Voyageurs International Ltd

My tip would be that they some how set up a facebook account so the parents can keep up with the kids and get to see what they are doing for the day and maybe figure out a way to make a cd able to help cover overhead cost for the next trip more

I feel obligated to respond to Collette M. and Barbara M. If the price of the tour increased, then you either didn't read the materials or you chose not to pay the full fees according to the schedule. They told you that if you did not pay in full by a certain date, that the price could increase and you would have to pay the increased price. If you paid in full by the appointed date, you would not have to pay for the increases.\r You certainly could go on your own and pay less. However, Voyageurs takes care of all the planning and the accommodations. All of the information is given to the state coordinators. They have been doing this for 43 years, give them a break, they know what they are doing. If information is not complete, blame it on the state coordinators.\r I lived in Germany for 3 years while in my youth. My oldest daughter went on this trip in 2006 and my son is going this year. It is a great opportunity for them to see some of the sites that I experienced. \r It is an honor to be selected and it's a great life experience for them to raise the money. There is a great lesson in that. Both of my children have done it.\r And no, it will not cost you $3000 over the Voyageurs price. I don't remember how much money my daughter took with her, but there was a recommended amount and that's what she went by and she did just fine.\r Only two students from each school are chosen, so you have to be a serious band student. I think the experience is worth every penny. more

Somewhat disappointed in this company. Told us that alot of activiites would be paid for and then they weren't. Communication was also terrible - would not e-mail and sent all through communciation via mail so we didn't get half of the communication which made one of the state coordinators not very happy. Trip was fine, but not what it was cracked up to be. We were told that our daughter would not have to fly back into Seattle on the return and then when it came down to the wire, she had to fly to Seattle. Also, the state coordinators as well as Voayageurs could have given out way more information on what to take, what not to take well before the trip. They waited until 2 days before the kids were going to fly to Europe which is a little late for packing clothes. I probably would not recommend this trip again as coordinators seemed disorganized. Trip was way over-priced with two price increases by the time the trip came. Plan on spending at least $900 for food above and beyond what Voyaguers told us,and my daugher is a small eater. Coordinators/Voyaguers could also have been more helpful as far as kids doing laundry in Europe. The kids couldn't go running around looking for laundry mats so this was an issue. Also, expecting kids to wear the concert jacket for sixteen days is rediculous. My daughter said her jacket was absolutely filthy by the end of the trip. My daughter had fun, but said trip was way over-priced for what it was, and information up front could have been way better. Plan on spending about $3000 more than the actual Voyageur price. more

We have not left yet and we have already had 2 increases. I would not recoment this for people who have limited funds. I feel that they have us over a barrel because we have already paid in full with no recourse. If the fuel charges and fees went down would we get a refund? more

This is similar to another 'program' in Washington, D.C. for young entrepreneurs. This one is for musicians. The music teacher of my daughter's school 'nominated' her probably thinking it is a legitimate opportunity for young musicians to play in concerts or orchestras throughout Europe. None of the reviews mention 'performing'. This appears to be a travel group where Voyageurs International gets a fee for 'coordinating' your child's trip. You can buy a roundtrip ticket to Europe and go with your son or daughter for the amount they are charging and enjoy the same scenery and 'awesome cheese party'. Just saying! Terri more

This trip was a spectacular program that rose above and beyond my expectations for an AUTHENTIC European experience that was utterly and remarkably awesome. Meeting new people, taking pictures, learning of and seeing firsthand the culture of Europe itself; this trip provided it all. Switzerland was definitely one of the highlights of the entire escapade. The beautiful hotel, friendly locals, breathtaking scenery, and awesome cheese party were particularly memorable. At times during the trip our Alabama group came into contact with other states, during these generally brief encounters, that I was told was not generally the norm, usually they don't get so close together, I enjoyed meeting fellow musicians that I could relate to. It was also interesting to see how, when abroad, since you are in a foreign country, everyone from the U.S. becomes immediately as close as your next door neighbor. I would meet people from texas or Oklahoma and remember exchanging contact information as if we lived only miles apart. This adventure will always remain one that I will never, and can never forget :-) Pros: FRIENDS, MUSIC, EUROPE!!! TRAVEL, buses, NEW EXPERIENCES Cons: none :-P i had a wonderful time the whole time more

I have always loved Europe, and when I got the invitation letter to go on this trip I was ecstatic! Everybody on this trip was mature and loved music. I met friends and experienced things that I will never forget. Every bit of the trip was wonderful--there was a good combination of chaperoned activities and small group activities. The food was wonderful, as was the housing. My favorite hotel was in Switzerland, because my room had a balcony and I could watch the sun set over the Swiss Alps. I can't complain about this trip at all--it was extremely rewarding, and I'll definitely recommend it to anybody who asks. I hope I can go again! Pros: Made new friends, saw AWESOME stuff in Europe! more

To be able to travel around Europe was a once in a life time opportunity I would love to experience again. I was the oldest student on my trip with Voyageurs from Alabama. I first thought the trip wouldn't be all that great, I mean lets be honest, being in close quarters with two bus loads of students doesn't sound like a vacation. Once we got to Europe I truly say I was proved wrong. The trip was a blast! Besides Europe being incredibly beautiful, the Voyageurs City Coordinators were all so welcoming and fun to tour around with. I truly enjoyed the Voyageurs trip to Europe and I believe that this experience is one that young and old alike can grow from. To have the hands-on experience of different cultures and countries all in one trip is something special. I loved the concerts we performed and in every country our audiences were always huge and excited to have us there. Being a college student, this trip will definitely be going on my resume and I strongly encourage students of music to take part in this amazing opportunity, and teachers, parents, or anyone who is a music lover to take part in and support the Alabama Music Ambassadors. Pros: Loved seeing Europe, I made new friends more

do you have to be invited to this group to join? i dont believe i was but i would LOVE to be part of the expierence. more

As of 2:30 A.M. I have arrived back in Mobile, AL where I was an Alabama Ambassador. In the beginning when I signed the agreement to go I was told we would be flying out of our City a year later they changed the flight to Atlanta. The hotels were promised to be the best and up to our standards however, we got a room the size of a closet in Germany that had slept Four People. The worst part about this is the ending party in Switzerland where we had to share with Texas and Oklahoma. Now the eating arrangements were Amazing in Austria very good dining. The arrangements in Paris were pathetic we ate the same place 3 times. Europe was a great experience and would llve to live there but Voyageurs can have a really ruined the impression of Europe for some people Pros: Awesome experience very fun Cons: Arrangements broken promises and poor eating more

I was wondering if someone who has been on the European Ambassadors Music Trip could maybe tell me an approximate amount as to the cost of the trip. It would be very helpful if someone could 'comment on this comment'!! Pros: Example: best croissants in town Cons: What are the drawbacks? more

If ever you are in the process of planning to study abroad, I would definanlty recommend using Voyageurs Intl! I can speak so strongly about their Music Ambassadors Programs because I have attended one of their tours abroad to Europe! Every aspect of the trip was planned and brought to life to it's full extent giving the traveler the best possible trip! Seriously, I would recommend this trip to anyone, but this trip is only available through a reccomendation through your Choir/Band Teachers so try to shine in your schools music department. Seriously.... I would give this company a 10 out of 5 stars!!! Pros: You get to travel to Europe, and because you are going with a well known ambassador group, you will experience the culture in a way that many do not!!! Cons: There are no cons!! more

I am also traveling this summer 2008 with the Washington Ambassadors of Music. In response to the previous Washington Ambassador's comments, the packing list was actually one of the first pieces of information I received in the fall. It was in the introductory packet along with the emergency form, etc. So I don't know what they are talking about! :) Also, when my son changed instruments mid-year, I spoke to a very friendly and informative lady who was very helpful. We have received newsletters along the way as well as a billing statement for every payment due. Recently we also received a final packet that included a very detailed and exciting itinerary. I want to go along too!!! Congratulations to a company that gives great information and is incredibly organized. Thank you!! Cons: None so far. more

how much do these trips cost? more

We write and ask questions but as of yet get no response. We are going on the washington ambassadors of music trip this summer 2008. We want to know where the list of an idea of what we should bring is as we were promised a list back in the fall. We never received one thing. Pretty poor planning! more

I just needed to contact you to let you know that the check did not get put in the envelope with the application--it has been sent today in a card sorry----cheryl johnson for bridget chase more