What is the minimum age for bus trips?
Participants must be 18 years of age or older to register.
Are buses equipped with wheelchair lifts?
Not all transportation vendors can accommodate wheelchair-accessible vehicles for all trips. Please contact Kate Yates, ForeverWell Program Director to discuss accommodations for a specific trip date. Persons who require assistance must be accompanied by a paid participant who is fully responsible for that person. The YMCA of the Fox Cities and its volunteers may not physically lift participants into transportation vehicles. The YMCA of the Fox Cities cannot provide special individual assistance to participants for walking or other personal care needs.
What should I do if a trip I want to go on is full?
If a trip is full, you may have your name added to a waitlist at no charge. If a seat becomes available, persons on the waitlist may be contacted and offered that newly available seat. An additional bus may be added if there are enough interested people on a waitlist. Payment is due upon acceptance of the opening.
Could a trip be canceled due to bad weather?
Trips will continue “rain or shine” unless the transportation company determines that it is unsafe to transport passengers. In this case, the trip may be rescheduled and/or a credit will be issued.
What bus companies are used by the Y?
The Y charters transportation locally from Nationwide Travelers, Lamers Bus Lines or Kobussen Buses. Other commercial providers may be used for overnight trips.
When is gratuity included?
Gratuity is included on all meals that are pre-paid. A tip envelope will be passed around for the bus driver and any step-on guides. Gratuities are always optional and up to the discretion of the participant.
After I register, will I get more detailed information about the upcoming trip?
- FOR ONE DAY BUS TRIPS: Before your trip, you will receive a confirmation email that will include specific trip-related information and any itinerary updates.
- FOR OVERNIGHT BUS TRIPS: Prior to trip departure, a mandatory pre-trip meeting will be hosted at a Y branch. There you will receive itineraries and any other final details. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and work through any other concerns you may have.
Is there an option to purchase travel insurance for the overnight bus trips?
The Y will provide information to each participant for the optional purchase of travel insurance through a third party. The purchase of this insurance is voluntary. The Y is not responsible for any policies that are purchased by a participant and cannot help with any claims made to the travel insurance company. If you choose, you may also inquire with your personal insurance agent/company to see if they provide any insurance options for travel.
If I register for an overnight trip, how long do I have to purchase the optional travel insurance?
Each third-party travel insurance company has different terms for coverage. It is the responsibility of the participant to read the information included with the confirmation letter regarding the specifics of the travel insurance plans offered and when they need to be purchased. It is very important that you inquire about insurance as soon as possible, after registration, if you are at all interested.
How are special requests handled?
For special health or dietary requests, please notify Kate Yates at 920.886.2105 or kyates@ymcafoxcities.org as soon as possible. Wheelchairs are permitted but the Y does not provide them. Motorized carts and walkers can be stored under the coach. Oxygen tanks need special securing so advance notice must be provided (minimal AC power is available).