Student FAQ’s

faqs

    • WHEN WILL OUR FLIGHT INFORMATION APPEAR ON OUR GROUP PAGE?

      Flight information will appear on your group page approximately 6 weeks prior to departure. We do not publish it sooner as flight changes may occur before then.

    • ARE YOUR TOURS ACCESSIBLE FOR HANDICAPPED TRAVELERS?

      Vámonos does not discriminate on any basis. Unfortunately, some locations are not handicap accessible. It is difficult to maneuver a wheelchair in some areas. Moreover, coach buses are not usually equipped with lifts. However, we will try to accommodate as best as possible the needs of handicapped travelers.

    • WHO SHOULD I CONTACT WITH MY PAYMENT QUESTIONS?

      Email carrie@vamonostours.com for assistance with all your payment questions.

    • WHO IS ORGANIZING THIS TRIP?

      They will be traveling by private charter coach or 15-passenger van. In addition to the Vámonos staff, students will be traveling with at least one school teacher per 10 student travelers and possibly additional teacher / parent chaperones.

    • HOW IS THE TRIP SUPERVISED?

      Students are always together with the teachers and chaperones. In some instances, we split into small groups with four to six students per adult. Chaperones accompany them during free time and have students in close view. There is also a Vámonos staff member with the group at all times.

    • WHO CAN I CALL IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

      Feel free to call/e-mail your teacher leader at any time. In addition, visit Vámonos’ website (www.vamonostours.com) for additional information about the tour, other destinations, and the company. You may also contact us at 888.366.6121.

    • MY CHILD HAS SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS, HOW WILL HE/ SHE BE ACCOMMODATED?

      Please see our Food Allergies and Restrictions page or contact Carrie: carrie@vamonostours.com

    • CAN I GET CREDIT FOR THESE FLIGHTS ON MY FREQUENT FLYER REWARDS PROGRAM?

      You may get credit for frequent flyer miles for your flights. Due our group reservation Vamonos is not able to process frequent flyer miles for each individual traveler. A few weeks prior to travel, your Group Leader will be issued a confirmation number for your flights. Call the airline directly with this number and the airline will credit your miles to their rewards program.

    • WHAT AIRLINES HAVE LUGGAGE FEES?

      Each airline carrier has different luggage requirements that are subject to change. It is best to check your booked airline carrier’s specific restrictions. Most allow you to have a free personal bag (for under the seat) and a free carry on suitcase (please note dimensions). Additional luggage fee is typically around $25.
      Links for accurate and up to date luggage restrictions to our most commonly used carriers are:

      American Airlines
      Delta
      United Airlines
      JetBlue

    • DOES MY DESTINATION REQUIRE A PASSPORT?

      All U.S. Destinations and Puerto Rico do not require a passport. For all other destinations, You must apply for your Passport NO LATER than your 1st deposit / enrollment deadline.  Failure to do so may result in cancellation of your flight reservation.

    • WILL MY HEALTH INSURANCE BE ACCEPTED IN MY TOUR DESTINATION?

      If you are traveling in the U.S. or Puerto Rico then your insurance will likely be accepted, but we encourage you to check with your carrier. If you are traveling to Cuba, it will not. Cuba requires you to purchase health insurance for while you are there. This insurance is included in your tour price. For all other destinations, call your insurance carrier.

    • CAN I USE MY CELL PHONE WHILE ON MY TRIP?

      Your cell phone will work in Puerto Rico (no roaming or long distance) except for a few companies such as verizon. Contact your provider to confirm if any roaming charges apply.

    • WILL THERE BE LIFE JACKETS AVAILABLE ON THE BOAT?

      Yes, life jackets are available on both our Parguera boat excursion and on our catamaran adventure day. All travelers must wear a life jacket to swim in the bioluminescent bay at night in La Parguera.

    • OUR GROUP HAS OPTED FOR A SNORKELING EXCURSION, IS THE GEAR NEEDED INCLUDED?

      Yes, all snorkeling gear is provided (mask, snorkel, and fins) on our Fajardo catamaran tours.

    • WHAT WAIVERS DO WE NEED TO SIGN?

      In addition to signing Vamonos’ terms during sign-up, each traveler must read and sign a waiver for the following excursions:
      Zipline adventure
      Snorkeling adventure
      Your group page has links to the appropriate forms. Please have all travelers sign them. Feel free to bring the forms with you and hand them to your Tour Director. You may also send them to us via email or mail as well.

    • WHAT CAN OUR GROUP DONATE TO OUR SERVICE LOCATION?

      You can see our list of donation suggestions on our donations page. Visit our service-learning page for more information.

    • DO WE NEED TO BRING PASSPORTS?

      If you are a U.S. citizen, you do NOT need a passport to Puerto Rico since it is a commonwealth of the U.S. Travelers 18 and over need to bring an official state issued photo ID or driver’s license. Travelers under 18 may bring any photo ID.

    • IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK IN PUERTO RICO?

      Puerto Rico has the same water standards as the U.S. We do provide filtered water for all students while we are on the tour.

    • WHAT WILL THE STUDENTS DO IN PUERTO RICO?

      Students will live and breathe Puerto Rican culture on a daily basis. They will speak Spanish with the Vámonos’ friends and staff and eat only authentic Puerto Rican or Spanish cuisine, among many other activities, as stated in the tour highlights.

    • WHAT ARE THE HOTEL ARRANGEMENTS?

      Students can expect to room with two to four other students. Each room has two double beds, so students may have to share beds. Where possible, we will request three beds per room and/or a cot. Our teacher chaperones will carefully review rooming assignments before the trip. Hotel rooms are located so that they are concentrated and easily monitored by chaperones. Bedtime is enforced, and students and parents are informed of consequences before leaving on the trip. Hotel security may keep a close eye on our rooms for extra security and supervision. We rarely have problems enforcing bedtime since our days start early and are very active. Students are usually exhausted and tend to look forward to getting some sleep at the end of the day.

    • CAN I USE MY CELL PHONE WHILE ON MY TRIP?

      Check with your cell phone carrier to find out what your options and cost are.

    • DO I NEED A PASSPORT TO TRAVEL TO COSTA RICA?

      You do need a passport to travel to Costa Rica. You must apply for your passport by the time the first deposit is due to ensure you have received it by the time we ticket your group. You should also bring 2 copies of your passport and store them in a separate location from your passport.

    • HOW MUCH SHOULD WE TIP OUR DRIVER, GUIDES, AND SERVICES?

      Tipping  is recommended. Tipping in U.S. dollars is acceptable. The following amounts are suggested:

      Guide – $3 per person per day
      Tour Manager – $3 per person per day

    • CAN I DRINK THE WATER?

      Water quality in cities and large towns is good, but that may not be true of rural areas. We recommend bottled water to be on the safe side. You should be ok to use the water for brushing your teeth.

    • DO I NEED A CONVERTER OR ADAPTER FOR MY ELECTRICAL DEVICES?

      Outlets in Costa Rica are the same 110v outlets as in the U.S. However, they do not have grounding plugs. If any of your devices require a 3 prong outlet you will need to get an inexpensive adapter like this one.

    • WILL MY CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD BE ACCEPTED IN COSTA RICA?

      There are many places that will accept a credit card, but your bank may assess high fees for using it. We recommend you check with your bank. Not all places accept credit cards so cash may be a better idea. We don’t recommend traveler’s checks as they can be difficult to cash.

      There are ATM machines readily available in cities and large towns. They can dispense money in U.S. or Costa Rican currency for a reasonable exchange fee.

      If you do opt to take a credit or debit card, you may want to inform your bank before you go. Using your card in Costa Rica without informing your bank could trigger a fraud alert on your card.

    • CAN I USE U.S. CURRENCY IN COSTA RICA?

      Yes, a lot of places will accept U.S. currency, but will give you change in local currency. Only dollars in good condition with no rips will be accepted. Large bills over $20 are not accepted.

    • DO I NEED ANY VACCINATIONS OR MEDICATIONS TO TRAVEL TO COSTA RICA?

      There are no required vaccinations or medications, but we recommend you check the CDC website and check with your doctor to see what he/she recommends.

    • WHAT TIME ZONE IS COSTA RICA IN?

      Costa Rica is in the Central Standard Time (CST) zone. They do not participate in day light savings time.

    • WHAT IS MEDICAL CARE LIKE IN COSTA RICA?

      Costa Rica has good medical care and modern hospital facilities. Drug stores are also required to have a certified pharmacist on duty. Drug stores are well stocked with over the counter medicines, but they won’t be brands you recognize. If you have a preferred brand of OTC medicine you may want to bring it with you.

    • WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO TRAVEL TO QUEBEC?

      If you are traveling to Quebec as a U.S. citizen, then you only need a passport and ID.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, then you will need to contact your embassy as you may need an additional visa to enter Canada and your embassy would be able to help you secure one.

    • WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PASSING THROUGH BORDER PATROL?

      If you are traveling to Québec by bus, you will need to pass through border patrol. Please remove hats and sunglasses and turn off all electronic devices. Answer all questions respectfully and honestly. No Jokes!

    • WILL MY CELL PHONE WORK IN QUÉBEC?

      Many phones will work in Québec, but roaming charges and fees may apply. Contact your cell phone provider prior to departure to find out about pricing, text, and internet plans and pricing.

    • IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?

      Water quality is on par with the U.S. and is safe to drink.

    • WILL MY ELECTRONIC DEVICES WORK IN QUÉBEC?

      Canada uses the same voltage and outlets that we do in the U.S. so your devices will work. No adapters or converters are needed.

    • CAN I USE MY CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD IN QUÉBEC?

      U.S. credit and debit cards do work in Canada, but there may be some unexpected charges. We recommend you check with your bank prior to departure.

    • CAN I USE U.S. CURRENCY IN QUÉBEC? WILL I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE MY MONEY FOR CANADIAN DOLLARS?

      Some towns near the border will accept U.S. dollars. You will also be given the opportunity to exchange your money for Canadian dollars. Please be aware that Canada no longer has a 1 cent coin. amounts are now rounded to the nearest 5 cents.

    • WHAT ARE LOONIES AND TOONIES?

      Unlike the U.S., Canada doesn’t have paper bills For $1. they use coins. The nickname for the one dollar coin is Loonie because it has always had a loon (duck-like bird) on it. The $2 coin is nicknamed the Toonie because it is equal to 2 Loonies.

      If you have any Loonies or Toonies at the end of your trip that you don’t want to keep as a souvenir, be sure to exchange them before you leave as the U.S. banks will only exchange paper bills.

    • WHAT TIME ZONE IS QUÉBEC IN?

      Québec is in the eastern standard time zone. They also practice daylight standard time.

    • CAN I BRING BACK SOUVENIRS?

      Anything bought must be declared. Travelers should find out what is restricted or prohibited make sure you know what the restrictions and prohibitions are before buying souvenirs.

    • WILL MY CELL PHONE WORK IN PANAMA?

      Not likely. Contact your cell phone provider for options while in Panama. Whats App will allow you to text other Whats App users for free when connected to Wifi. Consider this app to help you stay connected.

    • WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO TRAVEL TO PANAMA?

      You will need a valid passport that’s effective for at least 6 months past your trip. Citizens from the United Kingdom, Canada, United States, and European Union countries do not need a visa to visit.

    • CAN I DRINK THE WATER?

      Water quality in Panama City and other urban areas is high and the water is drinkable, but we recommend erring on the side of caution and sticking with bottled water.

    • WILL I BE ABLE TO CHARGE MY PHONE, USE MY HAIR DRYER, ETC. IN PANAMA?

      Yes; no adapters or power converters are needed to use your electrical devices. However, you may need a 3 prong adapter as some outlets aren’t able to accommodate 3 prong plugs.

    • CAN I USE MY CREDIT CARD IN PANAMA?

      Yes; some urban area places will take credit cards, but cash is still the most common method of payment.

    • DO I NEED TO EXCHANGE MY U.S. CURRENCY FOR LOCAL CURRENCY?

      No! Panama has adopted the U.S. dollar as their currency. They have their own coins called Balboas and do not accept U.S. coins. Do not bring any bills larger than twenties as larger bills may not be accepted.

    • DO I NEED ANY SPECIFIC IMMUNIZATIONS TO VISIT PANAMA?

      Please check with the CDC to see what they recommend for travel to Panama. We also encourage you to visit your family doctor to discuss the recommendations.

    • WHAT TIME IS IT IN PANAMA?

      Panama is in the eastern standard time zone (EST), but does not observe daylight savings time.

    • WHAT KIND OF MEDICAL CARE DOES PANAMA HAVE?

      Panama City has some good public and private hospitals and clinics. However, outside the capital, medical care facilities are limited. Private hospitals require payment up front and can be expensive.

    • WILL I HAVE WIFI ACCESS AT THE HOTEL?

      Yes for the most part; most hotels offer free internet access. Check with the hotel upon check in. Many restaurants and other places offer free hotspots as well for public use.

    • SHOULD WE PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE?

      Travel insurance is optional, but recommended. Travel insurance doesn’t just cover cancellation and trip interruption, it also covers medical emergencies after your personal medical insurance. Peru is a developing country and anything can happen; it’s best to be prepared.

    • WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO TRAVEL TO PERU?

      If you are a resident of the U.S., you only need a passport. No visa is required. Residents of all other countries please contact your local Peruvian embassy or consulate for travel requirements. Visas are not covered in the tour price. Upon entry to Peru you will be given a 90-day tourist card. Please keep it safe. You will need to turn it in to immigration when you leave. We recommend you make copies of all of your travel documents and keep them in a safe place to help facilitate replacement should they get lost.

    • DO I NEED ANY IMMUNIZATIONS TO ENTER PERU?

      Peru has no immunization requirements to enter. We recommend you check with the CDC for recommendations and discuss your trip with your health care provider prior to departure.

    • WHAT IS MEDICAL CARE LIKE IN PERU?

      Medical care is not as up to date as it is here in the U.S. Your guide will help you find the best medical care possible should you require it. We also recommend that all groups travel with a well-stocked first aid kit.

    • WILL WE EXPERIENCE HIGH ALTITUDES?

      Yes! Cusco has an elevation of 11,151 ft. Take it easy until you adjust. You may experience headache, lightheadedness, nausea, shortness of breath, insomnia, and/ or loss of appetite. This is all normal. Avoid caffeine and alcohol; drink plenty of water, it will help. Also, try to eat light on the first day.

    • WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF EXPERIENCING DIGESTIVE DISTRESS?

      Even when the best precautions are taken, there is always a small chance. Some recommend Pepto Bismol along with antibiotics if symptoms don’t resolve in a day or two. Please discuss treatment with your healthcare provider prior to departure.

    • IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?

      No. We recommend you use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Also avoid ice in your drinks.

    • WHAT FOODS ARE SAFE TO EAT?

      We recommend avoiding raw foods. Stick to cooked dishes. Fruit you peel yourself is usually ok. Be careful with food from street vendors.

    • WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE TRAIN TO MACHU PICCHU?

      Large suitcases are not permitted on the train. You can only take 2 carry-on sized bags. If you have a large suitcase it will be stored for you at your lodge in Sacred Valley and picked up on the way back to Cusco. Bring only what you will need for the days you are in Machu Picchu.

    • WHAT KIND OF SHOES SHOULD I BRING?

      You will experience mud, loose gravel, and cobblestone streets. Bring closed toe, sturdy broken-in footwear.

    • ARE THERE ARE PHOTOGRAPHY RESTRICTIONS?

      Yes! It is strictly prohibited to take any pictures of the president’s convoy, military convoys and installations, policemen, prisons, airports, border posts, government buildings, or anyone in uniform. Also do not take pictures of people without their permission. Some people in rural areas may ask you to pay to take their picture.

    • CAN I USE MY ELECTRICAL DEVICES IN PERU?

      Most outlets in Peru are the same as those found in the U.S. However, you may need a voltage converter as Peru runs on 220 volts which is higher than the U.S.

    • CAN I USE U.S. MONEY IN PERU?

      While a few places will take U.S. money in the city, most other places require payment in Sols. Bring small bills, 10s & 20s to exchange for Sols. Money can be exchanged in Cusco and at the airport. Some ATM cards can be used at banks in Lima and Cusco. Confirm with your bank that your card will work prior to departure.

    • CAN I USE MY CREDIT CARD IN PERU?

      Credit cards are accepted by many places in the city. However, we recommend also bringing cash. Make sure you notify your bank of your intent to use your card in Peru before your trip. Be sure to call your credit card company prior to departure to let them know you will be using your card on your trip.

    • HOW SAFE IS PERU?

      We make every effort to keep our groups safe and together. We never compromise a group’s safety. We do not take our travelers to dangerous places and we take every precaution possible. However, you may encounter pick pockets, especially in the city. We recommend you bring and use a money belt or neck purse that can be worn under your clothes. Keep your money, cards, passport, and any other important travel documents in it. Do not leave valuables in your luggage or hotel room. Pack a list of everything you packed in case anything is lost or stolen. You will need this information later if you need to fill out a police report or make an insurance claim.

    • HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING?

      We recommend about $200 to cover bottled water, snacks, uncovered meals, tips, and souvenirs.

    • HOW MUCH SHOULD WE TIP OUR DRIVER AND TOUR STAFF?

      Tipping is always optional, but we recommend the following: Tour guide $5-7 per person per day, Assistant Guide (when applicable) $2-4 per person per day, Driver $3-5 per person per day, Tour Manager $3 per person per day.

    • WHAT TIME ZONE IS PERU IN?

      Peru is in the Eastern Time Zone, but does not participate in daylight savings time.

    • CAN I BRING BACK SOUVENIRS?

      Yes, but make sure any souvenirs you purchase do not contain parts made of ivory, fur, coral, tortoise shell, shark, reptile skin, feathers, or plants. Buying these things or trying to bring them back into the U.S. may be illegal.

    • WHAT KIND OF DONATIONS CAN I BRING?

      We strongly discourage giving money, especially to begging adults and children. If you would like to make a monetary donation to help the local people, ask us for help in arranging o make a donation to a local organization. If you wish to donate school supplies, your guide can help you with that once you are in Peru.

    • SHOULD WE PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE?

      Travel insurance is optional, but recommended. Travel insurance doesn’t just cover cancellation and trip interruption, it also covers medical emergencies after your personal insurance. You are going to a developing country and anything could happen. It’s best to be prepared.

    • WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO TRAVEL TO ECUADOR?

      If you are a resident of the U.S., you only need a passport. No visa is required.

      For non-US residents – Residents of all other countries please contact your local Ecuadorian embassy or consulate for travel requirements. Visas are not covered in the tour price. Upon entry to Ecuador, you will be given a 90-day tourist card. Please keep it safe. You will need to turn it in to immigration when you leave. We recommend you make copies of all of your travel documents and keep them in a safe place to help facilitate replacement should they get lost.

    • DO I NEED ANY VACCINATIONS TO TRAVEL TO ECUADOR?

      As far as we know, Ecuador has no immunization requirements to enter. We recommend you check with the CDC for recommendations and discuss your trip with your health care provider prior to departure.

    • WHAT IS MEDICAL CARE LIKE IN ECUADOR?

      Medical care is different than it is in the U.S. Your guide will help you find the best medical care possible should you require it. We recommend that all groups travel with a well-stocked first aid kit.

    • WILL WE EXPERIENCE HIGH ALTITUDES?

      Yes! Quito has an elevation of 9,350 ft. Take it easy until you adjust. You may experience headache, lightheadedness, nausea, shortness of breath, insomnia, and/ or loss of appetite.  This is all normal. Avoid caffeine and alcohol and drink plenty of water. It will help. Also, try to eat light on the first day.

    • WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF GETTING SICK WITH TRAVELERS' DIARRHEA?

      Even when the best precautions are taken, there is always a small chance. Consult your healthcare provider prior to departure and come prepared with medicine just in case you experience digestive distress.

    • IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?

      We recommend you use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Also avoid ice in your drinks unless you are in a main hotel or restaurant.

    • WHAT FOODS ARE SAFE TO EAT?

      We recommend avoiding raw foods. Stick to cooked dishes. Fruit you peel yourself is usually ok. Be careful with food from street vendors.

    • DO I NEED ANY SPECIFIC SHOES

      You will experience mud, loose gravel, and cobblestone streets. Bring closed toe, sturdy broken-in footwear.

    • ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT WE CAN TAKE PICTURES OF?

      Yes! It is strictly prohibited to take any pictures of the president’s convoy, military convoys and installations, policemen, prisons, airports, border posts, government buildings, or anyone in uniform. Also do not take pictures of people without their permission. Some people in rural areas may ask you to pay to take their picture.

    • WILL MY ELECTRICAL DEVICES WORK IN ECUADOR?

      Yes. Most outlets in Ecuador are the same as those found in the U.S., and Ecuador runs on the same voltage too. No converters or adapters needed.

    • CAN I USE U.S. CURRENCY IN ECAUDOR?

      Yes. Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar. Bring small bills as change can be scarce. Bring newer and intact bills. Bills with even the smallest rip or tear may not be accepted. There are ATMs in Quito and the Galapagos, but sometimes the ones in Galapagos don’t work. Confirm with your bank that your card will work prior to departure.

    • CAN I USE MY CREDIT CARD IN ECUADOR?

      Credit cards are accepted by many places in the city, however we recommend also bringing cash, especially while in the Galapagos as the machines don’t always work. Make sure you notify your bank of your intent to use your card in Ecuador before your trip. Be sure to call your credit card company prior to departure to let them know you will be using your card on your trip.

    • HOW SAFE IS TRAVEL IN ECUADOR?

      We make every effort to keep our groups safe and together. We never compromise a group’s safety. We do not take our travelers to dangerous places and we take every precaution possible. However, you may encounter pick pockets, especially in the city. We recommend you bring and use a money belt or neck purse that can be worn under your clothes. Keep your money, cards, passport, and any other important travel documents in it. Do not leave valuables in your luggage or hotel room. Pack a list of everything you packed in case anything is lost or stolen. You will need this information later if you need to fill out a police report or make an insurance claim.

    • HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING?

      We recommend about $250 to cover bottled water, snacks, uncovered meals, tips, and souvenirs.

    • HOW MUCH SHOULD WE TIP OUR DRIVER AND TOUR STAFF?

      Tipping is always optional, but we recommend the following:

      Tour guide $5-7 per person per day
      Assistant Guide (when applicable) $2-4 per person per day
      Driver $3-5 per person per day
      Tour Manager $3 per person per day.

    • WHAT TIME ZONE IS ECUADOR IN?

      Ecuador is in the eastern time zone and the Galapagos is in the central time zone, but neither participates in daylight savings time.

    • CAN I BRING BACK SOUVENIRS?

      Yes, but make sure purchased souvenirs do not contain parts made of ivory, fur, coral, tortoise shell, shark, reptile skin, feathers, or plants. Buying these things or trying to bring them back into the U.S. may be illegal.

    • WHAT DONATIONS CAN I BRING?

      We strongly discourage giving money, especially to begging adults and children. If you would like to make a monetary donation to help local people, ask us for help in arranging o make a donation to a local organization. If you wish to donate school supplies, your guide can help you with that once you are in Ecuador.