Frequently Asked Questions
TOUR FAQ:
Q: I’m interested in taking a tour. How does it work?
A: How exciting! Simply follow the instructions on the trip page you are interested in. We recommend either paying or making a deposit to reserve your space***. We’ll send you a confirmation immediately. Within 24hrs we’ll contact you with more information, and we’ll give you a “Tour Dashboard” address where you can access everything you need to know about your tour 24/7.
***Tours can sell out in a few hours. We strongly recommend that you make a deposit through Paypal in order to hold your space, but remember, until we confirm with you, availability on a tour isn’t guaranteed. We attempt to process requests in order, but we are a very small company. In order to be fair to committed adventurers, registrations with deposits or full payments will be given priority over inquiries without payment. Your deposit will be refunded if there is not sufficient space on your desired tour. Make sure to whitelist Destination Earth, and check your spam filter or contact us if you don’t hear from us within 24 hrs!
Q: Exactly where will we go and what will we do?
A: Every tour has a detailed itinerary that you can download from the tour itinerary & information page listed under Our Adventures, posted on our website and available 24/7. Please check out all the exciting adventures we have to try out, and contact us if you have any questions.
Q: How many people will be on my tour?
A: Our tours invite between 6 and 18 adventurers. We enjoy small group sizes to provide more intimate, unique travel experiences for every traveler.
Q: Is it safe?
A: Our trips are expertly crafted with our guests’ utmost safety in mind. We take care to stay abreast of developments in the regions where we are traveling, and all of our tours are scouted in advance. Travel abroad does have a few inherent risks that are outside Destination Earth’s control and responsibility. Our Liability Waivers and Required Forms outline in detail these risks and the personal liability guests must assume and take responsibility for. Want to know more? Ask us for a sample waiver.
Q: What do I need to do? What do I need to bring?
A: We’ll set you up with all the information you will need to travel with us, and you will have access to it 24/7 on your “Tour Dashboard,” located on our website. Everything from figuring out your Visa, our adventure itinerary, getting travel insurance, a packing list, and the documents and actions you’ll want to complete before we leave. We’ll send you reminders about important dates, payment balances, and we’ll offer you fun additional activities and supplements to make your tour even more fulfilling.
Q: Will I be sharing a room with a stranger?
A: On all of our tours we offer roommate pairing if a guest wants to share a room with another participant to save money. If you would like to have your own private room on any of our adventures, simply pay the additional single supplement cost as outlined on each trip page and itinerary.
Q: What about airfare and transportation to the tour departure meeting location?
A: Our guests join from all over the US and Canada so we do not include international airfare in our packages, but we are always happy to help guests find the best flight that suits there needs. Domestic airfare within the destination country required during an adventure is often included in the package price. A set of airport arrival times and departure times needed for guests to make the included group airport transfers is given at least 3 months prior to departure.
Q: What if I have allergies / special needs / dietary restrictions?
A: Almost all dietary restrictions can be accommodated on every Destination Earth Tour. Allergies and other special needs are discussed prior to the departure (see our Required Forms) and we do our best to accommodate each guest as much as possible. Our guests’ wellness and relevant medical needs is of the utmost importance to us so we can ensure a fun, life changing experience in the most comfortable and safe manner.
Q: What if I want to extend my trip?
A: Often, we offer extensions for tours, which will be listed on the trip itinerary near the bottom. We are happy to put together custom trip extensions for any of our adventures if there is not one already available, and you are always able to extend the trip on your own if you so choose.
Q: My family/friends/ company wants to do a tour with just our folks. How can we make that happen?
A: We would be thrilled to adventure with you! Destination Earth offers private tours from groups between 6-18 people. Please contact us directly for tour availability and customizing the perfect tour for you and yours.
Q: How old do you have to be to take a tour?
A: For all of our departures, you must be at least 16 years of age or older. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian on the adventure.
Q: What about:
• How do I get to the departure location?
• Should I bring spending Money, and/or have it exchanged into local currency?
• What do we eat? What about snacks and personal food?
• Do I need a sleeping bag/pillow?
• Will we go to stores where I can shop for gifts/personal items/food?
• How strenuous is it? Am I fit enough? Will I get sick?
• Is the water at the destination ok to drink?
• Do I need shots/malaria tablets?
A: All of these answers will vary per tour, and the information is sent out in a pre-trip preparation packet to give you plenty of time to prepare and decide if the tour is right for you. If you have any questions, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you!
Q: Will we have hot showers & toilets daily?
A: Yes, 99% of the time, depending on the tour itinerary.
Q: Do you ever offer specials?
A: Yes! We offer specials to our community first. Please make sure to sign up on our mailing list and connect with us on social media sites like Facebook to ensure you stay updated on our offers.
Q: Do I carry my own luggage/pack?
A: Yes 99% of the time. Porters are usually available to help with luggage and tipping is encouraged. This will vary per tour. Information is sent out in a pre-trip preparation packet.
Q: What about smoking?
A: All rooms are non-smoking. We request that smokers be courteous and do not smoke around other members of the group.
Q: Can I join late, leave early, just do parts of the trip, or go off on my own?
A: We prefer that our adventurers not leave early or go off on their own, so usually the answer is no, and not without forfeiting the parts of the trip you paid for, however, we probably have solutions for you. Our tours are designed to make great use of your time, make sure that everyone gets a chance to see the sights and participate safely, and minimize tour disruption. We encourage those who would like to have private adventure time to contact us about extending your trip and enjoying the additional activities we offer. These opportunities will vary per trip, and information on them is sent out to you in a pre-trip preparation packet.
GENERAL FAQ
Q: I’m not sure I want to sign up for a tour right now, but I’m interested in your cause. What do I do?
A: We’re thrilled to have you on board! Simply enter your email in an email sign-up prompt, check the box that denotes your interest, and we’ll include you in our community and you will receive a couple email newsletters and offers a month to keep you in the loop with travel tips and cultural tidbits that will expand your horizons. You can join us for a future tour or event, or you can Opt Out of receiving our emails at any time. Still not ready for that kind of commitment? Connect with us on Facebook or link to our social media pages or follow our blogs and hang out with us whenever you choose! Donate to our Partner Nonprofits and find ways to get involved!
Q: I’m having a technical difficulty! Email sign-up isn’t working / pop-up blocker issue / I don’t want to deal with the internet, etc.
A: Oh, no, that’s okay! Please call us. We travel often in different time zones, so if we are unable to answer, we’ll do our very best to return your call within 48 hours.
Q: I didn’t get a confirmation or I think I missed an email. What do I do?
A: Check your spam filters to make sure you are receiving our emails in your Inbox, and contact us if you still don’t see a communication. If you miss an email about your tour, you can always check your “Tour Dashboard.” All your basic tour information will be there for you to access 24/7.
Q: How do I opt out of rece
iving emails?
A: Simply click the “Opt Out” link on any one of our informational emails and follow the instructions. If you have trouble, please email or call & we’ll help you out.
POLICIES FAQ
Q: What if I change my mind or can’t go?
A: Your payments are fully refundable up to 120 days from the tour departure date with no cancellation fee. Please see our Cancellation and Refund Policy for refunds or changes less than 120 days from the date of departure.
Q: How do I pay?
A: We process all credit card and debit payments through Paypal, Inc., so you can know your payments are secure and backed by Paypal’s trusted policies. There is a 3% handling fee we must charge for Paypal services. If you cannot process your payment through Paypal, please contact us via email or phone for alternatives.
Q: Why does it ask for a deposit?
A: We require a deposit to hold a space on a tour. This ensures that we can provide the best service and deals for our travelers. Remember, you can cancel if you need to. Please see our Cancellation and Refund Policy Section of Destination Earth Policies for our refund schedule.
Q: Is my information secure? Will you sell my email address?
A: Your privacy is important and your personal information is secure with Destination Earth. We will never sell you information or share it with anyone without your express prior written approval, and we don’t access any of your sensitive financial data, as all payments are processed through Paypal or check or money order. Please see our Privacy Policy Section of our Destination Earth Policies if you have questions.
Q: Where can I get more information about your policies?
A: Please see and download our latest version of Destination Earth Policies, and if you still have questions, feel free to contact us.
NURSE CE TOURS FAQ
Q: Are your courses Accredited?
A: All of the courses and materials we provide are associated with trusted accredited providers and meet or exceed national standards for continuing education in the medical field. Most professional nursing organizations and state boards of nursing accept our ANCC accredited courses. However, if you are unsure, please contact your professional organization or license authority to confirm if they will accept the CE contact hours you sign up for.
Q: How do I know what continuing education I need?
A: Please refer to the state you are licensed in for more information on the specific hours, types of courses required to maintain your license. Our courses are Accredited. Most states accept our course material.
Q: What courses do you offer, and will they apply toward my CE requirements?
A: Our group study courses are chosen to fulfill universal CE requirements for all states. For your self study course, you may pick a course that meets your interests and needs from the wide selection we offer through our educational partnerships.
Q: How do I learn our course information and get credits?
A: We help facilitate your success by focusing on the most important course material to ensure you pass your tests with flying colors! We provide a combination of audio and visual learning, group study time, individual study time, and individual testing time. Study time and group classes are scheduled every day, usually in one morning and one evening session. We also have self study options for those travelers who are looking for specific courses based on their individual interests. Our self study audio courses are often taken via your smartphone or tablet and headset while traveling via bus or boat to one of our exciting daily activities. You must bring both a portable media player and computer, smartphone or tablet that can log onto wifi and is a portable media player.Tests are then taken later at the hotel or villa. There will be plenty of time each day to learn your materials, and then take your tests online, so you can relax and enjoy your adventure.
Please see our itineraries for a day-by-day schedule.
Q: Will I be studying alone or in a group?
A: Part of the benefit of our CEU/CE Tours is having the option of checking in with peers, sharing information and learning more than you might on your own. We have designed a combination of both group study and customized individual course work during the trip to assure you are getting the units you need, in a way that works for you.
Q: How do I take the tests?
A: You will need to bring a Laptop, iPad, tablet, or smartphone that can browse the internet over WiFi in order to take your tests. If you do not have one, or if you have questions about whether your technology will work, please contact us.
Q: How many hours does it take to get the credits I need?
A: As with any accredited CE course, 1 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is typically equal to 1 hour of education. However, we find that often the length of time required to learn the course material and ace the test is usually much less than an hour per unit.
Q: How many CE units will I earn during the trip?
A: Each trip offers up to 30 Continuing Education Units! 30 Units is the maximum needed to complete licensure requirements across all states. If you are licensed in a state that requires fewer units, or if you have already completed some of your units, you may opt out of either the self study or group courses as you prefer.
Q: How intensive is the course and schedule?
A: Get ready to be relaxed! We make sure you have plenty of time and all the material necessary to complete your courses and tests with ease. Courses are broken up into daily bite-sized classes. If you need more time or assistance, just let us know.
Q: Will we have time to have fun?
A: Our courses are designed to rapidly get you through coursework while having fun in an adventurous group environment. Coursework is completed in the mornings and evenings in a schedule that allows for a full day of adventure on our tours! Location-to-location travel time on busses, boats, etc, is used to complete units via audio courses, maximizing both fun and education!
Q: What kind of courses can I take?
A: We have a very wide variety of courses to meet your license renewal needs that meet or exceed the scope available through most popular accredited internet course providers. If you are looking for a specific course, please contact us.
Q: Can I choose what courses I want to take?
A: Currently, you will have the opportunity to choose your self study classes before the trip from a wide range of subjects consistent with the industry leaders in digital coursework, and download the audio portions to your laptop/phone/tablet device (recommended) before you leave. Logistically it would prove very challenging for all attendees to unanimously agree on group courses, so we help make it simple by choosing subjects for group study based on the most popular courses available. If you have already taken a group course that we are offering and are not eligible to take it again (some states disallow repeating courses within the same license renewal period), please let us know, and we may be able to accommodate you.
Q: What if I don’t want to take a course, or if I have enough credits that I don’t need to do all 30 Units offered?
A: Feel free to participate in the courses you wish to take. You may opt out of the course material at any time, and use the group study time for relaxation or personal time instead. You must complete course material and take the tests to earn the CE credits, but you don’t have to complete the material to come on our adventures! CE course costs are all-inclusive. We do not offer refunds for unused CE.
Q: Do you have licensed CE instructors on the trip?
A: Your Destination Earth guides facilitate Accredited course material that is provided through our educational partners. We are NOT licensed instructors. We facilitate coursework through our expedited system to rapidly move you through the units needed, while offering valuable group interaction with other nurses on the course material. We think you will learn what you need to know and have a great adventure at the same time!
Q: Will I have individual instruction by CE experts in the subject of my choosing?
A: At this time, trips are designed to get your CE Credits completed in accordance to your state’s requirements in an accelerated, fun, and easy way, not as in-depth specialty courses taught by experts. Tour guides facilitate educational materials, but are NOT licensed instructors.
Q: How do I get my test results? Is my testing information secure?
A: You will have your own unique protected logins that will be accessible from the time you sign in until long after your tour with us is over, giving you plenty of opportunity to print certificates and manage your tests from any location with internet. You can enjoy your Destination Earth adventure knowing all of your data will be available when you need it. We use 3rd party interfaces that ensure your testing and course data are secure.
Q: Are my continuing education course and travel tax-deductible?
A: Tax-deductibility is dependent on each traveler’s tax situation. Business-related expenses such as travel and continuing education courses are often tax deductible based on your individual tax status and type of filing. If Continuing Education courses are required to maintain your license, you may be able to deduct part or all of our trips. Although we cannot offer tax advice, we have consulted with our tax advisors and formatted our courses to maximize deductibility for those travelers who qualify. Ex: Other courses may offer one day of course material, but travel may cover a week or more. In that scenario, travel days that have no course material and no work-related activities may not be deductible for some participants. We offer course material daily. This can result in more tax deduction potentials for those who qualify. Please consult with your tax advisor for more information on travel and continuing education deductions.
Q: Will my employer cover this trip with my CE allowance? Can I get a FREE trip?
A: Most medical industry employers offer an annual allowance to assist employees with CE Credits. This averages around $1,000 to $4,000. Check with your employer and/or employment contract to see if you have a CE allowance, and how to use it. Depending on your individual situation, you may be able to get part or all of your Destination Earth adventure paid for!
Q: Can a friend or family member come?
A: We encourage friends and family.
Please contact us for the current incentives and special savings we can share with you to encourage your friends and family to join in on your adventure!
Q: Can my children come?
A: Destination Earth adventures are intended for adults only. For all of our departures, guests must be at least 16 years of age or older. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian on the adventure.
Q: What will my friends or family do while we are in our group course?
A: Because our courses are between just 1 and 2 hours in the mornings or evenings, your guests can enjoy a little free time during your courses – perfect time for sleeping in, relaxing, or seeing the local area sights. We will also have opportunities for them to go out and shop or explore during any longer classes.
Q: Aside from the potential tax deductibility, AND the CE allowance from my employer, AND the adventure, AND the ability to make a difference through nonprofit voluntouring, AND having the adventure of a lifetime, why should I take my CE course units with Destination Earth?
A: You need even more reasons? We’ve got them! Who wants to be stuck at home in front of a computer or in time-consuming classes at a local college or midgrade hotel when you could be living the life you dreamed of? No wonder nurses tend to procrastinate getting units completed by license renewal deadlines. With our relaxed group class format, and a daily itinerary that puts your studies in focus, you are assured you will get those units out of the way while having a blast! Join us and make your continuing education something to look forward to all year long!
Q: I am not a nurse, but I need to take CE. Can I get my credits on a Destination Earth adventure?
A: Please contact us! We’d love to discuss the potentials with you.
Q: I don’t want to earn CE credits right now, but I love this adventure! Do you have this adventure available without the continuing education portion?
A: We have several upcoming adventures that are likely to be just right for you! Please check our current offerings on the Our Adventures page, or feel free to contact us for custom tours and availability of services that will facilitate the perfect adventure for you!