Celebrate with your friends

Activities poolside & on the beAch All week

Get out & explore> Surf Camp> Catamaran Cruise> City Tour

volunteer AbroAd

AwArd winninG

exclusive events

Graffiti <Tight N’ Bright <

White Out <

24/7 Awesome

staff

my trip code:

Go to s-trip.com and click ‘I’m Ready’ to see your trip details and sign-up

+ the AmAzinG trAvel scholArship

We create Happy Travelers by providing unforgettable journeys for graduating high school students.

Find your #TripofaLifetime.

2 time to Celebrate

4 travel to paradise

6 It’s all about friendship

8 the Grad trip experience

A Typical Day on S-Trip!

Get Out & Explore

Daytime Activities & Exclusive Night Events

14 volunteer abroad

3 Types of Volunteer Projects

20 staff

22 fun & safe

Happy Traveler Standards

Building the #TripofaLifetime

28 Your Trip!

30 I’m Ready

32 About S-Trip!

34 Terms & Conditions

36 Help

37 S-Trip! Stories

2

#yoGoYou only graduate once, YOGO. High school is wrapping up, and this is an opportunity to cap things off in a big way.

it’s A celebrAtionCelebrate with friends you may have grown up with since kindergarten, and your entire class regardless of cliques or friend groups.

over 100,000 hAppy trAvelersSince opening the doors in 1976, S-Trip! has traveled over 125,000 students to destinations all over the world. We have taken Grad Trip to the next level.

the next chApterGrad Trip officially marks one ending and another beginning, whether the next chapter is university, college, work, soul searching, or whatever! Not only are you celebrating your amazing accomplishments, you’re looking forward to the future.

Join the tradition with over 1000 schools celebrating Grad Trip with S-Trip! every year

A scheduled group Grad Trip photo shoot with a professional photographer is included on every S-Trip!.

t o C e l e b r a t e

photo shoot with your whole crew Capture the memories of your Grad Trip. These are the grad photos you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

included

Grad Trip Group Photo Shoot on Cayos of Cuba

#ThisIsGradTrip 3

t o C e l e b r a t e

Whenever you see a hashtag near a quote (ex #GabbysStory), search for it at s-trip.com/stories to see the full story featuring a past S-Trip! traveler.

t r a v e lt o p a r a d I s e

Photo shoot in a mangrove forest on Dominican Adventure

#ThisIsGradTrip 5

culture Explore the unfamiliar, experience new things, and meet people from a different walk of life. This is your chance to try new foods, learn to salsa, speak a new language, and hear stories from around the world.

journey Everyday is an adventure filled with excitement. From packing the week before, to getting onto that flight surrounded by your best friends, this is what travel is all about!

exotic destinAtions Beautiful beaches, historic cities, adventurous mountains, & lavish jungles. Tried and tested, we only go to places that are going to wow you.

6

I t ’ s a l l a b o u t

f r I e n d s h I p

you And your friends “I am so glad we did that, I still see my friends’ ‘throwback Thursday’ pictures of that absolutely perfect week in paradise. S-Trip! is really unique that way. Allowing you to celebrate graduating grade 12 with all of your close friends. The experience made all of our friendships so much stronger.” - Jayne, S-Trip! Organizer, Authentic Cuba

GrAd trip is for everyone “S-Trip! changed the attitude of people at my high school. Of course I was close with my best friends, but this trip brought everyone together. It honestly did not matter who you were friends with or what group you were a part of back home. There were no ‘cool kids’, no cliques. After coming back our whole grad class was so much closer. I came home with a million memories that my friends and I still talk about to this day.“ - Sean, S-Trip! traveler, Southern Dominican Sun

new friends “I will never forget the last day of our trip. Everyone was running around the resort making sure they had everyone’s Twitter, phone numbers, Instagram, to make sure that they could keep in touch and of course upload their best pictures from the week!” - Briley, S-Trip! traveler, Yucatan Explorer

What are #MegaBuddies? It’s your best friends, your super friends, your friends for life.

Read more stories about friendship aka. #MegaBuddies at s-trip.com/stories

7

I t ’ s a l l a b o u t

f r I e n d s h I p

Best friends experiencing Culture Explorer on Southern Dominican Sun

8

welcome to the best week of your life. Some days feel like they must have 48 hours. How could you possibly do so much in one week? Surf, zipline, volunteer, teach, build, conserve, language lessons, City Tour, catamaran, beach volleyball, Monster Relay, pool party, Tight n’ Bright, Graffiti, Hawaiian Luau, Grad Gala….and so much more. S-Trip! is all about crossing a ton of stuff off your bucket list.

All day activities and night events are exclusive to S-Trip! travelers. Staff will be around 24/7 on the resort and at all off-resort excursions and night events.

Every trip is unique and your excursions will vary. Visit your Trip Page online to see your trip details and inclusions.

For an interactive view of the Grad Trip experience visit s-trip.com/experience

#ThisIsGradTrip 9

10 #ThisIsGradTrip

wAke upJump out of bed, wake up your roomie

who for some reason wore a hula skirt to bed, brush teeth and you’re out to

start your day.

breAkfAst

Nom nom nom. Fresh cooked omelette and bacon, with a side of pineapple and passion fruit. Can anyone say seconds?

pool pArty!To the pool! S-Trip! staff organized some

games, brought in a DJ and everything. This will be amazing, I’m definitely in!

GrAd GAlA

Put on your finest and head to a special Grad Dinner with everyone. S-Trip! booked

out an entire restaurant just for you and your friends! This is unreal.

to the disco!Strut into the disco. DJ is playing all of the

hits, and the S-Trip! staff are passing out tons of glow sticks. This is awesome.

lAst info desk hAnG out

Head over to the S-Trip! Info Desk. Sign-in and head back to your room

while singing some catchy Spanish tune overheard earlier in the buffet.

info desk hAnG out

Stop by the S-Trip! Info Desk in the main lobby. Give S-Trip! staff a high five, and get all the info you need for the entire day.

beAch hAnGoutsOnto the best part of the day. Beach hangouts with the crew. Turn on the tunes and relax under the sun. “So I can stay here forever...right?”

included excursionGrab your crew and head to the S-Trip! coach bus, it’s time to explore. Pick up some souvenirs for the folks, and snap a ton of photos. This place is amazing!

tiGht n’ briGht

Time to get ready for another epic night event. Tonight is Tight N’ Bright. Everyone looks like they could glow in the dark, this is going to be next level.

hit up the d floorTime to show off those dance moves you’ve been working on for months. Best. Night. Ever.

cAn’t wAit for tomorrow!

Legendary day. Need to get some ZZZ’s. Tomorrow is staff vs. student beach soccer, monster relay, volunteering, dinner with new mega buddies, Graffiti night event...and so much more. Booyah!

a typICal day on s-trIp!9:18 Am

9:46 Am

2:30 pm

1:02 pm

10:00 pm

11:23 pm

10:44 Am

8:33 pm

6:29 pm

12:53 Am

Hanging out on the beach on the Cayos of Cuba

#ThisIsGradTrip 11

Spend an afternoon off the resort exploring the surrounding area. Whether you’re into adrenaline pumping action activities, or you want a more laid back, chilled out atmosphere, there is something for everyone.

zipline Adventure

There is no better way to experience a destination than soaring through the treetops at race-car speeds. Perfectly safe and totally unforgettable, ziplining is definitely for the adventure seekers.

cAtAmArAn cruise

Hang out with friends on board a sleek catamaran catching sun rays, cruising down the beautiful coastline with the music turned up loud. Stop mid-day and dive into crystal clear water to snorkel and discover tons of colorful marine life.

culture explorer

Cruise through the countryside and stop to explore sugarcane farms, local villages, cigar factories, wildlife conservatories, local restaurants, and your very own private beach!

city tour

From cobble stone streets and colonial cathedrals, to bustling markets with anything and everything made by hand. Take in the city sights and sounds, and maybe a delicious local meal.

surf cAmp

Surf lessons are an awesome way to learn surf basics or to perfect your skills. By the end of the day you’ll be riding waves like a pro.

A featured off-resort excursion is included on every S-Trip!.

All geared-up to zipline on Dominican Adventure

Ready to snorkel on the Catamaran Cruise on Pacific Mexico

Sampling sugar cane on Culture Explorer

Exploring cobble stone streets on a City Tour on Authentic Cuba

First time surfing at our Macao Surf Camp

included

12

Kick off your trip with an ice breaker where you’ll meet other students on your trip. Then, everyday get involved in activities, games, and competitions. Win cool prizes, rep your school and prove you’re king or queen of S-Trip!.

s-trip! Activities• Mr. & Ms. S-Trip!• Staff vs. Students• School Olympics• Sand Sculpture Building Competition• Inflatable Shark Races• S-Trip! Got Talent

s-trip! centrAl

An exclusive section of the resort just for S-Trip! travelers, with music and activities all day everyday.

pool pArties & contests

We host epic pool parties with a live DJ and tons of contests where you can pick up some awesome S-Trip! gear.

sports

Show off your skills. Staff will organize beach soccer, volleyball, boogie boarding, skim boarding, and more!

culturAl Activities

Pick up some dance moves with salsa lessons, or join in on some Spanish lessons and learn a few basic phrases.

All day activities are included on every S-Trip!.

Sand Sculpture Building Competition Winners

Yucatan Explorer Volleyball Tourament

Just another Pool Party in the Cayos of Cuba

School Olympics @ S-Trip! Central

Mr. & Ms. S-Trip!

included

#ThisIsGradTrip 13

Get ready for some unforgettable night events! We take you to some of the world’s most unique venues, deck you out in themed swag every night, and crank up the music. Celebrate with new and old friends all week!

leGendAry themes

These are no ordinary events. Imagine glow sticks, hula skirts, graffiti t-shirts, carnival masks, facepaint, leis, and everyone rocking themed gear. Themes include the always popular Tight N’ Bright, Graffiti, and more!

unforGettAble locAtions

When will you ever get another chance to dance in a cave, or on a private beach with all of your friends? And the best part, it’s all S-Trip! exclusive.

epic entertAinment

Fireworks, confetti, people walking around on stilts, dancers, fire breathers, DJs, MCs, and a whole entertainment crew dedicated to making every night unforgettable.

GrAd GAlA

Put on your finest and join everyone for your official Grad Gala dinner. S-Trip! books a private area with chefs just for you, and hosts a night filled with awards, speeches, and music.

Theme night events and 1 featured off-resort night event is included on every S-Trip!.

Tight N’ Bright EventGraffiti Night on Dominican Adventure

All dressed up for the Authenic Cuba Grad Gala

White Out Night

A night you’ll never forget

included

14

Building houses with local students on Dominican Adventure

#ThisIsGradTrip 15

meet GAbby, volunteer speciAlist

I work year-round to ensure a lasting and positive impact on local communities. I visit every destination many times throughout the year to build strong partnerships with local NGO’s and community leaders. I focus on identifying projects which make a sustainable difference in the community while fitting our micro-volunteering model. You will contribute to a larger project while volunteering for a short period of time. It is my goal for all S-Trip! travelers to give back through a Volunteer Abroad project.

Find out more about our full-time Volunteer Specialist at s-trip.com/volunteer

Our first volunteer project in 2010 was orchestrated by students who really wanted to give back to the local community. This one idea changed our programs forever and now Volunteer Abroad is offered on every trip. We want to make the world a better place, and so do you. Let’s do it together.

we believe in...

Inspiring future world

changers

One person making a huge

difference

A sustainable impact on

communities

culturAl exchAnGe Begin with a welcome ceremony from the local school children. They will teach you about their music, dance, and history. You’ll then get the opportunity to tour the school, and learn about their education system. Once you’ve connected with a few students and learned new phrases in Spanish, it’s time to play some sports. Whether it’s a friendly game of soccer, or basketball, this is always a favorite for everyone. After sharing a few laughs, you will help volunteer with either some light restorations like painting and cleaning, or you will assist the cooks by preparing meals for the entire school.

build And restore Help build a house, school, or day care centre. You begin with a welcome ceremony from the local project manager to learn about the community history, and the impact your efforts will make for the surrounding area. We then split up into 3 stations. The first station will get the opportunity to build a house or school. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an expert. There will be a full crew working together to get the job done! The second station will get a cultural education tour that highlights various parts of the community such as the boys and girls club. This is your chance to really connect with the local community, and their culture. The third station will be responsible for cleaning a stretch of beach that will impact wildlife in the area.

eco conservAtion Preserve the environment on land or in the water. You start with an intro to the project and its sustainability impact on the surrounding ecosystem. Education about the community and local animal habitats is an important first step to immersing yourself in the culture. We have 3 different activities depending on your destination. The first group will plant trees to promote vegetation growth in the area. The second group helps to clean the cages of rehabilitating animals that are set to be released back into the wild. The third group helps clean a stretch of beach that will drastically improve marine life in the adjacent area.

A Volunteer Abroad excursion is included on every S-Trip!.

Exploring a village in Southern Dominican Sun

Planting trees on Viva Costa Rica

Building a house on Dominican Adventure

included

lAst yeAr...

4,700 travelers participated in Volunteer Abroad

14,100 hours were donated by travelers

200 S-Trip! staff participated in Volunteer Abroad

800 hours were donated by staff

And resulted in...1 school built

3 houses built

15 community facilities restored

3 animal habitats conserved

30 beaches preserved

300 trees planted

this yeArs GoAl...6,000 travelers participating in

Volunteer Abroad

18,000 hours donated by travelers

Countless smiling faces

Making new friends on Cayo Santa Maria

Photo shoot after the Catamaran Cruise on Dominican Adventure

Whenever you see a hashtag near a quote (ex #JessicasStory), search for it at s-trip.com/stories to see the full story featuring a past S-Trip! traveler.

20 #ThisIsGradTrip

staffPassionate about youth & travel

who Are s-trip! stAff?From the thousands of applications we receive each year, we choose 350 travel veterans that have backgrounds like teaching, coaching, student leadership, event planning, and our own past travelers.

the screeninG process

Only 25% of applicants make it through our full screening process. Our Talent Team evaluates applications year round using our specialized screening process:1. Application & essay questions2. Phone interview3. #ProjectofaLifetime

(Coordinators only)4. Individual in-person interview

(Coordinators only)5. Group interview6. Staff code of conduct7. Background check8. Certification test

stAff plAcement

We take our time matching staff to the right groups of travelers and take the following factors into consideration when building out the teams on each trip. Personality: All coordinators complete a personality test during our leadership training to identify strengths and weaknesses, helping us create balanced teams.S-Trip! Travel Experience: Our staff become trip experts by staffing in the same destination and developing lasting relationships in the community. Gender: Every trip aims to have a gender staff ratio that matches that of our travelers. The average trip has 60% female staff and 40% male staff.Seniority: We make sure there is a balance of returning staff and new staff on each trip.Staff Rating: All of our staff are evaluated on their on-site performance, which creates an overall rating for them. On every trip we place our highest rated staff first.

trAininG & certificAtiontrip leAder trAininG1. 1 day group training2. Instructional videos &

certification test3. Pre-trip meeting

proGrAm director And coordinAtor trAininG1. Trip Leader training2. 2 day leadership training3. First aid training

(Lead Coordinators and Program Directors only)

4. Mental health training5. Season kickoff6. Program planning meeting7. Prep days on-site

stAff performAnce rAtinG

After each trip staff complete a survey evaluating their fellow staff. Only those who maintain an overall performance rating of 4 out of 5 or above are eligible to return. Our average staff rating is 4.3 out of 5. Staff are evaluated based on their ability to embody and deliver on our Happy Traveler Standards and Staff Mantra.

meet norm demelo

I have over 25 years of experience in the student travel industry. My

expertise is in developing fun & safe travel programs for teens to destinations around the world.

meet nAtAlie wythe

I am a Social Service Worker who used to be a cruise ship youth

counselor. I also volunteer with Habitat for Humanity as a teacher’s assistant.

meet jAmes pAduA

I am a Behavioral Science Technology student and I have worked as a teaching

assistant and done volunteering in the Philippines and Jamaica.

stAff bAckGround

#ThisIsGradTrip 21

speciAlized rolesWe have several levels of staffing on our trips to make sure that every responsibility is taken care of, down to the very last detail.

AvAilAble 24/7Staff will be with you from the time they meet you at a major airport until you arrive home. We will be with you every step of the way, for every situation from simple to serious. The staff schedule runs from 7am-2am. We’re available at the Info Desk from 9am-1am. We can also be reached through the hotel front desk 24 hours a day. Parents can also reach staff through our 24-hour emergency line.

1:25 Average Staff : Student Ratio

90% of staff have experience

working with youTh

43 hours of trAininG for every Coordinator & Program Director

Staff who are conversational 60% in the local lanGuaGE

inclusivity trAininG for 100% of staff

counTRiES that an average 8 staff has traveled to

meet jeremy, proGrAm director

I manage the overall execution of the trip and all Coordinators. I work closely with hotel staff and suppliers 3 months before the trip to make sure everything is up to our Happy Traveler Standards. I have staffed 23 trips with S-Trip!.

meet sAmAnthA, leAd coordinAtor

I manage and support Trip Leaders all day to ensure your trip runs smoothly. You’ll see me coordinating the excursions and activities all week while ensuring a safe environment for all travelers. I have staffed 12 trips so far with S-Trip!.

meet michelle, trip leAder

I’ll be your guide from the time you arrive at the airport until we fly back home. I assist with all activities, excursions, and night events. I’ll be able to answer all of your questions throughout the trip while ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all travelers.

Read more at s-trip.com/staff

Some of our all-star staff on Yucatan Explorer PER H

OTEL

Trip Leader

Trip Leader

Trip Leader

Trip Leader

Trip Leader

Trip Leader

Trip Leader

Lead Coordinator

Staff Coordinator

Admin Coordinator

Student Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator

Events Coordinator

Emergency Line

Operations Desk

Help Desk

Security Paramedic Photographer Excursion Operator

Tour Operator

Hotel Staff

Airport Coordinator

Hospital/Clinic Coordinator

Program Director

PER PRO

GR

AM

SUPPORT STAFF & SUPPLIERS - ON SITE SUPPORT STAFF - IN OFFICE

22

trAvel with confidence

S-Trip! is a licensed travel agency registered with TICO, Consumer Protection BC, and ACTA, and is BBB accredited with an A+

rating. Deloitte has recognized us as one of Canada’s 50 best

managed companies.

siGn-in & quiet hoursTravelers are required to

sign-in with an S-Trip! Trip Leader 3 times a day (Morning, Afternoon, Night). Quiet hours

are from 10pm — 7am, and final sign-in is 1am.

f u n & s a f e35+ years of running life-changing student travel experiences

the s-trip! codeThe S-Trip! Code outlines trip guidelines including

common sense rules for safety and conduct. This must be signed by both traveler and

parents/guardians prior to departure.

full service pArent support

Our Help Desk is available for questions anytime from before you book, until after you arrive

back home. During all travel periods there is also a 24-hour

emergency line available.

insurAnceWe include medical insurance in the cost of each program.

This provides complete medical coverage in the event of an injury

or sickness while traveling.

medicAl emerGenciesIn the event of a medical

emergency, our trained staff will accompany the traveler to the clinic and/or hospital, contact

parents/guardians, and provide local contact info. Our staff will remain with the traveler at all

times until discharged from the clinic or hospital.

23

no more pineApples “My son Corey had an allergic reaction to something he ate one day, and started breaking out all over his arms and chest and started having trouble breathing. We later found out he was allergic to pineapples, which we never knew about. I got a call at work from Amanda, one of the S-Trip! supervisors, on their way to the clinic. She called again when they arrived at the clinic with an update on Corey’s condition. Obviously as a parent with a teenager in a different country I was immediately concerned.

Amanda explained that he had been seen by the doctor and filled me in on all necessary information. She had also already called the insurance company and started a claim. Amanda passed the phone to Corey, and we chatted for a minute or two and he ensured me that he was fine and that the S-Trip! staff were with him the whole time. He said they needed to give him an allergy shot, but he wasn’t afraid.

Corey ended up getting 100% better and avoided pineapples for the rest of the week. Amanda actually set up a meeting with the head chef at the resort to make sure everything else on the menu was fine for him to eat. I felt so much better knowing that there were people there to help out when something could have gone seriously wrong. The entire S-Trip! staff were so great and made this a trip Corey will never forget.”

Olivia M., Mother of S-Trip! traveler Corey M.

inspirinG future trAvelers“S-Trip! was a fabulous experience from the beginning. Shelby returned from her trip more confident and mature having experienced this adventure without her Dad and I tagging along. She returned with a greater appreciation of how other parts of the world live and a new found interest in travel.”

Tanya B., Mother of S-Trip! organizer Shelby B.

future stAff mike “When I realized how long the company had been in business I felt a lot better. We have traveled quite a bit as a family but he had never gone on his own. I was impressed with the staff I saw or spoke to. Thanks for caring about how we feel! Hopefully Mike can be a staff someday!”

Sheryl E., Mother of S-Trip! traveler Mike E.

For more parent stories visit s-trip.com/parentstories

Helping set the sails on the Catamaran Cruise on Dominican Adventure

Learn more at s-trip.com/parents or give us a call at 1-866-627-8747

24 #ThisIsGradTrip

meet merAj, director of operAtions

My job is to continually assess our trips, with an eye on meaningful innovation and improvement, resulting in a fun and safe experience for every traveler. I am determined to ensure that all of our trips are exciting and fun, without ever compromising your safety. We take your health and safety very seriously and as such have set-up extensive trainings and procedures for all of our staff to follow in case of emergency. By having these procedures in place, our teams can then focus on delivering the other Happy Traveler Standards that result in your #TripofaLifetime!

Find out more about our safety procedures at s-trip.com/fun&safe

sAfetyOur #1 and only ‘non-negotiable’ Standard. Creating peace of mind for all travelers. • Extensive staff training• Background checks for all staff• Comprehensive emergency plans and procedures• 24/7 Emergency Hotline during all travel periods• Minimum three destination inspections before

travel date

seAmless operAtionsBuilding and executing every aspect of a trip with a detailed focus. • 18 months of program planning• Full program calendars confirmed 6 months

before travel • 100% tracking of all flights and buses• Staff with travelers from major airports all

the way to resort• Expert Destination Coordinators

inclusiveEnsuring no physical, mental, or emotional boundaries prevent any student from experiencing any aspect of our trips. • A centrally located Info Desk stationed with

S-Trip! staff from 9am – 1am• Creating accessible areas whenever possible• ‘Embrace Everyone’ mindset from all staff on

program execution• Building great relationships with all travelers on trips• Inclusive language during all briefing speeches

excitementCreating and providing unique moments that would not be possible without S-Trip!. • Unique, exclusive venues for every night event• Exclusive program calendars only for S-Trip! travelers• Create ‘wow’ moments everyday• Encourage exploration everyday

We strive to be the best tour operator in the world for youth. Everyday we ask ourselves two questions: How can we create the #TripofaLifetime? And how can we make sure every student is a Happy Traveler? With our knowledge and years of experience in the travel industry, we created 4 indicators that determine whether we’ve achieved these goals. They are tracked and measured by our teams daily and are used to make improvements while trips are operating. We call these indicators our Happy Traveler Standards.

“We are thrilled to be partnered with an established travel company like S-Trip!. As two organizations we share a similar alignment of core principles and values — Hard work, Safety, Reliability, Forward Thinking, Being the Best, and Commitment to Service. We are extremely excited as to what the future holds and very much look forward to a continued relationship with S-Trip!”

Rob Iafrate, Assistant Vice President, Medical Travel Insurance, Manulife

Ready to start the Zipline Adventure on Viva Costa Rica

26

f u n & s a f e

buIldInG the #trIpofalIfetIme100+ full-time staff working year round to create your ultimate Grad Trip

first destinAtion inspection Staff: Director of Program Planning,

Director of Destinations, Resort, Tour Operators We fly down to meet with all major suppliers to

ensure they meet S-Trip!’s standards of excellence.

trAveler medicAl form review

Staff: Destination Team, Program Directors

stAff trAininG And certificAtion

Staff: Talent Team pre-trip meetinG Staff: Entire Company

All staff attend a pre-trip meeting to go over final trip details.

finAl destinAtion inspection

Staff: Director of Program Planning, Director of Destinations, Operation Managers

We meet with all hotel managers, excursion managers, and venue

owners to review the trip schedule.

trip schedule Staff: Destination Team, Program Directors

Our team creates your entire

trip schedule. We confirm everything from the Grad

Gala to excursions.

trip development Staff: Director of Program Planning,

Director of Destinations, Operation Managers We research new resorts,

excursions, and destinations to make sure you only get the best.

9months before

18months before

6months before

st

art

#ThisIsGradTrip 27

f u n & s a f e

buIldInG the #trIpofalIfetIme100+ full-time staff working year round to create your ultimate Grad Trip

Yucatan Explorer Group Photo Shoot

stAff Arrive on-site Staff: Destination Staff

Senior coordinators fly down to begin setting up the trip.

trip debrief

Staff: Entire Company Survey sent to travelers, parents, and suppliers.

We analyze survey results and hold a debrief on improvements to provide the #TripofaLifetime.

itinerAry releAsed Staff: Operations Team, Destination Team

Flight and travel itinerary released to travelers minimum 60 days before departure.

your s-trip! Staff: Destination staff, Support staff in office

pre-trip meetinG Staff: Entire Company

All staff attend a pre-trip meeting to go over final trip details.

2 weeks before

Start planning

next year

3months before

28

mExICO

yucatan Explorer

isla cozumel

Viva costa Rica

Pacific Mexico

We don’t call it the #TripofaLifetime for nothing. Everything you and your friends need for the best week of your life. We have you covered.

TRAVEL

24-Hour Staff On-Site

Featured Off-Resort Event

Day Activities

Featured Off-Resort Excursion

Volunteer Abroad

S-Trip! Graffiti T-Shirt

Round Trip Airfare & Resort Transfers

Medical Travel Insurance

7 Nights Accommodation

Meals, Snacks & Drinks

your s-trip! pAckAGe includes:

Themed Night Events

Group Photo Shoot NEW THIS YEAR

S-TRIP! EXCLUSIVES

Certain trips might be unavailable due to country restrictions. American travelers require a visa for travel to Cuba.

#ThisIsGradTrip 29

N

29

GuLf Of mExICO

CARIBBEAN SEA

ATLANTIC OCEAN

PACIfIC OCEAN

uNITED STATES

CuBA

DOmINICANREPuBLIC

COSTARICA

islands of the Bahamas

Cayo Santa Mariayucatan Explorer

isla cozumel

Viva costa Rica

Grad cruise

The cayos of cuba

authentic cuba

Dominican adventure

Southern Dominican Sun

Pacific Mexico

my trip code:

Need a Trip Code? Speak with an Organizer at your school, or give us a call at 1-866-627-8747.

30 #ThisIsGradTrip

step 1

view your trip pageHead over to s-trip.com, click ‘I’m Ready’, and enter your trip code to see all of the details for your S-Trip! including the price. Get your Trip Code from your school Organizers. Don’t have an organizer? Give us a call at 1-866-627-8747.

step 2

reserve your spot now, s-trip! will sell out!Space fills up quick, and we don’t want you to miss out. Our trips are during peak student travel periods (March & Summer Holidays), which is why you need to reserve early to make sure you have a spot on the beach. Trips are usually sold out after the registration deadline. Sign-up now to ensure all of your friends travel together!

i’m reAdyYour #TripofaLifetime starts now!

more trip detAilsAffordAble deposit

You can book now with a simple and affordable deposit of $150. The deposit is due before your regions registration deadline and will secure your spot on the trip.

eAsy monthly pAyment plAn

We’ve made paying for your trip easy with a monthly payment plan. After your booking you make minimum monthly payments of $150. 90 days before departure you will pay the final balance.

trip dollArs

We understand that travel plans change and sometimes need to be delayed. That’s why we allow you to cancel for any reason until 90 days before your trip departs. You will get Trip Dollars for any amount that you paid minus the $150 deposit and the cost of comprehensive insurance. • 1 Trip Dollar is the equivalent of

$1 used toward a trip with us. • Use them on any future trip with

S-Trip! or select travel partners (Breakaway Tours or Campus Vacations)

• Valid for 5 years from the date you receive them.

• You cannot transfer them to another person.

• They cannot be redeemed for cash

trip includes

Travel Package

Round Trip Airfare & Hotel Transfers • 7 Night Accommodation • Medical Travel Insurance • Meals, Snacks, & Drinks

S-Trip! Exclusives

24-Hour Staff • Daily Activity Schedule • Volunteer Abroad • Themed Night Events • Featured Off-Resort Event • Featured Off-Resort Excursion • S-Trip! Graffiti T-Shirt • Group Photo Shoot

trip does not include

Personal spending money • Optional Excursions • Hotel damage deposit • Optional comprehensive insurance • Exit fees (if applicable)

Nothing but smiles on Grad Trip

32

aboutQuite possibly the best group of travel buddies in the world

about s-trIp!Quite possibly the best group of travel buddies in the world

the historyWhat started out as two school teachers opening up their own travel company to share their love of travel back in 1976, has led to over 125,000 students experiencing grad trip across North America. There were a lot of steps in-between, but today S-Trip! still stands for the same values as when we opened 35+ years ago, and that’s creating happy travelers and the #TripofaLifetime for high school graduates.

our teAmThe S-Trip! staff come from various backgrounds and we’re all passionate about helping youth explore the world. Our office culture, which includes 100+ full-time employees, is fun, youthful, energetic, and every once in a while a little silly but when it all comes down to it we just love interacting with students from all over North America and sharing our wealth of travel knowledge.

the s-trip! mAntrAIn 2012 the S-Trip! staff came together to build and define our company mantra. These are our guiding principles for the way we organize trips, and how we live life each and every day.

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the journey. This means working together, and making sure everyone is included.

We love what we do. We approach every day with the ‘travel mindset’; embracing change, rocking a ‘yes’ attitude, and enjoying the ride.

We believe in people’s ability to make a difference. We seek to always make things better for our travelers and the communities that we visit.

Inspiration can come from anywhere and anyone. Whether it’s a new idea, a new friend, or a new culture, we love learning from every person we meet. We love creating incredible experiences for our travelers. We go the extra mile every day, recognizing that the the little things make a big difference.

BRING THE

EVERYONE

BEYOND

MAKE AN

THE JOURNEY

#ThisIsGradTrip 33

pArtnersWe work with several award winning partners. All have been evaluated by our operations team to ensure they meet our Happy Traveler Standards. Listed below are some of our travel partners.

Airline pArtners

resort pArtners

insurAnce pArtners AccreditAtions

2001

2005

2009

2010

2012

2012

2013

2014

2015

Two teachers from Ottawa, Canada founded ‘Student Trip’

First Grad Trip bus program to Florida, USA

First overseas Grad Trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica

Change name from Student Trip to S-Trip!

S-Trip! moves head office to Toronto, Canada

S-Trip! opens an office in Dominican Republic

First ever Volunteer Abroad in Puerto Vallarta at a children’s orphanage

Staff develop the S-Trip! Mantra

Opened first US office in Boston

100,000+ students traveled

First time Volunteer Abroad is included in every S-Trip!

Largest Grad Trip in history!

Grad Trip with your entire grad class!

timeline

1976

1983

1986

denise heffron, trAnsAt, vp nAtionAl sAles & commerciAl

“We’ve been working with S-Trip! for more than 20 years. Their entrepreneurial spirit combined with their expertise in the student markets makes them unique. They understand the youth of today and provide travel options that are both appealing and educational. The Transat organization is very proud to work with such an innovative and professional team.”

dAwn rzepkA, sunquest, director of nAtionAl sAles

“I have worked with the people behind S-Trip! for a number of years now and they never fail to impress me in terms of the product and experiences they offer, along with their enthusiasm and love for what they do. S-Trip! is a great partner of ours and I look forward to many more years of servicing our joint customers together.”

Amr younes, Air cAnAdA vAcAtions, vp sAles

“S-Trip! is a great company. They really do offer fun and innovative travel for students all over the world, for Grad Trip, or adventures further afield. We’ve worked together for years and they’re one of our biggest partners. They love travel almost as much as we do.”

pArtner testimoniAls

AwArds

winner

2012, 2013, 2014 Canada’s Best Managed

Companies Awarded by Deloitte

finAlist

2014 EY Entrepreneur of the

Year Award

winner

2011, 2012, 2013 Canada’s Fastest

Growing Companies Awarded by Canadian

Business Magazine

CANADA’SFASTEST GROWING

COMPANIES

2013

34

S-Trip! makes arrangements with suppliers who provide travel services such as air travel, cruises, hotels, buses, sightseeing, car rental or other activities included in, or offered in addition to, a tour package. S-Trip! does not control, operate, own or manage any vehicle, hotel, resort, cruise ship, restaurant or other supplier of services.

price, tAxes & fees

Prices are per person in Canadian Dollars or US Dollars unless otherwise stated and are subject to availability at the time of booking. Pricing is based on the occupancy chosen; should your occupancy change for any reason you are responsible for paying any difference in price.The prices advertised are based on fixed costs of suppliers at the time of booking. These costs are dependant on fuel costs, rate of exchange and other factors and the price may increase due to a change in these fixed costs. This contract permits price increases. For Ontario residents only, if the price increase is greater than 7%, unless the increase is a result of an increase in retail sales tax or federal goods and services tax, the passenger has the right to cancel and obtain a full refund.

billinG & pAyments

You agree to pay for all of the services you receive. As an S-Trip! passenger, you agree to provide S-Trip! with complete and accurate billing information including legal name, mailing address, telephone number(s) and email addresses, at the time your account is created and to update this information within 15 days of any change. Providing false billing information shall be cause for immediate termination of your reservation.

payment due dates

All of our trips are broken into monthly installments with the balance payment due three months or more prior to the departure date. You need to make all payments according to the payment schedule in order to ensure your space on the trip. Payment dates are displayed during the online booking process. Registered passengers can find their specific payment schedule under the Payment Info tab of My Profile. All monthly payments are mandatory, failure to make a payment may result in your losing your place on the trip and/or your early booking price. Late payments may also be subject to a late fee.

data privacy policy

S-Trip! agrees not to use cardholder names, account numbers or other credit card transaction information embossed, encoded, or appearing in any other manner on a card for any purpose other than for the sole purpose of assisting S-Trip! in completing the transaction, or as specifically required by law. S-Trip! also agrees not to disclose this information to any third party other than the financial institution or its designated agent.

payment methods

S-Trip! accepts debit card and credit card, cash is not accepted. S-Trip!’s system will automatically charge your credit card for the payment for each installment as they come due if there is an active card on the account. If you cancel your credit card or if your details change it is your responsibility to contact S-Trip! with updated information. If the payment method is by debit card you must log-on to your online portal and make payment prior to the payment due date.

delinquent or non payment

If you will miss a payment it is your responsibility to contact S-Trip! and advise of the situation. S-Trip! reserves the right to cancel the reservation if a payment is not made. S-Trip! reserves the right to charge a fee to reinstate cancelled reservations. Reinstated accounts may no longer be entitled to the early booking price received at the time of the initial booking.

cAncellAtion of services

All cancellation requests must be given in writing to info@s-trip.com. Cancellations will be effective as of the date received. Regardless of your cancellation date, the initial trip deposit, insurance, and any add-ons purchased, as well as any portion of the travel services that have been used or are expired, are non-refundable. If cancellation occurs within 90 days of the departure date or after the final payment date (whichever comes first), all monies received are non-refundable. If cancellation is prior to this date passengers will receive Trip Dollars for the amount paid up until that date, not including the initial deposit and the insurance premium if purchased. 1 Trip Dollar is equivalent to $1 that may be used towards a trip with S-Trip!. Trip Dollars are valid for 5 years from the date of cancellation. Trip Dollars are not transferable and they must be used in entirety for one trip – they cannot be combined, separated, or transferred between trips or passengers. Trip Dollars are void if the passenger cancels and receives any refund from any insurance company. If the new trip costs less than the passenger’s Trip Dollars, there will be no refund or credit assigned for the difference. If the total cost of new trip exceeds the total Trip Dollars, the difference must be paid by the passenger in order to confirm the booking. Trip Dollars hold no cash value, and cannot be refunded for cash, and may not be used in conjunction with other promotional offers, special trips or discounts.

chAnGe of nAme

A name change is possible for a fee, at our discretion, or that of our suppliers. To request a name change your account must be current and up to date. You cannot do a name change with an existing passenger, or anyone who was previously registered on your tour. Please request a name change form from info@s-trip.com or by calling 1-866-627-8747. Within 30 days prior to departure name change requests are not accepted.

suppliers

We take great care in selecting our tour operators and suppliers of service [tour operators, airlines, hotels, coach companies, ground operators and event planners] which, together, form the tour package you purchase. We act solely as agents for the tour operators and/or the suppliers; these are independent parties over which we exercise no direct control. S-Trip! shall not be liable for any claims, losses, damages, costs, expenses, delays or loss of enjoyment of any nature or kind whatsoever, to you or your traveling companions or group members, resulting from the acts, omissions or negligence by the tour operators or suppliers.

tour pAckAGes

Tour Packages include the following [unless otherwise stated]: Return Airfare, Hotel Accommodation [number of nights and inclusions as stated], Hotel Transfers, Assistance at Destination and Medical Insurance. Departures generally occur between Thursday to Sunday of the selected week, but can leave as early as Wednesday on the selected travel week or as late as the following Tuesday. S-Trip! reserves the right to withhold or change exact travel dates until the entire group has paid in full and/or it is within 60 days of the travel week selected. S-Trip! and suppliers reserve the right to cancel a tour or modify the travel service you have purchased by changing the destination, substituting services, varying the itinerary, changing the aircraft, hotel or otherwise up to the departure. In this case a comparable or superior product will be offered. Suppliers may have the right to substitute other suppliers in their place with or without notice to S-Trip! and/or passengers. S-Trip! does not assume responsibility for any claims whatsoever resulting from such substitution. S-Trip! reserves the right to change the destination, tour package and/or itinerary whenever, in its judgement, conditions warrant or it is deemed necessary for the convenience, comfort or safety of the tour.

Air trAnsportAtion

S-Trip! uses both scheduled and chartered air carriers. The routing may include a stopover or a connection via highway coach or air carrier. In some cases overnight stays in a city that is not your final destination may be required. In this case S-Trip! may provide overnight accommodation as part of the package price. It is the sole responsibility of the passenger to reconfirm inbound and outbound flight times with the respective carrier. Baggage allowances vary and should be verified with the air carrier. Airline tickets state the conditions of carriage and liabilities. Scheduled flight times are not guaranteed and may affect the duration of your stay at destination without any compensation. Expenses incurred due to delays or missed connections are beyond the control and responsibility of S-Trip!.

terms & CondItIons

#ThisIsGradTrip 35

AccommodAtion

The hotel accommodation selected is your preferred selection and may be substituted or modified for a hotel within the same category, or from a higher category, at any time. Reasons for a modification in hotel accommodation may include, but are not limited to: construction, change in hotel policy, change in services standards or overbooking. Hotel rooms are based on run-of-the-house room availability. Cots may be available at an extra cost but cannot be guaranteed. Certain hotels have a per diem charge for the use of safety deposit boxes. At the hotels discretion a security deposit may be required. S-Trip! requires a security damage deposit, or the purchase of room damage protection. S-Trip! does not hold responsibility for charges incurred by passengers in the hotel such as, but not limited to: mini-bar, room service, phone calls, safety deposit boxes or damage to the room or premises.

roominG

Upon booking, passengers must select their desired room occupancy - the occupancy selected will affect the cost of the trip. Once room occupancy is chosen, passengers are responsible for selecting roommates based on that occupancy. Passengers must submit their roommate selection by the assigned deadline. If the passenger submits an incomplete request, a request that cannot be accommodated, or does not submit a request, S-Trip! will assign roommates of the same gender and group, and/or adjust the passenger’s occupancy as necessary. Should the number of people in your room change, whether it was changed at your request, due to circumstances out of your control, or by S-Trip! when assigning rooms, you will be responsible for finding additional roommates to fill the space and/or paying the additional cost associated with an occupancy change. S-Trip! reserves the right to adjust room assignments based on hotel space and availability. The room occupancy of your choice may not always be available due to hotel space limitation and/or restrictions.

insurAnce

S-Trip! recommends ensuring your safety and protecting your investment through the purchase of trip cancellation and interruption, and medical insurance. Travel Insurance Policy Brochures are available from S-Trip! and can also be found at www.s-trip.com/forms. Insurance is only included in the price of your package if stated. The cost of insurance is non refundable if you cancel your trip. Insurance is only in effect from the date it is paid and added to your trip. Unless otherwise stated, trips are insured a maximum to a of $2000 CAD/USD for trip interruption and cancellation purposes.

documentAtion

It is the sole responsibility of the passenger to ensure proper and valid documentation. S-Trip! requires that every passenger have a valid passport when traveling out of their home country. Most destinations require a valid passport for travel and in certain cases a visa or affidavit may be required. Please verify with the consulate or embassy of the country of travel to ensure that you have all necessary travel documents. Please note that entry to another country may be refused even if the required information and travel documents are complete. S-Trip! will neither reimburse nor assume responsibility for any passenger denied boarding or refused passage or entrance to any destination for any reason.

no AffiliAtion with school

Tours are not school-sanctioned.

AGe of mAjority

Passengers under the age of eighteen [18] participating on a tour package must have permission from a parent or guardian. The legal age to consume alcohol at most destinations is eighteen [18], in some cases the legal age will be enforced as twenty-one [21]. S-Trip! does not condone the use of alcohol. Neither S-Trip! nor its suppliers assume responsibility for the enforcement of alcohol consumption by passengers. Abuse of alcohol can result in dismissal from the tour.

pAssenGer conduct

Neither S-Trip! nor its employees are responsible for passengers, or their actions, while traveling. Every passenger and if under the age of eighteen [18] a parent or guardian must sign the S-Trip! Code agreeing to the tour rules. The S-Trip! Code is available from S-Trip! or at www.s-trip.com/forms. The instructions of destination staff are for the safety of the tour and must be obeyed at all times. Failure to obey staff instructions, fighting, abuse of alcohol (regardless of age) and/or use of illegal drugs will result in dismissal from the tour. The passenger and parent or guardian are responsible for immediately paying all costs resulting from a passenger’s dismissal from the tour.

livinG stAndArds

Passengers should be aware that there may be different rules of law and/or living standards and conditions outside of Canada and the United States and conduct themselves accordingly. S-Trip! shall not be responsible for any damage, loss, injury or inconvenience resulting from different rules of law and/or living standards.

releAse, wAiver And indemnity

The passenger, and if under eighteen [18] the parent/guardian, releases and indemnifies S-Trip!, its parent or sister companies, affiliates, employees, agents, volunteers and other representatives from all cost, damage, loss and injury or loss of

life related to the tour package or any activity associated with the tour package.

force mAjeure

S-Trip! shall not be liable for any claims, losses, damages, costs, expenses, delays or loss of enjoyment, of any nature or kind whatsoever, to you or your traveling companions or group members resulting from a Force Majeure, that is an event beyond our or a supplier’s reasonable control including, but not limited to, acts of nature, strikes, lockouts or other labour disputes or disruptions, wars, blockades, insurrections, riots, earthquakes, weather conditions, floods or acts or restraints imposed by government authorities.

comments And complAints

At destination passengers should contact their tour representative and representatives of suppliers immediately for assistance to remedy any problem without delay. If a problem cannot be solved, please forward the specifics of the incident in writing to S-Trip! within ten [10] days after returning from the trip. Failing to do so will preclude a passenger from pursuing a claim.

privAcy

By registering the passenger and/or parent/guardian understands and acknowledges that S-Trip! may share this personal information with companies providing travel services including, but not limited to tour operators, airlines and hotels, and with other non-travel related companies, unless a written request is provided to S-Trip! stating otherwise. Any photographs or videotape taken of passengers by S-Trip! or its affiliates shall remain the property of S-Trip! and may be used for promotional or marketing purposes without further permission or compensation.

lAws

The Terms & Conditions constitute the entire legally binding agreement between S-Trip! and the passenger and/or the legal parent or guardian and supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications whether electronic, oral or written. The invalidity of any provision contained herein does not affect the validity of any other provision listed.

the end

Phew! That was a lot of text. If you read that whole thing give yourself a pat on the back, your english teacher would be super proud. A+ work!

Dressed up for a special Grad Dinner at an on-resort restauraunt

terms & CondItIons Dressed up and ready for the Grad Gala dinner to begin

36 #ThisIsGradTrip

You have questions? We have answers!

whAt does the ‘s’ stAnd for in ‘s-trip!’?

S-Trip!: Pronounced \’es\-\’trip\! The ‘S’ stands for ‘student’ (Student Trip).

Definition: Creating Happy Travelers and the #TripofaLifetime by providing unforgettable journeys for high school graduates to celebrate and travel with their friends.

where Are s-trip! stAff locAted?

You’ll have no trouble spotting staff at activities & events, on excursions or throughout the day, as we’ll be wearing uniforms. S-Trip! staff can also be easily found at our information desk from 9am – 1am daily, located in the lobby of your resort.

whAt if i hAve A food AllerGy or speciAl meAl requirements?

Your profile form will have a ‘medical condition’ section where you should list all allergies or dietary requirements. These notes will be kept on file with the S-Trip! staff in the event of an emergency. S-Trip! can assist you in communicating your requirements with hotel in advance of your arrival, you can submit your request through our help desk team. When you are on your trip it is important to be diligent at every meal, in checking with the food preparation staff about any foods that are not clearly labeled. Remember, food preparation standards and labeling can differ outside of North America most hotels are unable to guarantee an allergy free environment.

do i Get to choose my roommAtes?

You can choose your preferred roommates when you book your trip online and they must book under the same Trip Code. If you don’t know right away the group organizer will ask you at a later stage to make your roommate selection. Please review your invoice to see who your assigned roommates are and notify us immediately if there are any errors.

how do you ensure my sAfety?

Your safety is our highest priority and that’s why we ensure that all of the S-Trip! destination staff have undergone a background check and received comprehensive training including first-response tactics. The senior members of our team have traveled to the destinations on numerous occasions and are very familiar with the hotels, areas and local customs making them adept at responding to any type of situation. In-destination, our staff will oversee

At the Airport*

Arrive at the airport and meet your S-Trip! trip

leader. Give them a big high five. They love high fives. They will help check you

in, and get you to your gate.

*Staff meet travelers at major gateways

on your fliGht

Sit back, relax, watch a few

flicks, chat with your friends, and

snap a bunch of pics. You’re

only a few hours from paradise.

Woohoo!

GoinG throuGh customs

Follow the S-Trip! staff once you arrive. They will

guide you through customs and

make sure each and every traveler

has all of their travel documents.

trAnsfer to resort

Once you’re through customs, you’ll meet more

S-Trip! staff when you exit

the airport. Hop on the exclusive S-Trip! transfer

bus, and get ready to learn the

S-Trip! chant.

proGrAm briefinG

We’ve got so much to tell

you. We’ve been planning this trip for 18 months,

and you’re finally here. Let’s get you

set up for one amazing week.

strAiGht to the beAch

Woohoo! Ready for a week in

paradise. The world is

yours. Get ready for the most

incredible trip of your life with all of your friends.

whAt it’s like to trAvel with s-trip!

all activities, events and excursions while still enabling you to have a great and memorable time. You will be required to check-in with an S-Trip! staff member 3 times daily, and our staff will be available to you around the clock for support, guidance, suggestions, and assistance. Back home we offer a 24-hour emergency support number for parents and guardians. In addition we also include Medical Travel Insurance packages in all of our programs and each resort has medical staff on-site or readily available.

whAt is the AGe of mAjority?

In the Caribbean, Costa Rica and Mexico the age of majority is 18. Students traveling from Canada will follow the age of majority of their destination. Students traveling from the USA will follow 21 as the age of majority regardless of the destination. All students’ ID will be checked upon arrival and those under the age of majority will receive an underage designated wristband. The S-Trip! Code, signed by all students, also outlines rules for alcohol use and consequences for abuse such as reduction in privileges or removal from the trip.

whAt’s in my trip pAckAGe?

Your S-Trip! package includes everything you’ll need for an incredible experience! Each of our programs include round-trip airfare, 7 nights accommodation, transfers to and from the hotel, meals, snacks & drinks at your the hotel, daily activities with our activity coordinators, themed events, 1 featured off-resort excursion, 1 featured off-resort event, 1 Volunteer Abroad, Medical Travel Insurance, Group Photo Shoot, and 24-hour staff on-site.

do i need comprehensive insurAnce?

Purchasing Comprehensive Insurance means you are covered for the unexpected, including cancellation. Each of our programs already includes Medical Insurance and can easily be upgraded to the Comprehensive Insurance that includes limited trip cancellation & interruption, baggage & personal effects and flight & travel accident coverage. Please ensure to review your policy for insurable reasons to cancel, as circumstances such as ‘change of heart’ are not covered.

trAveler hotline 1-866-627-8747

pArent hotline 1-866-614-7478

online s-trip.com/help

contAct us

check out thousAndsof GrAd trip stories

Photos, Videos, Stories, Photo Albums,

and all things Grad Trip

#thisisGradtrip

| |

s-trIp.Com/storIes

If you need anything at all don’t hesitate to reach out! s-trip.com | info@s-trip.com | 1-866-627-8747 | @studenttrip

#ThisIsGradTrip