Yes, we will have two groups for field trips. You need to mention your travel companion on your Personal Information Form, and then you will be put in the same group each day.

If you do not, there is a chance that you will be in different groups. 

Please note that in our preparations, we endeavor to identify traveling companions and roommates from these Personal Information Forms.

Once groups are set for Egypt, our first destination on the plane, the groups cannot change due to security requirements. 

Yes, at the time of enrollment you should mention to the advisor that you want to adjust your travel dates. We have a Travel Services Dept. that could assist you with the flight changes and why it is better to do when you enroll. When you make the these adjustments please ensure you let the provider know so they can amend the transfers from London airport to the first/last accommodation on the program.

If you are planning to arrive independently to the first program hotel, please contact concierge@roadscholar.org to discuss travel options.

The group leaders on this program have been specially selected and will do their best to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding program experience.

In each destination there will be local experts who provide all local knowledge and education and should be able to answer any questions you have as well as provide suggestions for free-time opportunities.

Required visas are provided by our designated visa service provider, Passport Visas Express, and we are covering the costs of all visas — a value of more than $700. We will send a letter when it is time to begin the visa process that will also include details of arrangements for non-US citizens. Once you receive this letter please follow instructions and contact Passport Visas Express at their Concierge Services: (855) 370-4264

All U.S. citizens require a passport that is valid a minimum of 6 months after their return date to the U.S. If you must apply for a new passport, plan to allow 6 to 8 weeks for this process. 

If you have any questions, please contact concierge@roadscholar.org

We need to go through airport security at each destination and follow the laws and rules of the country we are traveling to and from. Our aim is to make that process as easy and straightforward as we can for you. Familiar restrictions like 100ml in liquid, as well as country-specific restrictions, may apply.Since restrictions are subject to change with little notice, we will remind you the day before traveling of the best places to pack certain items and whether any specific regulations exist.

Seating rotation has been prearranged very far in advance of the program beginning. Each leg of the private plane flight has been confirmed with the airline, manifests submitted to official bodies and boarding passes printed in advance of your arrival. For this reason, seating requests can be considered but not always guaranteed.

When planning seating rotation, all participants have been considered to ensure they get the opportunity to sit by a window, an aisle and in the middle row of the plane. Likewise in our planning, all participants should experience sitting at the front, middle and rear of the plane.

The boarding pass is a formality to prove you have an assigned seat and enable a seamless boarding process at each airport. Once on board, you are free to move seats and move around at will, subject to the advice of the cabin crew on the day.

No. There is an onboard streaming service which streams the in-flight entertainment to individual smart devices.

Please remember to bring headphones for your smart device as these are not provided.

You may charge your electrical devices on the private plane. Please note that these are U.S. and European sockets, not USB.

It’s 2/2/2 throughout.

If you want to access the on-board entertainment media system on the private plane, you will need to bring your own personal smart device (a tablet, computer or the like).   The aircraft’s seats do not have built-in media screens. Please bring your own headphones/earphones to use with your smart device.

Bringing a smart device will also help when you need to access eVisa copies or to complete pre-arrival information during the program, for specific countries.    

Please ensure you work with your service supplier to ensure you can get connectivity in each destination.

Earphones/headphones must be used with your smart device when you access the on-board entertainment media system while on the aircraft. Bring the Earphones/headphones that you use regularly with your smart device. Bluetooth will work as well.

Bluetooth is fine to connect to your phone.

There is a full bar provided complimentary on the aircraft which will include spirits, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks.

Comfortable, sturdy shoes with non-slip soles suitable for walking on uneven terrain are important for all excursions throughout the program. Hats, sunscreen and sunglasses are musts for sun protection as many of the sites are completely open with very few shaded areas

Prescriptions in case customs officials enquire or if you run out or lose your medication. Your medications should always be packed in your carry –on.  

Please keep in mind that shorts and jeans are not always acceptable in holy places. Women are asked to bring a scarf or hat for visits to mosques or temples. 
The Group Leaders will let you know of any specific requirements that may be involved during an excursion in the evening briefing.

Temperatures can cool off in the evening, or you may find air- conditioning in some areas to be uncomfortably cool. Bring clothing that can be layered, and removed or added as you would like for your personal comfort. For excursions, since we will be doing a lot of walking, bring a collapsible walking sticks or cane and a hands-free bag such as a backpack, crossbody bag or fanny-pack. We recommend to bring bug repellent and antihistamine cream especially if susceptible to insect bites.  

Bring a bathing suit if you plan to swim in hotel pools. 

When packing your airline carry-on, often a bag with a shoulder strap or a backpack, remember to pack a change of clothing, in case your checked bag is lost or delayed for a few days.   

We recommend that you prepare for a wide variety of temperatures with lightweight clothing that can be easily layered. Light cotton and linen clothing are best suited to warm climates. Quick-drying fabrics suitable for humid climates are recommended. Dress appropriately for visiting religious sites by covering your shoulders and wearing long pants or skirts, and observe local headwear customs. Formal wear is not needed at any point during the program.      

Egypt: While Egypt is not as strict in dress code as other Islamic countries, we recommend dressing conservatively when entering mosques.  

Jordan: Please wear comfortable and sturdy footwear and dress modestly.

Cambodia: Legs and upper arms should be covered at temples, and hats removed.

Indonesia: avoid wearing revealing clothes as a mark of respect to the country's predominantly Muslim values. A long skirt or pants with a loose cotton shirt with sleeves would all work well and will protect you from the sun.

Oman: It is recommended that strappy sundresses, shorts or low-necked dresses are not worn in public places. The most suitable wear in public is covered shoulders and below-knee-length trousers or skirts.

Yes, there is no formal attire required at any hotel. Please consider that restaurants will be air-conditioned so a lightweight jacket or cardigan should be packed.

We recommend bringing a set of international outlet adaptor and a converter. Aboard the private plane, each seat includes an outlet for charging devices. These are European and US style plugs, not USB.

Adaptor/Plug Types by Country:

United Kingdom, Oman  - Type G    

Egypt, Jordan, India  - Type C     

Cambodia - Type A, C & G

Indonesia - Type C, G & F 

We suggest that small is better as some museums or sites have security screening and restrict bags that are bulky. The Group Leaders will let you know of any specific entry requirements for an excursion in the evening briefing.

Bottled mineral water will be available on all transport, at all hotels and on the private plane. We do not advise purchase from street vendors. If you need distilled water, we have liaised with the airline and they have provided and stored enough distilled water for all CPAP and other users.

Yes we suggest to bring bug spray and antihistamine cream, this could be especially useful in Cambodia and Indonesia where jungle sites are visited.

We recommend when travelling to bring one printed copy of each document and then have one copy of each document that is stored on your smart device digitally. Another digital format would be to take a picture of each document so you can access it when you are not connected to the internet.

Luggage allowance and weight limits are stipulated by the commercial airline you will be travelling with on the transatlantic crossing to and from the United States. It is your responsibility to verify luggage allowance and weight limits with the commercial airline. They are known to strictly enforce their luggage regulations and will charge for excess luggage - which can be substantial - and your personal responsibility.

On the Private Plane, there is no maximum luggage allowance. We suggest no more than two suitcases per person, weighing no more than 48 lbs (23kg) each, plus carry-on.

Participants will be able to store certain items in the hold of the private plane for part or all of the program. This will be subject to the restricted items list which you will be provided to you in your pre-program materials.

You will be traveling with an airline/luggage facilitator throughout your program who will handle luggage logistics with the airline, airports and hotels.

We have tried to include porterage where possible, however there are some airports or areas within the airports where you will need to move your own luggage. This is for security purposes. Porterage at all the hotels has been arranged.

Restrictions – as per normal international flights, there are restrictions on what can and cannot be carried in the hold or as cabin baggage on the private plane. Your Airline/Luggage facilitator will ensure you are aware of these prior to flights.

Storage - you will be able to store certain items in the hold of the private plane for part or all of the program. This will be subject to the restricted items list which you will be provided with in your pre-program materials.

You will be traveling with an airline/luggage facilitator throughout your program who will handle all luggage logistics with the airline, airports and hotels. Their role is to facilitate a smooth transition between airports and hotels. They also assist with immigration procedures at the various destinations. Your luggage facilitator will communicate any requirements for each destination throughout your program. They will advise regarding things such as schedules for bag pick up  for hotel porters or to leave your luggage unlocked for ease of going through airport security. 

The following dietary preferences and allergies can usually be accommodated: vegetarian, gluten-free, low fat and low salt. If you have a dietary need or allergy that is not noted here, please email concierge@roadscholar.org to discuss your requirements if they can be accommodated. Dietary preferences need to be documented on your Personal Information Form.  

We send out participants’ requests to all suppliers well in advance. We appreciate your Personal Information Form updates no later than 6 weeks prior to first day of your program. 

We cannot guaranty that all requests can be accommodated.  

If you regularly use them we think it is a good idea. They should be collapsible so they can fit in luggage. Many of the days on this program include long walks and they could provide you support.  

This program is not recommended for anyone with a walker/wheelchair due to the uneven terrain that we will cover in the destinations. Many of the sites visited have stairs only and in some cases no handrail.

In most Airports, we will not have the use of air bridge and participants must be able to manage the use of an air stair, typically 25-30 steps up and down. With this in mind, participants must be able to embark and disembark the private plane without any special equipment.

This program is rated as Keep the Pace, which falls at a rank of 3 out of 4. You can view the specific activity requirements for every day of the Private Plane program on our website. 

The itinerary is very busy and you will be required to walk, on average, at least 3 miles per day, on varied and uneven terrain including desert and jungle; walking approximately 6 miles at Petra, if taking the field trip at the higher activity level. The program visits many historical sites, where there are stairs only and in some cases no handrail. The weather encountered could be hot and humid, with little to no shade. There is limited free time and we expect that you will get most of your ‘down time’ on the plane. In most Airports,  we will not have the use of air bridge and participants must be able to manage the use of an air stair, typically 25-30 steps up and down. With this in mind, participants must be able to embark and disembark the private plane without any special equipment.

All cabin crew on the private plane are first-aid trained and certified. When we are off of the plane we have plans in place based on the destination to address any and all concerns.

Your group leaders will follow Road Scholar procedures in the event of any sickness or emergency.

If noted on your PIP, we will automatically request access to a power outlet close to your bed in all destinations.

If yours is battery operated, you may need to follow advice on where to pack this as batteries should not be stored in the luggage hold on the plane.

Participants will need to bring an appropriate adapter for their CPAP machine for each destination.

We have liaised with the airline, and they have provided and stored enough distilled water for all CPAP and other users; participants don't need to supply their own.

Participants are solely responsible for checking the CDC website to get the most up-to-date travel information. 

Participants are also solely responsible for obtaining the required inoculations, medications and certificates and to bring proof of these if required by the countries. CDC recommends Hepatitis A and Typhoid inoculations for most travelers to all countries visited.

Hepatitis B, Malaria, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, and Cholera inoculations are also recommended for travel to some countries on the itinerary. We recommend consulting your physician. See this page for further information.

Face masks are not required unless there is a specific mandate or regulation in place by authorities or organizations, or if required by your Group Leader to minimize the risk of contracting or spreading illness. Participants must therefore bring their own face masks to the program and be prepared to wear them if required in certain situations or when instructed.

We do not provide COVID-19 tests, so participants should consider bringing their own kits as a precaution.

If you note on your Personal Information Form that you need refrigeration for medicines, we will automatically request this with all hotels. There is no need to email us with this request.

In most cases, a refrigerator should be available in your room (usually the room minibar). If not available in your room, all hotels will ensure that you have access to a refrigerator when needed.

Should access be required on the private plane, the cabin crew will be able to assist.

Accessible rooms in International Hotels are very limited and have different guidelines than U.S. hotels. Not all hotels are able to provide walk-in showers. They can be requested but not guaranteed. Please contact concierge@roadscholar.org to discuss further your needs.

Most hotels do provide this service. Due to limited time in each destination, we suggest Siem Reap where the program stays three nights rather than two.

Participants are responsible for clearing any room charges, ideally in advance of checking out of each hotel. This will speed up the checkout process on departure and swift transfer to the airport

You can obtain cash from ATM’s in larger cities with your ATM card. All hotels on the program have ATMs either inside or nearby, so there are opportunities to withdraw local currency as needed. For this service you will need a four-digit PIN (Personal Identification Number). You will receive money in the currency of the country where you make the transaction. This will save you time and effort changing money back and forth. According to many reports, ATMs offer the best exchange rates.

Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. American Express is not accepted everywhere. Please notify your credit card company that you are traveling abroad. Credit Cards, as opposed to debit cards, work fine for purchases and paying bills, but do not use them to get money from a cash machine as cash advance fees can be high unless your credit card institution offers you a special deal. 

Please bring a photocopy of all your credit and bank cards; if they are lost or stolen, this will be of great assistance. Be sure to copy both sides of all credit and bank cards. While Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted and local currency is easily withdrawn at ATMs, we highly recommend that you bring some US Dollars (smaller bills ) and a small amount of  local currency with you as a ‘back-up’ in the event that your cards malfunction. Please remember, however, that your program is designed to give you an educational experience and may not include much time for shopping.