Travel FAQs

Explore our current adventures on the Upcoming Trips page, where you'll find a wide range of destinations and travel experiences. Many of the trips include downloadable brochures in Adobe PDF format. If you would like a printed brochure, please request one at alumnitravel@northwestern.edu.

For those who are on the Alumni Travel mailing list, brochures are typically mailed seven to eight months prior to departure. If available, requested brochures are generally delivered within one week.

No. The NAA Travel Program welcomes all University friends to join our trips.

Most land-based programs limit their size to small groups of 24 participants or fewer, but some may be as large as 45 participants. Ship-based programs tend to be larger and vary based on the size of the vessel.

All of our programs offer single accommodation on a limited basis.

Activity levels differ by itinerary, and travelers should be in good physical and mental condition to fully enjoy the experience. Participants requiring special assistance must travel with a companion who can provide the necessary support. Please refer to the tour operator's activity level terms for each specific trip.

• Land Program and Walking Tours: These itineraries typically involve substantial walking and should be considered "daily hikes" rather than leisurely strolls. Travelers with limited mobility or joint concerns should be aware that the pacing may affect full participation.
  
  
• River Programs: Although river travel may appear relaxed, daily shore excursions often include moderately paced walking tours across cobblestone streets, hills, and stairs.
  
  
• Ocean Cruises: Cruise-based programs are moderately physically demanding. Excursions may include bus travel and walking over uneven terrain. Guests who prefer to skip shore activities may remain on board the ship to enjoy the ship's amenities.

Many trips offer pre- and post-extension options to allow for additional travel experiences.

You may book alternate dates for non-NAA trips directly through the tour operator. Please note that these options may not include participation with Northwestern alumni groups.

Host participation depends on traveler enrollment for each trip. Once the minimum number of participants is reached, a Northwestern faculty or staff may join the experience. For the most up-to-date details, visit the Travel page, select your specific program, and review the host information provided.

While some journeys are exclusively for Northwestern-affiliated travelers, many land programs welcome alumni and friends from peer institutions, and occasionally small groups from museums, professional, and cultural organizations. This mix creates a diverse and engaging affinity travel community. All sponsored cruises also include participants from multiple alumni organizations.

Visit the Travel Insurance webpage for additional details. For specific questions, please contact Travel Insurance Services at 800-937-1387.

Our programs offer air-inclusive and land-only packages. If you arrange your own airfare, transportation to and from hotels, ships, or trains will be your responsibility. Group transfers may be available if your flights align with scheduled arrivals and departures.

All travel vendors accept credit card payment for initial deposits. Policies for final payment vary by vendor, with some accepting credit cards and others requiring payment by check.

You may work with the tour operator to explore upgrade availability and review pricing options.

Booking confirmations are typically mailed within two weeks of completing your reservation.

Refund policies differ by travel vendor. We recommended discussing the trip’s cancellation policy with the tour operator when making your reservation.

Following your reservation, the tour operator will share comprehensive trip details, including logistics and important travel updates. In addition, the NAA Travel program office will provide information about available travel insurance options.