Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to questions frequently asked by our travelers. If you don’t find the answer you are looking for, feel free to contact us and we’d be glad to assist.

Do I have to be a University of Iowa graduate to travel with Iowa Voyagers?
You do not need to be a UI graduate. About 70 percent of Iowa Voyagers travelers are alumni, while the rest are friends, relatives, colleagues, or other travelers who enjoy the kind of high-quality educational programs we offer.

Do I need to be a UI Alumni Association member to go on an Iowa Voyagers trip?
Traveling with the Iowa Voyagers is a UI Alumni Association (UIAA) member privilege for alumni, their friends, families, and colleagues. We welcome all travelers, but require that all University of Iowa alumni become UIAA members in order to participate in the trips. If you are not a UI graduate, we require that one person in your traveling party be a UIAA member.

How do I join the UIAA?
For information about joining the UIAA or to check your membership status, please call 800/469-2586 or visit www.iowalum.com/membership. If you join or renew, be sure to indicate you are traveling with the Iowa Voyagers.

Is a portion of my trip tax deductible?
Check with your tax attorney or CPA about the deductibility of any portion of your trip fees. A small percentage of the trip cost goes to the UIAA, which in turn assists the greater mission of the University of Iowa.

Are the trips escorted?
Yes, there is always a tour director from our travel companies who oversees the group and answers questions, troubleshoots, and guides our travelers. Also, a University of Iowa representative may escort the group, but a minimum number of participants (usually 15, 20, or 30) is required to secure this additional service.

Are there any physical requirements?
To fully enjoy the travel experience, participants should be in good physical and mental health and be able to keep pace with the group. Extreme variations in altitude or temperature should be considered when traveling in certain parts of the world. Some excursions require walking on uneven terrain or climbing stairs. If you require extraordinary assistance with ambulation, diet, or medical regimens, you must report this when you book your trip and must be accompanied by someone who can and will provide all required care. Activity levels are indicated in each trip’s description, but if you want more information, please contact us at 800/469-2586 or e-mail iowa-voyagers@uiowa.edu.

What about single travelers?
All trips charge extra for travelers who require single accommodations, with fees varying by trip type and availability, and most tours have a limited number of single rooms available. Single travelers can request to be matched with a roommate through the Iowa Voyagers Roommate Matching Service— we can search based on your criteria to find a compatible roommate to share the room. However, identifying a roommate is not guaranteed and the single supplement fee will still apply if one cannot be found .

Will my trip be exclusive to Iowa Voyagers or will it be shared with other groups?
Most Iowa Voyagers trips are shared departures, meaning other universities, schools, or affinity groups will join us as part of the larger group. This adds assurance that the trip will not be canceled due to low traveler numbers. There is always a tour director who oversees the larger group and attends to the needs of each individual sub-group, such as arranging a special party for the Iowa Voyagers. A few of our trips are exclusive to Iowa Voyagers. Please inquire about your particular trip when you book.

Who makes the flight arrangements? Can I make my own?
The tour operator managing your particular trip can book your air flights and often has air-inclusive prices listed in the trip brochure. When booking your trip, simply indicate your desired departure city on the reservation form. The tour operator will then be responsible for scheduling and booking your flights and transferring you to and from the airport with the group. To get the best airfares, our operators have negotiated special rates with major airlines that may require non-direct flights. Please feel free to ask about “land-only” or “cruise-only” pricing if you wish to have a direct flight or if you want to make your own arrangements. If you make your own air arrangements, you’ll be responsible for meeting your group at the ship or hotel. In some cases, you can purchase group transfers from the tour operator even though you’ve made your own air arrangements.

Can I earn and/or use frequent flyer miles?
To earn miles, you should submit your request post-trip directly with the air carrier. Many operators use specific airlines as the group carrier. If your frequent flyer program is with another airline and you want the tour operator to book your flights with that carrier, the airfare quoted in the brochure may vary since you would be booked as “independent air” rather than “group air.”

To use miles for part or all of your flights, you should choose the “land-only” or “cruise-only” options and book your flights directly with your preferred airline. Tour operators are not able to conduct frequent flyer mile usage transactions.

To upgrade flights using miles, you should book “land-only” or “cruise-only” and book your flights directly with your preferred airline. Our group air flights are generally not eligible for upgrade using miles.

How long has the UIAA operated its travel program?
We’re one of the oldest alumni travel programs in the Big 10. The University of Iowa Alumni Association travel program was started in 1961 and has operated continuously since then.

How do I get on your regular mailing and e-mail lists?
Call 800/469-2586 or submit your contact information to receive travel updates. You’ll be added to the list the same day you notify us.

How can I learn more about the trips that interest me?
Fill out the brochure request form to receive full-color, detailed brochures on specific trips. Brochures are usually available 6-9 months before the departure date. You may also call us at 800/469-2586 or e-mail
iowa-voyagers@uiowa.edu.

I’m ready to book my trip. How do I accomplish this?
Call Iowa Voyagers at 800/469-2586, e-mail iowa-voyagers@uiowa.edu, or fax us at 319/335-1079. You can also mail in your reservation to: University of Iowa Alumni Association, Iowa Voyagers, 100 Levitt Center, One West Park Road, Iowa City, IA 52242-1797. You may secure your reservation right away by making your deposit payment via credit card or send a personal check or money order.

Where can I find information about the tour companies that provide Iowa Voyagers trips?
Visit our travel providers page, where brief listings give the company’s address and toll-free phone number.

Where do I get information about travel insurance?
Upon receipt of your reservation and deposit payment, we send you a letter of acknowledgment that includes travel insurance information and an application form. We offer products through our long-time insurance partner, Travel Insurance Services (T.I.S.), based in Walnut Creek, CA. You may reach T.I.S. directly by calling 800/937-1387 or click here.

If I have more questions, how do I contact the Iowa Voyagers?
Call us toll-free at 800/469-2586 and ask to be connected to the Iowa Voyagers department, e-mail iowa-voyagers@uiowa.edu, or fax 319/335-1979. Visit Contact Us for staff contact information.