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Travel FAQ

The following questions/answers should help you in making your decision to travel with WAA. Guidelines may differ for each tour. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

Do I need to be a WAA member to travel?

At least one person in your traveling party is required to be a WAA member in order to participate on our tours. So, if you plan to travel as a single, then yes — you will need to be a current WAA member. Otherwise, if you’re traveling with friends or family, only one person in your group must be a WAA member.

Why is WAA Travel now a WAA member benefit?

The Wisconsin Alumni Association® (WAA) is a membership organization, and membership in WAA is designed to provide a special sense of community. To help create and achieve that feeling of community, WAA offers members a variety of benefits, special access, member pricing, and other exclusives. With the lasting connections people make on our tours, WAA Travel truly embodies a sense of community, so including it as a WAA benefit makes perfect sense.

How will you verify membership during the booking process?

Whenever possible, the person making the tour reservation for your group should be the WAA member. This person should have his or her member card handy to read off the member number. In the event that the person making the reservation isn’t the WAA member in your travel party, that person should reference the name and member number of the WAA member who will be traveling with your group to ensure eligibility. You can also join WAA at the time you’re booking your tour. Or, if you want to join now, visit the WAA membership page.

Are UW-Madison alumni the only people who are allowed to become WAA members?

No. The Wisconsin Alumni Association welcomes anyone to join — from Badger grads to Badgers-at-heart. A standard annual membership is $55 per year, and a senior (65-plus) rate is $45 per year. There is also the option to become a life member. Visit the WAA membership page for rates and convenient payment plans.

Who may travel with WAA?

Everyone is welcome to travel with the Wisconsin Alumni Association — from alumni and friends to fans and family. You do not need to be a UW-Madison graduate to enjoy the opportunity to explore the world with Badger travelers.

How do I learn more about the trip I'm interested in?

If we don't have the information up on our website yet, please call our travel department toll-free (888) 922-8728 and ask for information to be sent to you. Brochures are printed about 6-9 months in advance of the tour. Once you are actually booked on the tour, a packet of additional information will be sent to you. This information will include what to pack, hotel/ship information, inoculations needed etc.

How do I make a reservation?

By calling the WAA Travel Department and booking your reservation using a credit card. If you wish to send a personal check, we can hold your reservation until payment is received.

How do I know I'm confirmed on a tour?

A confirmation letter from WAA will be mailed the day your reservation is received. A confirmation packet from the tour operator will arrive within two weeks of making your reservation.

Do I need a passport?

It depends on the tour - all international travel requires a passport. Your passport should be valid for three months beyond your planned return date. Should you need to apply for a passport, please contact your local post office for an application. If your passport has expired and it was issued less than 12 years ago, you will just need a renewal form.

Do I need a Visa?

Again, it depends on the tour. If a Visa is required, an application form and directions for filling out the form will be sent to you.

How do I know when final payment is due on my tour?

An invoice is sent to you explaining all your charges once you sign up and then again when final payment is due.

What if I want to make all of my own air arrangements?

You can - we do offer land only pricing which will include everything on the tour, except transportation to the hotel or on board ship, depending on the tour.

Can I go early or stay later on your tour?

Yes, you can deviate either at the beginning or the end of the tour with a minimal air deviation charge. Our tour operator can also assist you with additional hotel nights etc.

Your dates won't work for me, are there any other options?

Yes, many of our programs are offered with multiple dates, although you wouldn't necessarily be traveling with a UW alumni group. You would still be identified as a UW Alumni traveler.

I noticed a travel operator you work with is offering a program that I really want to do but you aren't sponsoring, what can I do?

If we are not sponsoring a tour that you want to go on, we can still make the reservation for you and assist you in getting any of the group discounts and amenities. Or you can contact the tour operator directly and state you are a Wisconsin Alumni Association traveler so your University would still be credited.

Can I use Frequent Flier Certificates on your tours?

All of our programs offer the benefit of low airfares as a result of specially negotiated airfares incorporated in our programs. However, these are not the fare levels from which our participant air carriers have established upgrade or award redemption allowances. In order to utilize your mileage certificates, it would therefore be necessary for you to purchase the Land Only price for the tour and make individual air arrangements directly with the Frequent Flyer department of the carrier of your affiliation. We strongly suggest however that you make every effort to purchase the same flight schedule as our group so that you will be able to take advantage of the group transfers and avoid incurring additional transportation costs at your expense.

Where can I purchase trip cancellation insurance?

An application for trip cancellation insurance will be sent from us to all confirmed travelers. This insurance is designed especially to protect you from trip cancellation penalties and provide baggage and accident/sickness coverage. You may reach Travel Insurance Services direct by calling (800) 937-1387.

When do I receive final documents?

Final documents will be sent about two weeks before departure. They are usually sent via UPS or Federal Express. As these documents require a signature and cannot be delivered to a Post Office Box, please advise if they should be sent to another address.

What if I have more questions?

Please call or email the WAA Travel team at 608-262-2551, 888-947-2586 or travel@supportuw.org.