fbpx

Frequently Asked Questions

 

This is where you will find most answers. If there should still be any questions left, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Before You Book

 
How do I start planning a trip?

Planning your group’s trip could not be easier! Fill out this form and one of our Breakaway Beach travel specialists will contact you. Once you decide where to go, your travel specialist will be with you every step of the way.



How do I book my trip?

See how to book your trip here or follow the steps below:

  1. Please visit www.breakawaybeach.com
  2. Click the red “Book Now” button, located on the screen’s top right corner
  3. In the left-most box, select your state from the drop-down and then select your school
  4. Review Trip Information & Click the “Join Trip” button
  5. Enter Traveler’s information and agree to Terms & Conditions
  6. Complete the initial deposit

An initial deposit is required to secure your spot. A confirmation receipt will be sent after payment and will list your Customer ID. This Customer ID is your unique account number, used for logging into your account, so please note this for future reference. 

Please contact our Help Desk if you have any questions or concerns at info@breakawaybeach.com

How to Contact Our Help Desk

Our Help Desk team is around to help answer any questions you may have.

We are open from:

  • Monday – Friday: 10 am – 5 pm EST
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed

If you need to speak with someone, you can call our office at (800) 465-4257 or email us at info@breakawaybeach.com. We strive to reply to all emails within 48 hours Monday-Friday.

During our trips, we also have a 24hr assistance line that parents can reach us in case of emergency.

Before Your Trip

 
Why are we asked to sign up so early? What is the rush?

Signing up early reserves your space and guarantees our travellers the lowest pricing. The earlier you sign up, the more time you have to pay off your trip before the final payment.

When are the trip dates finalized?

Your trip dates are set 1-2 months after Final Payment. Once confirmed, trip dates will be posted in your online accounts.

How do I obtain my travel documents?

5-10 business days before travel, your travel documents will become available in your online account. You will only be able to print travel documents if your account is paid in full. You must log in to your Breakaway Beach online account to print the travel documents. They will be displayed under the “Travel Documents” tab and are displayed as vouchers for your ferry, ferry transfers, and any supplements. You will present the ferry voucher to the ferry on the day of your sail in exchange for your boarding pass. The ferry transfer voucher will be presented upon arrival at your destination for your transfer to the resort. Lastly, the supplement voucher will be submitted to Breakaway Beach during your Welcome Orientation.

What should I pack?

Everyone travels differently and it depends upon the destination and length of your trip, in determining what to bring.  Of course, if you’re going to a beach destination, you’ll need a bathing suit, warm weather clothes, sunscreen, etc. If you are traveling on a ferry, you will want to refer to the ferry website prior to travel, for their specific guidelines regarding checked bags and carry-on luggage.

If I am unable to travel, what is your cancelation policy?

We are sorry to hear that you may not be able to travel with us. We understand unforeseen circumstances may come up and prevent you from attending your senior trip. 

Please send us a very clear email to info@breakawaybeach.com stating that you wish to cancel your file including your name, passenger code, group name, trip, and destination. Our team will review your account and reply with available options. 

I can no longer travel. Can I give my spot to someone else?

If you are looking to give your spot on the trip to someone who has not yet signed up, this is possible by requesting a “name change”. In doing a Name Change, the new traveler is taking over the original traveler’s spot on the trip.

The responsibility to find a suitable new traveler is your responsibility. You cannot complete a name change with a traveler previously registered for this trip. You must also be up to date with your payments and hold an active spot on this trip. If you need help to find a suitable replacement, reach out to your group organizer for assistance as they may know of someone looking to join the trip last minute. 

A name change request must meet the following requirements:

  1. The replacement and traveler must both sign and submit this name change form
  2. The new traveler directly pays the original traveler the funds paid (plus any incurred name change fees). You will not be refunded by Breakaway Beach and Breakaway Beach does not take part in the exchange of funds already paid. 
    1. Fees and restrictions may apply with external suppliers depending on the time the name change request is placed
  3. The replacement will assume all details of the traveler’s package (price, roommates, etc.)

The completed name change form can be emailed to our Help Desk at info@breakawaybeach.com.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my trip?

We are sorry to hear that you are thinking of canceling your trip with us. As per the terms and conditions agreed upon during registration, your right to a refund varies based on time and reason for cancellation. 

If you have purchased additional insurance coverage, you may be able to file a claim for the funds via the insurance provider. In the event that you do have this coverage, our Help Desk team will provide you with directions once you cancel on how to take the next steps toward opening a claim.

If you are unsure if you have purchased additional coverage, you can always double-check your online profile via the “Reservations Details” Section. If you have insurance, it will be listed under “Pricing Information”

To begin the cancellation process, you must email info@breakawaybeach.com

Can I get a refund for my insurance if I don’t use it?

Insurance coverage starts from the date of purchase on, therefore the amount that is paid for the insurance is non-refundable. Once the insurance payment is received, we forward your information to the insurance company, and your coverage begins.

Insurance is ‘all or nothing’; you do not have the option to remove it once it has been added.

We often explain this insurance to our travelers by comparing it to car insurance. Every year you pay for car insurance, however, you do not use it or file a claim unless you have an accident. The insurance is covering you in the event that you would need it, but if you don’t use it, you do not get your money back at the end of the year.

I would like to open an insurance claim. How do I contact the insurance company?

If you are looking to file a claim through insurance, whether it is due to cancellation or an expense from your trip, you will first need to contact our Help Desk to cancel your account. Once you have done so, our team will then send you all of the information that you need to open a claim, including supporting documents, your policy number, and a link to the claims page.

It is important to remember that all claim eligibility is at the discretion of the insurance company.

Rooming

 
How does rooming work?

Students choose their roommates! Breakaway Beach will request your preliminary rooming either by working with your Group Rep/Travel Specialist or by contacting you directly. Once final payments are made, Breakaway Beach will finalize rooming and your roommates will be listed in your online customer portal. 

Upon sign-up, all travelers are billed at the maximum occupancy rate. It is the student’s responsibility to fill their room to maximum occupancy to ensure the lowest cost. If there are fewer travelers in the room, there will be an occupancy fee assessed to all roommates (essentially less people splitting the cost of the room). If a roommate cancels, the remaining students are responsible for filling the room or paying the increased price due to occupancy changes.

*Breakaway Beach does not randomly room travelers. If a traveler does not have any roommates, they will be assigned to a single-occupancy room and will thus incur the total cost of the room.

Do you allow co-ed rooms?

If students wish to room co-ed, an authorization form must be filled out and signed by all occupants in the room (if under 18, the form must also be signed by their parent/guardian). This must be completed and submitted to info@breakawaybeach.com to confirm any co-ed rooming request. Find the Co-ed Rooming Form here.

How can I add/change roommates?

As long as rooming is still open to changes, we will do our best to accommodate your request. Please email the request to info@breakawaybeach.com. You must cc’ everyone in the room so we have everyone’s consent.

When is the deadline to change my roommates?

Typically, the deadline to submit a rooming request is 60 days prior to your scheduled departure date.

If you would like to make a change request, please speak with your Student Rep or contact our Help Desk at info@breakawaybeach.com.

Payments and Fees

 
How Do Payments Work?

To secure your spot on the trip, an initial deposit is required. Upon registration, all travelers opt into automatic payments. Autopay is the easiest, worry-free option. The card used for the initial payment will be kept on file for automatic payments. Automatic payments follow the payment schedule displayed under the “Make a Payment” plan. 

Auto payments are withdrawn on one of the last days of each month, between the 28-30/31, and will withdraw the remaining balance on the final payment due date. Automatic payments follow the payment schedule displayed under the “Make a Payment” plan. 

Should you ever change your mind about the autopay option, you can turn it off at any time by emailing our Help Desk at info@breakawaybeach.com.

If you need to change the card on file, you must call our office to update this information over the phone.

How do I make a payment?

Login to your account:

  1. Click here to access your online account
  2. Login under Customer login with ‘Customer ID’ and ‘Last Name
  3. Click Make a Payment tab
  1. Agree to terms and conditions
  2. Enter the amount that you would like to pay into the payment amount field
  3. Enter credit card information and submit

** If you are not sure of your Customer ID Number, please contact our Help Desk at info@breakawaybeach.com.

Where can I see the payments I have made?

To get started, please use the below login information for your account.

  1. Log in to your account here
  2. Login under customer login with ‘Customer ID’ & ‘Last Name’
  3. At the very top of the page click “Payment History”

You will see a record of all of your payments that have been made towards your trip. You can also access a downloadable invoice by clicking “Invoice” at the top of the page.

Do I have to pay each month?

To keep your spot on the trip, you are required to pay each month until the final balance date. This monthly payment is due by the last day of each month. 

If you have opted into manual payments, we will send a monthly payment reminder email. 

If you opted into automatic payments, the card on file will automatically be charged the monthly payment amount on the last day of the month. You will receive a receipt for successful withdrawals. 

If you have any questions about your payments, please do not hesitate to contact our Help Desk at info@breakawaybeach.com.

What does my payment plan look like?

We’ve put together an easy monthly payment plan to help you pay for your trip, starting with a deposit to hold your spot, then low monthly payments leading up to your final balance date. 

Each month, your payment will be due on the last day of each month.

The final balance date is the same for every traveller based on the destination you are travelling to. It will be scheduled for approximately 60 days before the trip date and is posted in your online account. 

Please remember that to keep an active spot on the trip, you will need to keep up with your monthly payments. If you are unable to meet the monthly payment schedule, we are happy to work with you to establish a personal payment plan – whether it be smaller monthly payments of $50 each month or making a payment every other month. While we are flexible with payments, we do require consistent payments to keep the account active.

Are there any other fees?

Occupancy Fees:

Upon sign-up, pricing is per person based on maximum occupancy in the room. If there are fewer people listed in the hotel room, there will be an occupancy fee assessed per person. This occupancy fee varies based on the destination, hotel, and week of travel. Your team will inform you of the price per person, the maximum occupancy of the hotel room, and the occupancy fees upon sign-up or preliminary rooming requests. 

Change Fees:

Changes are no problem as long as our suppliers can accommodate the request. We can’t make any guarantees, but we promise to make every effort on your behalf. Change fees will be applied for, but are not limited to, the following situations: name changes, hotel changes, and destination changes. These additional fees will appear on your final price after the change.

Destination Fees:

There may be fees mandated for travel to specific destinations that the destination’s government requires. These are not fees made by or paid to Breakaway Beach. These could include entry visas, testing fees, environmental fees, and more. If you have any questions regarding your specific destination, please email info@breakawaybeach.com.

Passport Information & Requirements

 
What types of documents are needed to travel?

When traveling internationally, ALL travelers are required to have a valid passport book. It is NOT possible to travel to Freeport, Bahamas via sea travel with a birth certificate/Real ID. Travelers will also need to bring their travel vouchers with them that are printed from our website, along with any other documents needed. You will be informed of any additional documents needed prior to travel.

Cancellation & Insurance

 
If I am unable to travel, what is your cancelation policy?

We are sorry to hear that you may not be able to travel with us. We understand unforeseen circumstances may come up and prevent you from attending your senior trip. 

Please send us a very clear email to info@breakawaybeach.com stating that you wish to cancel your file including your name, passenger code, group name, trip, and destination. Our team will review your account and reply with available options.

I can no longer travel. Can I give my spot to someone else?

If you are looking to give your spot on the trip to someone who has not yet signed up, this is possible by requesting a “name change”. In doing a Name Change, the new traveler is taking over the original traveler’s spot on the trip.

The responsibility to find a suitable new traveler is your responsibility. You cannot complete a name change with a traveler previously registered for this trip. You must also be up to date with your payments and hold an active spot on this trip. If you need help to find a suitable replacement, reach out to your group organizer for assistance as they may know of someone looking to join the trip last minute. 

A name change request must meet the following requirements:

  1. The replacement and traveler must both sign and submit this name change form
  2. The new traveler directly pays the original traveler the funds paid (plus any incurred name change fees). You will not be refunded by Breakaway Beach and Breakaway Beach does not take part in the exchange of funds already paid. 
    1. Fees and restrictions may apply with external suppliers depending on the time the name change request is placed
  3. The replacement will assume all details of the traveler’s package (price, roommates, etc.)

The completed name change form can be emailed to our Help Desk at info@breakawaybeach.com.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my trip?

We are sorry to hear that you are thinking of canceling your trip with us. As per the terms and conditions agreed upon during registration, your right to a refund varies based on time and reason of cancellation. 

If you have purchased additional insurance coverage, you may be able to file a claim for the funds via the insurance provider. In the event that you do have this coverage, our Help Desk team will provide you with directions once you cancel on how to take the next steps towards opening a claim.

If you are unsure if you have purchased additional coverage, you can always double check on your online profile via the “Reservations Details” Section. If you have insurance, it will be listed under “Pricing Information”

To begin the cancellation process, you must email info@breakawaybeach.com.

Can I get a refund for my insurance if I don’t use it?

Insurance coverage starts from the date of purchase on, therefore the amount that is paid for the insurance is non-refundable. Once the insurance payment is received, we forward your information to the insurance company, and your coverage begins.

Insurance is ‘all or nothing’; you do not have the option to remove it once it has been added.

We often explain this insurance to our travelers by comparing it to car insurance. Every year you pay for car insurance, however you do not actually use it or file a claim unless you have an accident. The insurance is covering you in the event that you would need it, but if you don’t use it, you do not get your money back at the end of the year.

I would like to open an insurance claim. How do I contact the insurance company?

If you are looking to file a claim through insurance, whether it is due to cancellation or an expense from your trip, you will first need to contact our Help Desk to cancel your account. Once you have done so, our team will then send you all of the information that you need to open a claim, including supporting documents, your policy number, and a link to the claims page.

It is important to remember that all claim eligibility is at the discretion of the insurance company.

During Your Travel

 
Where can I find the date of my trip?

Travel dates are assigned after Final Payment and can be found on your Online Account under the “Reservations Details” tab.

If your itinerary is still showing as TBA, please just hang tight as we haven’t released the itinerary for your group yet. Your exact travel dates will be assigned after Final Payment Due Date after we have a final headcount of the group, and based on group size, high school graduation dates, ferry schedule, and overall programming. Once ticketed, your exact travel details will be posted in your online account.

Where do I find my hotel information?

We post the hotel name and information on your online account. One you are logged in, please click on the “Reservations Details” tab.

What happens when I arrive to the hotel in destination?

Once you arrive to your hotel, one of the first things that will happen is your Program Director or Hotel Coordinator will meet with your group to hold a briefing speech and then help you check in to the hotel. This is the time where we go over what is expected of each traveler, how to navigate around the resort, and what the schedule looks like during your trip.

All travelers will be given a room damage form to review their room and note any pre-existing damages. This is a way for us to make sure our travelers do not get charged for incidentals they did not cause.

What does all-inclusive accommodations mean?

All-Inclusive accommodations mean that food, alcoholic (for those of legal drinking age) & non-alcoholic drinks, and activities are included at the resort (exceptions may apply). The Breakaway Beach trip itself is NOT all-inclusive, meaning travelers are responsible for paying for any food, drinks, and activities they may wish to purchase off the resort premises.

How much money should I bring?

The amount of spending money varies based on each traveler. This is an all-inclusive holiday so all meals, snacks, and drinks are covered in the cost of the trip.

It is best to bring cash on your trip and add excursions or extra night events prior to departure. We do not recommend pre-paid credit cards as they do not always work. Debit cards with 4 digit pin numbers will usually work but ATM’s may be sparse.

You can pre-book optional add-ons through your online account up to one week prior to the trip departure to help cut down on the amount of cash you need to bring on the trip.

Travelers should bring extra spending money for souvenirs, snacks or meals they might want to get at the airport or from the resort store, along with snacks and drinks purchased at the off-resort excursions or night events, as well as for the items listed below –

Baggage: There may be added fees for checked baggage. This information is also available on the ferry website under Baggage Allowance. These fees are not included in your ticket price.

Entrance/exit fees: Depending on  your destination, additional entrance/exit fees may be required. We will communicate these to you via email before departure.

Wifi: The availability of wifi depends on your destination and there may be a small fee for the week. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the resort’s website for cost information. Feel free to contact us if you are not able to find the price.

Tipping: Please note that, although tipping at an all-inclusive resort is not mandatory (and you should only tip if YOU want to), you may find that it helps you during your stay. If you received great service from a server, bellhop, maid service, driver, etc. a couple of dollars in appreciation will be remembered and you may find your towels a bit fluffier, your room cleaned a bit earlier, and things going a bit smoother in general.

Students typically tip about $1-$2 USD for each service. Hotel maids are often tipped $2 per day per person. Tipping is at the discretion of the student and given for exceptional service.

Safes: Safes are available in every room on our trips typically for an additional cost. Prices can be reviewed on the hotel website, but may be subject to change. Safes are optional but highly recommended.

Keep in mind passengers are responsible for their own passports for the duration of the trip.

Clinic Visits & Medical Expenses: Although you may have purchased medical coverage, travelers need to pay for any medical expenses upfront. You will need to complete the insurance claim to be reimbursed through the insurance company upon your return for all medical costs including but not limited to: medication, treatment, medical examination, and transportation to and from the clinic and/or hospital.

What currency should I bring?

While each country we travel to has a different currency, we recommend all travelers bring US currency with them except for when traveling to Cuba. US dollars are widely accepted in all destinations we visit.

Dominican Republic: Resorts in the Dominican accept Dominican Pesos (the local currency), but the American Dollar is wanted and widely accepted. You will tend to get a better deal when you use American dollars or Pesos with the vendors.

Mexico: Mexico’s national currency is the Mexican Peso. Though some merchants in popular tourist spots will accept the US Dollar you should plan to exchange your currency for Pesos either before you arrive in Mexico or by using the local ATM at the hotel. You will receive a better value for your money if you use the local currency. Breakaway Beach Leaders can help you exchange your money if for some reason you are not able to do so at the hotel reception.

Bahamas: The best currency to use in the Bahamas is the U.S. dollar. It is widely accepted everywhere. As ATMS can be scarce we do recommend bringing cash and not relying on using the ATMS.

Will there be a safe in my room?

Hotel rooms usually come equipped with safes for the use of travelers. 

There may be a nominal charge at check-in to use the safe, and this cost can be divided among all the students in the room. We highly recommend the use of the safes for travel documents, money, and other valuables.

For more information on safe fees, please go to the website of the resort you will be staying at.

What excursions and events are included?

Regardless of which trip you are traveling on, Breakaway Beach has hand-picked some of the best excursions and planned the best exclusive Night Events for you and your group!

Typically, programs include a one-night event in your package. We also offer optional night events and/or excursions for purchase ahead of time or on-site (pending availability). Be sure to sign up as soon as possible while there is still space! Once space runs out, we will disable the pre-sale option. 

I have to make alternate travel arrangements. What are my options?

Not able to depart with your group? Have to leave early? Or would like to extend your stay for a family vacation?

Since we secure the reservation as a group booking, we are unable to alter your specific itinerary, and you would be responsible for booking any alternate transportation to meet your specific travel needs.

Once you’ve booked your alternate travel plans, send us a message with your new itinerary. That way we can notify the Breakaway Leader travelling that you will be deviating from the group itinerary. 

Any unused portion of your package is non-refundable. 

If you have been removed from our program due to behavior issues, you will be responsible for paying your return travel home. In this case, we will assist you and your parents in making the new arrangements.

If you must leave due to any other reason, we would be happy to help you find return transportation home if you do not feel comfortable doing it on your own.

What happens if I need to leave early?

Life can be unpredictable, and circumstances may occur where you have to leave early from your trip. This is why we always recommend purchasing comprehensive insurance that includes trip interruption coverage.

If you do not have comprehensive insurance, unfortunately Breakaway Beach is not able to refund you for any unused portion of your trip. Each trip is created, priced and sold as a package, and we do not receive any portion of those funds back in the case of an early departure.

What is the age of majority on my trip?

Regardless of age, every traveler must sign off on the Breakaway Guidelines agreement. If they are under the age of 18, a Parent/Guardian will need to sign it as well. It outlines the expectations of each traveler, including alcohol use. Clearly stated within these guidelines is an agreement that anyone legally able to consume alcohol must do so responsibly. Any abuse of alcohol can lead to reduction of privileges up to and including removal from the trip.

It is the responsibility of the traveler and/or parents to pay for their return home in the case of removal due to breaking of the Breakaway Beach Traveler Guidelines.

Please note, if a traveler is under the age of 18, there is not any sort of special note that can be written by a parent to give permission to consume. The law is the law and we must all abide by it.

We want everyone to have a fun and safe trip with us!

How do I contact my son/daughter while on their trip?

While your son/daughter is experiencing the time of their life with their friends, we want to assure parents at home that their son or daughter is in the responsible care of our well-trained Breakaway Leaders.

Safety is paramount for us, so you can rest assured that we will be in contact with you immediately should any issues arise with your son/daughter. We always like to say “no news is good news.” Often times our travelers are having such an amazing time, they just lose track of time and forget to call home.

What are the activities & excursions available?

Your day will be filled with excursions and events on and off the resort. The daily schedule will be posted by the Info Desk and you can always ask a Trip Leader if you have any other questions.

The deadline to purchase excursions before your trip is 1 week prior to departure. Make sure to log on to your online account to save your spot before they sell out! Space is limited and fills up fast. You are able to purchase excursions at the resort, however it is cash-only purchases and subject to availability. 

Themed Events : Each night event is themed for you and your friends! Night events are usually held in the hotel disco, on the beach, or off-resort. In these cases we rent out a venue for the night and provide transportation. The venue is only accessible for our students. No outside guests are allowed.

What is the Info Desk?

The info desk is the one place on Breakaway Beach to get all the daily schedule information and purchase excursions, events, sign up for activities, sign in and just chill with the destination team!

There will always be a Breakaway Beach team member at the info desk during the day – Open daily 10am-1am

Note: Team members are located at the info desk, roaming the hotel, or running an activity. We are on a schedule that makes sure there are staff around the entire area. If a staff member is needed outside of Info Desk hours, we will have someone on call and available.

What is Breakaway Beach Central?

Breakaway Beach Central is the place to hang out with all your friends and Breakaway Leaders at the beach or pool where the daily activities will take place and where you’ll get extra swag for the night events! 

The location will differ at every resort but will be a central location around the resort.

Can my student drink alcohol on the trip?

The drinking age in Mexico, Dominican Republic, and The Bahamas is 18 years; in Canada, it is 19 years; and in domestic destinations (including Panama City Beach, Florida), it is 21 years. 

If the student is of legal drinking age, the choice is theirs. Breakaway Beach does not promote, provide, or profit from the use of alcohol on any of our trips. Proper identification will be required to buy or consume alcohol in all destinations legally.

How can I communicate with my student during their trip?

Most major phone carriers provide coverage throughout North America (Canada, United States, & Mexico) within their phone plans.

If you are traveling to The Bahamas or the Dominican Republic, you may be able to purchase data/coverage at a per-day rate. Please contact your phone carrier before you travel to explore these options.

Who are our Breakaway Leaders?

Our programs have many different levels of Breakaway Leader positions that provide support on all programs from start to finish.

Where do our Trip Leaders come from?

The Breakaway Beach Leaders come from a wide and eclectic background but all believe that working with youth and helping them travel and explore other places is the best job in the world. Our Trip Leaders range in age from 24 – 40+ and all are available throughout the trip to the travelers for support, guidance, suggestions, and assistance.

Breakaway Leaders on destination must undergo background checks and a comprehensive training program before they are assigned to a destination. Our senior Trip Leaders have been to the destination on numerous occasions and are very familiar with the programs, destinations, hotels and tour partners to ensure that the group has the best experience possible.

Are You a Senior?
Do You Love to Travel?
Do You Enjoy Planning Trips?

For over 30 years, students have chosen Breakaway Beach to celebrate their graduation with an extraordinary senior trip.

Our trips spread joy and spark an appreciation for travel, culture and friendship. A big part of our success is our knowledgeable, enthusiastic and hardworking team.

We're constantly growing, so if you're passionate about youth travel and want to join a group of like-minded people and plan a senior trip with us, we want to hear from you! Take a look at our job openings listed below.