Educational Tours FAQ
Everything You Need to Know
Planning an educational tour can raise lots of questions — and we’re here to help! Our FAQs cover everything you need to know about CTS Educational Tours, from trip planning and safety to travel logistics and student experiences.
General
All tours are led by local, licensed tour guides who are experts in their respective destinations. We will also provide you with a tour manager that stays with your group throughout the duration of your trip.
We offer tours for students from 4th grade through university level, with itineraries designed to complement academic curriculum.
Washington D.C., New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Boston top our list — but we’re happy to plan trips across the U.S. or internationally!
Top Educational Tour Destinations
What students learn: American history comes alive at Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the National Constitution Center.
Walkability: Many historic sites are within walking distance in Old City, making it easy to see multiple landmarks in one day.
Student favorites: Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Museum of Art (and the “Rocky Steps”), and of course, authentic Philly cheesesteaks!
Must-see sites: U.S. Capitol, White House exterior, Smithsonian Museums, Lincoln Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery.
Smithsonian access: Admission is free, and we include student favorites like Air & Space, Natural History, or the National Museum of American History.
Capitol tours: Available with advance planning due to high demand.
Educational highlights: The Art Institute, Museum of Science and Industry, and Field Museum blend art, history, and science.
Skyline views: Visits often include Willis Tower’s Skydeck or 360 Chicago.
Student favorites: Navy Pier, Millennium Park (“The Bean”), and deep-dish pizza!
Top experiences: Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Broadway, and Central Park.
Broadway option: Many groups attend a Broadway or Off-Broadway show for an unforgettable cultural experience.
City navigation: Itineraries are structured with clear meeting points and strong chaperone support for student safety.
Trip Planner Information
Absolutely! We’ll provide a sample itinerary, and you’ll have the flexibility to modify it — adding, removing, or swapping activities to best fit your class goals and interests.
We’re a full-service company, supporting you every step of the way:
Technology: 24/7 online portal access for rooming lists, payments, and live manifests.
Marketing Collateral: Custom brochures, posters, and social media graphics to promote your trip.
Personnel: A dedicated Account Manager will work with you to develop an itinerary, conduct parent meetings, and a pre-departure meeting. A Corporate Travel Tour Manager will stay with you throughout the duration of your trip, from departure to return.
We recommend planning 6–12 months in advance to secure admissions at popular museums and attractions. If you’re under six months out, reach out — we’ll work to accommodate your timeline.
Rooming lists are typically due 60 days prior to departure, unless your hotel requires earlier submission.
Booking Your Educational Tour
Scan to the QR code or click the link found on your brochure (Learn More or Book Online), or search for your trip on the Corporate Travel website using the search bar and click ‘BOOK NOW’.
Create an account or use your existing username and password.
Confirm that the trip code and group code in the link match those supplied for the tour.
Provide passenger information details for yourself, another traveler, or multiple members of your travel party.
Select tour options (and Travel Protection) if applicable.
Review payments and provide payment method.
Carefully read through the Terms and Conditions and check the box to acknowledge your agreement.
Click ‘Confirm Payment’ to finalize your booking.
Once you have completed your booking, you will receive a confirmation email.
Typically, domestic student tours offer single and double accommodations for adults and quad accommodations for students. In the event of an unequal number of travelers, some students may be accommodated in a triple room. If you are registering on your own and do not have a roommate, you are responsible for the single occupancy rate.
Trip Preparation & What to Expect
Trip inclusions vary by school but often include meals, transportation, accommodations, and guided tour activities.
Rooming is coordinated by the school. Typically, students stay in quad rooms, while adults stay in single or double accommodations. Contact your school’s group leader for specific details.
Students should follow their school’s dress code and dress in layers for changing weather. We recommend packing one formal outfit for special events or dinners. Any additional clothing requirements will be shared before departure.
Contact your account manager to learn if scholarship opportunities are available for your school. We’re also happy to provide creative fundraising tips and ideas.
Many schools welcome parent volunteers as chaperones or fundraising coordinators. Some also organize matching t-shirts for group visibility (and a fun keepsake!). Reach out to your school for opportunities.
Itineraries vary by destination, but any free time will be supervised and organized within chaperone groups.
Handheld devices are permitted based on your school’s policies, but we encourage students to focus on the experience and connect with their peers.
* If you take photos during the tour, we’d love to see them! Send them our way for a chance to be featured on our social media.
Safety on Student Tours
Your child’s safety is our top priority. We provide trusted overnight security at each hotel and partner only with reputable vendors and suppliers. Our team conducts careful attendance checks each time students re-enter the bus or move between activities to ensure everyone is accounted for.
In coordination with your school, parents or guardians will be notified immediately. Our team will take all necessary steps to ensure your child’s well-being and recovery.
Medication is monitored and managed by the school throughout the tour. We recommend keeping essential items like EpiPens or inhalers accessible on the bus, as luggage stored underneath will not be easily reachable during travel.
About 45 days before your tour, you’ll receive a survey requesting allergy and dietary information. We use this to plan meals and restaurant experiences that meet each student’s needs.
Check with your group leader for phone policies. While phones are great for photos and communication, we encourage students to stay engaged and fully immersed in their learning experience.
Cancellations & Travel Protection
Please complete this form to submit your cancellation.
If you have purchased trip protection/travel insurance, please contact your insurance provider directly to process a claim.
No, all payments made to Corporate Travel are non-refundable. This is why Corporate Travel always recommends the purchase of trip protection/travel insurance to protect your investment in the case of a cancellation.
Tour payments cannot be transferred to other tours. A name change (passenger replacement) is considered a cancellation, and deposited amounts remain nonrefundable and nontransferable.
In the rare case where a featured leader or the sponsoring organization cannot participate due to extenuating circumstances, we will do our best to secure a suitable replacement. Travelers will still be expected to travel as planned.
*We always recommend Travel Insured’s Cancel For Any Reason Plan for those who wish to have additional securities against unlikely scenarios.