WorldStrides Sports is dedicated to delivering the best international sports tour experience possible. If you would like to learn more about how WorldStrides Sports can help you plan an international sports tour, please feel free to contact us at any time by filling out the form below or contacting us via email (sports@worldstrides.com) or phone (410-489-2287).
Planning your Tour
We will provide all applicable travel details, including departure and return transportation, accommodations, program itinerary, tour guide, and drop-off/pick-up locations (if applicable). Flight times, airlines, itineraries, tour leader(s), and hotel information are subject to change, especially when participating in a tournament or event, WorldStrides is at the discretion of the host in regards to schedule, accommodations, transportation.
Yes, you may arrange your own flights as part of our land only package. More information regarding this package can be found on your online registration portal.
On our standard touring programs, we use 3-Star or 4-Star tourist class hotels, with a private bathroom guaranteed in each room. Our quotations are based on rooming in twin rooms, or occasionally triples. ALL our properties are clean and comfortable, and we are always looking for a degree of charm and character that epitomizes the culture of the country you are visiting. As further indication to our commitment to quality, our staff has vetted all properties used during this event. Please note the room sizes in Europe are generally smaller than in the US. Hotels are often converted residential buildings therefore; the style and characteristics of the building are generally quite quirky. Elevators are limited and very small. We recommend packing light for your trip.
Yes, family members are welcome to join the tour, but please reach out to your coach to confirm. Different programs have different goals for their international travel experience. Please note our schedules are soccer focused with a mix of cultural activities. Family members will follow the same itinerary as the team.
Yes. It is recommended by the US and Canadian governments that if only one parent/guardian is traveling they carry a notarized (witnessed in Canada) letter of permission from the stay-at-home parent. If sending a child alone, it may be a good idea for the group to obtain a notarized letter of permission signed by the parents or legal guardian.
Ready to Book
In our experience the teams who start the booking process approximately 15 to 12 months in advance have a better chance of making the trip happen. Our best advice is to decide on your preferred trip and confirm the dates as soon as possible. Because the trip is dependent on availability of services at the time of booking, the sooner you confirm the more likely the exact dates, hotels and flights you want will be available. If you are traveling during high season, airlines and hotels can have significant demand for seats/rooms and the sooner we are able to submit your group’s request, more likely we are to secure your exact, preferred schedule. Please contact us as early as possible for a tour proposal that is fine tuned to the exact the needs of your team.
We require a completed and signed general terms and conditions form and deposit from each traveler.
Yes, this will be subject to availability. Please note that WorldStrides charges a late registration fee if enrollment is less than 110 days before departure.
Many of our teams travel with less than their full roster. There are many reasons for this; family holidays, school conflicts, financial inability, seasonal employment, academic reasons, or selection for the O.D.P. or Regional squads. In order for the other players not to miss out, you may choose to invite guest players from your own club or other clubs to complete your roster. Guest players can also be found for you from your destination country.
Payment and Costs
Yes. Full payment of each installment should be remitted to WorldStrides Sports on or before the due date. Installments can be remitted by credit card ($8 per charge), club/school check, money order, or personal check.
Documents and Insurance Information
A valid passport is needed for any person travelling outside your country of citizenship. Tour participants are individually responsible for obtaining a valid passport prior to departure, as well as any visa that may be needed. Please make sure any non-US or Canadian citizens and non-permanent residents have the necessary documents required for entry into your destination as well as any country of transit. Please inform us of any non-US or Canadian citizens in your group as soon as possible.
This will depend on your governing body (NCAA, USYSA, etc). Most governing bodies require each registered team to advise them of their plans to travel. The group leader/tour coordinator should contact their governing body as soon as possible to complete the relevant paperwork.
We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. We can provide you with brochures and details of how to purchase travel insurance. The terms and conditions of coverage vary according to the insurance provider. Cost of coverage is generally based upon the cost of the trip. It is understood that WorldStrides Sports accepts no liability for damages incurred by circumstances that would be covered under trip/travel insurance.
Traveling in Europe
These, and many other questions, will be answered in our pre-trip handbook which is available on your unique MY TOUR team page.
The electricity supply varies by country. We suggest you travel with an adaptor and converter which are designed for your destination country.
Most US cell phones do not work in Europe unless it is a tri-band phone and you have the correct provider. If they do work it can be very expensive to make and receive phone calls. If a cell phone is need we suggest renting a European cell phone.
This varies by accommodation and we provide this information prior to departure.
Most countries in Europe work from calendar year of birth, similar to how O.D.P. works in the US. However, many tournaments offer dispensation for a certain number of players born between August and January of the previous year. Again, this changes from tournament to tournament. Please contact us for further details.
This changes from country to country and from tournament to tournament. If you are looking to participate in a certain tournament, please ask for details on that tournament’s rules. In most friendly games the make-up of the game is very flexible and can be arranged to suit the needs of both teams. In the past games have consisted of 2 x 30 minute halves; 3 x 30 minute thirds; 2 x 40 minute halves, etc, etc. Much of this depends on the roster size, time of year, and many other factors.
HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
If there are any questions you may have that are not covered in the below section, please contact us at excel@worldstrides.com