Alert:
Q: Where are the departure points for tours?
A: We depart from the locations on Trips and Tours
Q: What is the refund policy?
A: See Refund Policy
Q: How soon do I need to cancel? What if I get sick, can I get a refund?
A: See Refund Policy
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 website and in Parktakes Magazine.
Q: Do you offer overnight tours?
A: No, not at this time.
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 motor coach company do you use?
A: We use three motor coach companies: Eyre, Sunny’s Limousine and First Priority Trailways.
Q: Do the motor coaches have restrooms?
A: Many of the motor coaches are equipped with reclining seats and a lavatory. Depending on the type of tour we may use a motor coach with reclining seats or large van.
Q: Do we stop at a rest area in route to the destination?
A: On most tours, if time permits, the motor coach 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 motor coach?
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 motor coach wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, all our motor coach vendors provide wheelchair accessible motor coaches. We require 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 703-324-5611 to notify the Tours Program Coordinator 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:
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 motor coach safety regulations, children under the age of 5 may not ride on the motor coach, 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.