Alumni and Friends Travel Program

No. All University friends are welcome to participate in our programs.

Brochures are usually mailed five to six months before the trip departs. If you request a brochure you can expect to receive it within one week of the request, as long as the brochure is available.

We strongly recommend that you purchase travel and cancellation insurance to protect your investment in the event of unexpected or unforeseen circumstances. It is best to look into travel insurance immediately after making your deposit. Depending on the insurance provider, some coverage can be linked to timing of initial payment. Check your options carefully. If you are on an international departure, you should purchase travel insurance that—at a minimum—provides emergency medical, evacuation, and repatriation coverage. You also may wish to visit the Alumni Association’s insurance website at for more information.

Yes, travelers must purchase their own flights to the destination. 

Our travel partner, OrBridge, has air partners who can make flight arrangements for guests. In the event of flight delays and/or schedule changes, they will provide guests with personalized assistance. To book flight reservations with Orbridge’s air partners, contact (206) 319-5011 and select the option for your destination to discuss flight details with our air colleagues. Upon ticketing, a fee will be charged.

Yes, limited, single accommodations are available at a different price level. 

Most programs consist of 15-45 travelers. If trips become full and have enough interest, a second set of dates may be considered. 

The level of strenuous activity varies depending upon the trip. To ensure all passengers have an enjoyable experience, participants must be in good physical and mental condition. If a passenger needs special assistance, their travel partner must be able to assist them.

Refund policies vary depending on the travel vendor. Please read your trip’s cancellation policy available on the trip brochure or website. 

The Illinois State Alumni Association (“University”), has partnered with Orbridge, LLC (“Orbridge”) as the tour operator to offer alumni travel opportunities.  Under this arrangement, all reservations and booking for services will be made through the tour operator not the University.   The University has no ability to manage or change the specific tour details, address changes in travel plans or reservations, loss of baggage, delays, losses, injuries, inconveniences, or other circumstances that may impact tour participants.  All questions regarding Orbridge’s terms and conditions, cancellation and refund policies, and other itinerary details, accommodations, dates, and pricing should be directed to Orbridge. 

The University is not responsible for the acts or omissions of the tour operator or any other person or entity engaged in carrying out arrangements of the tour. The University shall not be responsible for any injuries, damages, or other losses caused to any traveler in connection with acts of God, force majeure, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, social or labor unrest, strikes, mechanical or construction failures or difficulties, bodily injuries, diseases, local laws, property damage, climatic conditions, abnormal conditions or developments, or any other action, omissions, or conditions outside the University’s control. By participating in the tour,  all travelers voluntarily assume all risk involved in such travel—whether expected or unexpected. 

Travelers are warned of the above risks as well as possible travel industry bankruptcies and medical and climatic disruptions, and the possibility traveler may be unable to travel as scheduled because of personal emergency. Traveler is advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage against these risks. By participating in the tour, all travelers assume complete and full responsibility for, and hereby release the University, its officers, employees, agents and assigns, from, any and all risks relating to the conduct of the tour. Traveler’s retention of tickets, reservations, or booking after issuance shall constitute a consent to the above and an agreement on the traveler’s part to convey the contents hereto to all members of the traveler’s group.