Will Close Up arrange my transportation to Washington?
Yes. Our travel package includes:
- Roundtrip airfare from a designated point in your community;
- Toll-free number for you – staffed by our own travel team;
- Close Up staff will meet you at the airport upon your arrival;
- Arrival day transportation from the airport to your hotel; and
- Departure day transportation from your hotel to the airport.
To choose this package, select the Close Up transportation option when you enroll.
Why should I use your transportation package?
Our transportation package makes your travel to Washington as easy as possible. Our friendly staff will work directly with you to arrange it – whether you arrive by plane, train or bus. We’ll also make sure you get to and from the hotel on arrival and departure days. And you’ll usually find that our price is very competitive, especially once you consider that it covers your local transportation in Washington on both arrival and departure days.
Can I arrange my own transportation to and from Washington?
Yes. When registering to attend our program, select the Independent Transportation option instead of Close Up’s all-inclusive group transportation option. You’ll then need to arrange for your own travel to Washington and from the airport to your hotel on arrival day and from the hotel to the airport on departure day. As always, we urge you to buy travel insurance (even for teachers) and to check with your airline about additional fees such as fuel surcharges, baggage fees, change fees and cancellation penalties.
What about special charges associated with travel today?
Special charges for bags, boarding, and fuel have become the norm in the travel industry. Whether you select our transportation package or arrange your own travel, it’s possible that these additional charges might apply to you. If you choose our Transportation Package, we’ll notify you as soon as we know of any newly-imposed fuel surcharge and pass it through to your account. You’ll want to check with your carrier and airport to make sure there are no new fees you’ll have to pay at the gate.
Should I buy travel insurance?
Yes. We strongly recommend you and your students purchase travel insurance to protect your trip from the unexpected such as flight delays/cancellations, extra room nights, illness and bad weather. To purchase travel
insurance or for more information, contact Travel Guard or call 800-826-1300.
Can one student travel independently?
Yes. The student must complete and submit an independent transportation form. By choosing this option, however, the student must make his or her own arrangements to get from the airport to the hotel.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
If you choose our transportation package, we’ll greet you at the airport, escort you to a coach bus, and transport you to your hotel. If you book your own travel, you will need to make arrangements to get from the airport to the hotel via taxi, airport shuttle, metro, or other means.
Can I arrive in Washington a day before my program starts or stay late?
Yes. Please select the Early Arrival or Late Departure options when you enroll.
Must students bring identification to travel?
Whenever possible, students should carry a picture ID when they travel. School IDs, state IDs, and driver’s licenses are all acceptable forms of identification.
What are the new airline travel security rules?
Please go to the Transportation Security Administration's website for the latest updates and frequently asked questions before you travel. TSA recommends that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight.
What do I need to know before I travel?
For a complete list of travel requirements and suggestions, print and read your Travel Checklist before you travel.