Safety guidelines for travelers

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We strongly encourage parents to talk to their child about good decision-making and personal responsibility while on tour, as well as the importance of following all safety advice and instructions they receive. While your group’s Tour Director and Group Leader will work together to provide an enjoyable and safe tour experience, everyone in the group must cooperate and demonstrate good common sense while traveling.

We advise our travelers to:

Be proactive about personal safety
Nothing can replace old-fashioned common sense when it comes to being safe while traveling. We advise travelers to leave the expensive clothes and jewelry at home, to always travel in a group, to choose well-lit streets, and to be aware of their surroundings and other people at all times.

Be proactive in terms of personal health and wellness
For many students, tour will be the first time they are managing their health and wellbeing without daily support from their family. Travelers should refer to our Help Center article for tips on how to stay healthy and well on tour. Additionally, all parents and guardians should be sure to fill out the Traveler Health & Medical Profile to give to their Group Leader to make sure they are aware of their travelers’ medications and health concerns.

Be on time
For group travel to go smoothly, each member of the group must be punctual and demonstrate respect to the Tour Director and all travelers in the group.

Keep all possessions in a safe place
Travelers are responsible for their possessions. It’s best not to leave valuables behind on the bus or at the hotel, unless locked in a safe. Also, popular tourist areas attract pickpockets. We recommend that travelers keep their money in travel pouches that can be worn under clothes.

Wear their ID badge and carry contact numbers
Before departure, every traveler will get an EF Explore America ID badge. The ID badge provides contact information for the Group Leader, a chaperone, and our 24-hour emergency service. Your child should also bring contact information for each hotel on the itinerary. You can access the itinerary by logging into your child’s account at efexploreamerica.com/login.

Travelers and parents also have access to EF’s 24-hour emergency phone number at 800-503-2323.