​Group Travel Directors and Accolades Tours recognize the deep impact of the Covid-19 virus on those associated with our company and the world as a whole. We earnestly look forward to a time when we can all greet life in a more normal way.

We are working diligently to address matters on a chronological, group-by-group basis whether it pertains to cancellations, refunds, rebookings, existing tours, or new tours.

​As our Mission Statement says: “We conduct business with uncompromising honesty and integrity. Our philosophy is that of respect and appreciation toward those associated with our company.”

If you have questions, please contact us at info@gtd.org.
​

Thank you, Elizabeth:

Thank you, again!
Elizabeth Bennett
Director of Orchestras, 
Buffalo Grove High School ​

At last week's ACDA Summer Dialog Conference. Accolades invited All-State choir attendees to "Sing Accolades"  -- that is to sing our new theme:

With such talented singers choosing a winner was difficult -- especially since the primary goal was to have fun.  In the end, we selected an ensemble made up of members from the Champlin Park High School Choir. Congratulations!

Today, there are lots of options beyond solitaire.  Smartphones and pads are by far the largest source of options.  The important consideration is internet availability.  Even if there is WiFi available on your flight, do they allow what you want to do?  Streaming videos, for example, is typically prohibited.  This can be overcome by pre-downloading the movies and streaming audio you want to use.

You may also want to see if the in flight WiFi providers have promotional deals (e.g GoGo has had promotions with T-Mobile, US Banks, and American Express).

Delta Airlines transports over 700 service & support animals each day and they have seen it all. Because of policy-abuse, starting March 1 they will be changing their service & support animal  policy. 

On Delta Airlines, to travel with an emotional support animal, passengers must: 

1. Download the official PDF.  You may submit a copy of vaccination records in lieu of the Veterinary Health Form as long as the vaccination dates and veterinary office information are included.
2. Upload it to My Trips through the Accessibility Service Request Form
3. Keep completed paperwork with you while traveling

BEHAVIOR
We know that service and support animals are highly-trained working animals. We will only refuse transportation of the animal if it engages in disruptive behavior such as: 

• Growling 
• Jumping on passengers 
• Relieving themselves in the gate area or cabin
• Barking excessively, not in response to a handler’s need or distress
• Eating off seatback tray tables

​Other airlines are following suit.

* statistically, you'd have to fly 200 flights to have a service/support animal on board

more news here ​

In 2012, Tim Storms reclaimed the record for the Lowest Note Produced by a Human. The new record is G−7, or 0.189 Hz, eight octaves below the lowest G on the piano, or just over seven octaves below the piano.

Hear the NPR interview:

And an encore:

more news here ​

Not researching passport laws.
Check the passport laws for the countries you plan on visiting. Some countries including Brazil, Singapore, Ecuador, Indonesia, Romania, Israel, Paraguay and Malaysia will not allow you to visit within six months of your passport expiration date. Countries including Denmark, Cambodia, Switzerland, Fiji and Greenland will not allow people with passports within three months of expiring. We determine and advise you for your destination(s).

Not having enough blank pages.
If you travel abroad frequently, you may be running low on space for stamps in your passport. In most countries, you will need at least two blank pages to be granted entry. Once it is full, you will need to apply for a new one. There is also an option to apply for a Frequent Travelers Passport which is a bit more expensive but will save you money in the long run.

Not renewing after a name change.
Have you recently gotten married and changed your name?  It’s important not to forget to also change it on your passport. If it has been less than a year since your current passport was issued, you are eligible for a free change with a DS-5504 form. If it has been over a year, you will need to provide a renewal form along with a new photo and documents proving your new name.

Traveling with a damaged passport.
Significantly damaged passports are completely ineligible for travel, according to State Department guidelines. This includes water damage, substantial tears, missing visa pages and either damage,  and rips or markings on your bio page in the front. You may think its fine if your passport has any sign of damage,  but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Apply for a new one online or by mail.

more news here ​