Rules of the Road
When travelers enroll on tour, they agree to EPX's Rules of the Road. If travelers do not conform to these regulations or any specific rules set by their Group Leader, they risk dismissal from the tour, returning home at their own expense with no refund for the missed tour portion. Decisions regarding tour dismissal are up to EPX and/or the Group Leader.
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All scheduled activities are obligatory
If any traveler is sick or has a physical ailment that might prevent them from participating in an activity, they must tell the Group Leader, who will notify the Tour Director.
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Travelers are expected to respect the nightly curfew that the Group Leader may set for their own safety and security. Room checks will be conducted at the Group Leader’s discretion. Visitors or group members of the opposite sex are not permitted in travelers' room.
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Smoking is not allowed on buses, during meals, in hotel rooms or in any other shared, enclosed space.
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Hitchhiking and the driving or renting of any motor vehicle is strictly forbidden for all travelers.
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Travelers are required to pay for any phone calls or incidental personal expenses incurred at hotels. These will be payable the evening before departure at each hotel.
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Travelers under the age of 18 may not consume alcohol on tour. Travelers over the age of 18 (or older, if local laws require) may consume beer or wine in moderation. The consumption of hard liquor is strictly forbidden. Group Leaders and/or parents may prohibit all alcohol consumption at their discretion. Excessive drinking by any traveler will not be tolerated and will result in dismissal from tour at the traveler’s own expense.
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Illegal activities will not be tolerated and are punishable by immediate dismissal from the tour. If travelers are involved in any illegal activities, all costs to return home are at their expense. If the local authorities are involved, travelers will be subject to the laws of the destination you are visiting.
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Payment for damage done to hotel rooms or to buses is your responsibility. If you notice any damage upon arrival at a hotel, you should notify the Tour Director immediately. If travelers do not conform to these regulations or any specific rules set by their Group Leader, they risk dismissal from the tour--returning home at their expense with no refund for the missed tour portion. Decisions regarding tour dismissal are up to EPX and/or their Group Leader.
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Students’ hotel doors should remain locked at all times, both when they leave the room and when they are inside. Because the type of fire safety systems provided will vary between hotels, travelers should read the fire safety instructions in their hotel room and be sure to know where the nearest fire exits are located. Travelers should know where they can find their Group Leader and Tour Director at all times. The Tour Director will review safety policies while on tour, and it’s important that all travelers pay close attention.
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Traffic and transportation safety
Travelers should pay special attention at intersections, use pedestrian crosswalks whenever possible and always wear a seat belt on tour buses if available. In many cities there are hourly bicycle rentals readily available. Travelers should not partake in these rentals since helmets are not provided and they are not part of an organized, guided bike tour.
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Free time activities
Some tours may include some free time. However, this does not necessarily mean that students are free to do whatever they like without restriction. Travelers should always stay with others and not go anywhere alone. The Group Leader is responsible for supervision of the group at all times. EPX only allows travelers to participate in EPX-sanctioned optional excursions or other EPX-approved activities suggested by the Tour Director.
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EPX is committed to creating a safe and comfortable environment for all travelers, and diversity, equity and inclusion are an integral part of our mission to break down barriers through educational travel. Harassment, bullying or discrimination aimed at other travelers, suppliers or staff on the basis of gender identity, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, ethnicity, religion or any other factor will not be tolerated and may result in a participant’s dismissal from tour.