable to locate your leader, go to the Delta baggage claim as we use this in every opening city to help you locate your leaders and other members of your group. Once your leaders meet you, they will help you go collect your duffel bag at your airline baggage claim.
