Q. What is the client to staff ratio?

A. We at Trips R Us want to do everything possible to make sure our clients have an awesome experience. To assure this, we must have the appropriate staff to client ratio (1:8 minimum) to meet everyone’s needs. Staff ratios are approximations and may vary accordingly to the needs and levels of the clients (as a whole.) We also rate the pace of our trips: 1 sun= slow-paced, 2 suns= typically paced, 3 suns= fast paced, if unsure of which trip is appropriate for your client(s), please contact Trips R Us for more information. A Client Information Form MUST be completed in its entirety prior to attending ANY programs/trips. Guardians/parents/house staff must disclose ANY and ALL information pertaining to the person(s) in their care in order for Trips R Us to assure everyone has a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience. Trips R Us is not responsible for any situation that may occur due to inadequate disclosure of pertinent information.  

• Trips R Us staff is able to provide prompts/reminders to complete ADL’s (bathing/hygiene), adjust water temperature in showers, dressing, using restrooms, spending money and medications – pre packaged according to Trips R Us’ medication policy. Our staff does NOT provide direct-hands-on personal care.

Q. Does Trips R Us offer any type of payment plan for Big Trips?

A. YES! We offer a payment plan for those interested on all trips over $500. when selected on your registration form.  We will e-mail you a monthly payment book based upon the amount you give for a deposit; receiving full payment 45 days prior to your trip or 65 days for cruises.

Q. Can parents/staff accompany individuals on the trips with Trips R Us?

A. No.  Our goal is to provide people with developmental challenges a way to gain social skills and a circle of friends outside of their immediate family. We strive to enhance self-confidence and personal growth through the awesome experiences of our social events and travel adventures.  Also do to traveling in 15-passenger vans, we have limited space and taking parent/staff would take a spot in our van away from an individual that may  need our services.

Q. What are your trip cancellation policies?

A. Cancellation Policies: Trips cancelled must be in writing and received by:

• 180 days prior to trip departure date = full refund minus ANY pre-purchased, non-refundable items such as airline tickets, cruise packages, etc. PLUS a $50. processing fee.
• 90 days prior to trip departure date = full refund minus ANY pre-purchased, non-refundable items such as airline tickets, cruise packages, etc. PLUS a $75. Processing fee.
• 60 days prior to trip departure date = 50% refund of total trip cost minus ANY pre-purchased, non-refundable items such as airline tickets, cruise packages, etc. PLUS a $150. Processing fee.
• 30 days prior and No Shows = No Refund Given
• Trips R Us will try to fill your spot with another traveler; if that is possible =full refund minus ANY fees charged=transfer charges, name changes, etc., PLUS $50. Processing fee.
• We strongly suggest Trip Cancellation Insurance to protect yourself…if you may need to cancel your trip for some unforeseen reason.  We have no affiliation with TRAVELEX, but you can visit their website at  www.travelex-insurance.com for any question or concerns.  Travel Insurance is the only way to cover yourself if you need to cancel your vacation.

Q. When should I book?

A. If you’re interested in traveling with us, we urge you to book as soon as possible, since all of our trips have limits and can sell out!  We require a completed registration form to officially register for any trip(s).

Q. What air carriers do you use?

A. We always use regularly scheduled, major airlines. Your carrier and flight schedule are confirmed by e-mail approximately 14 days prior to departure, depending on the trip. Transportation to the airport is not included on our big trips. We offer for Big Trips (by air) an pick up location at Red Roof Inn-Framingham Park Lot or you can meet at the Airport.

Q. How do I book a trip with you?

A. Please click on the registration form link, print it, and mail or scan and e-mail your completed registration form to Trips R Us, 42 Eden Street, Framingham, MA 01702. You may also e-mail or call us and we will send you out a registration form in the mail for you the next day.  We ask if you scan and e-mail a registration form to follow up with us if you do not receive a response within 3 business days due to on occasion e-mails may go directly to SPAM.

Q. What documents do I need to travel?

A. Traveling internationally and/or outside of United States (e.g. Mexico, Caribbean and Canada), you are required to have a VALID US Passport Book (NOT Card), which must be valid for at least six months after your return date.  Starting October 1st, 2020, all travelers planning to fly anywhere in the United States will need the REAL ID (essentially an enhanced State Id.)  It will need to have a (yellow/gold) star at the top of the right corner of your REAL ID.  To obtain a REAL ID, you typically will need to present a certified birth certificate, Social Security Card and 2 documents that show your current address.  Because our individuals travel with us from all over the United States, please be sure to confirm your state’s required documentation needed to obtain the REAL ID.  Trips R Us is not responsible for a traveler  missing a trip due to not having the REAL ID that is required to travel by air within the United States beginning October 1st, 2020.  We cannot offer refunds in these cases.  Please visit the following websites for more information on the REAL ID

https://www.mass.gov/guides/massachusetts-identification-id-requirements (MA Residents)

https://www.dhs.gov/real-id (website has a map and you can select your state to learn what documents, etc. are required to obtain REAL ID in your state).

Q. How do I make payments?

A. Payments for trips may be made with Personal Check, Money Order or bank check Payable To:  Trips R Us and mailed to 42 Eden Street, Framingham, MA 01702. All of our trips include everything stated in the description. After your registration form and deposit are received; we will e-mail a monthly payment book when requested on registration form that will indicate monthly payments and the due date.

Q. When will I receive travel documents?

A. You can expect your travel documents (final itineraries and all information) to be e-mailed approximately 2 weeks prior to departure. We are always an e-mail (mike@tripsrus.org) or phone call away if you have any questions regarding your trip, itineraries, etc.

Q. Is Trips R Us able to accommodate consumers, who require the aid/use of adaptive equipment (e.g. walker, wheelchair)?

A. At this time we are no longer able to transport individuals, who require the aid/use of adaptive equipment (e.g. walker, wheelchair) in our 15-passenger van and/or a van rented for transportation during our trip.  We are terribly sorry about this, but as always our main concern is the safety of our travelers traveling with us.  At this time we do not have a wheelchair accessible van and would have to place the wheelchair, walker, and/or adaptive equipment in the aisle/opening of the double door in our van.  We are no longer able to place anything in this area; as this is the only means for an exit/emergency exit for people traveling in the van.  We apologize if this has caused you any inconvenience in anyway and would be more than willing to discuss any alternatives you may suggest.