F.A.Q

Why did your teachers pick Omnitour to organize your school trip?

• Our specialized and experienced co-ordinators are always on hand to answer your questions, and our team loves helping students explore the world!
• Our knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides like to share interesting facts about the places you will visit and give you tips on how to get the most out of your trip.
• We always work with your teachers when preparing the itinerary to ensure it corresponds with your needs and interests, as well as the educational objectives for the trip.
• As we are also a travel wholesaler, we can arrange the best possible rates for any destination.
• Founded in 1980, Omnitour is a travel agency that specializes in organizing school trips.
• Omnitour is a family company that pioneered the school trip industry in Québec. Over the years, we have developed a network of suppliers offering a wide range of activities, which enables us to meet your specific requests.
  

Does the trip cost include tips for the tour director and bus driver?

As you become a more seasoned traveller, you will learn that leaving a tip is always appreciated by the person who is providing you with a service. Whether you leave a tip is up to you, but keep in mind that tipping is a means of expressing your gratitude for services rendered. We recommend the following tipping rates:

• Tour director: $1 per $2 per person, per day. 
• Driver: $1 to $2 per person, per day.
• Local guide (city tour): $1 per person.
• Housekeeper: $1 per day (except in Europe, where gratuities are included in the room price).
• Restaurants, room service and taxis: 15% to 20% of amount spent.
  

As gratuities are included in the cost of meals included as part of the trip, you will not have to leave a tip for these meals.

If there is no tour director on the school trip, what do I do if something happens to one of the other students?

For immediate assistance, call the Omnitour emergency line, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. One of our representatives will quickly answer your call and help you manage the situation. You should always keep the Omnitour emergency line number with you, regardless of whether a tour director is accompanying you on the school trip.

However, if you need the police, the fire department or an ambulance right away, you should call the local emergency services number.

How much should I budget for my daily personal expenses?

That depends on several factors. Do you plan on going shopping and buying souvenirs? Do you eat a lot of snacks? Everyone's monetary needs are different. While meals are generally included with the trip, one or more may not be. We suggest budgeting about $10 per meal listed as "on own" in the itinerary.

Which means of transportation are used by Omnitour?

As the saying goes, "Why walk when you can fly?"

Seriously, though, we always propose means of transportation that allow you to travel in comfort and reach your destination safely, be it by air, land or water.

Where can I obtain information on any vaccinations I may require for the trip?

Information on vaccinations and any other preventative measures to take prior to travelling abroad is included in the Travel Medicine Program prepared by the Public Health Agency of Canada. The following applies to any country you visit. Several weeks before your departure, you should check to see if you need a vaccination or have to take certain measures to prevent such diseases as yellow fever, typhoid fever, meningitis, Japanese encephalitis, hepatitis or malaria. Note that in some countries, visitors are required by law to present their international vaccination certificate against yellow fever to be allowed entry.

IMPORTANT: You may be required to get vaccinations or start to take medication six to eight weeks prior to departure. Make sure that your mandatory vaccinations are up-to-date: diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). Other vaccinations needed for travel abroad vary according to age, current medical condition and the nature and length of the trip.

Does travel insurance cover all diseases?

Basic travel insurance usually covers hospitalization and medical care costs. The only diseases covered by your travel insurance are those contracted during the trip. Click here to see Globetrek travel insurance premiums (in PDF format).

We have to organize a fundraising campaign to pay for part of our school trip. What do you suggest?

Omnitour believes organizing a fundraising campaign is part of the learning process involved in going on a school trip. One possible fundraising activity would be to sell fair trade products. By working with an organization such as Équiterre, you could meet your fundraising goals while encouraging your friends and family to buy ethically responsible products and promoting social justice for people in developing nations!

For more information on an Équiterre fundraising campaign, click here.