Trips & Tours - FAQ

Q: Where are the departure points for tours?
A: We depart from these locations

Q: What is the refund policy?
A: See the Policies & Procedures page!

Q: How soon do I need to cancel? What if I get sick, can I get a refund?
A: For one-day tours, refunds or credits will be allowed up to 11 business days prior to the tour date. Because of deadlines from our bus company and vendors, if you cancel within 11 business days of the tour date, fees are nonrefundable. For trips requiring deposits, the deposit is nonrefundable. You can, however, substitute another person in your place. The substitute should inform the tour escort on the day of the trip.

Schedule times are approximate. Reasonable substitutions for some items included in the printed trip description may be necessary in certain cases. Refunds are not given for delays or changes in the itinerary due to weather, traffic, security delays, crowds, mechanical breakdown, or other factors beyond the Park Authority’s control. FCPA is not liable for cost of tickets, meals or expenses due to schedule changes

Q: Can I substitute someone in my place if I can not attend a tour?
A: Yes. Should you not be able to attend a trip, you may send someone else in your place. When the person arrives at the pick-up point, they should let the tour escort know the name of the person for whom they are substituting.

Q: Where are the tours listed?
A: Tours are listed on our Parktakes Online website, in Parktakes Magazine or in the Trips & Tours Brochure (*.pdf).

Q: Do you offer overnight tours?
A: Yes, from time to time. Please check the current tours listing on our Parktakes Online website, in Parktakes Magazine or in the Trips & Tours Brochure (*.pdf).

Q: When will I receive tickets, itineraries or additional information on the trip?
A: You will receive an itinerary and additional information about a trip approximately 11 business days prior to the departure date of the trip. The itinerary will list pick-up and departure information. Tickets are not distributed in advance for fear of them being lost in the mail. You will receive tickets from the escort on the day of your trip.

Q: What motorcoach company do you use?
A: We use the Scenic America Motorcoach company.

Q: Do the motorcoaches have restrooms?
A: The motorcoaches are equipped with reclining seats and a lavatory.

Q: Do we stop at a rest area in route to the destination?
A: On most tours, if time permits, the motorcoach will stop at a rest area for food and drink. The driver will decide where and when to stop.

Q: Can I bring food or beverage on the motorcoach?
A: Yes. You may have beverages in containers with lids and plastic bottles with screw caps. Open beverage containers including canned beverages are not permitted. Please remember to discard trash in the receptacle provided and tidy your seating area when you disembark from the motor coach.

Q: I registered more than one person for a trip, but only received one itinerary. Is everyone registered?
A: Each Parktakes member account receives one itinerary. If you registered everyone under your member number, you will only receive one itinerary. The number of itineraries received is not a reflection of the number of people registered.

Q: Is the motorcoach wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, Scenic America has wheelchair accessible motorcoaches. 10 business days advance notice to reserve these vehicles.

Q: Will your trips and tours accommodate an individual with a disability?
A: Persons with disabilities requiring ADA accommodations must call 703-324-8563 at least 10 days in advance of a scheduled activity. TTY 703-803-3354. Persons with disabilities must also call 703-324-5220 to notify the Tours Program Assistant of any accommodations needed.

Q: What is your policy in regards to cancellation of tour due to weather?
A: Tours will not be cancelled due to inclement weather unless you are notified by phone. Call the tours hotline at 703-324-8687 for emergency weather instructions. If the tour is a ticketed event and the tickets are non-refundable, that portion of the fee will not be refunded.

Q: How do I register for a tour?
A: Use the registration form at the back of Parktakes. Tour Reservations may be made by internet, mail, fax, in person or by telephone with a MasterCard or Visa, and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the trip is filled. (link)

Q: How can I take my out of town guest on a tour?
A: You must first add your guest to your member account. They can then be registered for a tour.

Q: Can I take my child on the tour?
A: Children ages 5 and older may go on certain tours. Because of motorcoach safety regulations, children under the age of 5 may not ride on the motorcoach, and so may not attend tours. Certain tours prohibit children from attending.

Q: What is the price for children?
A: There is no price discount for children. The advertised price is the price for everyone who registers for the tour.

Q: Why do I have to call to get my money back when the Park Authority cancels a tour?
A: When the Park Authority cancels a tour, your money is automatically posted to your Park Authority member account. Park Authority policy is that you must then call the registration number, 703-222-4664, to receive a refund of that credit. The funds may stay on your account to be used for a future class or tour registration. The funds may also be used for any RECenter admission, Golf Course admission or Water Mine admission.

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