Q: Is a GTC tour right for my family and me?
A: Absolutely! If you and your family are curious about life, and you are looking for a vacation that is more than amusement parks or beaches, then GTC is most definitely for you. We cater to the curious! Our trips are a careful balance of group activities and free-time opportunities that allow families to spend time together. Every trip is thoroughly and intensively (and we mean intensively!) researched.

Q: What do you mean by “unique and must-see”?
A: We want your travel experience to be memorable and rewarding. One way we ensure this is to keep our group sizes small. Fewer guests mean that we are able to offer accommodations and dining experiences with a local flavor. Those travel companies with larger group sizes are just, well—too big—to take advantage of the truly local experience.

Small-group size also means we are able to take our guests for little-known, off-the-beaten path encounters, such as witnessing the Atlantic Green Sea turtles nesting. Of course, we recognize that a visit to Peru, for instance, would be incomplete without a “must-see” visit to Machu Picchu, so we make sure our guests see a variety of “must-see” places at their chosen destination as well as experiencing one-of-a-kind, unique, encounters.

Q: I’m not sure I can take care of a child full time.
A: Although this is a legitimate concern for adults traveling by themselves with one or more children, here at GTC, we would encourage you to look carefully at our itineraries. Every day is a careful balance of activities and downtime that allows kids and adults alike the opportunity to be busy and to rest. In other words, although as the adult you are responsible for the child(ren) in your care, you are not burdened with providing all the entertainment, meals etc. That’s our job—and our pleasure. Let us do what we do best, so you can relax (really!) and enjoy the vacation with your young companion(s).

Q: Can I bring my dear friend on a GTC tour?
A: Definitely! The GTC focus is to connect with the significant people in your life— whether it’s family, extended family or friends. GTC’s definition of family is all-inclusive. A GTC adventure is perfect for friends—adults and children alike—to connect with each other and cement important friendships. Don’t think you have to limit the number of friends you bring along. We can help you plan a memorable experience for all your friends, both children and adults.

Q: I am in charge of planning the annual family reunion. Can GTC help me?
A: A family reunion is the perfect way for families to reconnect and share their heritage. We would be delighted to make this special occasion a truly memorable experience for your family. Please call us to discuss your needs. Then you can sit back and relax, and let us take care of everything!

Just for Kids...

Q: Why should I go on this trip?
A: This trip is going to be fun! Our trips are designed to provide you with a sense of adventure. We'll be taking you places that are less frequented by tourists. You won't be stuck on a bus all day long. You'll get to meet other kids and hang out with new people in each destination

Q: Why is this trip important to your grandparents or parents?
A: Your parents and grandparents want to take advantage of this special time with you now that you are older and able to appreciate the world in which we live. Also, the adults in your life value family relationships and get-togethers as important and meaningful. Vacations are perfect opportunities to create lasting memories for everyone, and at GTC, we make sure everyone has fun creating those memories. Also, Your parents and grandparents know, although you probably disagree, that it won’t be long before you leave home and start a life of your own. They want to build memories of their time with you before you have your first job or go off to college.

Q: What kinds of fun things will we be able to do?
A: That depends on which GTC adventure you choose. What’s your idea of fun? Snorkeling with sea lions in the waters of the Galapagos Islands? Watching Major League Baseball? Walking on Costa Rica’s beaches at night to watch sea turtles lay their eggs? As you can see, we have so many options from which you can choose. Your only problem will be which adventure to select. Take a look at our itineraries and tell your parents or grandparents which trip gets YOUR vote!

Q: What about Ipods and Gameboys?
A: We recognize that music and electronic games are a big part of your life. However, we discourage the use of personal electronic devices on tours. We believe people should "tune in" and not "tune out." Your electronic gadgets also might be a target for thieves so please be responsible and don’t be a “showboat”. Additionally, the GTC guide may ask you to put away your electronic devices in the interest of safety.

Before You Leave

Q: What clothes and supplies do I need to bring?
A: That will depend on where and when you’re traveling. Generally, we advise guests to travel light; we provide a list to help you decide what to pack and what to leave behind. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars. We'll send you a more specific packing list once you've made a reservation and we've received your deposit.

Q: How much money should I bring?
A: How much money you want to bring is really up to you. Only you know your budget for nonessential items, such as gifts or local crafts and art. However, you should know that all gratuities (tips) and almost all of the meals are included in the price of your tour. You should not have to worry about carrying large amounts of foreign currency or having to find money for a late-afternoon snack, we have it covered. If your destination is to Central or South America, we recommend you do not bring large-denomination U.S. bills on your trip.

Q: What about shopping?
A: Of course you will have opportunities to shop for authentic local crafts. We pride ourselves on avoiding—forgive us—tacky tourist stores, but at some of our destinations there are places where you can buy something really special. However, many of our tours are not organized around shopping experiences, and in some destinations, it may be impracticable because of baggage and shipping limitations. Check our itineraries for more information about shopping opportunities.

While on Tour

Q: Are all meals are included in the price of the trip?
A: GTC’s value pricing means that the majority of your meals are included in the price of your trip. That means on most days we take care of breakfast, lunch, dinner (B,L,D). These meals are noted in the daily Itineraries on our Web site and in the packet of information we send you before you travel. We carefully design our trips to allow you and your family free time (time away from the group). You are responsible for the cost of meals during this time. On these occasions, you have the opportunity to dine with your family wherever you would like.

Q: What kind of foods will we eat?
A: While we cannot describe every meal, we can say the meals are both nutritious and delicious! Some meals may be buffet style, but each buffet will be different depending on the tour destination. Food is, of course, part of culture, and we ensure that culturally specific foods are offered to our guests. We can also request kid-friendly alternatives at each meal. In all cases, we include a healthy mix of fresh foods. If you have specific dietary needs please notify us. You can use our Special Requests Web page to do so, or call us directly at 1-888-415-9100.

Q: What kind of snacks are there? Should we bring our own?
A: Snacks are designed to give you a quick energy boost, if necessary, between meals. Our Snacks Onboard! feature provides a snack of granola bars, nuts, cookies, water, etc., when you are on the motor coach and on some trips. Due to agricultural restrictions, you won’t be able to bring any food with you from the U.S., so snacks will be purchased at the destination that you are visiting. You won’t have the same choices available as at home, but there are many delicious treats to be found all over the world—and that’s part of the fun of travel!

Q: Who will we meet in these destinations?
A: Our GTC philosophy embraces the opportunity for travelers to meet and interact with local people in each travel destination. We do this in a variety of ways. We may, for example, visit a school, dine with local families, play games, hear traditional music and learn about customs specific to the people we meet. We want you to see what it's really like to live in each destination versus being part of a mass-market tourist experience.

Q: What kind of beds will we be sleeping in?
A: We will not always be staying in a traditional hotel. Each place is different. Generally, beds are twin size and in the more traditional hotels, there will probably be an attached bathroom. However, there may be no adjoining bedrooms.

Q: What does responsible tourism mean?
A: Today's tourist needs to be sensitive to the people and places we visit. We may be able to provide a source of income to people who really need it. But tourism can also hurt the environment or be disrespectful of another's culture. We must be careful about littering or damaging the environment. Most of all we must build bridges and friendships by understanding other cultures and their customs. < more >

Q: What is global awareness? Why is it important?
A: We think it is important for young and maturing people to be educated from a global perspective. There is so much going on and changing in our world. We see it every day on TV, at the movies or in magazines. Every decision made has consequences that may affect you, your community and the world in which we live. We want you to understand that our globe is home to many different and unique people. Making connections between you and others, understanding similarities, differences and common concerns of people everywhere, will make you a better citizen and human being.

Just for Kids...

Q: Is going to be like school?
A: Absolutely not! Our hope is that you'll learn something on this trip, because education has never been this fun. We want you to know how some rainforest plants are used in medicines, how to throw a curveball, how to tell an orca from a porpoise or how ancient people built a temple on a mountain 8,000 feet above sea level.

Q: Will I meet other kids who live in the place I am going to visit?
A: Yes, one of our goals is for you to meet and learn about various places and people. You'll meet other kids in a variety of ways. For example, you could visit them at their school, play a game of soccer or swap songs and information about your lives. We want you to experience the lives of other kids at each destination.

After You Get Back

Q: How does GTC's Photography Contest work?
A: When you get home and see what your photos look like, send or e-mail us your favorites. If we can use them, you will get a photo credit wherever we display your picture on our Web site or in our brochure. Should you win our contest, you will also receive a GTC Contributor's Certificate. Your goal to become a professional photographer will be off to a great start!