Travel: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does a tour cost?
2. Do I have to be an alumnus of Mississippi State to travel?
3. What tour companies do you work with?
4. How do I learn more about a trip I'm interested in?
5. Are there any physical requirements?
6. How is airfare handled?
7. Can I deviate from the schedule?
8. Will there be anyone from Mississippi State with us on the trip?
9. What documents do I need for my trip?
10. When will I receive my final documents?
11. Can I cancel and get a refund for my trip?
12. What if I have other questions?
1. How much does a tour cost?
All tour costs are priced and given in good faith upon trip selection. Costs are per-person rates, based on double occupancy. All tours offer a limited number of single rooms, and a single supplement is charged. When possible, the travel company may keep a list of single travelers who wish to share accommodations and can put individuals in touch with one another to discuss possibilities.
Booking requires a per person deposit. You can pay the deposit with a credit/debit card or pay by check. Final payments are due to the tour partner typically 75 days prior to the trip. Most companies accept either check or credit/debit card for the final payment.
Many trips are priced without international airfare. You may choose to book your own air using connecting information provided by the travel company. This may be a benefit to you, as you may be able to utilize frequent flier miles or take advantage of specials offered by airlines. Or, you may utilize airfare provided by the travel company. Since we like to ensure that all details are taken care of for our passengers, we will almost always recommend that you utilize the company's airfare so that all of your connections and transfers are provided. The travel company will let you know the cost and flight times prior to booking the arrangements. If you choose to book your own airfare, the travel company can provide you with the appropriate transfer information.
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2. Do I have to be an alumnus of Mississippi State to travel?
No, our trips are inclusive of all travelers (alumni and non-alumni). Anyone can receive information about our tour program. Once you travel with us, or inquire about trips (landrews@alumni.msstate.edu), you will be included on our Traveling Bulldog mailing list. Our tour companies specialize in alumni travel and you will be traveling with other alumni associations.
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3. What tour companies do you work with?
The MSUAA works with travel companies specializing in alumni travel. We use only reputable tour operators who have a strong record for experience, safety, integrity, reliability and commitment to alumni group travel. The MSUAA has partnered with three of the best in alumni tour travel, Thomas P. Gohagan and Company, Alumni Holidays, Inc., and GoNext. Once you travel with either of these companies, you will agree.
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4. How do I learn more about a trip I'm interested in?
Your best resource for our trips is our web site. If you decide to you need more information, e-mail landrews@alumni.msstate.edu and request a brochure. Remember, color brochures are typically available 6-8 months prior to departure. You also may call us at 662-325-3479.
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5. Are there any physical requirements?
To enjoy your alumni travel experience to its fullest, we recommend that participants be in good health and able to keep pace with the group. If you require extraordinary assistance, we recommend that someone who can provide the required assistance accompany you. If you have questions about the physical requirements of individual tours, the travel company passenger coordinator can provide detailed information about physical demands for the trip.
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6. How is airfare handled?
The majority of our travel companies offer their travel programs priced without airfare included. Why? Simply this allows our travelers to either utilize frequent flier miles or perhaps take advantage of a special. The MSUAA highly recommends that you utilize the airfare that can be provided by the travel company. Pricing and connecting times are supplied prior to booking the airfare. This simply assures you will be on schedule for all transfers and connections. If you choose to book your own air, the travel company can provide you with the connection and transfer information. If you do not arrive when the scheduled transfers are provided, you are responsible for handling this on your own.
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7. Can I deviate from the schedule?
Yes! Many of our travelers choose to go early or stay longer. The travel company can assist you with this. However, they will charge a slight deviation fee. Our all-inclusive programs are very interesting and exciting, but we realize there may be times when you choose to "do your own thing" rather than stay with the group. Just be sure to let the travel director know not to expect you that day.
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8. Will there be anyone from Mississippi State with us on the trip?
Typically, a MSUAA staff person will be assigned to a trip when we reach 20 or more travelers from Mississippi State. If we do not reach that number, our travelers will be well taken care of by the travel directors from the particular travel company.
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9. What documents do I need for my trip?
A passport is required for all international travel. Make sure your passport is valid beyond your return date. To apply for a passport, contact your local post office for an application and instructions several months before your departure. If the trip requires a Visa, information will be sent to you from the travel company.
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10. When will I receive my final documents?
Your final documents will be sent to you directly from the travel company about two weeks prior to your departure. They are sent by priority mail and are not able to be delivered to a P.O. Box – that is why we must have a street address for you. It is imperative that you check your documents immediately after receiving them to ensure that everything is included and accurate.
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11. Can I cancel and get a refund for my trip?
Each tour partners trip cancellation policy varies, so be sure to read the cancellation policies that apply to your particular trip. Most generally, penalties apply as a percent of the tour cost calculated by the number of days prior to departure. Trip cancellation insurance can be a part of your travel insurance package.
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12. What if I have other questions?
Don't hesitate to e-mail Libba Andrews (
landrews@alumni.msstate.edu) or call her at 662-325-3479.
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