Educator FAQ

Q: What types of tours does Brightspark offer?

A: Brightspark specializes in unforgettable learning experiences to support science, social studies and Spanish curricula, as well as performance opportunities for drama, choral, band and orchestra groups.

Q: Why should our student group use Brightspark?

A: With over 100 years of combined experience, Brightspark has been the leading innovator in the student tour industry. We recognize the importance of educational travel in the lives of young people and empower teachers to create powerful learning experiences by expanding the classroom to the real world.

Q: What provisions do you take for safety and security on your tours?

A: Brightspark makes private nighttime security available to every student group so teachers and parents can sleep comfortably We provide emergency cards for all of our trip participants that includes a toll free 24-hour emergency number. We use quality motorcoaches and hotels evaluated on a checklist of safety features and amenities. Brightspark provides outstanding health and accident insurance coverage for every tour participant. We also carry both general and professional liability insurance well above industry standards.

Q: Are all the bus drivers screened?

A: Yes! Brightspark only contracts with motor coach carriers who meet or exceed USDOT / Transport Canada expectations.  Further, Brightspark has its own Coach Safety program that determines whether a coach company is allowed to transport our travelers.

Q: Does Brightspark offer trip cancellation coverage?

A: Yes! Brightspark provides additional peace of mind during these uncertain economic times with our Refund Guarantee Protection (RGP) program. This program protects the traveler from a sudden change in family income or job status, an accidental bodily injury or sickness, or a serious illness or death of an immediate family member.

Q: What is Refund Guarantee Protection?

A:  RGP is refund guarantee protection which you can purchase at the time of registration.  RGP protects your payments should you need to cancel from a tour for any reason, up to the date of travel.  If you purchase RGP and do cancel, all of the payments made by you are 100% refunded, less the cost of RGP.  The window of opportunity to add or remove RGP is before payment of the 2nd invoice. If you do not purchase RGP, our standard cancellation policy applies.

Q: Does Brightspark provide assistance to the first time, inexperienced trip sponsor?

A: Yes! Our staff of experienced travel providers will assist you throughout the trip planning process, enrollment, final arrangements, and during the trip itself. Support documents outline the entire trip planning process and assist you with important details. A Tour Consultant will work with you to create your customized itinerary at the best possible price. Our full-time Tour Consultants can provide pre-and post-trip classroom activities and resources to enhance your trip. A dedicated Tour Consultant will work closely with you to ensure the details of your trip are coordinated and any changes you request are implemented in advance of your departure. Our Reservationists and Transportation Specialists work behind the scenes to secure lodging, transportation, meals, nighttime security and attractions for your group. Trip promotion, enrollment, payments and pre-trip management are made easy with our free online resource center, continuously updated by our Accounting Department, Marketing Team, and Information Technology Specialist. A professional Tour Director may travel with you for the duration of your trip. Your tour director will handle hotel check-in, vendor payments, and itinerary coordination, so you can focus on your students and enjoy the travel experience.

Q: What online services does Brightspark provide for the trip sponsor?

A: Brightspark trip sponsors have trip information and resources available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Each sponsor is issued a user name and password which provides them access to a wealth of resources. The online menu allows the sponsor to manage the trip information such as the itinerary (As it becomes available), participant information and account balances (General information such as the total trip cost and the amount paid to date by each participant. 

How are tour itineraries designed? Who determines what sites are included in each tour itinerary?

A: Brightspark customizes all tours based on curricular or group interest needs as determined by the tour sponsor.

 Q: When items are lost on tour, how is the loss handled?

A:  As soon as a tour participant notices that an item is lost they should inform their tour sponsor.  The tour sponsor will notifiy Brightspark staff who will try and retrieve the lost item.  If you notice you have lost something once you arrive home, please call the Brightspark office at 800-681-7369.

 Q: Where can I get the latest information on border crossings and airline safety regulations?

A: Border crossing information: The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) provisions state that all adults entering or re-entering the U.S. will need one of the following documents effective June 1, 2009: Canadian or U.S. Passport, U.S. Passport card, or NEXUS card (Canadians) However, U.S. and Canadian citizens under the age of 16, with parental consent, will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card when entering or leaving Canada. U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 16-18 when traveling as part of school or religious group, social organization or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision, with original or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship when entering or leaving Canada. The WHTI Site is: www.getyouhome.gov Airline Regulations: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has established safety regulations for airline travel. This includes both checked baggage and carry-on items. We recommend that you visit their website (www.tsa.gov) for the latest information on these policies. You may also call the TSA Contact Center toll-free at 866-289-9673 or email your questions to TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov.

 When will my fundraising be applied to my account?

A: The trip sponsor is responsible for passing along any details regarding fundraising and instructions on how to apply the credit.