Frequently Asked Questions: For Kids
General
Q: Why should I go on this trip?
This trip is going to be fun! Our trips are designed to provide you with a sense of adventure. We'll be taking you places that are less frequented by tourists. You won't be stuck on a bus all day long. You'll get to meet other kids and hang out with new people in each destination
Q: Why is this trip important to your grandparents or parents?
Your parents and grandparents want to take advantage of this special time with you now that you are older and able to appreciate the world in which we live. Also, the adults in your life value family relationships and get-togethers as important and meaningful. Vacations are perfect opportunities to create lasting memories for everyone, and at GTC, we make sure everyone has fun creating those memories.
Also, Your parents and grandparents know, although you probably disagree, that it won’t be long before you leave home and start a life of your own. They want to build memories of their time with you before you have your first job or go off to college.
Q: What kinds of fun things will we be able to do?
That depends on which GTC adventure you choose. What’s your idea of fun? Snorkeling with sea lions in the waters of the Galapagos Islands? Watching Major League Baseball? Walking on Costa Rica’s beaches at night to watch sea turtles lay their eggs? As you can see, we have so many options from which you can choose. Your only problem will be which adventure to select. Take a look at our itineraries and tell your parents or grandparents which trip gets YOUR vote!
Before You Leave
Q: How much money should I bring?
You’ll probably want to buy some gifts for friends and family (as well as a keepsake for yourself!) to take back home with you. We suggest the equivalent of U.S. $50–$100, but please check with the adult who will be accompanying you on this trip. You do not have to worry about money for a late-afternoon snack, as we have it covered.
Q: What clothes and supplies do I need to bring?
This will depend on where and when you’re traveling. Generally, we advise guests to travel light; we provide a list to help you decide what to pack and what to leave behind. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars, but you don’t need to bring any specialized equipment (such as kayaks or snorkel gear) for your planned activities; we have that covered.
Q: What about Ipods and Gameboys?
We recognize that music and electronic games are a big part of our culture today. However, we discourage the use of personal electronic devices on tours. We believe people should "tune in" and not "tune out." Your electronic gadgets also might be a target for thieves so please be responsible and don’t be a “showboat”. Additionally, the GTC guide may ask you to put away your electronic devices in the interest of safety.
Q: What is the purpose behind the reading list?
Along with a packing list, we will send you a list of reading resources concerning your destination that make your trip more interesting. While reading before you leave is not mandatory, a book or Web site can prepare you for what you will see and do. We want to give you an overview of your chosen destination in order to make your adventure even more meaningful. Understanding where you will be going and how the people live in each destination is invaluable.
While on Tour
Q: Is going to be like school?
Absolutely not! Our hope is that you'll learn something on this trip, because education has never been this fun. We want you to know how some rainforest plants are used in medicines, how to throw a curveball, how to tell an orca from a porpoise or how ancient people built a temple on a mountain 8,000 feet above sea level.
Q: Will I meet other kids who live in the place I am going to visit?
Yes, one of our goals is for you to meet and learn about various places and people. You'll meet other kids in a variety of ways. For example, you could visit them at their school, play a game of soccer or swap songs and information about your lives. We want you to experience the lives of other kids at each destination.
Q: What kind of foods will we eat?
While we cannot describe every meal, we can say the meals are both nutritious and delicious! Some meals may be buffet style, but each buffet will be different depending on the tour destination. Food is, of course, part of culture, and we ensure that culturally specific foods are offered to our guests. We can also request kid-friendly alternatives at each meal. In all cases, we include a healthy mix of fresh foods. If you have specific dietary needs please notify us. You can use our Special Requests Web page to do so, or call us directly at 1-888-415-9100.
Q: What kind of snacks are there? Should we bring our own?
Snacks are designed to give you a quick energy boost, if necessary, between meals. Our Snacks Onboard! feature provides a snack of granola bars, nuts, cookies, water, etc., when you are on the motor coach, and on some trips. Due to agricultural restrictions, you won’t be able to bring any food with you from the U.S., so snacks will be purchased at the destination that you are visiting.
You won’t have the same choices available as at home, but there are many delicious treats to be found all over the world—and that’s part of the fun of travel!
Q: What kind of beds will we be sleeping in?
We will not always be staying in a traditional hotel. Each place is different. Generally, beds are twin size and in the more traditional hotels, there will probably be an attached bathroom. However, there may be no adjoining bedrooms.
Q: What is global awareness? Why is it important?
We think it is important for young and maturing people to be educated from a global perspective. There is so much going on and changing in our world. We see it every day on TV, at the movies or in magazines. Every decision made has consequences that may affect you, your community and the world in which we live. We want you to know that our globe is home to many different and unique people. Making connections between you and others, understanding similarities, differences and common concerns of people everywhere, will make you a better citizen and human being.
Q: What does responsible tourism mean?
Today's tourist needs to be sensitive to the people and places we visit. We may be able to provide income to people who might really need it. But tourism can also hurt the environment or be disrespectful of another's culture. We must be careful about littering or damaging the environment. Most of all we must build bridges and friendships by understanding other cultures and their customs.
After You Get Back
Q: How does GTC’s photo contest work?
When you get home and see what your pictures look like, send us or e-mail us your favorites. If we can use them, you will get a photo credit wherever we use your picture. You will also receive a GTC Contributor's Certificate if you win our contest. Your career as a professional photographer will be off to a great start!
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