Does Road Scholar require COVID-19 boosters? If so, how many?
Road Scholar currently requires all participants and Group Leaders to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and have one booster shot, if eligible. Please refer to this page for current CDC guidelines on boosters. We will continue to monitor CDC guidance and update our vaccination policy as necessary, and will give our participants ample notice if our policy changes.
Yes. Participants must bring their original vaccination card to the program to demonstrate proof of vaccination which must include recommended boosters for anyone eligible. Participants who are unable to demonstrate proof of vaccination will not be permitted to participate in the program. Several states in America prohibit requiring proof of vaccination, so in these locations we are not allowed to ask participants for proof of vaccination.
Meeting and interacting with your fellow participants is integral to all Road Scholar experiences, and being vaccinated is vital to helping protect ourselves, our families, and our communities from illness. We are guided by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, which states that being vaccinated for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases not only protects yourself and those close to you, it helps reduce spread of the disease in communities. For these simple yet crucial reasons, Road Scholar requires all participants and Group Leaders to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and be up-to-date with all required and recommended vaccinations.
Yes. All children attending Grandparent and Family programs will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to their program. Based on the CDC recommendations, children will also be required to have a booster if they are eligible. Please refer to the CDC's page which defines who is currently eligible to receive a booster shot. As recommendations change and eligibility expands to younger children, we will update our policy accordingly. Like adults, children will also be required to demonstrate proof of vaccination on the program, so they or their adult companion must bring the child's original vaccination card to the program.
Should I carry my original vaccination card when traveling, or will a copy or an electronic version be sufficient?
Participants should always travel with their original vaccination card. We also recommend that participants scan or photograph their cards and keep a digital copy somewhere that’s easily accessible should they lose or misplace their original card.
Even if vaccination may not be required to enter a country, Road Scholar still requires all participants to be fully vaccinated and boosted, if eligible. In addition, keep in mind that country vaccine requirements can change at any time, so participants should be prepared to demonstrate proof of vaccination at all times while traveling.
Road Scholar has and will continue to operate programs in the few states in America that prohibit requiring people show proof of vaccination, or prohibit vaccine mandates as a condition of employment. By enrolling in a program with Road Scholar, participants agree that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and have received all recommended boosters if eligible, and we expect everyone who participates in our programs to comply with our requirement. Participants should be assured knowing that over 99% of Road Scholar participants surveyed have indicated that they are fully vaccinated. If state law prohibits us from requiring participants to show proof of vaccination at program check-in, we will comply with the local law and not ask participants to demonstrate proof in order to participate in the program. Similarly, if a state law bars an employer from discriminating against an individual who refuses to disclose their vaccination status, we will comply with the law and not deny employment to a prospective Group Leaders if they refuse to demonstrate proof.
Will Road Scholar require a negative COVID-19 test in order to participate in a program?
No, we will not require vaccinated participants to submit a negative COVID-19 test result for the majority of our programs. However, some of our program partners may require participants to produce a negative test result. If that is the case, participants will be notified with ample time to be tested prior to departure.
- Depending on the airline or destination you may be required to wear a face mask when on board the aircraft and in terminals. Even if it not required, participants are enouraged to wear a mask when flying, transiting airports, as well as whenever in any public space.
- You must travel with your original COVID-19 vaccination card to show evidence of vaccination, with all recommended boosters, throughout your trip, including during travel to and from the program. We also recommend you scan or photograph your vaccination card and keep a digital copy somewhere that’s easily accessible when traveling should you lose or misplace your original card.
- To ensure a smooth travel experience, participants are encouraged to check their airline’s website prior to departure for the latest travel information including any last minute changes to entry or testing requirements. We’ll do our best to keep you informed of any requirements before travelling, but keep in mind that requirements for your specific program can change at any time, so we recommend you stay up to date as well.
Yes. For as long as this is a requirement, for all programs outside of the United States, your Group Leader will help you get a COVID-19 test before your flight home. The cost of this test is not included in the cost of the program and will need to be paid by participants. You can find more information about this requirement and the type of test to take by clicking this link.
Because participants and Group Leaders will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and have all recommended boosters if eligible, it is highly unlikely you will be have to isolate or quarantine during your travels. However, should that occur, be assured that Road Scholar will be in frequent contact with you, and do our best to ensure you receive the help and support you may need prior to returning home. However, participants should be aware that additional expenses incurred due to isolation or quarantine are responsibility of the participant.
We therefore strongly recommend Road Scholar’s optional Trip Protection Plan, which provides financial protection in case of program cancellation, interruption or travel delay, as well limited quarantine coverage. Specifically, should COVID-19 cause you to isolate or quarantine, the plan helps reimburse you for additional accommodation, meal and transportation expenses you may incur, as well as reimbursement for missed program days. Please click here to learn more about this and all the other benefits included in Road Scholar’s optional Trip Protection Plan.
You will need to bring several of your own face coverings. Hand sanitizer will be available when boarding and disembarking motorcoaches, but we ask you also bring your own supply.
Click HERE for information and answers to questions you might have about traveling, and to help you prepare for your upcoming program