(Frequently Asked Questions)
Travel forms including TPA's can be downloaded here
1. Why should I choose Student Breaks?
Student Breaks is the LARGEST American Owned Spring Break Tour
Operator! As a highly recommended provider of quality Spring
Break vacations, we consistently offer the most reliable, fun-filled
vacations at the lowest prices available, AND we provide the highest
level of customer service in this industry! Our record of
more repeat customers every year than any other student company
confirms that we consistently deliver great experiences. With
Student Breaks, customer satisfaction is the rule, NOT the exception.
Be aware that many web sites that litter the internet
posing as “Spring Break Companies” are re-sellers that
are simply marketing companies that sell trips and then find the
cheapest possible tour company to provide the trip in order to maximize
their profits. They have no real inventory and have no control
over any aspect of your trip. More importantly, since you
will never meet or speak with anyone at the trip destination from
these “booking services”, you may very well not get
what you expect or are promised over the telephone. Student
Breaks does NOT allow re-sellers to sell our packages for these
reasons and highly recommends that you book your trip with a reputable
tour operator.
2. What is included in my Student Breaks package?
While many “Spring Break Companies” offer what on the surface seem to be the same packages, not all Spring Break packages are created equal. We believe a great Spring Break trip is built using high quality components, including reliable airlines, popular student hotels, well-known restaurants and the BEST nightclubs a destination has to offer. No company can compare to the quality and amenities provided with a Student Breaks vacation. Our experienced staff of professionals have handled the travel arrangements for over 500,000 spring breakers over the past 20 years! Here are some examples of our superiority:
. We only use Reliable Airlines: We simply don’t put our valued clients on no-name charter carriers with poor performance records. We also don’t ticket ridiculously long layovers and multiple connection trips. We’ve heard the horror stories of flights from hell that take 20 or more hours from departure to arrival. We limit the number of trips we sell so as to avoid such nightmare situations.
. Deluxe Hotel/Condo accommodations: We use only the most popular student hotels in every destination. We leave the “roach motels” to our competitors and don’t offer hotels that do not cater to students.
. Round trip airport/hotel transfers (Excluding Land Only packages): When you arrive, your pre-arranged transportation will be waiting for you!
. Real Offices & American staff in each destination to assist you during your vacation. Remember that many web sites posing as “Spring Break Companies” are marketing companies with no staff and no one to help should you need assistance. Since we are the actual trip providers, you will be assisted by our courteous Student Breaks on-site resort representatives.
. Welcome Party & Orientation: We provide extensive information on each destination to our travelers. Our experienced on-site staff “know the ropes” and are able to provide you with first-hand knowledge of the many attractions and events available.
. Discounted Optional Activities: Get discounts just for traveling with Student Breaks! From water sports to discounted restaurants, bars and excursions, you can save tons of money on the activities you will want to do anyway. See our on-site resort representatives for details.
. All hotel taxes and gratuities: All taxes and maid and bellman gratuities are included in the cost of your vacation.
. Condominium Wristband Fees: We INCLUDE the cost of property-imposed wristband fees in the cost of our trips. Most other companies do not and simply deduct this amount from your damage deposit or have you pay this “hidden cost” upon arrival to the destination. These fees range from $15-30 per person for all condominium properties. NOTE: The Oasis properties in Cancun are the only hotels that charge a wristband fee and they require it to be paid at check-in. This cost is currently $27/person and subject to change.
. FREE MEALS!! Up to 14 FREE meals (Mexico & Jamaica,
and South Padre only) for all reservations made prior to the early
booking deadline! Unlike our competitor’s, we include
a beverage with every meal and use only the most popular restaurants
at every destination. Our meals don’t require “upgrades”
to get something edible. With other companies your “free
meal deal” could end up costing you $10 or more per meal!
. FREE PARTIES!! That's right, up to 50 hours of free parties with FREE party beverages! Get your party started early at our daily beach bashes, afternoon happy hours or evening “pre-event” parties. Although each destination is different, these parties typically start around noon and last well into the evening hours. We’ve seen other companies offer their “free parties” from 7am-noon! Huh? Get real parties at times that are realistic, as you may not even wake up by noon!
. Government Taxes and Fees: We add all taxes and fees in with the cost of our packages. NO worrying about saving $30 for a departure tax on your trip back from paradise.
3. What is NOT included in my package?
. V.I.P. Party Pass: Student Breaks has created the MOST POPULAR VIP Party Passes available that feature the hottest clubs on their biggest nights. With X-Press VIP Entry, Free cover and Open Bar, our celebrity events are second to none. Save time and money and always be at the most happening party in town! Check out our current party schedules for each destination, as they will save you both time and money.
. Airline Baggage Charges: Please be advised that virtually all airlines now charge for checked luggage based on the number of pieces and weight of the checked bags. These fees currently range from $0-$100 per piece, so please bring cash to pay direct to the airline at check-in.
. Hotel Damage Deposit: All hotels charge a $50-100 per person damage deposit (Be prepared to pay cash at check-in). These funds will be returned to you at check-out less any damages or charges to your room. For condominiums, the damage deposit may be required to be pre-paid prior to travel. Condominium deposit refunds are processed and returned to the group leader or travel agent after the conclusion of Spring Break.
. Optional Discounted Activities: Every destination offers a wide variety of activities, such as snorkeling, diving, wave runners, sightseeing tours, swim with the dolphins and more. While the discounts are available to you as a Student Breaks trip participant, the actual cost of these options must be paid directly to these providers.
. Spending Money: We recommend you bring at least $350 for International Destinations and at least $250 for US Destinations. Everyone's spending habits are different, so these figures are just a general guideline. You’ll typically need money for taxis/busses in each destination (Don’t Drink and Drive!), plus souvenirs, water sports, party bevies, and food.
. Travel Protection Plan: Our inexpensive TPP (Only $20-$49) provides trip cancellation protection, on-site medical coverage, travel delay, baggage delay and other valuable coverage. Get complete details on this coverage (for details click on the “FORMS” link on left side of this page).
4. Are there other fees I should know about?
NO, that's it. Unlike the majority of our competitors in the Spring
Break market, Student Breaks provides an Exclusive PRICE LOCK GUARANTEE
to our clients. Student Breaks guarantees your price will NOT increase
except for gov't imposed taxes or airline imposed surcharges.
5 What if I find a better price for a similar package?
Student Breaks provides PREMIUM Spring Break packages, but we know you are on a budget so we also GUARANTEE the absolute LOWEST Price. Should you find a similar trip from a reputable student tour operator at a lower price, we will BEAT their price! Simply put, Student Breaks delivers the BEST TRIP at the BEST PRICE! Guaranteed!
6. Is my money safe with Student Breaks?
Yes! Student Breaks, LLC. is the largest American-owned Spring
Break operator, a totally debt free organization, and has already
placed initial deposits with airlines and hotels using company funds
(our money). It is our policy that 100% of all client funds are
deposited in an Insured Escrow Account and ONLY used for trip components
like airfare, hotel & transfer costs. This protects your funds
and your trip. Unfortunately, every year we hear from students
who have lost their money and received no trip due to companies
that go out of business. Don’t risk your money and your
trip by booking with a re-seller or any company that doesn't escrow
funds. A good rule of thumb is that if it has “Spring Break”
in it’s domain name then it’s not a good idea to book
with that company.
7. Do I need a Passport to travel to the International Destinations?
Yes. Federal law requires that travelers entering or re-entering
the United States on or after January 23, 2007, from ANY international
country (now including the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico and Canada)
must present a valid passport to clear U.S Customs.
8. What if I will not be 18 years old at the time of my trip?
Student Breaks requires a notarized parental consent form for all persons under the age of 18 at day of trip departure. If you are traveling to an International Destination, the government also requires a notarized letter signed by BOTH parents permitting you to travel outside the U.S. If you are traveling with one parent, the absent parent MUST provide a notarized letter. If you do not provide proper documentation you will be denied boarding by the airline. These forms are available on our web site (Select “FORMS” link on left side of page).
9. When do I get travel documents?
You or group leader will be able to access the travel documents when they become available. Documents are generally available 7-10 days prior to travel and can be printed directly from our web site at www.StudentBreaks.com.
10. What airline will I fly on?
Student Breaks uses only reliable air carriers for our premium
Spring Break vacations. Our scheduled airline partners include Air
Jamaica, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines,
United Airlines, US Airways, Air Tran, and USA3000 Airlines. Although
most flights are direct/non-stop, we are not able to guarantee it
unless you book a guaranteed flight (normally $50-$250/person additional).
For details please contact Student Breaks at 1-800-727-3251. |