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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a trip cost?

Trips vary depending on their tier. Trips are sorted into tiers to most accurately present the dollar value covered by the club on the trip. Exact trip fees are posted once sign-up for the trip opens on our website.

  • Bronze Trips

    • Bronze Trips are nearly always day-long, and visit locations within a short distance from Champaign-Urbana. Examples include Chicago, Indiana Dunes, or Garden of the Gods.

    • Average Trip Fee Cost Range: $0 (w/ membership) to $49 

  • Silver Trips

    • Silver Trips are weekend trips to mid-sized cities, attractions, and natural sites and parks, usually close to the Midwest. Examples include Pittsburgh, Door County, and Traverse City, MI.​

    • Trip Fee Cost Range: $99 to ~$249

  • Gold Trips

    • Gold Trips are always overnight, weekend trips that consist of farther, often pricier, destinations that offer members a rare chance to visit a highly-coveted travel destination safely and affordably. Examples include NYC, D.C., and New Orleans.​

    • Trip Fee Cost Range: $249 to ~$499.​

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What is included in the trip fee?

What activities will we do?

Bronze trips vary, but every Traveling Illini Silver or Gold Trip includes: 

  • Round-trip transportation to the trip location

  • Accommodation in an AirBnB, hotel, hostel, or similar facility 

  • 1-2 group activities (ex. tours, dinners, tickets, etc.)

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Wherever we go, we try to do activities as a group, allowing for adequate free time as well. Activities can include both outdoor activities (e.g., ziplining, hiking) or indoor activities (e.g., museums, shows, landmarks). If you have any suggestions for us, please reach out!

How many people are on each trip?

Trips range in size but on average tend to host anywhere from 10-25 people per trip. However, trip sizes depend on many factors including the numbers of drivers, mode of transportation, and budget constraints.

As a member, am I guaranteed a spot on any trip?

Members are not guaranteed a spot on any one trip of their choice. However, Traveling Illini will always bring the maximum amount of people possible on our trips! Our sign-ups are typically first-come first-serve; however, we frequently prioritize those who have not yet attended a trip with us. We frequently have open spots available on trips, and members that sign up for trips consistently attend most or even all of the trips that they sign up for.

If there is only one destination that you are interested in attending in a semester, we recommend that you do not join because there is always a chance you will not be able to attend that specific trip. However, all of the destinations that we choose are worth visiting, even if you have not heard of it before! As long as you sign up for trips frequently, it is guaranteed you will join us on at least one or several of our trips.

Can I bring my friends on the trip?

Trip registration occurs almost exclusively on a first-come, first-serve basis. Therefore, getting on a trip with your friend is not guaranteed. However, it is not uncommon for friends to sign-up for the same trip, both be accepted onto a trip, and go on the trip together. However, we strongly encourage members to be open-minded about going on a trip without knowing anyone. You certainly won't leave that way!
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Can I get a refund?

Traveling Illini books ahead of time at essentially a break-even margin. Thus, trip refunds are not provided save for extremely rare circumstances. Trip fees, as a rule, are non-refundable.

Will there be a trip itinerary?

Yes, trip itineraries will be provided for those who have received their invitation and paid their trip fee. They include times, addresses, dates, and details regarding which meals and activities are paid for by Traveling Illini. However, only rough trip outlines that describe the main features and accommodations will be available to members during sign-up.

Will there be free time on trips?

Yes! Each trip has some free time scheduled in. This is a great time to do homework, explore the area, and do things not listed on the itinerary.

Can I briefly leave the trip to see a friend or family member?

Yes, so long as you communicate with your Trip Guide. We ask that everyone attend all group meals and activities, so we highly encourage you to plan around these. You may not abuse this policy and leave for the entire duration of the trip or your membership may be terminated.

Do I need to miss class? 

Sometimes trips will leave on a Thursday night or Friday in the daytime. You will know the departure date/time far in advance of the trip in order to make arrangements for any class time you plan to miss. We also offer trips that do not require you to miss any class. Traveling Illini takes great care to ensure that trips are not chronically interfering with academics.

Do I need a car?

No. But if you have a car and are willing to drive on a Traveling Illini trip, Traveling Illini will cover your gas expense for the trip and you will be eligible to receive up to a 50% discount on your trip fee. However, you must sign a separate waiver in order to drive on a Traveling Illini trip.

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