Frequently Asked Questions

Due to the current situation, our entire staff is working very hard to obtain refunds and process cancellations for many groups. This involves countless phone calls, emails and long wait times. Before you call, please review the following FAQ's. If you can't find an answer, please email [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.


General Updates

Click here to view the current statement from MTC on the Coronavirus COVID-19.

Everyone at Music Travel Consultants has always believed that traveler safety is without fail the most important aspect of our procedures and process. We are closely monitoring the Coronavirus situation and are working with individuals and groups to make the best decision for the travelers on our tours.

Currently, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued warnings against travel to China, South Korea, Iran and parts of Europe excluding the United Kingdom and Ireland. We are in the process of postponing, relocating, and in some cases, cancelling programs for March and April in those countries.

The CDC has not advised against travel in other destinations. If your student tour is to a location other than those listed above, it will continue as planned unless new information from the CDC or other health officials indicates otherwise. As updates becomes available, we will not hesitate to make changes, if needed.

For individuals who were traveling to affected areas, we are working closely with directors to evaluate options for your upcoming student trip. These may include changing the location or rescheduling your trip to a later date. If we are required to cancel your trip, your director will receive updates as they are available. Thank you for your patience throughout this process.


Refunds

When MTC receives official notification of a cancellation, we immediately notify all vendors and ask them to reconsider any non-refundable contractual language in hopes of providing some credit or refund that we may then pass along to each traveler. We pledge to walk with you every step of the way and advocate on your behalf. MTC will provide complete transparency with what we recover and what was unsuccessful. This process can take as many as four weeks to complete as we find the vendors and work diligently to receive and process requests.

Due to these unprecedent events, we are currently working on cancellations or postponements of over 60 tours. As we are not the only travel partner working with the vendors, it is difficult to know exactly how long the refund process will take. We expect it to be 4-6 weeks before we know what monies can be refunded. You will receive email communication as we have pertinent updates for your specific group.


Insurance

You may purchase cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance prior to making your last payment to Music Travel Consultants or Educational Destinations. For those of you that purchased CFAR insurance from Travel Insured International, a claim must be presented 48 hours prior to departure in order to receive benefits. Those policies state that they expire 48 hours prior to departure thus, nullifying benefits. Additionally, if your organization has mentioned that they are planning to cancel the tour and you preemptively purchase CFAR insurance, the policy would not be valid.

You will find a Click Here option on the dashboard of your trip account.

If your trip cancels, you will receive a form from MTC. Complete the form and return to our offices. We will submit a claim on behalf of all group participants who purchased a CFAR policy.


Travel Date Change

Although your destination or date of travel may change, MTC will deliver the same professional service you expect. Utilizing the director and a team assembled by the group, we will decide location and travel dates. Music Travel has partners throughout the globe willing to work with us under these extreme circumstances. We experience last minute changes to itineraries every day and react quickly with professionalism and expertise.


Destination Change

MTC is actively monitoring the impact that the coronavirus is having on the areas in which we operate student trips as well as the CDC’s guidance for travel, events and schools. We are monitoring local health offices who offer additional perspectives and guidelines we will use make our trips as safe as possible.


State of Emergency

Many state and local governments have declared a state of emergency in their region. This is an action that helps them get access to state and federal funding, should it be needed. It is not necessarily linked to a specific number of cases nor a reflection of restriction on activities. The number of cases and overall impact of coronavirus in locations that are officially in a state of emergency varies widely.


Illnesses on a Tour

Travelers on our tours do sometimes fall ill. In the event that a student becomes sick, we will follow best practices to allow the student to rest, and avoid spreading germs, and, where appropriate, seek additional guidance or care from local medical professionals.

MTC will have a heightened awareness for COVID-19. We have gained additional guidance and protocols in consultation with the CDC and WHO to better identify any traveler that presents with symptoms similar to COVID-19. Where appropriate, we will immediately engage local health authorities.

In the unlikely event that a traveling group is quarantined, MTC is committed to supporting all tour participants until their safe return home including securing lodging, transportation and meals.


Staying Healthy

The CDC continues to encourage the following ways to keep your family safe:

Comply with special instructions issued by local officials.

Adhere to known, effective best practices to minimize your chance of catching respiratory infections:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze in the crock of your arm or with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Carry hand sanitizer (60-95% alcohol) and use it for situations where hand washing might not be possible.
  • Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.