"Best Guide, Best Driver, Amazing Country!"

Everything was amazing! Our guide and bus driver were the best we've ever had. Costa Rica was amazing and I hope to get back there soon.
My only complaint is that I was under the impression we would have a guard at the hotels like we have had in the past trips we have had. We did not on this trip and that was unfortunate.

"The hotels were definitely sub-par"

The hotels were definitely sub-par. No air conditioning in Germany, or Paris, on a 103 degree day. Regardless of the season, the hotel should have AIR CONDITIONING IN THE ROOM. It is unacceptable and unhealthy to place 4 teenagers in a room with no air conditioning, especially with windows wide open on the first floor where people can enter the room. I have traveled with EF for 10 years, and never had this issue before. The motel in south Avignon was absolutely abysmal, and the upper loft areas were UNSAFE in high heat. The meals, and restaurants, in Germany were rude and we were served the exact same meal twice. We are also served chicken four days in a row in France. Our Tour Director, Emiliano, could not speak French at all. As a French teacher, I had to translate for him with our bus driver and many of the hotel workers because English was not enough. He also seemed to show favoritism to the Spanish-speaking students, and only started to enhance our tour in Spain, which made France and Germany feel second-rate.

"World Strides Made Things Worse."

Since Explorica was taken over by World Strides, the quality has taken a hit. I would have recommended Explorica as an outstanding company, but with the change, things have gone down hill. I hope World Strides takes a look at what Explocia did well and makes the necessary changes to improve.

"What an awesome trip"

What an awesome trip. Hotel was great, Antonia was awesome, and transportation was always working hard. Our groups only complaint was that we were hoping to try different kinds of food for our dinners. Kids paid a lot of money and want to try DC exclusive restaurants instead of eating at a Qdoba. Overall, we will do another trip!

"I understand the need to save on…"

I understand the need to save on hotels, but 3 (Vienna, Berlin, and Heidelberg) of the hotels we stayed at were in unsafe areas, they were resident/hotel type of situations, and there were grown men smoking and drinking outside the hotel where the kids stayed. They were all, except Paris, extremely far from the cities, and took at least 40 minutes by bus to get to the city where the tours started. To me, that's valuable waisted time. I think Explorica can upgrade these hotels and find some that are safer and closer to where the tour action is, without a huge additional cost. Our hotel in Berlin was only 34 euros per night. When you're talking about student safety, the upgrade is necessary.

"We had a great trip with Explorica"

We had a great trip with Explorica. Our trip was part of the Pre-Covid postponements and I am happy we waited and traveled when Europe was open again. Our tour guide and the bus driver were fantastic! I thought there was a good balance between structured activities and free time. We did a lot of walking but that is to be expected. I often prepare my students that you don't get much sleep on these tours, so prep before the trip - exercise, drink plenty of water and eat healthily. I thought the restaurants that were part of the package were great - some hotels were not the best, but this is a student tour - often three stars (many of us are used to 4 - 5 star hotels). On the day of departure, we had a representative from Explorica help check us in at the airport. I thought this was unique in comparison to other student travel companies. I also like the option to include tips for the price of the tour. It makes me nervous about carrying too much cash on me, so one of the reasons I initially selected Explorica.
My students had a great experience. I would recommend Explorica to other teachers.

"Our tour guide"

Our tour guide, Ann Marie, was excellent. I appreciated the good bus drivers and new buses. Excellent tour through France. Thank you.

"You get what you pay for"

This was my second trip as an Explorica chaperone for a high school group after having traveled with 2 other companies. It's a low-cost "budget" trip that is the bare bones. They offer nicer things if you pay for the upgrade: food, hotel location, rooming, etc.
When things go as they should, the trip is fine. If things go wrong, good luck.

"Great time was had by all"

Great time was had by all

"I loved everything about the trip but…"

I loved everything about the trip but was a bit disappointed with the food served to us at hotels and restaurants. The dinners mainly consisted of chicken and potatoes in some form or fashion. I wish we were served more authentic dishes to fully experience the European culture.