Explorica Reviews
Latest Reviews
★★★★★
“Very good experience at a good price”
Written on: 02/05/2013 by marcos51
I changed to explorica after the company I traveled with (4 times) raised their prices quite sharply. I was a wary, as I was very happy with the quality of the company I had worked with, but decided to give explorica a try. Explorica delivered the same quality or better on everything, 20 - 25% less than the other company. There were a couple of less than stellar meals, and I am concerned that Explorica seems to have a lot of turnover (two people with whom I worked on planning left the... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“i undertsand that there are many happy custumers...”
Written on: 21/04/2013
i undertsand that there are many happy custumers however, the custumer service is horrible, i pays over 2,000 after i couldnt pay anymore and they havent given me my money back even after i bought insurance!!! till this day im still fighting over my money. never doing this again. (read more)
★★★★☆
“I've read the negative reviews; must add my 2 euros :)”
Written on: 10/04/2013 by JoePa (1 review written)
I am French/Spanish teacher and have been taking groups to Europe since 1981. I started with CHA and now travel with Explorica. I believe this summer will be my 6th tour with Explorica. I go about every other year. We all know these are not five-star tours. Not for these prices! I believe many of the problems and complaints I have read about here could have been avoided or at least minimized by having a group leader who had done his/her homework. I felt it was my responsibility to... (read more)
★★★★☆
“Explorica Does It All!”
Written on: 12/03/2013 by skinnerp (1 review written)
Our 2014 East Coast Trip will be our 5th trip with Explorica. Every trip seems to get better. I used other student tour companies that were all fine, but I felt I always receive more from Explorica for the money. We used to do 4 day trips that we can do 7 days with Exploricia. We travel every two years. I do very little advertising other than set up a meeting and put out a few reminders. The previous travelers come back all excited about their trip and line up my group for the next trip. In... (read more)
★★★★★
“I love this company!”
Written on: 01/03/2013 by Karen_Miller (1 review written)
In 28 days, I am leaving with my students on my third trip with Explorica. I have never worked with a student travel company that is so personal. Explorica has great customer service and fantastic tour consultants. I have had customized tours and asked for things that were not on any itinerary added for me. I have never had a problem on tour and the guides have always been very knowledgeable and deal well with children. I can not think of one thing that I have had an issue with with... (read more)
★★★★★
“They Always Surpass Expectations”
Written on: 28/02/2013 by Joncjm
I have travelled with Explorica five different times. The individualized attention that their prograam consultants provide is invaluable. In addition, they have many outstanding tour directors to lead your tour. I have been approached by other tour companies to switch but I felt like I was a number rather than an individual with them. The price and quality of their tours can not be beat. Every tour has been amazing and then some. If you pick Explorica, you will have an amzaing... (read more)
★★★★★
“Go with the BEST!”
Written on: 28/02/2013 by ellen_teach (1 review written)
After several terrible experiences with two other touring companies, I went on a trip with Explorica. I shared my previous problems and made sure they understood that I would move on if they didn't meet my expectations. Not only were my expectations met, they were exceeded in all areas! I have traveled with Explorica for several years now and will continue to do so. I still check their competitors for pricing, and when I have found a price that is less (comparing apples to apples)... (read more)
★★★★★
“Authentic experiences, easy on teachers”
Written on: 25/02/2013 by booorak (1 review written)
They offer more, authentic experiences for a better price, than any of the competitors I’ve shopped including ACIS, EF etc. Their program coordinators and tour directors are knowledgeable and responsive to the desires I have had for my various tours. The ability to do everything online from tour customization to registration and payment makes my life so much easier as a teacher, and they continue to do more with technology all the time. When issues have come up, they have always... (read more)
★★★★★
“Excellent student tour company”
Written on: 24/02/2013 by TravelingTeacherSD (1 review written)
Having travelled with many companies, I can whole heartedly endorse Explorica. From the moment I began the journey with Explorica I was personally connected to one person at the local office. I knew her name and she knew mine and my needs. The hotels nearly all exceeded my expectations. In the chance one didn't, Explorica made up for it on tour! Student tours are not luxury experiences by any company and yet we stayed in hotels and at at restaurants I have been to before on more expensive... (read more)
★★★★★
“Trip of a lifetime!”
Written on: 23/02/2013
Our trip, from start to finish, was smooth and enjoyable. The hotels were good. I love that some were family run and we got to meet the owners first hand. The guides, especially our tour director, were outstanding. We always felt safe, well fed, and well informed. Despite rain hitting us for multiple days in Athens, we truly experienced Rome and Athens and it will impact our students for a long time to come. This is the first tour that I've led with Explorica and now I can't imagine doing... (read more)
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Showing 1 - 10 of 64 Reviews
★★★★★
“Very accessible to ideas!”
Written on: 22/02/2013
I have traveled with this company for the past few years. I have been able to design the trip based on my past experiences and so I am always happy with the results. They always listen to my concerns about hotels and restaurants and they are easy to work with. My group normally includes 30-37 students and 6 chaperones. Phil Todisco is the best! He and I have worked together for the past three years and he always works hard to see that we are satisfied. What I despise, truly despise, is... (read more)
★★★★★
“Outstanding Company with Great Service”
Written on: 22/02/2013 by AvidTraveler1
My husband and I are both teachers and have traveled over 10 times now with Explorica tours. The company is amazing. We have never been disappointed with the customer service, the tour details, or the tour directors (guides). Our tours have been to Central and South America and to Europe numerous times. Teacher's concerns will be addressed if you make them known. We have no intention of changing to another company. (read more)
★★★★★
“A breath of fresh air.”
Written on: 15/02/2013
After two trips with EF and feeling like I'm nothing more than a number, Explorica has been a breath of fresh air. My program consultant, has been patient and informative. More importantly, she calls me when it works for me, not all day every day until I commit.She actually listens to my needs even after I have committed to travel with them. My tour hasn't left yet, but if the trip is anything like the service I've received so far, I’ll be traveling with this company for years to come. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Nightmare!!!”
Written on: 04/02/2013
I haven't even gone on the trip yet and everything has gone wrong. Explorica changed the month of my trip without even letting me know. i tried to cancel and they were going to charge me a $1000 for canceling when they changed the dates not me. i asked if i could take a different trip and they are going to charge me $300 for transferring to another trip. i don't understand how they can do this to people. when i call they just say "sorry we can not help you, we did not guarantee the dates for... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“DO NOT TRAVEL WITH EXPLORICA!!!”
Written on: 14/01/2013 by hateexplorica
Teachers and parents beware! This company is a complete joke and you will be wasting your time and money dealing with them. -The "sales" people cold call the teachers during class, multiple time per day -The quoted price is always lower than the final cost, you will be ripped off -The managers force the "sales" people to lie so that people will sign up for the tours, LOOK AT THE FINE PRINT Don't be fooled, they do not have the best interest of the student in mind!!!!!! Stay away from... (read more)
Meday's Response to hateexplorica's Review
Written on: 05/03/2013
Just to present an alternative view, I am a teacher who set up our first tour with this company. They have never called me without emailing first to set up an appointment. The quoted price was accurate and we even received a promotional discount. And yes, you should always read the fine print! :)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Misrepresentation”
Written on: 18/12/2012
I had called them a couple of weeks ago to enquire about my daughter participating in one of their trips. They informed me that I could do the land only but that they would not know what flights they were taking until 30 days prior to departure. Today I received an email telling me that the flight has gone up $75.00 because I booked late (this is in addition to the late fee that was incurred). The part that I find surprising is that how could they know about the increase in the cost of the... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Harassment and lies”
Written on: 11/11/2012
I'm a teacher who has planned a trip for the first time to Italy. Explorica keeps calling me EVERY DAY multiple times even after I tell them to stop because I have kids signed up with another company. Always a guy with heavy Boston accent that sounds like a stockbroker. They keep saying they are less than EF who I am planning with, but the tour they show me is 2 days shorter and they direct me to their website which lists this too but I don't see how it is less when it is over $100... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Awful Customer Service ”
Written on: 24/09/2012 by jeos2012
According to their cancellation request, if you are eligible for a refund you will receive it within 3-5 weeks. Our cancellation request was approved and it has been 6 weeks but we did not receive our money back yet. When we call, every representative has a different response. When I asked for a supervisor, she was not available. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“RUN DON'T WALK AWAY FROM EXPLORICA TRAVEL”
Written on: 11/08/2012
I waited all my life to travel to Europe. THIS TRIP WAS A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT. The hotels were dirty and disgusting and miles away from the main cities, we were rushed from one site to another, tons of walking, no maps or directions given. The tour director was A JOKE (Mike Ivanovich). He would purchase us metro tickets and they'd be for the wrong day. He was rude and arrogant and wouldn't answer questions. The whole trip was nothing but a bad shopping experience. The food was mediocre... (read more)
Kdollmaier's Comment
Written on: 30/10/2012
We also took an Explorica tour from Canada to Ireland and we experienced basicly the same problems. Hotels with beds that curled like a canoe, mould on walls and ceiling, no heat, hallways hardly lit and food that was substandard all the way around with the exception of one hotel. There were 48 of us on the tour, explorica refunded $150.00 cheque with a $250.00 Explorica Voucher (as if anyone of us would EVER travel with this substandard company) Yet the company feels there were no issues. He seems to think because he paid suppliers and does not have to woryy about his customers. I would never recomend this company to anyone. If they treat adults so badly you can only imagine how they treat students travelling on their own...Parents do your homework and research this company...no intergrity..no customer service...RIPOFF
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★★☆☆☆
“Poor hotel locations”
Written on: 03/07/2012 by RMallory
I have travelled extensively with other student tour companies (mostly NETC) and this trip to Ireland, Scotland, and London had the poorest hotel locations I have ever experienced. We were often hours from the activities/sites that we visited and, as a result, spent longer than necessary time on buses which meant there was very little time left to see and experience the activities. One day we rode 4 hours to see Loch Ness for an hour and a half and went right back to the hotel 4 hours... (read more)
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Showing 11 - 20 of 64 Reviews
★★★★★
“Explorica is Great!”
Written on: 12/06/2012
Explorica is a great company and the tour guides they provide are excellent! They are VERY knowledgeable and the passion for travel is evident. They broke down the registration process very well so the steps are clear as to what is necessary for preparation. The payment was very easy as well and the trip I went on was very affordable. The hotels they booked were also nice. They were all spacious for our group and everyone fit in comfortably (I traveled with a large group of 30). The only... (read more)
★★★★☆
“Been very satisfied with Explorica”
Written on: 11/06/2012 by gnader57 (1 review written)
I am a foreign language teacher and have done three separate trips with Explorica to Spain, Argentina and most recently Costa Rica. I have read some of the negative reviews online but all I can say is that I have been very satisfied with the company and what they have offered. 1. Explorica company - Our travel consultant has been great. Whenever I have had questions about the trip or concerns about the itinerary, I have gotten a quick response. The three trips have been very smooth. We... (read more)
★★★★☆
“Affordable Educational travel That's fun! ExPlorica!”
Written on: 09/06/2012
Affordable educational travel with wonderful customer service! ( especially if you work with Sabrina in the San Diego office)! I have toured with Explorica for six years now, and I really like how they make teachers a priority! I agree that the food is sub par, but American kids are very fussy and won't eat regional cuisine anyway. I suggest that the teacher/ group leader upgrades the meals. The standard hotels are not the best not the worse, and Explorica will not put groups in unsafe... (read more)
Guest's Comment
Written on: 11/06/2012
I have read some of the negative reviews posted and all I can say is that we have not had these kind of experiences with Explorica. I have taken my students to three different countries in the last three years with Explorica (Spain, Argentina & Costa Rica).
We evaluated many different travel companies prior to our decision to go with Explorica and for the value the company has been the best for our school.
Here are some of the things that we have liked about our trips:
1. Service from our travel rep at Explorica has always been great. When I have had a question about a policy or an event I have always gotten a fast response. This actually has been a very strong point for them. When I read about people getting poor customer service all I can say is that I have not seen it.
2. Explorica offers private tour options where you can have your own guide and your own tour bus. The fee for this option is very reasonable. Our school has signed up for two private tours and I would not go any other way.
3. Parents love the web site where they can follow the trip day by day. The guide will post a day summary with pics from the day's activities. At first I thought this was kind of hokey but after our group got back many parents told me they went up to the site everyday to check what their student did that day.
4. Hotels & safety - This was a big concern for me since prior to taking students on a foreign trip I had read about horror stories about hotels being in bad parts of town and miles away from the city. All the hotels we have stayed in were clean and comfortable. No, they were not 5 star hotels. You are not going to be staying in a Marriott with your own private room but all the hotels were well staffed, we had breakfast served in every one of the hotels and the most important thing for me is that the kids were safe.
5. Guides - Are guides have been great. Very knowledgeable and they stayed with us throughout the trip. This may have been because we signed up for the private tours so they were dedicated to our group.
6. Food - Typically Explorica provides breakfast & dinner with lunch being up to the individual or group. Breakfasts have been fruit, cereal with eggs/ham/sausage. Spain breakfasts were a little more ethnic and were quite good. Dinners have been varied - some quite good and others just average. Lunch being on your own allows people to go explore a bit and try out different foods, cafes and shops.
All in all Explorica offers a great value. Considering flights, hotels, food, transportation to & from sightseeing venues as well as guides for the entire trip the price/value that the company offers is very good. I have been happy with our trips and would chose Explorica again in the future.
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★☆☆☆☆
“Never, ever again!!!”
Written on: 10/05/2012
If you are considering booking a trip through explorica, don't!!! Please read all the reviews, these people are not exxagerating. Also, look up the complaints that were made at the Better Business Bureau site. I wish more people would write reviews and get this business off the streets!!! (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“amateur operation”
Written on: 11/04/2012
I agree with a previous poster - beware - the trip ended up costing over $500 than originally advertised. We were told we'd get a $100 credit if we signed up by a certain date, which we did, and then had to fight to get it credited. They said they were only going to give us $50 and refused to acknowledge they had promised $100. Finally we got the $100. The tour diary is a joke. My son was away for 8 days and the tour diary was updated only once. They say you're supposed to get a brief... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“The price is NOT the price”
Written on: 16/01/2012
The trip sounds well organized and reasonable - i was told it would be around $1800 in total. BE VERY CAREFUL - if one or two people drop out for whatever reason Explorica will CHARGE YOU MORE despite levying a cancellation fee on those who cancel. I ended up paying $2152. I did not base my decision to send my son on this trip on that amount of money, but faced with a 50% cancellation fee i had no choice. I feel i have been duped. Teachers and parents - you'd get better value AND better... (read more)
Guest's Comment
Written on: 11/04/2012
We had the same experience. I would never take another trip with this company
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★★★☆☆
“CUSTOMER SERVICE IS A SHAM”
Written on: 24/08/2011
When we started planning our trip with Explorica, I did my research and read up on all the unsavory reviews this company had. Regardless, I decided to go ahead and give them a try. My Program planner was great, she was a nice lady who gave me all the right info and was very good at setting up the expectations. The Trip in itself was great, my kids will never forget it, and had it not been for one very BIG problem, I would be traveling with Explorica again this year. CUSTOMER SERVICE: WTH???... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Traveling to Italy and Greece had been a dream for my...”
Written on: 08/07/2011 by cdimestico
Traveling to Italy and Greece had been a dream for my daughter and me. We specifically wanted to use a tour agency so we could take advantage of the knowledge and experience of the professionals employed by your company. Although we saw many fascinating historical sights and spectacular scenery in both countries, our experience with Explorica left a great deal to be desired. Our first day on the tour was supposed to be a “walking” tour of Rome. It turned out to be a “running” tour... (read more)
Guest's Response to cdimestico's Review
Written on: 10/07/2011
I'd write my own review but I couldn't say it any better. This review is absoultely accurate. Explorica is a huge disappointment and I will never again use this company. I will make sure to let others know about our experience so they do not make the mistake of booking with Explorica.
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Guest's Response to cdimestico's Review
Written on: 22/07/2011
This review very accurately describes my July 2011 experience with Explorica. Our trip was to London, Paris and several places in Italy, but we had all of the same problems described in this review.
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Guest's Response to cdimestico's Review
Written on: 31/12/2011
I had taken a trip with explorica in July 2011. We travelled to Paris, Switzerland and Italy. I was also very disappointed with my trip. The food was awful and we were served very little of it. We had the same meal five times. We seen lovely places but I couldn't have seen them on my own or with another tour company for far less.
I was extremely disappointed with my tour guide. He was virtually useless. The only place he knew about was Paris. The rest of the trip he said almost nothing and what he did tell us he had to read off of papers. He had a terrible voice, you could hardly hear anything that he was saying. He definitely had smokers lungs. I was very dissapointed.
Explorica is a huge dissapointment and I will never go with them again. THey somehow managed to ruin a trip that I had looked forward to for a whole year.
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★☆☆☆☆
“Very unethical and unsafe for children”
Written on: 16/06/2011 by mary-ann (1 review written)
They have NO care for children's safety. My daughter was scheduled to go earlier than the tour (with a relative) and then meet the tour. Explorica made the return flight for her to be entirely alone and separate from her tour group (with a connection even!), who will leave without her, leaving her alone in a foreign country where she does not know the language. Why couldn't she travel home with her group? Her flight alone will arrive so much later that she had no flights home from New York.... (read more)
★★★★☆
“I have used three student travel companies over the...”
Written on: 23/02/2011
I have used three student travel companies over the past fifteen years, and I have found that Explorica is my favorite for traveling in Europe. They offer a great value and the best tour directors. You do not get the top-of-the-line hotels like you might get with Passports, but the price is thousands less. EF does a better job in China, but I was not as pleased with the European tour directors or hotel locations. (read more)
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Showing 21 - 30 of 64 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“Explorica Educational Travel is a terrible company....”
Written on: 17/02/2011
Explorica Educational Travel is a terrible company. They don't care about the children/students, only making money. We booked our daughter on the optional stay behind which is offered - at a hefty extra fee of about $300 - and now they have booked her to fly by herself to start the tour. So she is 16 and will be flying through two major international airports on her own, landing an hour after her group does and Explorica says "someone" will be there to meet here. This is not safe and not... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“This is the biggest fly by night company ever. My...”
Written on: 13/02/2011
This is the biggest fly by night company ever. My daughter went to Scotland with this group and if the name Explorica is EVER mentioned again I would say not in this lifetime. The customer service is terrible, we were charged late fees because their website wouldn't take our payments. Even after I called and talked them about it it took over a month to get back the late fee, when they could have just credited back to my bank account. It took a day and a half for the kids to get... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“My daughter attends a small high school, and we were...”
Written on: 22/01/2011
My daughter attends a small high school, and we were assured through explorica that the school could be integrated with another group for the trip to WA/NYC/Boston. This did not happen. Explorica cancelled our original trip, enrolled us in a trip no one desired, and then has been really SLOW at refunding the money we paid toward the original trip. MANY promises made regarding the refund...but we have yet to see any refund whatsoever. I am thinking of contacting the BBB? Really... (read more)
Guest's Comment
Written on: 03/07/2011
This exact same thing happened with my tour group. We were to be enrolled with a larger group for the same tour, England, France and Italy. A couple months before departure they sent an email saying that our tour had been cancelled even though we locked the tour. We then had to join another tour that was similar France, Switzerland and Italy, but the highlight for most on the trip was England this was very disappointing.
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★★★★★
“I have worked with many different student travel...”
Written on: 26/11/2010
I have worked with many different student travel companies over a 35 year career in teaching Foreign Languages. Explorica is BY FAR the best of them all......The key to any travel with kids is the rapport between the teacher and the students and holding regular meetings prior to travel. Educating the kids what travel IS and what it is NOT is key to the best possible experience. Explorica personel at every level are beyond helpful, competent and professional. It seems to me that if students... (read more)
Stephenevans68's Comment
Written on: 16/01/2012
Maybe they are great from a teacher's perspective - takes all the effort out of organizing the trip. But for the paying parents Explorica is a nightmare. All they care about is money. They keep on hitting you with demands for more money, late fees, surcharges etc.
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★★☆☆☆
“Don't travel with Explorica if you want an authentic...”
Written on: 20/09/2010
Don't travel with Explorica if you want an authentic travel experience.
This tour group travels on a budget at their own convenience. Among the meals I was given included a Cici's type restaurant, many pizza bars, tapas with American style cuisine and on paella night we didn't even get seafood. I used all of my spending money on local cuisine because explorica was too cheap to do it themselves. It was nice to have priority in lines when visiting museums and other tour sites, but you...
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★☆☆☆☆
“I wish there was a negative number I could give...”
Written on: 29/04/2010
I wish there was a negative number I could give Explorica for customer service. My son's trip was cancelled because of the volcano eruption in Iceland. The customer rep hung up the phone when I asked questions about flight reimbursement. Air France was stating they would either rebook or rufund the money. I guess they don't like an educated consumer. I emailed the public relations person and still haven't received a response.
I didn't purchase the travel protection plan so we stand to...
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★☆☆☆☆
“My daughter's school worked through Explorica for a...”
Written on: 17/04/2010
My daughter's school worked through Explorica for a spring break foreign language trip to Spain and France. The positives - my daughter describes the trip as 'Awesome' and loved the tour guide. However, working with Explorica was a nightmare. We were initially going to use another company but the teacher planning the trip thought this company would provide better customer service. Far from it. Explorica has NO CUSTOMER SERVICE. First, a month after signing up, they 'strongly... (read more)
★★★★☆
“Just got home from a tour with Explorica to 5...”
Written on: 10/04/2010
Just got home from a tour with Explorica to 5 different countries...Germany, Paris, Italy, Austria and Switzerland. What a great time by all. Our tour guide Andrea could not have been more educated in all of the five countries we visited. The hotels were ok. Liked the first few but the last one in Paris was too far out. Food was great for the first few countries. Last supper in Paris was poor. We were all hungry when we got back to the hotel. Could have done either the bus tour in... (read more)
★★★★★
“We just registered 20 participants for a Paris/Rome...”
Written on: 01/03/2010
We just registered 20 participants for a Paris/Rome trip in 2011. Our 2009 Paris-Rome was fantastic, so we are repeating the itinerary in 2011. Customer service is prompt, knowledgeable, and extremely helpful. We selected the customized tour process which allows us to have a private, full-time guide, and upgraded meals/hotels. We LOVE the customized option...for example, it allows a group to have its own private tour...no other schools, students, or teachers to deal with. I have... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“AWFUL! Do not use this company under any...”
Written on: 22/02/2010
AWFUL! Do not use this company under any circumstances. Horrible food (no choices for the kids, not getting enough food), accomodations VERY far away from attractions, they mixed my group of 16 kids with a group of 6 older and inacctive women (NOT STUDENTS - ADULTS) when they are supposed to be a student travel agent, kids don't get enough sleep because of VERY early wake up calls (numerous before 5 am)...I can go on and on...just don't do it. (read more)
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Showing 31 - 40 of 64 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“Save yourself the time, trouble and money and book...”
Written on: 18/12/2009
Save yourself the time, trouble and money and book with the other educational student tour company.
We booked our trip 2 years ago to lock in the price, and now, 8 days before it all has to be finalized, they've cancelled our trip. Sent out new itineraries to choose from, we finally settle on one, and a day later, it's not available as sent to us. Cannot have the extension. NOt only that, but will not give us options at 2yrs ago prices, when we locked in and paid for our first tour, but...
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Mshgranger's Comment
Written on: 28/03/2010
Why would you need to pay a cancellation fee, any good lawyer could get that back with a minimal charge. They didn't deliver what was promised, if you paid less than $5,000 you could do it yourself in small claims court.
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★★★★★
“Explorica, Inc delivers what it promises and more. ...”
Written on: 11/10/2009
Explorica, Inc delivers what it promises and more. Our guide was very knowledgeable; she established an outstanding rapport with every member of our group and she made sure all details were taken care of expeditiously. The wide variety of first-class buffet style meals and the various menu options for set menus guaranteed a delicious fare for all. Explorica is, by far, the best--low prices, the best service, and a tremendous experience. (read more)
★★★★★
“I've traveled with this company two times and they...”
Written on: 11/10/2009
I've traveled with this company two times and they have delivered more than expected. You always run into last minute changes, but it always worked out. Their tour directors were very knowledgeable and worked very hard to meet our demanding last minute additions to our daily scheduled. Every evening we added activities and not only did they make the calls, but accompanied us. All hotels were clean and within walking distance or on a bus/metro line. The meals were varied and local guides... (read more)
★★★★★
“I went on a trip with Explorica to Italy and Greece...”
Written on: 13/09/2009
I went on a trip with Explorica to Italy and Greece this year. It was amazing! We had the best tour guide. She gave us great insight into the history of the places we visited (Rome, Pompeii, Athens) as well as a great deal of information on the culture of the people in each place. We had plenty of time to visit each of the sites with time on our own to explore each location. We had a ton of fun at the Colosseum imagining we were gladiators! I know a lot of kids complain about the... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“From the student's point of view, it was a very...”
Written on: 20/04/2009
From the student's point of view, it was a very negative experience being accommodated in hotels which were (in all but one place) far from the centre of the town or city, making exploration of these historic places impossible. Instead of stepping out the door to get a coffee and being in the middle of vibrant Munich, for example, they were stuck in distant suburbs. Our daughter suggested that staying in better located, though more moderate hotels (or hostels) would have been preferable.... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Poorly planned trip to Madrid/Mallorca and Barcelona. ...”
Written on: 18/04/2009
Poorly planned trip to Madrid/Mallorca and Barcelona. Many last minute changes making it difficult to plan for "free time". Hotels okay but locations were horrible - not exaggerating - horrible! Limited bus transportation which presented problem due to poor hotel locations. 8hour ferry ride from Mallorca to Barcelona (there is a more expensive 4 hour ferry). Not told about long ferry ride until day before departure. At last minute I purchased $150 one way plane ticket for a 30 minute... (read more)
★★★★★
“Explorica provided my students and I with a memorable...”
Written on: 18/02/2009 by tcwasher
Explorica provided my students and I with a memorable trip to Italy and Greece. in our opinion the six-to-one (student-to-teacher) was much better than we have experienced with other student travel agencies; our guide seemed knowledgeable, professional, patient, and personable; the parents loved the on-line tour diary; and we feel that we received more than we paid for. Even though Explorica tries to provide a balance of cuisine, we felt the food was weighty on the fried side. Also, in... (read more)
★★★★☆
“Overall I would definitely recommend Explorica. The...”
Written on: 16/08/2008 by sprinklesz
Overall I would definitely recommend Explorica. The food and hotel are things you can get over. Just eat a good lunch and don't stay in the hotel to much. (We usually never did) But the places we say and things we did count so much more in my memories. You make great friends and see some amazing places. I liked our tour guides for the most part too, they were very knowledgeable and nice. The amount of free time that we got was amazing. After about 6, the town was ours. We got to explore and... (read more)
★★★★★
“Explorica was great! The tour guide was fantastic. ...”
Written on: 25/04/2008 by vivienne1027
Explorica was great! The tour guide was fantastic. The sights chosen were amazing, everything was well timed, it was enjoyable, and overall left us wanting to stay longer. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“The tour guides were good. This tour company changed...”
Written on: 01/04/2008 by Timesharelover
The tour guides were good. This tour company changed the flight arrangements one month before departure. The Italy trip was supposed to fly direct from Philadelphia to Rome. Explorica changed the flights from Philadelphia to Detroit to Amsterdam to Rome. The return flight they added an extra day to fly from Catinia to Rome to Amsterdam to Detroit to Philadelphia. Explorica was also to pay for the meals on this extra day and they did not. The food on the tour was not good, the portions... (read more)
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Meday's Comment
Written on: 05/03/2013
If you read the terms, they can't guarantee any trip date without at least 10 paying participants. So it doesn't matter how early you book it -- you need a big enough group to lock in the date!