GRAD WEEK's References, Affiliations, & Insurance's

Statement of Commitment

Grad Week is the nation's largest student tour operator and one of the nation's fastest growing travel companies. Our primary office is in El Dorado Hills, California and we have earned the reputation as the leader in the student travel industry. Since 1976, Grad Week has taken thousands of students on vacation to wonderful resort destinations such as the Bahamas, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Mazatlan, Hawaii, Washington D.C., Whistler, B.C. and Disneyland. The primary booking site is www.graduationtrips.com with offices in Illinois. Similar GRAD WEEK sales sites can be reached off of www.beachbreaks.com and www.hotspringbreaks.com


Grad Week Staff
: We provide staff at each one of our destinations. The majority of our staff is first aid and CPR trained. The staff will greet you at the airport, check you in at the hotel, give a welcome orientation at the destination, and are present at every event. The staff is housed on site and is accessible 24 hours a day. Our staff are not chaperones, but are there to assist you with any problems you may have.


Grad Week Background:
Grad Week was founded in 1976 and since then has assisted over 1 million students visit destinations all over the world. We are affiliated with many well-known and respected corporations in the travel industry, including Marriott Resorts, Hyatt Hotels, Disney, and are the founding member of the Student Youth Travel Association. We are a national travel company with regional offices and sales representatives located throughout the country. We are fully licensed, insured, registered, and bonded. We are a California corporation registered in good standing with the Attorney general as a travel promoter.

Registration #2001306-40.

 

Bonding
  • USA is covered by the National Tour Association's Consumer Protection Plan
  • DOT Bond of $200,000 posted for Charter Participant Protection
Banking
  • All funds for charter programs are held in escrow with Atlantic Bank of New York
  • Irrevocable Line of Credit as required by ARC and IATA
  • Marine Trust/Mercantile Corp.
Insurance
  • USA holds a $1 million general liability insurance policy with General Accident Insurance Company
  • USA carries $1 million in errors and omissions insurance with General Accident Insurance Company
Affiliations

 

 

 

 

  • ASTA - American Society of Travel Agents
    Benefits of Using a Member of ASTA.
    ASTA travel agents are knowledgeable professionals that uphold a strict code of ethics. The Society provides education, training and resource materials to its members to equip them with the tools they need to offer you the highest quality of service. Knowledgeable ASTA travel agents keep up-to-date by attending industry events that offer educational seminars and networking opportunities.
    The ASTA membership includes over 18,000 travel agencies across the U.S. and around the world. Most ASTA member agencies offer one-stop shopping for all travel arrangements. ASTA's priority is fighting for your best interests. We have a long-standing record of fighting for consumer rights. And, should you ever encounter a problem with an ASTA member, our Consumer Affairs Department is here to help you. We want you to have a safe and happy trip. Start by seeing your local ASTA member travel agency.
  • ARC - Airlines Reporting Corporation
    Why choose a SYTA member?
    Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) is a service company owned by the principal scheduled airlines of the United States. One of its primary functions is to process and evaluate applications by persons and organizations seeking ARC approval as travel agencies, or approval of locations in the U.S. at which ARC agents may conduct business. For the general public, IATA simplifies the travel and shipping process. By helping to control airline costs, IATA contributes to cheaper tickets and shipping costs. ARC makes sure that Members' aircraft can operate safely, securely, efficiently and economically -under clearly defined and understood rules.
  • SYTA - Student and Youth Travel Association
    Why choose a SYTA member?
    The Student Youth Travel Association of North America (SYTA) is the "Good Housekeeping" seal of approval for travel companies working with students and youth. SYTA requires member companies to commit to a minimum level of $200,000 of consumer protection coverage, provide at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage and adhere to a strict code of ethics which include a commitment to customer satisfaction.
  • IATAN - International Airlines Travel Agent Network
    Why choose a IATAN member?
    IATAN is a not-for profit service organization. Its main goal is to assist travel agents to meet and maintain a specific set of standards that are of value to airlines, the agency community, as well as to consumers. The International Airlines Travel Agent Network is the U.S. subsidiary of IATA. When you become IATAN endorsed, you confirm to the industry and to the traveling public that you operate your travel business within a specific set of acceptable business standards. These professional standards relate to your personnel, premises, financial stability and security of traffic documents. When the IATAN logo is displayed in a travel agency's window, on business stationery and press releases, it demonstrates the agency owner's connection with the international travel community.
  • IATA - International Air Transport Association
    Why choose a IATA member?
    Financial Viability
    To assist the industry to achieve adequate levels of profitability.
    Products and Services
    To provide high quality, value for money, industry-required products and services that meet the needs of the customer.
    Standards and Procedures
    To develop cost-effective, environmentally-friendly standards and procedures to facilitate the operation of international air transport.
    Industry Support
    To identify and articulate common industry positions and support the resolution of key industry issues.
  • Cross Sphere
    The Global Association for Packaged Travel
    Why choose a Cross Sphere member?
    Cross Sphere tour companies must meet strict requirements regarding insurance, number of tours conducted, and employee experience.
  • BBB - Better Business Bureau
    Why Choose a Member of Better Business Bureau System?
    The Better Business Bureau (BBB) system in the U.S. extends over 98% of the nation; coast-to-coast, and in Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. It also has a partner BBB system that serves much of Canada.
    In total, 145 BBBs help nearly 24 million consumers and businesses each year. Since the founding of the first BBB in 1912, the BBB system has proven that the majority of marketplace problems can be solved fairly through the use of voluntary self-regulation and consumer education.

Business and educational references available upon request.

1-800-328-7513
320 W. 1st  St.,  PO Box 504
Dallas City, Illinois 62330 USA
Local 217-852-3366
Fax 217-852-3441

References, Affiliations, & Insurances Graduation Trips (Summer Break)
Frequently Asked Questions          Cancun         
Functions (What's included)    Puerto Vallarta  
  Request More Info  2008 Package Pricing (with air)
Reservations           Florida         
Photo Album           Hawaii         
Free Trips (Be a High School Rep)          Bahamas      
Credits/Thank You's     Custom Tours    
Are you a  Young Adult Advertiser??? Thinking About a Cruise?
Student Adventure Travel  (Spring Break) A letter to Parents
On-Site Staff Policies & Informed Consent
Credit Card Form Onsite Program Event Examples