Frequently asked questions about traveling with NPCA on a Travel Collection trip.
Who can participate in an NPCA trip?
One traveler per group must be a member of the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) to participate in an NPCA trip. NPCA members are those who give $25 or more annually. NPCA is the only independent, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advocacy on behalf of the National Park System. We are 100% privately funded and we rely on donations from individuals like you. For more information on member benefits, or to become a member, visit npca.org.
How do I book a trip with NPCA?
To find more details on each of the day-by-day itineraries or to reserve your space on a trip, visit npca.org/trips or please contact NPCA’s National Parks Experiences Program at 1-800-628-7275 or travel@npca.org.
What is included in the trip cost?
The trip cost typically covers a range of amenities and services to ensure a comprehensive and enjoyable experience. While the specifics may vary from trip to trip, our standard inclusions often encompass meals, accommodations, snacks, interpretive guides and special speakers, and transportation within the destination. We encourage you to refer to the individual trip webpage and detailed trip brochure for specific details on each departure. These resources will provide comprehensive information about the trip’s inclusions, exclusions, and any additional services or activities offered. If you have any further questions or need clarification about a particular trip, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you make the most informed decision and create memorable experiences with NPCA’s Travel Collection trips.
Are flights included in the trip cost?
Flights are not typically included in the trip cost. We understand that travelers often have different preferences, schedules, and departure locations, which is why we leave the flexibility of booking flights to each individual participant. This allows you to choose the most convenient and cost-effective options that suit your needs.
How will NPCA manage trips in response to COVID-19?
NPCA is always committed to providing high quality tours that ensure the well-being and safety of our members and supporters. Each of our tour operator partners have developed robust safety protocols to protect the health of our guests, staff, and the communities we visit. Given the evolving nature of the global pandemic, our tour operator partners are committed to easing concerns and creating flexible options for those interested in rescheduling or booking new travel. Please refer to the policies and procedures outlined in the materials furnished by the tour operator for your trip pertaining to cancellation policies and any COVID-19 requirements or recommendations. If you have any questions, our tour operator partners are available to provide the most up-to-date information to help you prepare for your trip. NPCA advises all individuals to follow the guidance of public health experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization in protecting themselves and their communities from the coronavirus. We highly recommend that all travelers secure travel insurance protection for all of our trip departures.
Does NPCA offer travel protection insurance?
We strongly recommend purchasing important optional travel insurance that will cover you for a variety of travel-related contingencies, such as trip cancellation, interruption, and/or delay; baggage loss, theft, damage or delay; accident and/or sickness medical expenses; accidental death; as well as evacuation/repatriation coverage. Travel insurance plans are available through USI Affinity, although you are welcome to explore other options as well. Please note that if you purchase a policy through USI, a Pre-Existing Condition waiver is available within 21 days of making your initial trip payment. Also consider the optional “Cancel for any Reason” protection, which will provide coverage if you decide not to travel because of fear of COVID. It is important to note that “fear” of traveling as a result of a COVID situation will not be covered under regular travel insurance – if this coverage is important, you would need to purchase “Cancel for any Reason”. All questions regarding the plan’s coverage should be directed to Travel Insurance Select through USI Affinity at 1-800-937-1387 or by visiting their website.
Why are your cancellation terms and final payment dates different from trip-to-trip?
NPCA works with a number of experienced tour operators for each of our trips. We carefully select these operators based on their expertise in small-group educational travel to national parks. Because each itinerary is custom-designed and specifically curated to highlight NPCA’s important contributions to park protection (with the exception of our small-ship cruises), we select tour operators who can provide the best value for our members. Each tour operator establishes their own cancellation terms and payment schedule based on a variety of factors, such as terms of local suppliers such as hotels, etc.
What does the trip minimum mean?
In order to maintain the small group size of our trips, each of our tour operator partners requires us to have a minimum number of guests to ensure the trip is economically feasible. Because each NPCA tour is all-inclusive (including meals, accommodations, snacks, interpretive guides, special speakers, transportation within the destination) and custom-designed to highlight NPCA’s important contributions to park protection, the value of the trip is specifically based on having a specified number of participants. The benefit of this is that it allows us to feature exclusive experiences within the parks and special behind-the-scenes access to National Park Service staff, NPCA partners, and other local experts.
Please note: If the trip minimum is not met by the registration deadline, we may need to make the difficult decision to either cancel or postpone the trip. While this is disappointing, it ensures that we can deliver the same exceptional experience for all participants and maintain the financial viability of the trip. In the event that a trip is canceled or postponed, our team will provide you with alternative options, including transferring your registration to a future departure or exploring other NPCA travel opportunities.
Why do you have a single supplement?
The single supplement fee is an additional cost for solo travelers. To maintain the small group size of our trips and ensure a comfortable experience for everyone, we have limited hotel rooms available for each itinerary. Consequently, the prices listed for our trips are typically based on double occupancy, with two people sharing a room. In some cases, our tour operator partners may be able to arrange room sharing opportunities for solo travelers to avoid paying the single supplement fee. However, this option depends on availability and the agreement of both travelers to share accommodations. If you are interested in exploring the possibility of sharing a room, please let us know so that we can determine if it’s feasible for this particular trip. We understand that the single supplement may be a concern for solo travelers, and we strive to provide options that accommodate their preferences and budget whenever possible. Our goal is to make your experience with NPCA’s travel collection trips enjoyable and accessible to all.
How does participating in an NPCA trip support the organization’s conservation efforts?
When you choose to travel with NPCA, you’re not just embarking on an incredible journey – you’re making a meaningful impact. Our commitment to conservation runs deep, and we are proud to share that a portion of every trip’s fees directly supports NPCA’s vital work. Your choice to travel with us helps protect and preserve these cherished landscapes for generations to come.
What is the physical fitness level required for NPCA trips?
Travelers are responsible for choosing an NPCA trip consistent with their ability, fitness and overall health. Our trips are appropriate for people in good health with overall good mobility. Travelers should be prepared for a full day of physical activity, which can include walking or standing for extended periods (sometimes on uneven terrain) and climbing stairs or ladders. Any physical conditions requiring special attention, diet or treatment should be reported to the applicable tour operator when booking to determine what accommodations can be made. We encourage you to refer to the individual trip webpage and detailed trip brochure for specific details on each departure. Please consult with NPCA’s National Parks Experiences Program for more details at 1-800-628-7275 or travel@npca.org.
What do I need to bring on my trip?
Each of our tour operator partners will provide a detailed packing list a few months in advance of trip departure. In advance of each trip, we will also be hosting an optional pre-trip welcome call where you will have the opportunity to learn details about packing, weather, and other important information that will help prepare you for departure. Our pre-trip call is also an opportunity for you to hear from other travelers and ask any questions you might have.
Are NPCA trips environmentally responsible and sustainable?
Protecting the parks is at the heart of our mission, so like you, we are also concerned with the environmental and social impact of our trips. That is why we prioritize partnering with responsible tour operators who share our commitment to sustainability and conservation. With their expertise and dedication, we ensure that every step of your trip aligns with our shared values. Our trips are thoughtfully designed to minimize waste and promote environmental stewardship. From the use of reusable materials to reducing single-use plastics, something NPCA has long supported eliminating from our parks, we prioritize waste reduction at every opportunity. In addition, NPCA is passionate about supporting local communities. We believe that travel should not only enrich the traveler’s experience but also have a positive impact on the destinations we visit. When you travel with us, you contribute to the economic well-being of local communities by helping us support small or locally-owned businesses whenever possible, including local vendors and suppliers.
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