schooltoursofamerica

TRAVELER PLEDGE PLUS WAIVER

 

 

The STA TourPOD system reduces the risk of group travel by assigning each traveler to a smaller subset of the group called a POD. A POD stands for “Practice Organized Distancing.” This enhanced policy makes it mandatory for each traveler to remain in their POD throughout the trip and will follow the tour protocols and procedures below.

The TourPOD system takes the “group” out of group travel and possibly slows the spread by touring in a POD. Each POD will be assigned a minimum of one chaperone to oversee the POD protocols and procedures. PODS are typically comprised of 4 to 10 travelers. In each case, we analyze the viability of the destination/itinerary/sites and review current state policies and requirements based on the location of the group.

Please review the Tour policies, protocols and procedures below or download a copy for your records here.

 

 

TRAVELER PLEDGE PLUS WAIVER RELEASE/AGREEMENT

School Tours of America trusts that the measures laid out will mitigate any risks and impacts involved in participating in the tour, and we fully count on your support to comply with them. However, despite all care taken, risks and impacts may not be fully eliminated, and therefore you agree to travel at your own risk.

I understand that while STA has undertaken reasonable steps to attempt to lessen the risk of COVID-19 transmission during travel, STA is not responsible for risks related to COVID-19 in relation to student travel. I understand the risks associated with participating in a tour at this time. I am willing to travel despite the risks. I acknowledge that I will ensure my traveler has not been in contact with anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19 and has not experienced any common symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or sore throat within 14 days of the trip. In consideration of being permitted to participate in the trip, I (we) agree to assume all risks of illness, injury or death, including all risks associated with COVID- 19, and agree not to sue and to release from liability and hold harmless STA, its owners, agents, contracted tour operators and employees, and other persons or entities involved with this trip (the Releasees), from all actions, claims or demands for injury, loss or damage, regardless of the cause, resulting from my participation in the trip, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Entering your name and information below will constitute your electronic signature.

Form must be completed by each participant.

By submitting this form I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the terms above and below. 

 

TourPROTOCOLS

STA’s TripCARE system is a strategic set of initiatives and expectations for our team of tour professionals, created to enhance the safety of everyone on the trip.

A “WELLNESS CHAPERONE” trip is provided by STA for 2021 trips. This wellness chaperone, chosen by the Group Leader, will facilitate any necessary COVID protocols selected by the school or Group Leader including, but not limited to, temperature checks, mask distribution & hand sanitizing, social distancing guidelines, and testing and quarantine for PODS

All travelers should wear a face covering at all times unless eating/drinking

All travelers will stay in their POD and practice social distancing/spacing

A POD stays together for the entire trip including travel on the airplane, motorcoach, sightseeing, meals, hotel & any trip activity

The POD system lessens the potential for COVID exposure. Should there be a positive test result on the trip and a quarantine issue, the POD will follow the procedure for that group

We highly encourage each participant to have a negative COVID test result before departure

 

 

TourPROCEDURES

PRE-TOUR/POST-TOUR

  • Travelers should limit activities involving large social gatherings, attending mass gatherings, and being in crowds during the 14 days before departure date
  • People who are sick, have recently tested positive for the virus (whether symptomatic or not), or have been exposed (as defined by the CDC) to a person with COVID-19 should not travel
  • Avoid contact with anyone who is sick and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Alert your group leader if you have any symptoms of COVID within 14 days of departure date
  • All participants should follow “return from travel” state guidelines after their trip, including any testing, quarantine procedures

TRANSPORTATION

(AIR/MOTORCOACH/RAIL)

  • Group will stay with POD during security screening, boarding, and flight
  • Chaperones may need to adjust seating on plane for POD spacing
  • Leave the first row on the motorcoach empty for driver distancing
  • Alert your group leader if you have any symptoms of COVID within 14 days of departure date
  • Each traveler will have a designated seat on the motorcoach, PODs will be seated together, and will follow loading/unloading instructions
  • Enhanced safety measures, including high-efficiency air filtration and frequent disinfecting, have been implemented for all forms of transportation.

HOTEL

  • POD rooms will be grouped together on the same floor
  • STA staff will facilitate check-in POD procedure and check-out POD procedure
  • All STA hotels follow enhanced cleaning procedures (Hilton, Marriott)
  • Nighttime security companies follow their specific COVID testing protocols and procedures

MEALS

  • All PODS will follow restaurant guidelines for seating/capacity management
  • Most restaurants will serve boxed or plated meals. We anticipate no self-serve buffet meals.
  • Participants should not share food/beverages at any time
  • Masks are worn unless eating/drinking; tables are dismissed to board bus by POD

SIGHTSEEING

  • POD will stay together while touring sites/venues
  • Travelers may not switch to a new POD
  • Each POD will follow procedures for boarding/unboarding motorcoach at each stop

PERFORMANCE

  • POD will stay together pre/post performance
  • Maintain social distancing during performance
  • Masks are to be worn during instrumental (If possible)/vocal performance

COVID TESTING/QUARANTINE PROCEDURES

  • If a participant exhibits COVID symptoms while on tour, STA will help facilitate testing and safely isolate the participant and the entire POD from the group while awaiting the results
  • If the test is positive, we will arrange a quarantine protocol with the entire POD
  • STA will assist with the necessary resources for the participant to recover and receive the appropriate care; and a parent to join the traveler as quickly as possible
  • STA will arrange a revised itinerary for the participant to return home safely
  • STA'S TOUR CENTRAL Office will coordinate with the Group Leader and school to oversee and manage all testing/quarantine protocols