Frequently Asked Questions

How are your host families chosen?: A detailed background check is conducted on each and every host family including a criminal check on each member of the household. Strict criteria must be met regarding a clean and hygienic home as well as special interest in hospitality. Each language school partner has an extensive family network that has been active for many years. Families are evaluated each year. Prometour has been providing this unique life enhancing experience for students for many years.

We organize trips with host families in France, Spain, Mexico as well as in Quebec.
What is included in your educational tour prices?: We don't believe in hidden charges or membership fees - at Prométour we always quote our packages with an all-inclusive price. These prices generally include all required transport with associated taxes and fees, accomodations for the duration of your trip (hotels or host-families), meals, customized activities and Tour Director and guides.
However, we would like to point out that as a CUSTOMIZED group tour company, we can customize the quote to your needs. Have a contact for your own air tickets? No problem - we can quote you land-only. Have an exchange set up with your own sister-school? No problem - we can quote you air, transfers and excursions only - all you have to do is ASK!
What category hotels do you use for your school trips?: Location is our foremost priority. In Europe we always offer centrally located 2 and 3 star hotels or better that have been inspected and approved by our production team.
In North America, the Caribbean and Latin America all of our hotels are 3 star hotels or better. You are welcome to request a specific type of hotel for your group. Meeting your group's unique requirements is our specialty, be it budget oriented or a luxury hotel stay.

Students share rooms in groups of 3 or 4, for additionnal costs they can stay in a two bedroom or one bedroom room.
Can I extend my stay in Europe after the school trip?: You may extend your stay by informing your tour consultant. There is a surcharge on your plane ticket for extending your flight beyond that of the group you are traveling with. Ask your Prometour consultant for details.
Can I use my ATM/Credit Card while on tour?: Major Credit Cards are accepted almost everywhere, look for logos on doors. You may obtain cash with your credit card or with your ATM card in ATM machines, just check for their network affiliation (Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, etc.…) and do not forget your PIN number. (IMPORTANT - to work internationally, your PIN number must be 4 digits!) Using your cards will generally give you access to the bank's wholesale exchange rate at a nominal fee.
What do I do if my board won't approve my trip?: In this case, you can speak to us about taking your trip 'off-line' and running it through a community group or another organization. Ask your tour consultant for details - we have lots of experience doing this!
Can you help me get board approval for my trip?: Yes - our team will happily provide you with all the information your board and school administrators may require to approve your trip. Liability insurance certificates, agency permit information, our company history and references will all be provided to you in a neat kit to assist you. Prométour believes in complete transparency for your protection!
Do my students require a Passport? If so, how do they get one?: YES - Your students will need a passport to travel by air internationally and you should make sure they obtain one as soon as possible.

Special conditions regarding overland (bus, car) travel to Canada exist, but are evolving regularly - consult one of our tour consultants for the latest details, or visit this link for the latest from the US Department of State.

Information on how to get a passport can be found at the following sites:
PASSPORT APPLICATION INFORMATION - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA PASSPORT APPLICATION INFORMATION - CANADA
What about tipping?: Unless stated on your price sheet, tips are not included in our tour packages.
For up to date information on tipping customs in our varied destinations, please consult our Preparation section in the Travel Center.
How do I keep in touch with my son or daughter while they are on tour?: The teacher or group leader will provide you with a copy of the hotel list. Most of our hotels are equipped with Internet. You can easily keep in touch with your child by email.
Are any vaccinations required?: Current recommendations for travel to Mexico, Costa Rica and Peru are that you be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, Flu and Pneumonia. The rest of our destinations currently have no advisories for vaccination.
Is a passport required to visit Canada?: The new regulations implemented by the US Department of State and Department of Homeland Security do require passports for travel to Canada by AIR. At this time, no final announcement has been made of implementation of this regulation for student groups travelling by LAND - the latest information is available at this link - DHS & WHTI.