How do I enroll in EF’s Global Rewards program?
Once you’ve logged into your group leader website, click on Earn Rewards. If you are not enrolled, you’ll simply need to click on the checkbox after reading our terms and conditions to submit your enrollment.
Can I cancel my Global Rewards membership?
Yes. You’ll need to log into your group leader website and click on Earn Rewards. Then select “Cancel my membership.” Please be aware that if you cancel your membership, you forfeit both your points and membership level. If you decide to join the program at a later date, you will start as a general member with zero (or pending, if applicable) points. Global Rewards Points are not retroactive if the tour has already departed.
How is my membership level calculated?
Membership is based on the number of full-paying participants that have traveled with you over a four year period. Tours with fewer than ten full paying participants will not count towards your Elite Membership level.
How do I earn points?
Global Rewards Points are earned for tours that have at least ten full-paying participants. Once you’ve enrolled ten participants, the points associated with those travelers will be pending on your account. Points remain pending until the tour departs. Group leaders with a tour of fewer than ten full paying participants will not earn points. For details, please see the Terms and Conditions.
When may I redeem my Global Rewards Points?
Points may be redeemed once they have posted as active to your account. Points will be posted once your tour has departed.
When do my points expire?
Points expire four years after they are credited to your account. If you tour departs on June 15, 2009, your points would expire on June 15, 2013.
May I transfer my Global Rewards Points to another group leader?
No. Global Rewards Points are strictly non-transferable between accounts. Also, you may not pool points with another group leader to claim a reward.
How can I redeem my Global Rewards Points for merchandise, a convention or travel rewards?
Simply submit an online request form at SmithsonianStudentTravel.com/rewards. (Please see the Terms and Conditions for details.) Requests cannot be taken over the phone.
May I use my Global Rewards Points to pay for a space on my educational tour?
Yes. You must have enough Global Rewards Points on your account to cover the cost of the program fee only. (Departure fees, traveler coverage, etc. must be paid with cash.) The number of points required varies. Please contact Global Rewards for more information.
When do I have to submit my request for a travel reward (not including conventions)?
Travel requests must be received at least 60 days prior to the requested departure date for the continental U.S. and Canada. Travel requests must be received 90 days prior to the requested departure date for Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, international destinations (except for Canada), cruises and Go Ahead Tours trips. Send in your request as soon as you have decided on your travel plans.
May I extend my stay at a travel reward destination?
Yes. Indicate on your redemption form the exact dates of your stay. If you are redeeming a reward that includes a hotel stay, please specify if you would like EF to book the hotel for extra nights and provide the exact dates. We will let you know the cost of any extra hotel nights.
Is it possible to fly in and out of different gateways?
This is possible only for European travel. We will do our best to accommodate you; however, we can make no guarantees. A 50-point surcharge will be added per traveler for gateways that are within the same tier. If you are requesting gateways in different tiers, the higher point total applies.
Can we choose our specific flights?
Feel free to list your preferred flights and airline. EF will do our best to accommodate you. However, we may not work with your specified airline, or space may not be available.
May I give my travel reward to somebody else?
Yes. When submitting your request, list the person’s full name as it appears on his/her passport as the “Traveler.” You must also provide his or her contact information.
May I pay to take someone else along on a travel reward?
Yes. Paying guests are limited to three per travel reward. Rates are available approximately six weeks prior to departure.
I do not have enough points for a reward. May I make up the difference by paying?
No. You need to have the required amount of points on your account for the reward. If you only have enough points for one traveler, you can redeem a reward for one and pay EF for the full cost of the second traveler.
How will I receive my tickets?
You tickets will likely be electronic (e-tickets). Once we receive your approval on a flight schedule, we will email you the final electronic itinerary. Simply print a copy of that itinerary and bring it to the airport. You will receive boarding passes upon check-in at the airport.
What if I need to cancel my travel reward?
If you are unable to travel on your requested trip, you will be subject to any fees incurred by the hotel or airline, as well as forfeiture of your Global Rewards Points. Name and date changes are not permitted at any time.
When redeeming for a vacation package, may I split the hotel nights into two separate stays?
Yes. You may split your stay in one city. Hotels can only be booked in the cities that we offer as destinations. For example: use two nights in Rome, then travel on your own, and return to Rome for the remaining nights. Please indicate the specific dates for which you would like EF to book your hotel on your redemption form.