Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs for Research Trips

Is airfare included in the price?

Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements. NGS strongly recommends that you purchase travel insurance to protect against monetary loss. Please review the cancellation policy below before signing up for the trip.

Is food included in the trip price?

Meals are not included unless stated in the trip details. This guarantees participants the freedom to determine their own meal times, places, cuisines, and price ranges.

What other costs are there?

Any incidentals for hotel (i.e., telephone, restaurant, room service charges, etc.) or transportation costs are the responsibility of the individual. Please refer to the individual trip’s details.

Can I arrange for extra nights?

NGS can make arrangements to extend your trip. However, please make these arrangements as quickly as possible since added nights are subject to the hotel’s availability. Contact Courtney Holmes at [email protected] for further information.

Can I put a deposit only on the trip?

NGS requires full payment at the time of registration.

How are the hotels chosen?

Hotels are selected based on convenience, proximity to the research facility, and dining options. All of the guest rooms are 100% nonsmoking. See the individual trip for the hotel’s name and location.

Can I stay either at a different hotel or with my friends in the area?

In arranging a genealogical research trip, NGS tries to provide a well-rounded, quality trip with a select group of experienced researchers at an affordable price.

NGS makes a commitment to the hotel for a number of rooms when it negotiates rates and dates. Having all participants in one location enables leaders to identify, assist, and exchange information with all participants.

Thus, NGS does not offer a “research only” option.

I would rather have a roommate but don't know anyone who wants to go on the trip. Can I still participate?

NGS does try to help you find a roommate, but there are no guarantees. Please register at a single rate. In the registration’s comments section, please indicate if you wish to have a roommate as well as the type of roommate (male or female). If NGS receives a request for a roommate, we will contact both parties. If the individuals want to share a room, the appropriate refunds will be issued. The hotel is non-smoking.

My spouse/friend would like to travel with me but has no interest in researching. Can they?

All trips have a non-researcher roommate option. This fee covers the room charge as well as any events (i.e., get-togethers, meals, or activities) for two people. After selecting the “person with non-researching roommate” please include the person’s name in the registration comments section. Do not register the person separately.

Is there a fee if three of us share a room?

Please check the individual research trip. Some hotels do not have a triple person option. Contact Courtney Holmes at [email protected] for further information.

What type of orientation is there?

About four weeks prior to the trip, NGS sends participants an invitation to an online orientation geared toward assisting researchers with their preparation. Since it is a cloud-based orientation, you can use it at your convenience as often as you like.

I've conducted research there before; why should I participate in the orientation?

Each orientation provides current information about the schedule, area, hotel, and facility along with a variety of research tips. It also provides the opportunity to ask questions of the leaders. In addition, there is message board for announcements and updated information.

How many other researchers are there?

Each trip has its own limit on the number of participants, based on facilities and hotel availability. Trips usually have one leader to every 15 participants. To cover costs, NGS needs a minimum of 15 participants per trip.

What is the cancellation policy?

NGS understands that personal commitments may change your plans. To cancel a trip, please send written notice (email) to Courtney Holmes at [email protected].

  • If your cancellation request is received on or before the last day of registration, a $175 nonrefundable administrative fee is deducted from your refund.
  • After registration closes, due to contract obligations, refunds minus the nonrefundable administrative fee are only available if a substitute participant is found.
  • Refunds are not available for missed events or early departures.

NGS strongly recommends that you purchase travel insurance to protect against monetary loss.

I have further questions, whom do I ask?

Contact Courtney Holmes at [email protected].