Frequently Asked Questions

Can participants make payments?
YES!  After participants submit a deposit, they will receive update mailings on their account approximately every other month.  Included in the updates are payment coupons that encourage registrants to make $100 progress payments.  Full payment is due on or before March 1, 2008.

Do participants pick their own roommates?
YES!  In May, 2008, the Organizers will be compiling the official roommate list for the group with the Participants' help.

What's not included in the package price?
There are U.S. and Mexico departure and customs taxes totaling $95  ($40 for Hawaii).   As a service to our Participants, we collect all taxes ahead of time to facilitate travel.  Additionally, there is a $30 refundable security deposit on your hotel room that is also collected prior to travel.

How much money should I take?
You know your spending habits better than anyone, so it’s hard to determine how much money you will need. Some of our students do fine on $300.00 while others need $600.00. Prices for food, beverage, etc. are similar to those of U.S., but will change with the exchange rate.

When is my departure date?
The departure date is usually 1 to 14 days after graduation.  The exact date will be confirmed in writing once all groups are registered and paid in full.

Do I need a passport?
Yes, this is the first year that simply a photo driver’s license and a notarized copy of your birth certificate will NOT work. Everyone on any air or sea package will be required to have a current and valid passport. As of December 31, 2006 and beyond, The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda have passports. Start now on this simple but time consuming process. Following is a helpful link operated by our government  http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_832.html     These items may take a few weeks to receive, so GET started now!  All travelers under 18 years of age MUST have a notarized permission to travel from BOTH parents/guardians prior to departure.  (Passports not needed for Hawaii)

Where do I go with questions on-site?
GRAD WEEK Travel operates 24-hour GRAD WEEK offices at each destination that are accessible to all Participants.  They serve as the hub of information for the GRAD WEEK. The phone number(s) of the 24-hour office(s) is printed in the Departure Package of each Participant so that parents can contact a member of our staff on-site 24 hours a day.

What if I have more questions now?
GRAD WEEK's got you covered!  Your best source of information is your local college or high school Sales Manager / Event Coordinator, or through Student Adventure Travel retail/internet sales division at (800) 328-7513.  Additionally, upon submitting a deposit, each Participant will receive a Confirmation Package loaded with information, and subsequent mailings about every other month that should answer most or all of your questions.  GRAD WEEK's Customer Care Department is also available Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm PST at (916) 939-6805, by fax at (916) 939-6806.  Customer care can be contacted (not sales) after the initial deposit is made and you receive your first bill. 

Who's Invited?
We are often asked "who can participate"? All members of the Class of 2008 and their guests are welcome. Additionally, relatives that attend a different school, or friends that have graduated in recent years may also participate. Simply provide each of your friends with a copy of the brochure and return the application with their deposit. We will be happy to add them to your trip!

Does the school have to sponsor the trip?
No. Your senior trip takes place after graduation. It has no connection with the school. Occasionally, parents or faculty members will help organize and even participate in the trip.

Do you supply chaperones?
Not exactly. You are treated as responsible adults. We provide professional, adult GRAD WEEK Travel staff housed on site at each resort. Many of our staff have been formally trained in first aid and CPR. Our staff are there to help you out if you have any problems, not to baby-sit you like chaperones. You only graduate from high school once in your life, and we want to ensure that you have the most enjoyable, safest trip possible.

What if I need medical attention?
Professional medical services are available at every trip destination. Our staff is very familiar with local hospitals and on-call doctors. We are there to help you in the event of a medical emergency. Included in the price of all Mexico trips is medical insurance which is paid on the spot. We don’t cover any claims due to pre-existing medical conditions. (Special conditions apply.)  Automatically covered in any of our packages is $5000 emergency medical, $10,000 emergency evacuation, and up to $100,000 flight insurance.

What if I need to cancel?
Please refer to policy page on our web site or on the back of our main color brochures.  Cancellations MUST be made in writing and mailed return receipt requested to GRAD WEEK's headquarters.  Cancellations received:

What is the drinking age in Mexico?
The drinking age is 18, but is rarely enforced. Student Adventure Travel/GRAD WEEK does not promote, endorse, sponsor, advocate, or recommend the use of alcohol in any way on our tours. 

Will someone meet my school at the airport upon arrival?
Yes! Our companies fully staff our destinations. Professional GRAD WEEK staff is housed on-site at each destination and their job is to see that you and your classmates have a safe and fun-filled trip. A majority of GRAD WEEK’s on-site staff is CPR trained and certified. Our staff meets you upon arrival at each destination, briefs you upon arrival at your hotel, assists you through the week and finally, sees you off at the airport for your return home.