Explorica Reviews

As a High school student who used explorica agency for a class trip I can proudly say they put immense amount of effort in planning events and activities that will truly give you the cultural experience of wherever you are traveling. As well the guide my classmates and I were given was absolutely incredible. He helped students communicate to locals, inform us about the areas we traveled to, shared personal experiences and even helped spot some of the students when they forgot their money on the bus. At the end of the day nothing I would love more than to go back on this trip, truthfully a trustworthy agency with real loving people, I was pleasantly surprised.

I would actually rate this company a zero if I could. They have taken advantage of the health crisis around the world right now as a way to cheat families of their money. I had purchased the insurance protection plan on my children's educational trip that is intended to cover a cancellation fee of 15% off what I have already paid on the trip after the upfront fee and insurance. I confirmed this by calling twice. Once I submitted the email to cancel I was told they would be keeping 50%. "Our leadership decided to mend our policies so that any fees associated with cancellation will not increase between February 28, 2020 and May 15, 2020. Under normal circumstances your retainment would have been of 75% of the trip cost plus non-refundable fees, as per our Terms and Conditions. Right now the retainment has been honored at 50%." Yet I've been told that there is a $2076.00 cancellation fee when my regular "15%" would only be "495.00." This company is contradictive and changes their story and policies to take advantage of people. If you wait it out for 30 days before your trip you get Zero back even with insurance if you cancel BEWARE!

There refund policy is awful. We paid $2,633 for a school trip to Costa Rica. They will only refund us back $2000. When asking for full refund they will not budge. Yes, I did purchase the insurance at an additional fee. So I feel if I pad for the insurance then why do I have to forfeit the $600. Basically the insurance was a waste.

Horrible customer service. Had to cancel a trip bc it was postponed due to the pandemic and they are charging me $250 to cancel. And I have travel insurance!!!!! We are completely unable to go to the dates they rescheduled, and they want to keep $250 why?!?!!??! Is the worldwide pandemic my fault? Horrible customer service, talked to Josh F. ... he insisted there was no one above him to talk to. I feel bad for him, while he he higher ups sit in their comfortable lives, and leave others on the front line to do their dirty work.

Although the tour to Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai provided a comprehensive overview and introduction to the region, the company representatives were rude, unhelpful, and dismissive of my concerns prior to the trip. The pace of the itinerary threatened the health of several individuals within the group, including me, and no one was available to help with medical issues. The tour group leader was insensitive and uncaring and often yelled at us for not being able to keep up. As a teacher, I feel that this trip and company fails to provide sufficient or even adequate service and consideration to the participants. I would NOT recommend this company nor its tours to anyone. That being said, I did enjoy my trip, despite the numerous problems I experienced.

DO NOT BOOK with World Strides or Explorica. My daughters trip to China was cancelled on 2/17/20. For six weeks I've been told I will get a full refund to my credit card by April 3rd. Today, I was told they are having "systems problems" and have to issue the refunds manually and I can expect to receive my refund of $3500 by the end of June. When I asked to escalate my call, I was told "no" and the customer service rep hung up.

Don't take their word that you are going to get the refund! Class Action Suit??

We suppose to have a tour for dc this year but due to covid it was moved until spring 2021. My daughter can t go as she is going to a different school. I had to request refund. They are are charging me 100 to get my money back. They said it was required but shouldn t be. I called for refund and said 2 weeks. Called three weeks later and now say 8 weeks. Why should I have to wait? It s my money. Such a shady company

We took a tour of Belize with a middle school group. Our tour guide Jake Martinez was fantastic!! He was really well organized, very calm and great with the kids and parents alike. He provided just the right amount of information to keep us all interested but not overwhelm us. The trip was great for all. Belize was beautiful!! The activities really were enjoyable and our days flew by. Thanks Jake!!!

My trip to China with several students and teachers of the Ethel Walker School was a wonderful educational and personal experience. I would recommend this trip to anyone interested in expanding your horizons..Having been to the far east many yrs ago , I was unable to get to China. When this opportunity presented itself I was thrilled to go! It proved to be everything I imagined! The cities , the people , the accommodations and the guides were without question-exemplary in every way! It was so well planned with no problems ever during the entire trip. I will tell you that we went from place to event to dinners and to sightseeing with not one problem during the whole journey.. Our guide was tremendous, and whatever we needed or asked about she was there to assist...never missing a beat! When I had a small medical situation, she found a pharmacy within minutes and got me there and cared for. I cannot say enough about Lee as I was not alone in my praise of her.She cared for each of us as though she had known us for years instead of days. She was so well versed in her knowledge of each town and whatever we were seeing and she made everything so easy for us... I will never forget this trip and encourage one and all to go and learn firsthand about China..It will open your eyes to another magnificent part of the world.

Fantastic!! By far the best way to travel! It was so great to not have to worry about planning, public transportation (private bus), and waiting in lines. Our tour guide was fantastic! He spoke the local language, knew where to go, and was very informative about history and the significance of what we are seeing. It's also fun to make new friends and get to know the people in your group!