Our site is currently under development. Please excuse any issues as we build.

FAQs for Travelers

TRAVELERS

Can I bring a family member or friend who are non-members?

Absolutely—your spouse, partner, friends, and family members are very welcome to join you!

CLE Abroad program pricing is per participant. If your companion plans to join the full agenda—including touring, cultural activities, meals, tastings, and entertainment—then their program price is the same as yours, with any savings coming from choosing double instead of single occupancy.

Our programs are designed for attorneys and non-attorneys alike, and the educational topics are crafted to be engaging for any intellectually curious traveler. Participants are always free to skip a lecture or activity if they wish. In many cases, our tour guides can be available for ad hoc assistance or guiding when someone prefers a different plan or has other interests.

For some programs, we also offer a Day Program option, where you book your own accommodations. The Day Program includes all programming, group meals, tours and excursions, entertainment, professional meetings and speaking engagements, and daily ground transportation from the designated meeting point (usually the group hotel). This can be a great option if your travel companion wants to keep their own schedule while you join the group for the activities that suit you both.

Travel Insurance

CLE Abroad does not sell travel insurance, but we strongly recommend that travelers purchase comprehensive coverage.

Most insurers offer their most comprehensive benefits (including pre-existing condition waivers) only if you purchase a policy within about 14 days of your initial trip deposit. Please use the date on your registration confirmation as the start of that window and review policy details carefully.

Comprehensive travel insurance typically covers situations such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical emergencies, and lost or delayed luggage. While we hope you never need it, many travelers find it reassuring to have this protection in place.

You are not obligated to use the recommended provider. Feel free to choose the insurance provider that best suits your needs.

What are the cancellation policies?

Answer text

Room Occupancy

Our travel packages are generally priced based on the following room types:

  • Single Occupancy – One person in one room.
  • Double Occupancy – Two people sharing one room, usually with either one bed or two beds (subject to availability and by request).

Bed sizes and configurations can vary by property and room category, especially when traveling internationally. While we do our best to honor bed type requests (such as King Size), they cannot always be guaranteed.

In some cases, triple or quadruple occupancy (three or four people sharing one room) may be available by special request and at an additional cost. These arrangements are subject to hotel availability and may involve different room types, bed configurations, or additional bedding (such as sofa beds or rollaway beds).

If you have specific rooming preferences—such as bed type, roommates, or interest in triple/quad occupancy—please let us know as early as possible so we can explore options with our hotel partners.

Room Sharing & Occupancy

CLE Abroad does not typically pair participants for shared rooms. If you indicate interest in sharing, we can note this in your profile and, if another participant inquires about a potential roommate, we may contact you to see if you wish to connect. Please note:

  • Twin room configurations (two beds, two people, one room) are available upon request, subject to availability.
  • Additional costs may apply for rooms with two separate beds.

If you do not already have a confirmed roommate, you should register under Single Occupancy.

What happens after I register?
Pre-Trip Survey. Before departure, you will be asked to complete a short pre-trip survey. The information you provide helps us tailor the program and better accommodate both group and individual preferences (for example, dietary needs and activity preferences). You will receive survey links via the email address used for registration. Post-trip surveys may also be sent to gather feedback and improve future programs.
  1. Request for Participant Information (Passport & Flights). CLE Abroad will request that you submit your passport details and flight information as soon as possible. You will be notified via the email address you used to register and prompted to update this information directly in your WeTravel booking account.
    Timely and accurate completion of this information is essential for smooth logistics and is greatly appreciated.
  2. Travel Tips (2–3 Weeks Before Arrival)
    Approximately 2–3 weeks prior to arrival, you will receive detailed Travel Tips with practical guidance and key information to help you prepare for your journey.

  3. Pre-Trip Conference Call (About 2 Weeks Before Arrival)
    Around 2 weeks before arrival, we will host a pre-trip informational video conference call to review the Travel Tips, walk through the itinerary, and answer any questions.
  • You will receive invitations by email.
  • The call will be recorded for those unable to attend.

Updated Program Schedule / ItineraryTaking into account final confirmations, survey responses, participant requests, and arrival times, an updated program schedule/itinerary will be sent in advance of the pre-trip call so you can review the most current plan.

Walking & Limited Mobility

Many of our programs include a good amount of walking, sometimes on uneven or slippery surfaces, cobblestones, rough paths, or staircases without elevator access. To fully participate, travelers should be able to walk on their own, or be open to arranging alternative transportation, which may involve additional costs.

We’re happy to work with you to find the best fit for your comfort level. Before the trip, we’ll send a survey to learn more about each participant’s mobility needs and walking pace. When possible, we may organize a slower-paced route with its own guide, arrange private transportation to avoid steep climbs or many stairs, or offer the option to sit out certain activities if that feels like the better choice for you.

Is airfare included?

International airfare is not included in CLE Abroad program prices. Instead, each participant is responsible for booking their own flights.

We know that travelers have very different preferences and needs when it comes to air travel—such as:

  • Departure airport and preferred routing
  • Desired arrival/departure dates, including personal travel before or after the program
  • Comfort level with layovers and connections
  • Preferred airlines, cabin upgrades, and use of miles or points

Because of these individual factors, it is not practical to coordinate a single group flight itinerary for our professional delegations.

However, we do typically provide suggested flight options and sample itineraries several months before each program. These recommendations are intended to help you identify suitable arrival and departure windows and to make your planning easier, while still allowing you the flexibility to book flights that best match your own schedule and preferences.

When should I book my flights?

As a general guideline, booking international flights 3–4 months before departure often provides a good balance of schedule options and competitive fares. Actual pricing can vary based on route, season, and airline, so we encourage you to monitor options that work best for your schedule and budget.

You are welcome to:

  • Book with your preferred airline(s)
  • Choose your preferred cabin/class of service
  • Use miles or points according to your own loyalty programs and preferences

Please plan your flights to align with the specific dates and details in your program registration, including any pre- or post-trip plans you have added. Your Trip Organizers will notify you if there are any recommended arrival and departure windows, group transfers, or timing considerations that should factor into your flight choices.

Can I book extra room nights at the group hotels?

Yes. If you’d like to arrive early or stay after the program, we’re often able to add extra nights at the group hotels, subject to availability. Pricing will vary by hotel, room category, and occupancy. To explore options or request additional nights, please contact team@cle-abroad.com.

Please keep in mind that standard hotel check-in time is typically 3:00 p.m. While hotels do their best to accommodate early arrivals, early check-in is not guaranteed. If your flight arrives early and you want to be sure you can access your room immediately, we recommend booking the night prior to your arrival date so that a room will be ready for you.

 Are these trips tax deductible?

Program registration fees are not deductible as charitable contributions for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Some costs may qualify as ordinary and necessary business or education expenses under IRC §162 and Treas. Reg. §1.162-5 if they maintain or improve skills in your current profession or help you maintain a professional license. Tax treatment depends on your specific situation and current law, so please consult your accountant or tax advisor.

What if I do not speak the local language(s)?

Our programs are designed for English-speaking travelers, and your CLE Abroad team, local guides, and trip leaders will assist with communication throughout the journey. Most hospitality professionals in our destination cities also speak English, and we are always happy to help with translations, reservations, and any language-related needs so you can feel comfortable and supported at every step.

Can I collect loyalty points or use them for upgrades at group hotels?

Upon request, CLE Abroad will provide your membership or rewards number to the group hotel(s) and ask that it be attached to your room within the CLE Abroad group reservation. Please note that most hotel benefits only apply to direct, individual bookings—not to group or agency bookings. You may still earn points for eligible expenses you pay for personally during your stay, such as room service or meals in the hotel restaurant. In most cases, award points or loyalty status cannot be used to secure complimentary room upgrades for group reservations.

Airport Transfers

Airport transfers are not always included in the trip cost; please refer to the “What is Included” section on your specific trip page or contact team@cle-abroad.com for clarification.

Liability Insurance (Tour Operator)

As a tour operator, CLE Abroad carries professional liability insurance, including coverage for personal injury, errors and omissions, hired transportation, and bodily injury and property damage with a coverage limit of $1M.

At the participant level, we do not typically require signed liability waivers, as our programs are focused on education and culture, and our walking tours and activities do not generally involve adventure or high‑risk components. In limited cases—such as camel rides or similar activities in certain destinations—additional waivers may be required by local providers.

Subheading

Heading