Parent FAQ

 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. Our staff of over 100 educators and travel professionals works closely with trip sponsors to create a unique and enriching travel experience that will enhance their classroom curriculum. Each itinerary is customized to specifically meet educational objectives, and remain within the groups’ budget. The programs and services we have developed are designed to handle all of the trip details before, during, and after the tour. We do all of the work, so students and adults can enjoy the travel experience and focus on the educational benefits. Most importantly, the safety of the entire group is our number one priority. Each tour is carefully planned to maximize the educational value while making it safe and fun for everyone.

 Q: What are Brightspark’s safety procedures?

A: Your child’s safety is our number one priority. Brightspark makes private nighttime security available to every student group so teachers and parents can sleep comfortably. A toll free 24-hour emergency hotline is printed on each student’s emergency card. To help ensure the well being of the students and adults, Brightspark uses 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: 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: How can I register my child for their trip?

A: In most cases registration can be done online. Contact the trip sponsor, the individual in charge of the trip, and he/she will provide you with the password to access your school’s trip.

Q: What do I need to do with my medical information?

A: Unless otherwise indicated, all medical information should be returned to your school or organization sponsoring your tour.

Q: 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: How much money do you recommend I send with my child?

A: Most tours are all inclusive and travelers need only money for souvenirs.  Consult the parent flyer or parent site for your tour to determine what is included.

Q: How can I make a payment for my child’s trip?

A: Select the Log in tab on our homepage and enter the password for your child’s trip. Brightspark accepts credit cards, debit cards, and personal checks.

Q: What number is my child on the waitlist?

A: Each school handles their waitlist differently. It would be best to check with your tour sponsor.

Q: What happens if my child is taken off the waitlist, and placed onto the active roster?

A: Once your child is added to the active roster, you will be notified. If your child is able to attend please go to the website and make a payment to bring your child's account up to date.

Q: What type of motorcoach will be used for the trip?

A: When selecting a motorcoach carrier, Brightspark uses the following guidelines to ensure that each trip is a safe and pleasant experience: - Newer-model, wide-bodied, video and/or DVD player equipped coaches. - Restroom and air-conditioning equipped coaches. - Motor carriers that provide a thorough training program for their drivers. - Motor carriers who are in full compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding motor carriers including a current satisfactory Department of Transportation rating and required insurance coverage. - We provide written expectations to the motorcoach company and the individual driver in order to help assure that each trip meets Brightspark standards and customer expectations.

Q: Are your Tour Directors screened?

A: Yes! All Brightspark staff that come in contact with tour participants undergo background checks on a regular basis.

 Q: What type of hotel does Brightspark use to house their student groups?

A: The hotel is a key component in making a positive experience for each trip participant. When selecting a hotel, Brightspark only uses high-quality hotels. The hotel we select for your trip has been evaluated based on a checklist of safety features and amenities to help ensure the well being of the students and adults. Commonly used hotels at some of our major destinations are Hyatt, Hilton, Doubletree, Hampton Inn, Sheraton. Four Points and Disney Hotels.

Q: Can my child bring their cell phone/gadgets?

A: The use of electronics is determined by the tour sponsor. Check with your school or organization for guidance on acceptable items to bring on tour.

Q: What types of meals will the group have on the trip?

A: Brightspark only uses national and locally recognized restaurants on out tours. We strive to provide a healthy variety of meal options for all of our trips, and a meal package to suit the group's needs can be included in all tours. Normally full breakfasts are scheduled at the hotel (continental, full-American or buffet)or at a local restaurant. Since groups will be touring at lunch time, we frequently select food courts, fast food, or cafeteria locations that offer a variety of food types and can handle larger groups and motorcoaches. Dinners vary depending upon the itinerary selected by the sponsor. The majority of our dinners are sit-down restaurants, buffet style restaurants, food courts, or cafeteria-type restaurants. Upon request, we will also schedule special meals for any of participants with dietary restrictions.

Q: Can Brightspark assist us in fundraising to pay for the trip?

A: Your trip sponsor may have already planned a school-wide fundraiser to help reduce the cost of the trip for all of the participants. The school parent organization or booster group may also be involved in fundraising for the trip.

Q: 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.

Q: Can I lower my trip costs by using my hotel points and air mileage?

A:  No, all of our tours are sold as a package with already discounted rates.