Who is StudentCity?

We are a student tour operator, specializing in spring, summer, and winter trips for college students. StudentCity has been operating since 1987. As a member of the Travelopia group of companies, we are committed to providing the ultimate travel experience to over 20,000 students each year. Not only do we make your flight and hotel arrangements, but we also plan special events, parties, and even book the biggest names in talent to headline at the hottest venues in specific destinations. There is never a dull moment when you’re traveling with StudentCity! We are committed to going beyond the role of a traditional travel agent, allowing us to ensure that you will have the best experience possible.

What is Spring Break?

Spring Break is a recess from college classes during the spring semester. Each school typically has one week off between the last weeks in February through the end of April. It is estimated that over 3.7 million students travel during this period, making it one of the biggest travel periods of the year.

What kinds of events does StudentCity plan?

StudentCity organizes tons of events in the most popular travel locations, combining local flavor with our own high-energy party style. We organize themed nights at local clubs, open bar specials, beach parties, and contests. We also line up more celebrity hosts and entertainers than any other tour operator. Like us on Facebook to get updates on the locations, events, and celebrities and where they will be for Spring Break.

In Cancun, we run our own music festival. Inception Music Festival features 30 days and 30 nights of the world’s top DJs and other artists performing at Cancun’s hottest clubs, such as The City, Dady’O, Palazzo, Mandala, Mandala Beach, and more! Past talent has included Hardwell, Tiesto, Afrojack, Nicky Romero, Snoop Dogg, Lil Jon, Fedde Le Grand, and dozens more.

In Nassau, StudentCity hosts the ONLY open bar events on the island, which are exclusive to StudentCity travelers, and feature top-notch talent.

In Panama City Beach, Florida, StudentCity offers the only Party Package Bundle, which offers free pregame parties, VIP access to the hottest clubs, and tickets to Sharky’s Beach Bash Music Festival, which takes place every Wednesday afternoon during Spring Break and has featured artists as big as Steve Aoki in the past.

For access to the best parties and events with headlining talent, StudentCity travelers have the ability to purchase a Party Package that will get you into the most popular and exclusive parties. This is available at our most popular Spring Break destinations. You can either buy at the time of booking (which is the easiest), or at any time before you leave, both online or by calling 1-888-777-4642. You can also purchase the StudentCity Party Package on location at your Welcome Orientation; however, as packages do sell out, we strongly recommend buying before you leave.

What fees should I know about?

Airport Fees:

If you are traveling internationally, you'll be charged U.S. and foreign departure taxes and fees in addition to your package price. These taxes and fees vary depending on your departure city and destination, and may change if the government changes the fees between the time you book and the time you travel. Passengers are responsible for any changes in taxes and fees. Tours may also include a processing fee that varies by destination. When you price your trip, all airport fees and processing fees will be included in your final price.

Change Fees:

Changes are no problem as long as our suppliers can accommodate the request. We can't make any guarantees, but we do promise to make every effort on your behalf. There is a per person fee for changing a reservation in any way once StudentCity has received your deposit. Adding customers to an existing reservation is NOT considered a change. Change fees will be applied for, but are not limited to, the following situations: name changes, hotel changes, and destination changes. These additional fees will appear on your final price after the change has been made.

Cancellation Fees:

Once your deposit is received, all cancellations must be written and sent to our office via email. There is a cancellation fee that will be assessed to your account based on time of cancellation. If your package is paid in full and includes the Comprehensive Travel Insurance, you may be entitled to a refund through the insurance company. Please contact our Customer Service department at [email protected] with any cancellation requests or questions.

What does the Comprehensive Travel Insurance cover?

The Comprehensive Travel Insurance can cover a range of unforeseen instances that affect travel, such as medical expenses, trip cancelation, trip delay or baggage delay, just to name a few.  For full coverage information, please download our description of insurance coverage document.  Please note your travel insurance does not cover your account until your trip is paid in full.  

Is there a fee for checked luggage with the airline?

Please note that many airlines now charge a fee for checked baggage, which is not included in your price. Please see your airline's website or call their toll-free number for their current baggage allowance and schedule. If a fee should apply, it will be paid by you directly to the airline upon your physical check in on your day of departure.
 

Are hotel deposits required?

Hotels reserve the right to charge a refundable damage/security deposit that is collected at check-in and returned if there is no damage to your room. In many hotels, this can be provided at the time of check-in with a credit card, but be prepared to pay cash if the hotel requires it. This will range from $50 to $150 per person. In rare instances, hotels may charge additional gratuities, non-refundable usages fees, etc. either in advance or at check-in. These hotel-specific fees will show up on your invoice if they are collected in advance, or in your trip documents and on our website if you need to pay at the hotel. The Oasis in Cancun, Mexico charges a non-refundable damage fee of $20-$50 per person that will be collected by the hotel upon your arrival.

What is all-inclusive? How is it different from a standard room?

Some international hotels may have an all-inclusive room option, a standard room option, or a combination of both. With an all-inclusive room option, the cost of your trip includes your meals and drinks at your hotel; you simply show your all-inclusive wristband provided to you when you check in. The standard room option means that you are only booking a hotel room at that hotel and you will need to purchase your meals and drinks separately while you are traveling. If the hotel offers both room types they will be able to distinguish between guests by assigning different color wristbands which will identify which room type you purchased.

Will random people be put in my room?

Random travelers from other groups will not be put into your room unless we receive permission to do so.

You are responsible for finding your own roommates and notifying your Group Organizer accordingly. Should any or all of your roommate(s) cancel, you will be responsible for the increased price due to occupancy changes prior to departure. Please review your account/invoice for occupancy surcharge rates. If you and/or your Group Organizer fail to provide a rooming list, StudentCity may assign your groups’ rooming list at our discretion, which may include co-ed rooms.

How can I pay for my trip?

StudentCity accepts checks and money orders, as well as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. You may make credit card payments on our secure website via your online account, or by calling our office at 1-888-777-4642 to pay by phone.

For checks and money orders please send them to:

StudentCity Customer Service Department

8 Essex Center Drive

Peabody, MA 01960.

Please write your Customer ID on your check or money order before mailing it in.

What happens if I register now but I am late in paying for the trip?

Failure to make timely payments may result in cancellation of your reservation, loss of first-choice hotel, flight, cruise and/or other transportation, assessment of a late fee or a reinstatement fee, and/or removal of all price discounts/adjustments and booking incentives previously applied to your account.

What if I have to cancel or change my reservation? What is your refund policy?

StudentCity will accommodate any changes as long as our suppliers can accommodate the request. We can't make any guarantees, but we do promise to make every effort on your behalf. There is a per person fee for changing a reservation once StudentCity had received your deposit. Adding new travelers to an existing reservation is not considered a change. Change fees will be applied for, but are not limited to, the following situations: name changes, hotel changes, airport change, and destination changes. These additional fees will appear on your final price after the change.

Once your deposit has been made, and you decide cancel, your must submit your cancellation in writing to [email protected]. Please read your Tour Participation Agreement for more details on the Cancellation Policy or refer to the "What fees should I know about?" section of the FAQs.

Can I transfer my reservation to someone else?

In most cases, yes, you may transfer your reservation to someone else, free of charge, if you have not yet placed your initial deposit. There will be a name change fee, a minimum of $35, added to the new reservation for this transfer once the initial deposit has been made. If flights have already been purchased, you may be assessed an additional fee from the airline or not be able to transfer your booking to someone else. Please contact us at 1-888-777-4642 if you are looking to do a name change on your trip, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. All name change requests will need to be submitted in writing to [email protected]

Do I need a passport?

The Departments of State and Homeland Security require US citizens to have a passport for international travel. So, if you are traveling to any of our Mexico or Caribbean destinations, you will need to obtain a passport prior to departure. Click here for more information.

What if I am not a US citizen?

If you are not a U.S. citizen, it is your responsibility to contact your local consulate and secure the necessary documents needed to travel to your chosen destination. If you don't bring the correct documentation to the airport, you won't be allowed to board the plane and unfortunately, you'll have to forfeit your entire trip.

Do I need any shots to travel out of country?


According the Center for Disease Control (CDC,) you will not need shots for travel to any of our current destinations. For more information, visit the CDC website here.

Will I have a direct flight?

We do not guarantee a non-stop or direct flight. However, sometimes that option is available for an additional fee. If it is available, it will be included as an available option when you choose your flight during the booking process.

Which airline will I fly?

This depends on which flight option you choose. You may choose a preferred airline when you book your trip, usually for a fee in addition to our standard package price. Otherwise, we utilize many different charter and scheduled airlines, including, but not limited to, American, US Air, Jet Blue, AirTran, United, Miami Air International, and Spirit Airlines. All charter airlines are subject to the same maintenance rules and inspections put forth by the FAA. In some cases you will be flown on a scheduled airline or in seats that we have purchased through a charter airline not listed above. All flight info will be posted to your online account no later than 3 weeks prior to departure.

Can I use frequent flyer miles?

We do not accept frequent flyer miles, but if you wish to use them, you have the option to reserve your hotel and party packages through us and book your own flight. Please call us at 1-888-777-4642 so we can help you set up these options.

Can I purchase a hotel only package and book my flight on my own?

Yes, StudentCity does offer a hotel-only option if you would like to book only your hotel accommodations with us and then purchase your own flight.

When do I receive my travel documents?

Travel documents will not be made available until passengers have made a full payment and accepted the customer agreement online (simply click I Accept online when prompted). All travelers MUST print and bring their travel vouchers by accessing their account on our website; NOTHING WILL BE MAILED TO YOU. An email notification will be sent to you and/or your StudentCity Group Organizer/Campus Representative when your travel documents are ready. In most cases, the travel documents are available to print 5-14 days prior to departure. StudentCity is not responsible for undelivered or misdirected email, so please be sure to continue to check your online account for updates.

How much luggage should I bring?

Please note that many airlines charge a fee for checked baggage, which is not included in your price. Please see your airline carrier’s website or call their toll-free number for their current baggage allowance and schedule. If a fee should apply, it will be paid by you directly to the airline upon your physical check in on your day of departure.
 

What if I miss my flight?

If you miss your flight on a commercial carrier (regardless of the reason) on the inbound route, you will need to contact the airline immediately and try to fly standby on another flight. Also, you will need to check the status of your outbound (returning) flight. In almost all circumstances, the airline will automatically cancel your return ticket, however, it is best you work directly with the airline ticket agent to secure a flight to your destination and back.

You will be responsible for paying all fees that may apply. In order to be provided an updated airport transfer, you must also notify StudentCity of any airline changes you have made. If you miss your return flight, you must go to the airport immediately and contact the carrier to find the next available flight. You will be responsible for paying all fees that may apply.

If you miss your inbound flight on a charter flight, you will almost always have to buy a brand new one-way ticket to your destination on a commercial carrier and notify StudentCity of these changes for the appropriate transfer to be provided. Note: it’s usually possible to retain the return portion of the ticket. You should check with StudentCity Customer Service in the event that this occurs.

What if my flight is delayed?

In the event of a flight delay, please be patient and understand that everyone involved is working to get each traveler to his or her destination as quickly and safely as possible. If you leave the tour, make long distance phone calls, or incur expenses, regardless of reason, you will not be reimbursed. Flight delays are unfortunate, but are an inherent risk in air travel. As a result of recent changes in US D.O.T. regulations, air carriers/tour companies are no longer required to provide any compensation (i.e. meals, accommodations, missed vacation time and features) unless a delay is more than 48 hours. If you have purchased Comprehensive Travel Insurance, which has provisions for flight delays, please contact Travel Guard for reimbursement options.

Does StudentCity supply chaperones?

No, StudentCity does not supply chaperones, but we do provide 24-hour on site professional staff to assist you.*

StudentCity views its student travelers as responsible adults. Staff will provide all travelers with a complete Welcome Orientation upon arrival. We'll tell you what to do in case of an emergency, how to find our staff, and other important information to ensure maximum safety, as well as fun. In some locations StudentCity partners with other tour operators who will provide you with various types of orientations and assistance. You should check with a Customer Service representative at 1-888-777-4642 to find out exactly what is available at your location, or check the destination page on the website.

*For most destinations. Exceptions do apply.

What does it mean when a hotel is listed as "on request" on your website?

If a hotel is listed as "on request," you are your roommates must pay your required deposit and StudentCity will send your reservation request to the hotel for confirmation.

In the unlikely event that the hotel is unable to confirm your reservation, we will offer you an alternative hotel or a full refund.

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