No. Road Scholar does not require participants to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or demonstrate proof of COVID-19 vaccination on-site. While vaccination is not required to enroll or participate in Road Scholar programs, for your protection as well as the protection of others, we encourage all participants to be up to date with all recommended vaccines, including COVID-19 and influenza.

The vast majority of countries, cruise lines and businesses have dropped most of their pandemic-era restrictions, including testing and vaccination requirements. However, despite the general easing of restrictions, Road Scholar continues to closely monitor multiple sources for the most up to date entry and travel requirements. If a destination or entity on a program requires individuals to show proof of vaccination or has other requirements you need to know about, we will provide the information on our program web pages as well as include detailed information about the applicable requirements in post-enrollment materials.

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 encouraged to wear a mask when flying, transiting airports, as well as whenever in any public space.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, participants are encouraged to check their airline’s website prior to departure for the latest travel information regarding their flight. If you booked your air travel with Road Scholar, we will 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.

Staying healthy is critical to enjoying your program, and taking common sense steps will reduce the risk of getting sick. For instance:

• A week before you depart for your program, consider limiting your exposure to others. If you must be in public in the week prior to departure, wear a mask.
• Do not travel if you are sick, have any symptoms of illness, or if you have had close contact with a person who is sick. Do not risk traveling if you are not feeling well. Call us to discuss your options
• Wearing a well-fitted mask is an effective means of protection against airborne viruses, including COVID-19. Wear a mask whenever around others, including when flying and transiting airports. Once on your program, wear a mask whenever you are in public setting.
• Wash your hands frequently and practice good hygiene.

These days, we understand participants may want more flexibility when planning for the future. We also know travel plans can change at the very last moment. That’s why our optional Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan also includes Cancel for Any Reason coverage, which allows you to cancel your program enrollment for any reason and receive a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar for the full amount of the cancellation fee. When you purchase the Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan, your program investment is protected should you need to cancel your enrollment, whether due to a scheduling conflict, apprehension about recent world events, a sick pet, or any reason not otherwise covered by insurance. Knowing that your program investment is protected gives you peace of mind, and the flexibility and comfort of choosing a time that’s right for you to travel.

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.

However, you should exercise the level of precaution that makes you most comfortable. Face masks are a simple and effective way to prevent illness. Participants are encouraged to wear a mask whenever around others, including when flying and transiting airports. Feel free to wear your mask, even if others aren’t. Remember that this is group travel and you are the best person to minimize your own risk of getting sick. 

Road Scholar is always focused on the health and well-being of our participants, and Group Leaders are trained to take immediate action to ensure sick participants are well cared for, as well as to minimize the risk to the health, welfare and enjoyment of other participants.

If a participant develops symptoms of respiratory illness such as a new and persistent cough, sore throat, persistent runny nose and/or prolonged nasal congestion, fever or chills, or shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or is diagnosed or tests positive for influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, or other respiratory illness, they will be required to immediately self-isolate for no less than 24 hours, both for their health and the health, safety and welfare of the group. The purpose of a minimum mandatory 24-hour isolation period is to rest, obtain medical care if necessary, and see if their symptoms improve or worsen. The Group Leader will assist the participant obtain medical advice or attention if needed. 

Participants who become ill will not be permitted to rejoin the program if they do not isolate for at least 24 hours, continue to exhibit symptoms of illness, or do not feel well enough to participate fully in days’ worth of program activities. Participants will only be allowed to rejoin the program if they meet a number of requirements, all of which are intended to protect their health, as well as the health and welfare of their follow participants.

In order for a participant to be permitted to resume participation, they will have completed the mandatory minimum 24-hour isolation period, no longer have acute symptoms of illness, and feel much better and well enough to participate fully in the program. In addition, as a safety precaution, participants who qualify to rejoin the program will be required to wear a face mask for no fewer than 5 days.

Participants should be aware that Group Leaders are responsible for helping to protect the health welfare of all program participants, so if they observe a participant exhibiting symptoms consistent with respiratory illness, or otherwise determine they are unfit to be around other program participants, we expect the participant to abide by the Group Leader’s instructions and comply with Road Scholar’s safety protocols.

Participants should also be aware that in certain situation it may be necessary to adjust these safety protocols to ensure the comfort and well-being of all individuals involved.  For example, due to distance or available resources, it may be necessary for an ill participant to travel with the group to the next program location if leaving them behind to isolate is impractical. Should adjusting safety protocols in extenuating circumstances be necessary, we will endeavor to take reasonable steps to minimize the risk to others in the group (e.g. requiring everyone to wear a mask during the ride to the next program location). 

No. Road Scholar does not require participants to test for COVID-19, influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or other respiratory illness. Any testing is optional and at the participant’s discretion and expense. If you do decide to get tested because you have symptoms of respiratory illness, regardless of the test result you will be required to follow the isolation protocols mentioned above, as well as those outlining how you can rejoin the program. If you are sick or exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness, a negative COVID-19/flu/RSV test does not exempt you from the minimum mandatory 24-hour isolation period, permit you to rejoin the program if you are still feeling unwell, or eliminates the need to wear a mask if you do decide to return to the program. After all, you are still likely sick with something–it's just not what you tested for.

Protecting the health and welfare of all participants under our care during a program is of the utmost importance to us. Should a fellow participant become ill, in addition to implementing the aforementioned protocols, we will take reasonable measures to protect the health and welfare of all other participants, such as encouraging everyone to wear a face mask when indoors and in public settings.

Participants should also be aware that in certain situation it may be necessary to adjust these safety protocols to ensure the comfort and well-being of all individuals involved.  For example, due to distance or available resources, it may be necessary for an ill participant to travel with the group to the next program location if leaving them behind to isolate is impractical. Should adjusting safety protocols in extenuating circumstances be necessary, we will endeavor to take reasonable steps to minimize the risk to others in the group (e.g. requiring everyone to wear a mask during the ride to the next program location). 

Any additional expenses you may incur due to illness such as doctor visits, medical care, additional ground transportation airfare expenses, or extended accommodation expenses, will be your responsibility.

Every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program and insurance for emergency medical evacuation. For programs operating outside the United States, the plan also provides limited medical and sickness insurance. The policy operates on a reimbursement basis, so you must be prepared to pay for medical care on-site and submit an insurance claim when you return home. 

Please click here to learn more about Road Scholar’s included Assurance Plan, including benefits, terms, conditions and limitations.

Road Scholar’s optional Trip Protection Plan may help reimburse you for program days you miss due to illness. If you interrupt your program or return home early due to a covered sickness, the optional plan includes trip interruption coverage, which reimburses you for the unused portion of the program, plus the cost of any additional airfare you may need to return home. Please note that your illness must qualify as a covered event under the plan, and to be payable your claim will require examination and treatment at the time of interruption by a medical professional, and well as documentation to support the medical evaluation and diagnosis.

Please click here for detailed information about Road Scholar’s optional Trip Protection Plan, including benefits, terms, conditions and limitations  

You can find more information by clicking HERE