Trip Types

The NAA Travel Program organizes trips that transverse the globe and vary in itinerary, cost and structure. Here are the most common trip structures. Find the right fit for you!

Alumni Campus Abroad (ACA - AHI) / Village Life Programs (Gohagan)
These all-or-mostly-inclusive itineraries are typically one week to ten days long, highly educational, and moderately priced. One convenience is the “unpack only once” aspect of the tour. If the tour is a land program, comfortable accommodations are located in a smaller town and the group is transported by motor coach to different destinations each day. If the program is a cruise, your luggage travels on board the ship with you and typically docks at each city you will be exploring.

Deluxe Programs and Cruises
These itineraries are usually ten days to two weeks and they offer free time, lectures and guided tours. Most accommodations are four or five star hotels or cruise ships and travelers visit several different cities or towns. The price of the deluxe tours reflects the level of accommodations and the length of the tour.

Discoveries/Escapades (AHI)
These distinctive travel programs cater to the independent traveler who still enjoys the ease, security, and camaraderie of group travel. The tours are typically eight to ten days long, travel to one or more cities, offer an open itinerary, and feature first-class accommodations. Your days are flexible, as you have the freedom to choose and pay for only those optional excursions that interest you. Breakfast is included each morning and most other meals are at your leisure. This flexibility also allows Discoveries/Escapades to be economically priced tours.

Grand Journeys (AHI)
Limited to between 18 and 36 passengers, Grand Journey programs offer a unique opportunity to explore a country or region in a more expansive manner. With most meals and all excursions included, these 10 – 14 day trips provide immersion into local cuisine, architecture and landscapes. Our selection of hotels, meals and activities are designed to provide travelers with an authentic experience of the local culture.

International Lifestyles Explorations (AHI)
This new program format (introduced in 2011) is a four week cultural immersion that provides participants with an extended introduction to living abroad. Travelers stay in apartment style housing and are placed in an intensive course of study in the language of the region (or another relevant subject). When not working with tutors or attending to coursework, travelers are free to explore at their leisure. There are few scheduled excursions and meals, although knowledgeable travel directors are present throughout the duration of the program to provide guidance.

Sports-Themed Tours
The NAA has offered 3-night excursions to the Kentucky Derby and Masters Golf Tournament and also offers football tours. Football tours are typically a long weekend package that highlights a Northwestern away football game at an interesting destination. Each package is customized for Northwestern fans and includes hotel accommodations, a welcome reception, and a tailgate and football ticket. If the team becomes Bowl-eligible, the NAA partners with Athletics to develop a Bowl tour and/or gameday package that includes tickets to the Bowl game and an exclusive NAA tailgate prior to the game.

We realize that our selected dates may not work for you, nor can we offer every program. If you travel on your own with one of our travel partners, you can still support the Northwestern Alumni Association Travel Program. Please tell our partners when you make your reservation that you want the credit to go to Northwestern Alumni Association.

Our 2011/2012 primary travel partners include:

Additional Partners:

Don’t forget travel insurance for your peace of mind! Visit Travel Insurance Select at www.travelinsure.com/select7 or call 800-937-1387.

Updated August 12, 2011.