We will have two groups for field trips and, if you mention your travel companion on your Personal Information Form, you will be put in the same group.

If you do not, there is a chance that you will be in different groups, although this may be sorted out during the program if we know in advance. Please note that in our preparations, we endeavor to identify traveling companions and roommates from these forms.

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

Yes, as with all independent arrangements, Travel Services may be able to help with accommodations and flight bookings. Please ensure you let the provider know so that they can amend the transfers from a London airport to the first/last accommodation on the program.

Further details will be included in your preparatory reading materials.

If you are planning to arrive independently to the first program hotel, please contact the program concierge

by email at 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 Passport VISA's Express. Please ensure you have made contact as soon as possible. If you have any issues, please contact concierge@roadscholar.org

In Required Docs / Waivers we state: "Letters regarding visas will be sent to all participants, with information about contacting Passport Visas Express, and details of arrangements for non-US citizens.” Once you receive this letter please contact Passport Visas Express as soon as possible. Their Concierge Services can be contacted on (855) 370-4264

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.

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 US and European sockets, not USB.

It’s 2/2/2 throughout.

Please bring your prescriptions in case customs officials enquire or if you run out or lose your medication. You should bring what you require for a few days in your carry-on bag and additional amounts can be put in the hold in your luggage.

Comfortable, sturdy shoes with non-slip soles suitable for walking on uneven terrain are important for all excursions. Please keep in mind that shorts and jeans are not always acceptable in holy places. The Group Leaders will let you know of any specific requirements that may be involved during an excursion in the evening briefing.

Hats and sunscreen are musts for sun protection as many of the sites are completely open with very few shaded areas. Women are asked to bring a scarf or hat for visits to mosques or churches. Temperatures can cool off in the evening, or you may find air- conditioning in some areas to be uncomfortably cool. Bring items that can be layered, and removed or added as you would like for your personal comfort. For field trips, we recommend a collapsible walking cane and a hands-free bag such as a backpack, crossbody bag or fanny-pack.

Bring a bathing suit if you plan to swim in hotel pools. When packing your carry-on, often a bag with a shoulder strap or a backpack, remember this: In case your checked bag is lost or delayed for a few days, you should have a change of clothing with you.

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.

Absolutely, there is no requirement for formal attire. Please consider that most destinations will be air-conditioned so a lightweight jacket or cardigan may be welcome!

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.

Bringing a smart device will be critical for accessing eVisa copies and completing pre-arrival information within apps, some of which need to be completed a set time prior to arrival to each destination and during the program.

Please ensure you work with your service supplier to ensure accessibility in each destination.

A tablet, computer or the like for use aboard the private plane will be required should you wish to access the on-board media systems. The aircraft’s seats do not have built-in media screens. Please bring your own headphones.

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 

Earphones/headphones need to be used if you wish to access the In-Flight entertainment via your smart device.  

Earphones/iPods should be the same size as required by your Smart device. The standard is 3.5mm or Bluetooth would work as well.

Like all museums there maybe security screening. We would suggest that small is best as some sites may restrict bags, however, they may be left securely whilst you visit the site.

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 to bring distilled water, this can be stored on the Private Plane for you. If you need help arranging for distilled water, please let us know in advance, along with the quantity required.

Bluetooth is fine to connect to your device. There is no physical connection to the plane, only via your device.

We would suggest bug spray for all destinations, but especially Cambodia and Indonesia where there are jungle sites visited.

Recommened to have one printed copy, one digital copy and a picture in your phone to access offline of passport and visas.

One version of each – Hard Copy, Digital Copy and Photo. As long as they are clear we don’t believe color is important

A digital copy is normally downloaded and sometimes downloads are not available when Internet access isn’t available. Having a photo of your copy will allow you access to it at any time.

Yes. On the private plane, we suggest you take up to 2 suitcases per person, weighing no more than 48 lbs (23kg) each, plus cabin baggage.

Luggage allowance is stipulated by your transatlantic crossing. There is no maximum allowance with the Private Plane, but you will be subject to weight restrictions on your journeys to and from the United States at the start and end of the program and may be subject to excess baggage charges.

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 with.

It is each passenger's responsibility to verify weight limits with their airlines prior to traveling on international flights at the beginning and end of the program. Airlines strictly enforce baggage regulations, and excess baggage charges — which can be substantial — are the personal responsibility of each participant.

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. Porterage at the hotels has been arranged.

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.

It is each passenger's responsibility to verify weight limits with their airlines prior to traveling on international flights at the beginning and end of the program. Airlines strictly enforce baggage regulations, and excess baggage charges — which can be substantial — are the personal responsibility of each participant.

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 luggage facilitator will ensure you are aware of these prior to flights.

Your luggage facilitator will ask you to leave your luggage unlocked for ease of going through airport security

You will be traveling with a Luggage Facilitator throughout your program who will handle all luggage logistics with the airline, airports and hotels. They will advise regarding things such as schedules for leaving bags outside rooms for hotel porters.

There are some airports or areas within the airports, where you will need to move your own luggage. This is for security purposes and you may be required to identify your own luggage.

Once your baggage is checked, this will remain in the hold and no access is possible until you reach the next destination.

You will be traveling with an Airline/Luggage Facilitator throughout your program who will handle all luggage logistics with the airline, airports and hotels. They will advise regarding things such as schedules for leaving bags outside rooms for hotel porters.

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.

The following dietary preferences and allergies can usually be accommodated: vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free. If you have a dietary need or allergy that is not noted here, please email Concierge@roadscholar.org to reconfirm your requirements and ensure your PIP is kept up to date. The provider sends out all passenger needs to all suppliers on your program well in advance. We appreciate your PIP updates no later than 6 weeks prior to arrival to your program. Thank you.

If you are more comfortable using walking sticks/poles we suggest that would be a very good idea. They can be stored on the plane when not required.

Due to the nature of this program, canes/hiking poles are suitable as extra support on the walks, if personally required. However, all participants need to be aware of the activities on this program and will need to keep up with the rest of the group. This program is not recommended for anyone with a walker/wheelchair.

In most destinations 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 adventure 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. Due to the nature of the historical sites visited, there will be some stairs that need to be managed. 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 destinations, 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.

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.

Participants are solely responsible for checking the CDC website to get th emost 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.

Tests will not be guaranteed. Participants are welcome to pack their own COVID tests. 

Group Leaders will have a small supply of masks, but we suggest bringing a couple for precautionary measures if you prefer. We recommend masks as the best precaution, but they are not required on this programme or sites visited. 

Providing this is noted in your PIP, we will automatically request this with all hotels. There is no need to email us to request this.

In most cases, a refrigerator should be available in your room (usually the hotel 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.

Not all destinations are able to provide walk-in showers. ADA rooms are on a request basis and cannot be guaranteed. 

Accessible rooms may be requested, but this program is not recommended for participants requiring accessible rooms because of the demanding nature of the itinerary. Please contact concierge@roadscholar.org to discuss whether the program is suitable.

Most hotels should provide this service. Due to limited time in each destination, we suggest either Delhi or Siem Reap for more time.

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

There is a full bar provided free of charge on the aircraft which will include spirits, beer, wine, etc. Not miniatures; full-size bottles.

Credit/ATM Cards: Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. American Express is not accepted everywhere. Please notify your credit card company that you are traveling abroad. You can obtain cash from cash machines in larger cities with your ATM card. 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 a lot of time and effort changing money back and forth. According to many reports, ATMs offer the best exchange rates. 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.

Exchanging Currency: While Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted and local currency is easily withdrawn at ATMs, we highly recommend that you bring some US Dollars and a small amount of each local currency with you as a ‘back-up’ in the event that your cards malfunction. All hotels on the program have ATMs either inside or nearby, so there are opportunities to withdraw local currency as needed. Please remember, however, that your program is designed to give you an educational experience and may not include much time for shopping.