As questions begin to roll in, we will start compiling a list of FAQ's here:
How much spending money should I send with my child?
This is always such a hard question. We have some kids who come with little to no spending money, and others that come with waaaayyyyy too much. They only need money for lunch and dinner on the way down (usually at a travel plaza along the highway). All other meals are covered if they choose one of the several options they are given each time. Some purchase additional drinks or small snacks along the way (although we feel like every time we turn around we are eating another meal. We are never hungry!) The souvenirs are where they spend most of their money. The gift shops in the museums can be pricey, which is why we try and make a point (not a guarantee, but I try and make sure we can fit it in) to stop at an actual souvenir store at some point. The things there are usually minimally priced, and run the gamut from magnets and postcards, to clothing and bobbleheads. Sweatshirts are usually around $30, to give you a rough idea.
Bottom line....we don't suggest sending them with any more than $100, and they probably won't need more than $50.
"What is the price of trip insurance?"
Trip insurance is an optional expense, but it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! The cost is $197, and will allow families to get their money back should circumstances cause a student to not be able to attend. Cancellations for non-medical reasons will result in families receiving 70% of their paid registration fees back (minus the deposit). Covered medical reasons result in 100% of registrations fees being refunded (minus the deposit) with evidence of a medical note. WITHOUT THE TRIP INSURANCE, ALL FUNDS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. Trip insurance must be purchased within 15 days of paying your initial deposit.
"Will there be night time security for our group at the hotel?
Yes! We hire an independent security company to watch the floors that our students are on. They are on duty from 10PM-5AM. During other times, our NHS staff members and parent chaperones monitor the hallways.
"Are there multiple bus drivers per bus?"
Yes! We will have a relay driver on the long drives down and back to DC. Our bus drivers follow all federal guidelines required by the Department of Transportation and adhere to legal limits for total driving hours in a day. They take the federal guidelines very seriously.
"Can my student bring a snack or drink on the bus ride?"
Yes! All drinks must have a resealable cap, and students are responsible for picking up their trash. No student is allowed to get onto the bus at the start of the trip with any kind of previously-opened container. Unopened bottles of water, juice, etc, may be brought on the bus,, but cannot be opened until we begin our trip. Once we are on the trip, unopened bottles of soda, water, juice, coffee, etc. may be brought on-board. ENERGY DRINKS LIKE RED BULLS AND MONSTERS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT ANY TIME ON THE TRIP.
We are a "Nut Aware" trip, in that we ask travelers to be aware that we may have travelers with sensitivities or allergies to various nuts, but we do not restrict those items from our trip as there is no location on our trip that we can 100% guarantee will be nut free. Students with allergies need to let the NHS Health Center know as soon as possible so their safety on the trip can be planned out.
"Will there be gluten free options at the restaurants?"
Yes! Most restaurant locations have gluten free options, however our travel agency will double check with the restaurants to be sure. Please let NHS staff know of any special dietary restrictions as soon as possible. Please be sure to note this on your account when creating your reservation so the travel company can alert the locations we will be dining at.
"What if a parent drove down themselves and wanted to join the group?
This is not permitted due to our liability insurance. If something was to happen, the school would be solely liable for the issues. If they are listed on our roster and have paid to travel, then they are covered as a chaperone and must travel exclusively with us (including the trip down and back on the bus). Additionally, we will need to make reservations to visit many of the locations and we will not be able to bring in additional people.
"If parents come with the group, do they have to follow the itinerary?"
Yes. Due to insurance reasons and ticketing, anyone traveling with the group must remain with the group throughout the whole trip.
"Will chaperones be staying in the same room as the students?"
No. Students will room with other students that they have selected. If a student's parent is chaperoning- the student and parent will have the option to share a room, but you might need to pay for the upcharge to a double-occupancy room.
"What should we pack?"
Just prior to the trip, 8th grade staff will review important trip information with our students, and there will be a Parent Information Night to go over final itinerary items and important info, including what to pack, with parents and students.
"Does the deposit come off the total price of the trip?"
Yes, the deposit comes off of the total price.
"If you fundraise, how does it help if I've already paid off the trip? Will the money get refunded to me?"
Yes. Any fundraising that we do will be forwarded directly to the travel company and will come off of any balance that you may have. Before we send the money, we check all student accounts to see if there is a balance or not. If we see you have no balance due, we will refund that money to you prior to us sending the fundraising proceeds to the travel company.