If you don't find the information you are looking for here, also check our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Mailings: You will receive ONE mailing from us, approximately 6 weeks to 2 months in advance of your program. (If you register less than six weeks before a program, the mailing will be sent as soon as we receive your registration.) This mailing will include a welcome letter, a Health and Information form, an information booklet, and a sample schedule for the program. We ask that you complete the Health form and return it to us at: College of William and Mary Elderhostel, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA, 23187-8795. (Make sure to include the word "Elderhostel" as it will not reach us otherwise!)

Program Check-in and Opening Night Schedule: Hotel check-in and program registration is from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the hotel lobby. Depending on the hotel, our registration tables may be set up elsewhere-- just ask the Front desk. If you wish to have your hotel room phone activated, you must make a refundable deposit, via cash or credit card, at the time of check-in. Light refreshments are available in the registration area, and you will have the opportunity to socialize informally with the other Elderhostelers. At the time of registration, you will be given a packet that includes, among other things, a schedule, Instructor and Staff Roster, Participants Roster, and nametag. The Orientation session will begin at 5:15 pm, followed by dinner at approximately 6:30 pm. After dinner there will be a short overview of the program and group introductions. Occasionally, we have a class the first night.

Cancellations: If you must cancel, contact the national Elderhostel office in Boston toll free at (800) 454-5768, as well as The College of William and Mary Elderhostel Program at (757) 221-3649. If you are calling on the weekend, especially if it is just before your program is scheduled to begin, please contact the hotel directly and leave a message for our site coordinator. You will still need to contact the national office during normal business hours.

Class Size: William and Mary is a popular Elderhostel site. For Williamsburg programs, although the average class size is in the mid-30's, you may meet as many as 50 new friends. For Charlottesville programs, 40 is more common. Biking, birding, and service programs tend to be smaller. We frequently have waiting lists for our programs!

Clothing: Dress will be casual the entire week. Bring comfortable walking shoes! Work clothes will be needed for service programs. The What to Bring page offers other packing suggestions.

Weather: For Williamsburg: The weather in the Williamsburg area is temperate year-round. In December, January, and February, average high temperatures are in the high 40's to low 50's Fahrenheit, with average lows in the mid-30's. Snow has been rare in recent winters. In mid-summer average temperatures rise to the mid to upper 80's, with lows in the high 60's and 70's. In Spring and Fall the weather is delightful, with average highs in the 70's and high 60's, and lows in the high 50's. For Charlottesville: Charlottesville 's climate, classified as temperate, has four distinct seasons: mild falls, cold to moderate winters, warm springs, and hot summers. Rain, although infrequent, can be expected anytime with occasional thunderstorms in the summer and some light snowfall in the winter. Nights are generally cooler than days. Summer days rarely exceed 90 degrees (typically in July and early August), while winter temperatures are in the high 20's to low 50's. Spring and fall temperatures range from 50-60 degrees, with periods of sunny, warm weather likely at anytime.

Handicap Accessibility and Wheelchairs: We are committed to making Elderhostel programs accessible for everyone, but you must tell us in advance so we can plan to accommodate your needs. If you plan on using a wheelchair, whether you are bringing your own or wish to rent one, please call us in advance of the program. Wheelchairs may be rented for a nominal fee. You must arrange for someone to assist you with pushing the chair, as Elderhostel staff cannot provide this assistance. Please note: Some historic buildings in Colonial Williamsburg are not wheelchair accessible.

Health Form: In the mailing you receive from us there will be a Health and Information Form. Please return this to us as soon as possible, so that we may better assist you with health concerns or dietary constraints, such as food allergies, or diabetic and vegetarian restrictions. If you cannot find your health form, please call our office at (757) 221-3649. If you have not mailed the form prior to two weeks before the program begins, fax it to (757) 221-2723 or bring it with you to registration. This information is essential for you to participate in the program. We have limited ability to meet special dietary requests, so please call us if you have any pressing concerns or issues.

Health Care: In Williamsburg, Emergency health care is provided by Williamsburg Community Hospital. Charlottesville is served by Martha Jefferson Hospital, located three miles from the English Inn. Please alert the site coordinator immediately if you aren't feeling well. We'll provide transportation.

Late Arrivals: If your travel plans do not allow you to arrive before 5:15 pm, please contact us at (757) 221-3649. We will alert the site coordinator and hotel to expect you to check-in later in the evening.

Money Matters: All registration fees are due at the national Elderhostel office in Boston prior to your arrival at our program. Program fees cover all scheduled activities; some optional activities may incur additional admission costs. Remember to bring adequate funds for shopping!  

Organized Tours and Free Time: We provide transportation for scheduled field trips ONLY. To guarantee insurance coverage by Elderhostel you must ride with the transportation provided. We do not provide transportation during free time, however we can assist you in finding someone with whom to carpool-- please speak to the site coordinator when you arrive. See the "Getting Around" section under Local Area-Williamsburg for other free time transportation options. For Charlottesville programs, we strongly recommend that you rent a car if you are not driving your own vehicle to the program. This will give you the greatest flexibility during free time.

Prescription Medicine: If you are taking prescription medicine, make sure you bring enough to last for the duration of the program. It can be very difficult to refill prescriptions away from home – especially out of state!

Meals: Expect good, traditional Southern cooking. A typical dinner might be baked chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, and dessert. We also include a tavern dinner for most week-long programs. Dress is casual for this special outing. (Tavern dinners are not included for three-night programs.)  

Alcohol: You may purchase beer and wine at the hotel with your meals and in the lounge. There are liquor stores in the vicinity as well-- just ask for directions.

Tickets: For some Williamsburg programs, a ticket to Colonial Williamsburg is included in your tuition, as is admission to other sites visited on field trips. Please check the program description, as well as the letter you receive in the packet from us, for information on tickets. The description and letter will indicate if you are going to receive a Colonial Williamsburg ticket. Please be advised that we are unable to get you your ticket early. Tickets are purchased in bulk on the day of your tour. However, you will have the opportunity to upgrade your ticket at a reduced rate, should you wish to visit Colonial Williamsburg during free time or after the close of the program. For Charlottesville programs, admission to all scheduled tours is included in your tuition.

Walking: As most of our programs are Activity Level 3 and above, walking will be extensive on field trips. To enjoy the program fully, you'll need to be prepared to walk up to two miles daily. Remember that having "stragglers" on walking tours impacts the entire group.