Our programs are designed and managed along with the finest travel operators, most of whom specialize in providing trips for non-profit organizations. We select these travel operators based on three important criteria: established reputations, dependable operations, and professional staff. A.R.E. also selects the trips based on feedback we receive from our past travelers as well as current trends in the industry.

Most travel operators we work with charge a nominal cancellation fee from the time of deposit to cover expenses incurred in processing a new reservation. As the departure date gets closer, we have made more financial commitments to our suppliers (airlines, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation) and accordingly, cancellation fees become more substantial. Cancellation penalties are structured to coincide with advance payments that we must make to our suppliers and the penalties are strictly enforced due to these contractual commitments. Please refer to the Terms and Agreements to view our cancellation policy. We also strongly encourage purchasing trip cancellation insurance to minimize financial risks.

The A.R.E. is proud to be one of the few non-profit associations that provides an Accident and Sickness insurance as part of your travel program. This coverage is also good for medical evacuation if the need should arise. However, the accident and sickness insurance paid for by the A.R.E does not cover cancellations. We strongly recommend that you be adequately insured against last minute trip cancellation and other travel-related risks, such as extra baggage insurance. Our insurance provider, Travel Insurance Select, explains their coverage and the rates for purchasing it. After registering for a trip, you will receive travel insurance information from the Travel Insurance Select (USI). Please contact them if you have any questions regarding travel insurance coverage or costs at 800-937-1387, or online at http://www.travelinsure.com/cobrand/select/are.

You are free to make travel insurance arrangements with another insurance company of your choice, or you may choose to forego purchasing travel insurance coverage. Some credit cards companies offer travel insurance coverage when you use your card to purchase your trip.

No. A.R.E. Travel Programs welcomes all friends of Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E. Membership is not required.

We always suggest making reservations as early as possible after the trip information is available. Some trips sell out very quickly, while others do not fill to capacity. It is impossible to predict how quickly a trip will sell out, so the longer you wait the greater the chances are that the trip will be filled by the time you send in your registration. You can call the A.R.E Travel Programs toll-free at 888-273-3339, to inquire about the status of a trip.

Tour prices are always based on two people sharing the costs of the hotel room or ship cabin. If you are traveling alone, there is no one else to share in the lodging expense. Therefore, a single traveler must cover this entire cost instead of paying half. Please note that the single supplement for a cruise is generally much higher than a “land” trip since a substantial portion of the total trip cost is the ship cabin. There are no other “extra” fees charged to a single travel other than the additional lodging cost. We will do our best to honor requests for roommates, but there is no guarantee that a roommate will be available. In that case, the private room fee will be required.

Many countries do not offer the same level of access for persons with disabilities as the U.S. For this reason, we recommend that you call the Travel Programs department prior to registering for a trip to inquire about the physical access provided and to obtain information regarding the trip best suited to any physical limitations that you may have. While the A.R.E. encourages people with disabilities to participate in its activities and programs, some of our tours cannot accommodate people with severe health problems or physical limitations. A.R.E. and its travel providers cannot take responsibility for special arrangements or problems incurred by passengers unable to participate in the planned activities. Travelers requiring extraordinary assistance must be accompanied by someone who can and will provide all required assistance.

The number of A.R.E. travelers on a trip can range from 15 to 45 (sometimes more on our Egypt tour).

In some cases, our travel provider is unable to meet minimum requirements to operate the trip and may be forced to cancel. In the event that a trip is canceled by the travel provider, all funds paid to the travel company will be refunded.

Generally, no. Most flights are on regular, scheduled service with reputable international carriers. Occasionally, the travel company will charter a plane for a particular trip. Sometimes the cruise ships are chartered by the travel company as well.

No. Because our travelers come from all over the United States (and abroad), it is difficult for us to provide transportation to the group departure city. These arrangements are on your own.

Yes. We offer tours both with and without airfare. This gives travelers greater flexibility when making air arrangements. Without airfare is called “Land Only.” However, if you are not flying with the group, you will be responsible for arranging your own ground transportation from the airport to the hotel when you arrive in the destination city. Please refer to the individual trip brochures regarding what items are included in each type of travel package.