Things to consider before booking your study tour

1. What makes Smithsonian Associates Study Tours unique?

   Smithsonian Associates Study Tours explores the essence of East-Coast America through captivating experiences across Washington, D.C., the Eastern United States, and occasionally other areas of the US.

   Discover iconic landmarks and hidden gems through our curated walking tours, immersive on-site meetings, exhilarating day-long bus excursions, and unforgettable overnight and multi-day journeys. Embark on a journey of discovery and learning with us today!

2. Who typically participates in Smithsonian Associates Study Tours, and what is their average age?
   Smithsonian Associates travelers, whether solo, in couples, with friends, or as a family, are all enthusiastic lifelong learners, predominantly adults aged over 50.
3. How many participants are there in a Study Tour?
   1. Walking tours: Between 20 and 25 participants.
   2. Single-day bus tours: 42 participants, with some exceptions.
   3. Overnight tours: Between 38 and 42 participants based on the nature of the tour.
4. What is the age limit for Study Tours participants?
   Study tour participants must be aged 14 and older, as the content and delivery are tailored for a mature audience.
5. What is included with my registration fee?
   Our programs are all-inclusive, unless otherwise specified. We handle all details and costs, including your study leader honorarium, the charter bus, driver gratuity, meals as noted, plus entrance and guide fees, and any donations on behalf of the group.
6. What is the deadline to register?

   Registration for our Study Tours typically close 24 to 72 hours prior to the departure date and time, or when the tour is sold to capacity. Please refer to the individual program page for registration deadlines.

   View all upcoming Study Tours
7. I plan to travel solo. Is that OK?
   Yes! Many of our participants travel solo. There are many opportunities to interact with participants if you're looking to connect with others.
8. Do you offer any discounts?

   Join as a member of Smithsonian Associates to unlock member pricing for all in-person and virtual programming! These savings amount to 20-35% off the general admission fees.

   Become a member today!
9. What is the refund policy for Study Tours?
   View our refund policy
10. If the tour is full, can I join a waiting list?
    Yes! If you are interested in a tour that is full, we encourage you to join the waitlist, and our Customer Service team will contact you if spots become available.
11. Who are the staff on a Study Tour?

    Your tour is accompanied by a Study Leader and a Smithsonian representative.

    1. Your Study Leader is your primary guide throughout your tour and provides educational content for the group while en route to your destinations and during your site visits.

       Meet your Study Leaders

    2. Your Smithsonian Representative is a specially trained volunteer acting as a liaison of the Study Tours office who handles all logistics while out on tour, from greeting participants upon check-in, to special announcements on the bus, coordinating with sites visited, and ensuring a smooth process from start to finish. Feel free to chat with them anytime throughout the tour!

    Your tour may also receive assistance from guides and docents at specific sites.

12. How can I speak with a human if I have any questions?
    Contact our Customer Service team

    If further assistance is needed, our Customer Service team can reach out to a member of the tour staff. You may also email the Study Tours team directly at Associates-StudyTours@si.edu, and we'll be in touch within two business days.

1. What information should I expect prior to my tour?
   1. Single day and walking tours: You will receive a pre-tour email within 2 to 3 business days before your tour. This email contains details about parking, meeting the group, and other important information that you will need prior to the start of the tour.
   2. Multi-day tours: You will receive an email about four weeks prior to your tour date. This will contain information regarding your hotel accommodations, meals, a tentative itinerary, as well as a link to your Participant Information Form to collect information from you that will help us provide you with the best experience possible.

   It is important to keep your email and phone number up to date! You can update your contact information online or you can contact our customer service team.

   Update your contact information

   If you have questions prior to receiving tour information, please contact us directly at Associates-StudyTours@si.edu.

2. From what location(s) do the Study Tours depart?
   1. Weekend one-day tours: Usually departs from the  Holiday Inn Capitol at 550 C Street, SW (corner of 6th & C), Washington, D.C.
   2. Weekday and overnight tours: Usually departs from the DeSales St. side of the  Mayflower Hotel  located at 1127 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.

   Specific departure information is listed on your Study Tours page.

   View your upcoming tours
3. It’s not convenient for me to drive into downtown Washington, DC. Can I join the tour outside the city?

   Most of our single day and overnight bus tours have a convenient fringe stop located just outside the city in the direction of your Study Tour destination. These stops most often have free parking and/or are located at a Metro station. You are welcome to join the tour at that location. Reservations are not required as the bus bus will automatically make this stop.

4. I live near the destination of the Study Tour. Can I join the group there?

   Participants benefit from joining the Study Tour either at the primary pickup point or the fringe stop, when available. During the journey to your destination, your Study Leader shares valuable educational information, and you have the opportunity to meet and talk with your fellow tour companions. If you feel you would benefit from another arrangement, contact our tour staff at Associates-StudyTours@si.edu to discuss your needs.

5. What are the common Study Tour fringe stop locations?

   The following is a list of the common fringe stops for Study Tours along with downloadable directions and maps in PDF format. Please refer to your Study Tour program page to confirm the specific stop used for your tour.

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   Maryland fringe stops:

   1. Beltway/I-95 Exit 27 Carpool Parking, Adelphi, MD View the Beltway/I-95 Exit 27 Carpool Parking lot in Google Maps Download directions & map to the Beltway/I-95 Exit 27 Carpool Parking lot
   2. Best Western Premier Rockville Hotel & Suites, Rockville, MD View Best Western Premier Rockville Hotel and Suites in Google Maps Download directions & map to Best Western Premier Rockville Hotel and Suites
   3. Comfort Inn Conference Center, Bowie, MD View the Comfort Inn Conference Center in Bowie, MD, in Google Maps Download directions & map to the Comfort Inn Conference Center in Bowie, MD.
   4. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Laurel, Laurel, MD View the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Laurel, MD in Google Maps Download directions & map to DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Laurel, MD
   5. New Carrollton Metro East-Side Kiss & Ride, Landover, MD View the New Carrollton Metro East-Side Kiss and Ride in Google Maps Download directions & map to the New Carrollton Metro East-Side Kiss and Ride
   6. Oxon Hill Park & Ride, Oxon Hill, MD View the Oxon Hill Park & Ride in Google Maps Download directions & map to the Oxon Hill Park & Ride
   7. Urbana Park & Ride, Urbana, MD View the Urbana Park and Ride in Google Maps Download directions & map to the Urbana Park and Ride

   Virginia fringe stops:

   1. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Potomac Mills, Woodbridge, VA View Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in Google Maps Download directions & map to Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
   2. Horner Road Commuter Lot, Woodbridge, VA View Horner Road Commuter Lot, Woodbridge, VA, in Google Maps Download directions & mapto Horner Road Commuter Lot, Woodbridge, VA
   3. Interstate 95 & Virginia-123 Commuter Parking Lot, Woodbridge, VA View the Interstate 95 and Virginia-123 Commuter Parking Lot in Google Maps Download directions & map to the Interstate 95 and Virginia-123 Commuter Parking Lot
   4. Van Dorn Street Metro Station, Alexandria, VA View Van Dorn Street Metro Station in Google Maps Download directions & map to the Van Dorn Street Metro Station
   5. Vienna Metro South-Side Kiss & Ride, Fairfax, VA View the Vienna Metro South-Side Kiss & Ride in Google Maps Download directions & map to the Vienna Metro South-Side Kiss & Ride
   6. Wiehle-Reston East Park and Ride, Reston, VA View the Wiehle-Reston East Park and Ride in Google Maps Download directions & map to the Wiehle-Reston East Park and Ride
6. If I have allergies, am vegetarian/vegan, or have other dietary restrictions, how can I order a meal that fits my dietary needs on a Study Tour that includes a meal?
   Let us know of your dietary needs or restrictions at least one week in advance of your Study Tour either by email at Associates-StudyTours@si.edu or by contacting our Customer Service team.

   Contact our Customer Service team to discuss your dietary needs
7. How do I know if I meet the physical requirements for my Study Tour?
   All our Study Tours are dynamic and require a certain level of physical stamina. Please review the Study Tour description thoroughly to prepare for the activities involved. If you have questions about the physical requirements for your Study Tour, email us at Associates-StudyTours@si.edu or contact our Customer Service team.

   Contact our Customer Service team to discuss the physical requirements of your tour
8. What do I need to bring or wear on my Study Tour?
   The Study Tour description contains information on what you will need to bring or wear for your tour. If you have questions about what you should bring or wear, email us at Associates-StudyTours@si.edu or contact our Customer Service team.

   Contact our Customer Service team to discuss what you should bring or wear on your tour

   View your upcoming tours
9. Should I purchase travel insurance?

   Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended as it provides additional coverage against unforeseen incidents.

   Your registration fee for overnight tours is refundable for a certain amount of time only, and travel insurance will provide you a measure of protection if you do need to cancel within the weeks leading up to your Study Tour. Review our refund policy for details on when you can get a refund and what cancellation fees you may be charged.

   Travel insurance providers and services **Review terms and conditions for using this list of insurance provders and services

   The following is a list of insurance providers and services offering a range of travel policies. Travel insurance is purchased on your own, and we recommend comparing options to find the best policy for your specific travel requirements.

   1. AIG Travel Guard
   2. Travel Safe Insurance
   3. Allianz Tavel
   4. Travelex Insurance Services

   The following services can help you compare travel insurance prices:

   1. Insure my Trip
   2. Travel Insurance

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   **Smithsonian Associates does not endorse or recommend any specific insurance provider or service. Use of the listed insurance providers and services is at your own discretion and risk.
10. I'm registered for a Study Tour. How do I find out about last minute tour updates?

    We contact you via email or by phone with any significant changes to your Study Tour. Please be sure your email and phone number is always up to date.

    Update your contact information
11. Will my Study Tour operate rain or shine?

    Our tours operate rain or shine, and sometimes snow!

    We monitor weather conditions prior to each Study Tour, and if we have any concerns for participant safety, your Study Tour may be rescheduled or cancelled. We will email or call you with any changes, postponements, or cancellations at least two hours prior to your tour departure time. We will also update the tour webpage with the same messaging.

    Update your contact information
12. What happens if Smithsonian Associates cancels my tour?

    We make every effort to ensure our tours go on as scheduled. If we need to cancel or postpone a Study Tour, we will notify you via email and, when feasible, by phone. Additionally, we will update the Study Tour details page at least two hours before the scheduled departure time.

    When we do cancel a Study Tour, the cost of your tour registration is refunded to your original form of payment. If your Study Tour is postponed, you can transfer your payment to the rescheduled tour date or receive a refund.

13. Are there places to park my car at the departure locations?
    View Study Tours parking information
14. Is parking included in my registration fee?

    Parking is not included in your Study Tour package. A parking fee discount is available for Study Tour participants at the Colonial Parking Garage of the Holiday Inn Capitol hotel for single-day weekend departures. No discount is available at the Mayflower Hotel.

    Fringe stop locations are often free to park, with the exception of Metro station garages, which may charge a fee.

15. Are there public transportation options near the start of the tour?
    1. Departure from Holiday Inn Capitol: The closest Metro station is L'Enfant Metro Station (Blue, Orange, Silver, Green, and Yellow Lines). Various bus routes also run near this area.
    2. Departure from Mayflower Hotel: The closest Metro stations are Farragut North (Red Line) and Farragut West (Blue, Orange, Silver Line). Various bus route also run near this area.

    WMATA's Trip Planner is a handy way to find the best public transit route for you.
16. Are gratuity and tips included in the cost of the tour?
    Yes, gratuities and tips are included to all appropriate parties. Your Study Leader and Smithsonian Representative are professionals who do not receive tips. Gratuity for your bus driver is taken care of by Smithsonian Associates.
17. Do you wait for everyone before the tours depart?
    Tours depart on time and do not wait for late arrivals. Please give yourself plenty of time to arrive at bus departure location.
18. How is seating determined on the bus?
    Seats on the bus are first come/first serve. Once you have a seat on the bus, seats will remain the same throughout the day.
19. Can I bring food on the bus/tour?
    You are welcome to bring snacks, water, coffee, and anything else you might like to enjoy while on the bus.
20. Do you provide water or other refreshments?
    We provide bottled water for participants during the summer months between June and September, and always recommend you bring a reusable water bottle. The majority of our day tours also include a small snack and beverage on the return trip home.
21. What is the bus like?
    We work with local charter companies to book safe, clean, and reliable coach bus transportation for our Study Tours. These companies include, but are not limited to, Eyre Bus Company and Haymarket Transportation. The bus includes a restroom and charging outlets, and Wi-Fi is available on most buses. Our Study Leaders use the bus speaker system to deliver lectures.

1. The Study Leader was great! How can I find out what other tours they will be leading?

   Search for your Study Leader's name on our website, or view their profile page to view their upcoming tours and programs.

   Meet your Study Leaders
2. Where can I find more information about the Study Tour’s topic?

   You can find other programs we offer on the same topic right here on our website!

   Browse our other programs
3. How can I submit feedback about my tour?

   We deeply value feedback and greatly appreciate when our participants share their thoughts!

   At the conclusion of each tour, your volunteer tour representative will provide an evaluation form to you to fill out. These are anonymous, so please feel free to provide your candid thoughts. For walking tours and select bus tours, your evaluation form will be sent to you via email only.

4. How can I support Smithsonian Associates Study Tours?

   Unlike the Smithsonian museums, Smithsonian Associates operates without federal funding. We greatly appreciate the steadfast support of our members and donors, whose generosity enables us to continually innovate and offer new and engaging opportunities just for you!

   Show your support today!