Frequently Asked Questions
Alumni Tours FAQs
Traveling with the Ohio State Alumni Association makes it easy to discover and explore new places, meet new Buckeyes, relax and leave the details to our reputable, pre-screened tour operators.
Traveling with us makes it easy to discover and explore new places, make new friends, and leave the planning and details to our reputable, pre-screened tour operators. We partner with them to create high quality group travel experiences that feature opportunities for immersive lifelong learning. The Buckeye alumni camaraderie, special Ohio State touches and unmatched care set us apart.
No, we welcome all.
To fully enjoy the travel experience, participants must be in good physical and mental health. Please keep in mind that all trips include lots of walking and other group activities that are considered active in nature.
Your level of preparedness and ability will have an impact on the other participants. Those requiring special assistance must be accompanied by someone who can and will provide such help.
We are pleased to offer a collection of tours with no single supplement. Single spaces are limited and it is recommended to book as soon as possible.
If a tour includes a single supplement, you may request assistance with finding a roommate, but shared accommodations cannot be guaranteed.
The median age of our travelers is ~60 years of age, give or take 30 years on each side. While we welcome children, programming is created with our general audience in mind and often there are minimum age requirements.
We offer trips designed with specific age groups in mind such as young alumni tours (designed for alumni aged 21-40) and the Classic Europe for Graduating Seniors.
Online booking is offered for most of our tours. On a specific tour webpage, click the "Tour Details and Registration" button to be guided to our co-branded websites with our tour operators. You are also welcome to call the tour operator and book directly with a representative.
An example of the button to look for is below:
The tour operator can book your flights. You can either request this when making a reservation online or you by calling the tour operator. Airfare is typically not in included in the price of the tour, unless noted otherwise. You are also welcome to book your own flights.
There are cancellation penalties in effect after a deposit has been received. Depending on the tour operator, trip and date of cancellation, these fees revolve on an incremental scale in relation to the date of departure. Please read the Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policy for your tour.
No one expects trip delays or interruptions, the need to cancel from a trip, or costs incurred due to a medical emergency or lost luggage. However, such events do occur. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you consider purchasing trip cancellation and medical insurance, to protect your financial investment.
An option available to you is USI Travel Insurance Services, the preferred provider of travel insurance for The Ohio State University. You can find additional details, request a quote, and purchase a plan online at https://my.travelinsure.com/ohiostate/, or by calling 1-800-937-1387.
Our tour operators have developed a thorough health and safety plan for your trip and will work with travelers to maintain health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of illness.
Vaccination requirements vary by trip. Please review the trip brochure or visit the specific tour’s webpage for more information. More information will also be included in your pre-departure documents. If you have additional questions, please contact the tour operator.
Our tour operators work closely with a vast network of agencies to actively monitor situations where travel advisories are in place or severe weather is occurring. If you have specific questions, we encourage you to reach out to the tour operator directly.
On each tour’s webpage, the tour operator is listed within the gray details box under “Contact.”
We have partnered with tour operators who provide top-level customer service. They are eager and ready to assist you with your questions. You can reach out to our tour operators at the following numbers:
- AESU: 800-638-7640
- AHI Travel: 800-323-7373
- Go Next: 800-842-9023
- Orbridge: 866-639-0079
- Sports and Entertainment Travel: 888-401-3050