Embark on a Journey of Discovery: University of Washington Alumni Travel Programs

The University of Washington Alumni Association offers enriching travel programs designed to foster lifelong learning and connect alumni and friends through immersive cultural experiences around the globe. These programs cater to curious minds seeking to expand their horizons beyond the classroom.

A Commitment to Immersive Lifelong Learning

UW Alumni Tours prioritize immersive lifelong learning, carefully selecting high-quality group travel experiences in collaboration with vetted tour operators specializing in educational travel. These trips are designed to honor the cultures and communities encountered along the way. Many tours feature destination-specific lectures delivered by local experts, UW faculty, or faculty from partner universities, providing deeper insights into the destinations visited.

Value and Convenience

Travelers consistently praise UW Alumni Tours for their exceptional value. The tour operators handle all logistical details, including transportation, lodging, and itinerary planning, allowing participants to maximize their time and investment without the stress of individual planning. From small group land tours to luxurious cruises, the program offers a variety of options to suit different preferences. When available, a UW host accompanies the trip to provide additional support and guidance.

Connecting with the UW Community

These group tours provide a unique opportunity to celebrate your connection to the University of Washington. Participation is open to all alumni, family members, and friends. Single travelers are also welcome. While not mandatory, the program encourages at least one person per reservation to join the UW Alumni Association, as membership dues contribute to supporting the travel program and making these tours possible.

A Legacy of Educational Travel

The foundation of these alumni travel programs dates back to 1962 when Richard and Arlene Small established Studentaire Travel, focusing on travel for college students. In 1964, they launched Alumni Holidays, pioneering the concept of connecting graduates back to their alma maters through travel. Alumni Holidays quickly became a leading force in the alumni travel market, operating its first trip to Europe in 1967 and even chartering an aircraft to the 1968 Rose Bowl. The company continued to evolve, incorporating as AHI International Corporation in 1984 and expanding into Canada in 1985. They introduced innovative travel experiences, such as overnight passenger ships on the Rhone, Saone and Seine rivers in France, and the Alumni Campus Abroad (ACA) concept in 1993, featuring inclusive packages with airfare, excursions, meals, and seminars.

After Richard and Arlene Small retired in 2000, the company continued to innovate, launching cruises between St. Petersburg and Moscow in 2003 and establishing a long-standing relationship with the Eastern and Orient Express. In 2011, they introduced "Art of Living" programs, offering extended stays with cultural learning opportunities in destinations like Cuenca, Ecuador, and later in Provence and Tuscany. Technological enhancements, such as listening devices for excursions, were added to improve the traveler experience. AHI expanded into Great Britain in 2016, partnering with Oxford University.

Partnering for Exceptional Experiences

The UW Alumni Association partners with leading affinity travel organizations with extensive experience in planning travel programs that go beyond typical group tours. These partnerships ensure exciting destinations and itineraries that align with the program's objective of learning through travel. Select trips also feature faculty members who share their expertise and insights, enriching the educational aspect of the journey. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or new to exploring the world, the Travel Program offers a wonderful way to experience new cultures and connect with fellow curious individuals.

Diverse Destinations Await

Each year, the UW Alumni Association offers a variety of unique tours across the globe, providing opportunities to travel with fellow alumni, parents, and friends of the university. A catalog showcases inspiring stories from alumni travelers, stunning photos, destination highlights, and details about the Travel Program.

Trusted Tour Operators

UW Alumni Tours collaborates with professional and highly experienced tour operators, selected for their destination expertise, reputation, and top-quality programming. This diverse network allows the program to offer a broad spectrum of tours catering to different travel preferences and expectations. Travelers are welcome to contact the tour operators directly with questions about a trip or reservation, mentioning their affiliation with the UW.

AHI Travel

UW alumni have been traveling with AHI Travel since the 1970s. AHI is known for its deluxe international educational tours, including European river cruises, Crystal Cruise Line itineraries, small-ship cruises, and the Alumni Campus Abroad series. These tours provide intimate experiences in small towns and remote destinations, complemented by lectures and local interactions.

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Go Next

Since 2009, UW Alumni Tours has partnered with Go Next to offer luxury cruising experiences on Oceania Cruises, known for their deluxe ships, exceptional culinary offerings, and exciting itineraries. Go Next secures group space for various university alumni associations, acting as the universities' cruise agency and providing excellent customer service while ensuring the best value for UW travelers.

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has been offering expeditions to captivating destinations for years, emphasizing discovery and bringing adventurous travelers along to share in the excitement of uncovering the world’s wild secrets.

Odysseys Unlimited

Odysseys Unlimited, a six-time honoree of Travel + Leisure‘s World’s Best Tour Operators award, has been a favorite of UW alumni. Odysseys is known for affordable, high-quality small group travel, with a maximum of 24 participants per trip. Their tours stay in smaller, unique hotels and offer intimate cultural experiences not available to larger groups.

Orbridge

Orbridge, based on Bainbridge Island, partners with numerous alumni associations to deliver the ultimate educational travel experience. Its trips combine high-end properties, included features, free time, expert guides, lecturers, and personalized service from beginning to end.

Protecting Your Investment

Purchasing travel insurance is highly recommended to protect you, your belongings, and your travel investment.

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