Travel FAQs
What trips are available through the NAA Travel Program?
You can browse through listings of upcoming trips on our Find a Trip page. Brochures in Adobe PDF format are available for some trips. If a brochure is not available online, please request the brochure and it will be mailed to you as soon as possible.
When will a brochure for a particular trip become available?
Brochures are usually mailed five to six months before the trip departs. If you request a brochure you can expect to receive it within one week of the request, as long as the brochure is available.
Do I have to be an alum of Northwestern to participate in the travel program?
No. All University friends are welcome to participate in our programs.
Do I have to purchase the group flights?
Our programs offer air-inclusive and land-only packages. You may book your own flights; however, if you do so please be advised that transfers to and from hotel/ship/train etc. are your responsibility. If your flights arrive and depart around the same time as the group flights you may be able to purchase the group transfers.
Are single accommodations available?
All of our programs offer single accommodations on a limited basis. If you are interested in a single room, please book early. You may request help from the NAA Travel Program and/or the travel vendor to find a roommate. However, if one is not found by the final payment date, you will be invoiced for the single supplement.
May I pay by credit card?
All of our travel vendors accept credit card payment for the initial deposit. Some vendors will allow final payment to be made by credit card while others will only accept checks.
How much walking is involved?
The level of strenuous activity varies depending upon the trip. To ensure all passengers have an enjoyable experience, participants must be in good physical and mental condition. If a passenger needs special assistance, their travel partner must be able to assist them.
- Land Program and Walking Tours
These programs typically involve more walking than cruise programs. Daily walks should be viewed as “daily hikes” rather than casual strolls. Travelers with knee, hip, or foot injuries or those having limited mobility are warned that the pace of these programs is likely to prevent them from fully participating. - River Programs
Despite the serene relaxed image of river travel, the daily shore excursions involve moderately paced walking tours of cities, often with uneven cobblestone streets, hills, and some stair climbing. - Ocean Cruises
Programs aboard cruise ships are mildly physically challenging. Excursions involve boarding buses and walking through the sites where terrain may be uneven. Those unable to participate in the shore excursions may remain on board the ship to enjoy the amenities of the vessel.
How many people will participate in the program?
Most land programs consist of 15 to 45 participants, while ship programs are usually larger and vary depending upon the size of the vessel.
I have a question about travel insurance. Whom should I contact?
Please contact Travel Insurance Services directly at 800-937-1387.
Is it possible to upgrade my flights to business or first class?
You may purchase flight upgrades. However, airlines do not allow upgrading group tickets with mileage points.
Is it possible to deviate from the itinerary?
Yes, you may extend your stay either pre- or post-trip. There is a non-refundable deviation fee associated with these changes and all costs assumed during the extension are the passenger’s responsibility.
When will I receive my booking confirmation?
You will receive your booking confirmation within two weeks of making your reservation. Confirmations are sent by mail.
What is the refund or cancellation policy?
Refund policies vary depending upon the travel vendor. Please read your trip’s cancellation policy available on your trip brochure. Generally, written cancellations received at least 90 days prior to departure will receive a refund for the tour minus the administrative fee. This administration fee is usually non-refundable even if insurance is purchased. As the departure date approaches, penalty fees increase, culminating in 100 percent forfeiture of the trip cost.
Once I have reserved space on the trip, what other information will I receive?
The tour vendor will send detailed information about your destination. Included in these packets are climate reports, suggested reading lists, packing lists, currency requirements, etc.
The NAA Travel program office will send insurance information, passenger list, and passenger biography information.
The NAA Travel program office will send insurance information, passenger list, and passenger biography information.
I am interested in a particular trip but I cannot travel on NAA’s dates or NAA is not sponsoring the trip. What are my other options?
You are able to make reservations on alternative dates and non Northwestern-sponsored trips. However, you may not be traveling with Northwestern alumni. Please contact the tour operator and they can provide you with further information on alternate date availability.