You can express your interest in reserving a trip in one of two ways through the trip page on Duke-Travels.com: by linking to the Tour Operator Partner Site or by completing the Trip Reservation Interest Form (TIF).

On the Tour Operator Partner Site, you may submit a Reservation Request. The TIF can also be used to request a reservation, ask questions, or request additional information. Neither option constitutes a commitment to travel or requires a deposit. Duke Travels does not collect payments. All deposits and other payments are made directly to the Tour Operator.

Depending on which option you choose, either a Tour Operator service representative or a member of the Duke Travels team will contact you to answer your questions and guide you through the next steps. 
 

You can also contact the Duke Travels team directly at DukeTravels@duke.edu.

Duke Alumni, Duke parents, family and friends are all welcome.

From the moment you begin planning your trip, the Duke Travels team is here to provide excellent customer service and assist with your questions and pre- and post-tour needs. We partner with carefully vetted Tour Operators whose expertise, together with Duke University’s support, helps ensure a safe, secure, and seamless travel experience.

On tour, you can expect a thoughtfully planned, immersive journey that brings you closer to the people, places, and cultures you visit. Our Tour Operator partners share Duke Travels’ commitment to excellence, educational enrichment, and authentic experiences.

You’ll also have opportunities to engage with Duke faculty, deepen your understanding of your destination, and build connections with fellow members of the Duke community who share your enthusiasm for travel and lifelong learning. 

Duke Travels works with several carefully vetted educational travel operators. Each operator clearly outlines what is included in its program description and pricing, as well as its policies in its individual Terms & Conditions. Inclusions vary by program, so please review the program details carefully. We are also happy to answer any questions you may have.

Duke Travels strives to have Duke faculty accompany each program and share their expertise as it relates to the destination. On occasion, this is not possible due to faculty schedules, teaching commitments, or group size.

When you travel internationally with Duke Travels, Duke University has your back. All Duke Travelers traveling internationally are covered by Duke University’s blanket emergency assistance plan, which provides access to Duke’s global health, safety, and security partner, International SOS, in the event of a medical emergency or need for evacuation. This is a service Duke University provides to Duke Travels participants, as well as Duke faculty, staff, and students traveling internationally.

Duke Travels leverages the resources of Duke University and its Tour Operator partners to monitor global health, safety, and security conditions on an ongoing basis. We draw on timely information and guidance from the U.S. Department of State, International SOS, public health authorities, in-country operators and experts, and Duke resources such as the Global Travel Advisory Council.

Duke Travels works closely with its Tour Operators and their in-country partners to assess conditions at each destination and make informed decisions about travel. All Duke Travelers on international programs are registered in the Duke Travel Registry and are covered by Duke while abroad.

Before traveling internationally, we also recommend registering your trip with the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). For information about recommended vaccinations, health notices, and other destination-specific guidance, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

CDC Travelers’ Health: Destinations

Physical requirements vary by program and are described in each program brochure or provided by the Tour Operator. To fully enjoy the experience, participants should be able to meet the physical and mental demands of travel and the itinerary.

Duke Travels recognizes that every traveler has individual needs and abilities. If you have questions about mobility, accessibility, or whether a particular program is a good fit for you, please contact the Duke Travels team at DukeTravels@duke.edu. We are happy to discuss or connect you with a service representative of the Tour Operator to learn more.

Cancellation penalties generally apply once a deposit has been received. These terms vary based on the tour operator, the specific trip, the date of cancellation, and increase incrementally as the departure date approaches. Please carefully review the Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policy for each trip.

Yes! Duke Travels provides information to each of our travelers regarding trip cancellation insurance through  Meyer & Associates. Whether you choose coverage through them or from another vendor, we strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance the protection of your travel investment.

Duke University provides emergency assistance support for Duke Travelers traveling internationally through its global health, safety, and security partner, International SOS. In the event of a medical emergency or need for emergency evacuation, Duke Travelers may access International SOS services. These services are supported by Duke University's blanket international emergency assistance insurance plan. This service is provided by Duke University to Duke Travels participants, as well as Duke faculty, staff, and students traveling internationally.

Duke's emergency assistance coverage is intended to serve as a safety net in the event of an emergency and should not be considered a substitute for comprehensive individual travel insurance. Medical coverage is limited, while evacuation coverage is extensive. Duke's coverage does not provide reimbursement for trip cancellation or trip interruption.

For this reason, Duke Travels strongly recommends that travelers consider purchasing individual travel insurance that includes appropriate coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, medical expenses, and other travel-related needs.

You can join the waitlist for a trip that is full in one of two ways through the trip page on Duke-Travels.com by linking to the Tour Operator Partner Site or by completing the Trip Reservation Interest Form (TIF). A Duke Travels representative will follow up with you to confirm your spot on the waitlist.  

Responsible travel means exploring the world in ways that respect and benefit the places, people, cultures, and environments we encounter. Duke University educates and empowers its community to create a more sustainable future through environmental, economic, and social change on campus and beyond. In support of Duke’s Climate Commitment, Duke Travels is engaging with the travel industry to develop approaches and metrics that help monitor and reduce the environmental impact of travel while promoting more sustainable journeys.

Duke Travels expects its Tour Operator partners to demonstrate a strong commitment to responsible travel. We encourage travelers to learn more about the steps each operator takes to reduce and offset its carbon footprint, support local communities, and help ensure that the places we visit are left the same—or better—than we found them. 

Groups of 20 or more paying participants may request Duke Travels to organize a private departure with one of our partnering  tour operators. These groups may consist of Duke friends connected by location, Duke parents or even family reunions. Occasionally, depending on operator and destination, we can arrange it with fewer. Lead planning time of 18-24 months is required for these trips to leverage our longstanding partnerships and secure space and exclusivity. If you are interested in getting more information, contact us at  DukeTravels@duke.edu. 

Duke Travels works with Duke campus partners to organize custom curated programming for their targeted constituencies. For more information, please contact the Duke Travels team at  DukeTravels@duke.edu.