Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers! Below find our frequently, and we’ll admit, not-so-frequently asked questions covering everything from how to register to what you’ll eat to how much spending money you should bring.

Registration

How do I register for an ACIS tour?

Participants have three ways to register. You can register online, register through your group’s personalized TripSite which you can find here, or register using our paper form which you can find in our Resource Center. You will need your group leader’s last name and group ID.

How do I know that I am registered if I have not received a confirmation email?

You should have received an email, if not email accounts@acis.com to confirm. Please note registration is not complete without payment, space is always pending availability.

My child is traveling, should I enter my information or theirs?

Please enter the information of the person traveling. We use this information for all tour bookings. Towards the end of the registration form, you will find a section to enter a parent name for billing information as well as emergency contact information. ACIS books flights (if applicable), hotels, and entrances from the information in the account. Therefore, it’s important the full name on the account matches the traveler’s passport/birth certificate and all details are up to date (passport numbers, address, etc.).

Can multiple family members be on one account?

Each traveler needs to register their own account under Participant. If you would like to make sure family members room together, please contact us at accounts@acis.com.

I am a parent travelling with my child, which registration form should I use?

A parent should register as a participant not as an assistant group leader unless your group leader has specifically requested you be an assistant.

I travelled before with ACIS, can I use that same account?

Thank you for traveling with us again! Participants need a new account for each individual trip. Please enter a different Username than your past account. The Username and Password are Case-Sensitive.

Do I have to finalize my protection plan selection at registration?

You have until 130 days prior to departure to finalize your protection plan. We recommend upgrading to our Ultimate or Ultimate-Plus plans that were designed to provide you complete peace of mind. Learn more about ACIS’ protection plans.

If you are registering within 130 days of departure then you will need to select your protection plan while registering. No changes can be made to the plan after the registration is submitted.

My Account and Logging In

What is My Account?

Once you are registered for an ACIS tour, My Account is your portal for everything you need to know. You will find your group’s personalized itinerary, hotel, and flight information when it becomes available. You can pay for your trip, enroll in automatic payments, and select your protection plan. You can also find information that will help you prepare for your adventure ahead such as packing tips, money matters, and more.

How do I log in to My Account?

Log in to My Account here. If you registered online and therefore already created a username and password, you will need to enter it. If you have not already selected a username and password, or you forgot it, don’t worry, we can help. Reset your username and password. Please note that both username and password are case-sensitive.

Help! I can't log in.

Don’t worry, we’ll figure this out.

  • Please make sure you enter your username and password exactly as you created them as they are case-sensitive. If logging in on a mobile device, double check your device isn’t automatically adding an extra space at the end.
  • Make sure you’re logging into the correct trip. Participants need new account information for each trip they are taking with ACIS.
  • Double check you’ve clicked ‘Login’ and not ‘Register’ in order to avoid creating a duplicate account.

If you’re still having trouble, you can reset your username and password. Unless you are a group leader or assistant group leader, select ‘participant,’ even if you are a parent logging in to your child’s account. To retrieve or reset your account information, please enter the email you used when registering, or if you’re a minor participant, you may choose to enter your parent email. We will send a link to that address for you to reset your username or password. If you do not receive the email within a few minutes, please check your Spam folder.

I've reset my password and still can't log in. What should I do?

If you have tried resetting your password and the login still is not working or you did not receive an email, don’t sweat it! Please either reach out to us by chat—look for the icon on the lower right of your screen—or email accounts@acis.com.

Am I able to change my login information in My Account?

Yes, you can. Log in to My Account, click My Profile and select Personal Info. Then scroll down the page to Account Information and click the edit button. You must enter your current password before creating a new one.

My account has been deactivated; how can it be reinstated?

You can request reinstatement by emailing accounts@acis.com and including your account information. Our Operations and Flights teams will need to confirm that there is space remaining on the trip before reinstating your account. Please note a $175 reinstatement fee will be applied if the account is reinstated.

Payments, Vouchers and Cancellations

What are your payment plans?

ACIS offers two types of payment plans: Automatic Payment Plan and Manual Payment Plan.

Benefits of the Automatic Payment Plan include more time to pay, no deadlines to remember and flexible payment options to match family’s needs.

If you elect the Manual Payment Plan, you’ll make an initial $200 payment upon registration and then complete your payments by the following steps:

For 2024 Travel

• If registering before September 1, a deposit of $200 is due at registration, then an additional $295 in program fees will be due 30 days from the date of your first invoice.

Reservations of participants who have not paid $495 by this deadline will be assessed a $50 Deposit Late Fee and will be subject to cancellation. Full payment for your trip is due by the date in the chart below.

• If registering September 1, onwards with an initial payment of $495, full payment for your trip is due by the date in the chart below.

For 2025 Travel

• An additional $300 is due 180 days prior to departure. If you register within 180 days of departure, your initial payment then becomes $500

Participants who have not paid $500 by the 180-day mark will be assessed a $50 Deposit Late Fee and will be subject to cancellation

• Full payment of the remaining balance is due 130 days prior to departure.

Is there a benefit to signing up for the Automatic Payment Plan?

Yes! Not only do you have more time to pay, no deadlines to remember and flexible payment options to match your family’s needs, you’ll also receive a $50 discount(does not apply for US/ Canada tours). You will also be entered into a raffle for a chance to win your trip for free. Learn more.

How can I use ACIS Travel Vouchers?

ACIS travel vouchers give you a chance to springboard toward future travel with ACIS or our parent company AIFS. You can use the voucher on any ACIS or Encore Performance Tours program outside of the USA and Canada. Vouchers can also be used on college-level programs, namely AIFS’ College Study Abroad and Global Experience’s International internship programs. Study abroad programs are offered in 22 countries, with short-term, semester and academic year options. Internships are available in 13 different locations and cover career fields ranging from business to non-profit to technical fields. Our vouchers are fully transferable, meaning you can sell them to a friend who is interested in any of these programs too. Each new traveler can only use one voucher to pay for part of their trip and vouchers need to be redeemed for travel starting within two years of their issue date.

How do I redeem an ACIS Travel Voucher?

To redeem a voucher with your name or the name of another traveler who you wish to transfer the voucher to, simply send an email from the email address associated with the account to accounts@acis.com and indicate how the voucher should be applied. Be sure to include the voucher ID and the full name and Account ID of the traveler it should be applied to. If you’d prefer, you can also scan and email the completed voucher to accounts@acis.com.

What is your cancellation policy?

Refunds depend on your protection plan. We strongly advise participants to upgrade their coverage to our Ultimate-Plus or Ultimate plans that provide a full refund (less the cost of the protection plan itself) for any reason up to four days prior to departure, and a full refund for a covered reason up to 1 day prior to departure. Participants who do not elect to upgrade have Basic Protection which provides a partial refund up to 30 days prior to departure.

How do I upgrade my protection plan?

To upgrade your protection plan, log in to My Account and click your plan in the Account Overview section. You may then elect to change your plan up to 130 days prior to departure.

How do I cancel?

We hope you’ll reconsider, as we’d love to travel with you. If you do need to cancel, please complete the ACIS Cancellation Form. ACIS will determine your refund based on your protection plan and the date you complete the form, regardless of when you receive a response from ACIS.

What do I need to provide if I'm canceling for a reason covered by my protection plan?

If you upgraded your protection plan to Ultimate-Plus or Ultimate, and cancel for a covered reason up to 24 hours prior to departure, you will receive a full refund in cash, less the cost of the plan itself, when you provide documentation to the insurance company:

  • Medical Reason – a letter from your doctor on letterhead with the date of onset and diagnosis.
  • Job Loss – A letter from your employer within 7 days of termination.
  • Death in the family – Unfortunately, we will need proof such as an obituary or death certificate.

How long will it take to get my refund?

Refunds can take up to 45 days from the date of cancellation.

How will my refund be returned?

Refunds are typically returned in the form you paid. If you paid via a checking/savings account you will receive a check, and if you paid with a credit card, the payment will go back on the card. For credit card refunds, equal percentages of the refund will be refunded to each card used.  For example, if you paid 5 payments of $100, and the penalty was 10% you would receive back 90% of each payment transaction.

Due to credit card company contracts, we must send refunds back in the form you paid. That being said, if for any reason the credit card refund rejects due to an account being closed or expired, or you’ve paid off the card in full, we will issue you a check as long as proof can be provided to accounts@acis.com.

Why isn't the refund check made out to the name of the person who paid for the trip?

Refund checks are printed under the traveler’s name as we legally have the full name of the traveler upon registration. If a parent/guardian or someone else other than the traveler has paid for the trip, ACIS unfortunately, for security purposes, does not have payment information saved to be able to see where it came from. If you’re a parent who paid for your child’s tour and they’re a minor, they should be able to endorse it over to you. If the minor is too young to sign, please send an email to accounts@acis.com to request that we reissue your check with the correct full name and address.

Where is my refund check sent?

ACIS sends the refund check to the address we have on file; you can see the address on MyAccount on the ‘My Profile’ page.  Please make sure mailing addresses are up to date to avoid any future errors. Any changes or updates can be sent to accounts@acis.com.

Getting Ready to Travel

Do I need a Passport?

Passports are required for all ACIS trips traveling abroad except those to Canada, where a passport is only required if you are flying into the country or if you are aged 19 or over. You are responsible for obtaining your own passport, so please don’t delay! Visit your post office or a local office of the federal government for an application form. Note that some countries require that passports be valid for six months after you return to the United States. Please be sure that yours is up-to-date.

For more information about obtaining a passport and processing times, visit www.travel.state.gov

Do I need a visa?

No visas are required for U.S. citizens traveling to western or central Europe, Costa Rica or Mexico. Visas are required for U.S. citizens traveling to Australia, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Egypt, Russia, Turkey and Vietnam.* Groups traveling to Australia are responsible for securing their own ETA Tourist Visa. For many of the other destinations, ACIS will assist U.S. passport holders to obtain necessary visas or will provide all necessary information for you to get your own visa. In the case where ACIS is assisting, your group leader will collect your group’s passports and send them to ACIS for visa application processing approximately 120 days prior to departure. Visas are necessary for participants connecting through these countries, even if they are not the final destination.

Non-U.S. citizens are responsible for obtaining all documents needed to enter the countries to be visited or connected through, and for reentry into the U.S. Please consult the consular offices of the countries on your itinerary, as well as the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, for complete information. If traveling to Canada on one of our ACIS Visit Canada programs, non-U.S. citizens can consult cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas-all.asp for Canadian visa requirements.

*Visas may be required for other destinations. Please contact your group leader for more information.

Why does ACIS need my passport information?

ACIS needs your passport information at least 2 months prior to departure. Some sites require passport information to book entrances or for different modes of transportation. Not entering this information in a timely manner may result in missing some of the listed activities in the program. To enter your information, log in to My Account and click My Profile.

Do I need to be vaccinated to travel?

ACIS does not have a vaccine mandate for 2023, however, group leaders and travelers must still follow the health and safety-related entry requirements for the countries they will visit. Each individual traveler is responsible for meeting these requirements.

What should I pack?

We’ve got lots of packing tips, but the ones we’ll shout again and again are to check the weather shortly before you go, bring layers, and definitely bring comfortable shoes. We encourage you to carry on your luggage and avoid the risk of the airline misplacing it. Our trusted rule of thumb is to bring about half of what you think you’ll need!

How much spending money do I need?

The amount of spending money you’ll need depends on personal habits, but a good rule of thumb is $50 USD a day. This allows for lunch, snacks, soft drinks, souvenirs, free-time activities, optional excursions not already included in your itinerary and local transportation during your free time. Learn more about money matters.

Should I exchange money before I go?

We encourage groups to bring a small amount of local currency with you. Get together with some friends to save on fees. Once overseas you can use ATMs and they generally offer good rates, but you won’t want to spend your arrival day in line for the ATM with your entire group. Save the time so you can start exploring. Learn more about money matters.

Do you have an app?

Yes! ACIS has an excellent travel app that provides a wealth of information including details on your itinerary, flights and hotels (when they become available), as well as maps and destination information that can be accessed offline. Be sure to download the ACIS Travel App before departure.

How do I log into the ACIS Travel App?

The Travel App log in is not the same as your MyAccount. The Travel App uses your primary email address as the Log In, and if you don’t know your password just press “Retrieve Password”. If you have used the same email address for multiple accounts then you will have one log in for all travelers.

Are there behavior guidelines?

ACIS requires all participants to adhere to our behavior guidelines. Participants must also meet any additional guidelines as required by their group leaders.

What to Expect on Tour

What types of hotels will I stay in?

ACIS uses 3- and 4-star hotels located minutes (sometimes steps) from the sights you came to see. Learn more about ACIS’ hotels.

How does rooming work?

On international tours, participants stay in multiple-bedded rooms, usually with two or three beds depending on destination and tour type. Group leaders will structure different rooming patterns for their group based on doubles and triples before departure. Those who have paid the double room surcharge, including all adults 23 and older, stay in double rooms in hotels, and group leaders are guaranteed the comfort and privacy of a single room when they have at least six participants in their group. Travelers under 23 may upgrade to a Double Room if they have a roommate (additional cost per person). On cruises and overnight ferries, rooming may differ.

What meals are included?

Typically, tours include a continental breakfast or hot buffet in the morning, and dinner in the evening. Meals are a mix of authentic and familiar to ensure participants get a taste of local culture and leave satisfied.

I have food allergies, what should I do?

We take the risk of allergic reactions seriously. Please email ACIS and your group leader immediately with any serious allergy concerns. It is important to note, that while we will communicate all allergies with our suppliers, it is not possible to guarantee 100% allergen-free food. So, if your allergies are severe please consider the danger, and traveling on tour will be at your own risk. Please also inform us of special meal requests such as gluten-free, vegetarian and kosher. We will try our best to accommodate these requests, but cannot guarantee they will be available at all restaurants. Please inform ACIS of all dietary restrictions at least 65 days prior to departure.

Does ACIS have any tips to help with food allergies/dietary restrictions abroad?

We want to ensure that your dietary restrictions are met. However, as this is group travel, you must take responsibility to check at each meal, especially if it is an allergy.  Although we will inform the hotel or restaurant you should always double check before eating. We suggest you bring a notecard written in the language of the country detailing your food restrictions to share with the waiter. This is also useful for free time if you choose to grab lunch or dessert with friends. Always make sure your group leader is aware of your allergy, prior to departure! And, bring snacks in case appropriate food options are not available.

What does a tour manager do?

A tour manager is the group leader’s partner in education. Part guide, part educator, part engineer, part mind-reader, part magician—ACIS Tour Managers know their stuff. But, more importantly, they know teachers and students. They keep students engaged, teachers relaxed and the whole group excited to see what will happen next. They provide educational commentary, check you into hotels, recommend the best place for lunch, and so much more!

What's included on tour?

Inclusions vary from tour to tour, but typically include round-trip flights, breakfasts, dinners, at least one ACIS Cultural Connection and a mix of other entrances and visits. Our itineraries are thoughtfully designed to maximize time overseas with the best sights built in, along with reserved entrances to avoid long lines.

What's an ACIS Cultural Connection?

Cultural Connections, included on every ACIS tour, take cultural understanding to a whole new level. Through immersive activities such as learning the steps of the flamenco or a French cooking class, students look at the culture and history of a place from a different vantage point. It is the ultimate in experiential learning.

What are my flights?

ACIS books group tickets on commercial scheduled airlines. Although ACIS books most flights far in advance your flight details may not be visible online until approximately 30 days prior to departure when the contract is finalized with the airlines to ensure the least number of changes.

Am I able to apply my Frequent Flyer number to collect points from this trip?

Each airline has different rules when it comes to Group Contracts. ACIS cannot add Frequent Flyer numbers on your behalf. Please ask the airline if your number can be added to the ticket during Check-In.

Am I able to pick my seat?

Maybe. Sorry we can’t be more specific. Each airline contract is different, and some allow individuals to change a seat or pick an upgraded seat, but some give the group a block of seats and simply assign them alphabetically.

Am I able to upgrade my airline seat?

We book on group contracts and most contracts do not allow upgrades. If you would like us to book you separately, we can try. Please note that there is an additional $150 upgrade charge plus the cost of the seat upgrade. Once the seats have been upgraded normally the ticket is nonrefundable above and beyond the standard ACIS cancellation fees. In order to upgrade please send an email to accounts@acis.com detailing what type of seat upgrade you would like i.e. business, comfort plus, more legroom. Also, state if a traveling companion will be upgrading and if you want to sit together. The deadline for requesting a seat upgrade is 90 days prior to departure.

I’m coming home later than the group; can I schedule a different return flight?

Yes, as long as you inform us no later than 90 days prior to the departure date. To request an alternate return, you will need to fill out an Alternate Return Request Form which can be found in our Resource Center and send into accounts@acis.com. You will need to detail the flight information and date of the return on the form and any other alternative options in case we are not able to get you the first option. Once alternate return tickets are booked, they are nonrefundable.

What if the name on my ticket is incorrect?

The name on the airline ticket must match the full name on your passport including your middle name. We ticket based on the names in MyAccount, so please triple check that it is correct. If you do realize it is incorrect after it has already been ticketed, please email us immediately. Once the account has been ticketed, we will need to contact the airline and additional fees may apply for a name chance or a new ticket may need to be purchased.

America's Team

How am I assigned to a team?

We assign teams based on a couple of factors. The first is position(s) played so that we can ensure that we have all positions appropriately covered to put together the most competitive teams possible. The second variable is geographic location within the United States. Having teams comprised of girls who live closer to each other makes it easier to have flights booked together.

Can I go as a parent? What will my trip be like?

Yes. Parents and family members are welcome to join the group as well. Please note that we will be unable to add any participants after the full payment deadline. The experience will be identical to that of the kids. You’ll receive the same package. Rooming for these programs is based on triple occupancy for the kids and double/twin occupancy for parents. We will have the kids share a room with their teammates as part of the team building experience both on and off the field/court. Parents will stay with other parents/coaches in a twin. Those wishing to share a room with their child would incur a double room supplement for each traveler. OR, if three family members are traveling together, all three can stay in 1 triple room for no additional rooming charges.

Where are the games played?

The games will be hosted in gyms/fields/complexes convenient to each destination.

Will I meet my teammates prior to departure?

Due to scheduling commitments that all travelers have, and geographical differences, it’s not likely that you’ll meet your teammates in person. This is not an expectation. In some situations, teammates who live close to one another may meet prior to travel; however, generally the meetings all happen via Zoom calls hosted by the coaching staff once assigned.

Will I fly overseas with my team?

If you are traveling with other teammates from the same departure city, then you’ll likely fly together. Otherwise, you may need to fly alone to a different city or hub where you’ll meet others. All travelers will fly on the international flight with other America’s Team travelers, whether from your own team or another. No minor will fly overseas without an adult on the same flight. Upon arrival overseas, transfers will be included by an ACIS and America’s Team representative.

Are the games streamed online?

Some games may be streamed online, but it cannot be guaranteed.