Instructors will have definite ideas of what they want their students to see, rather than simply subscribing to a standard tour aimed at leisure travelers. Itineraries, as presented to travel agents, should be detailed and inclusive so that students' out-of-pocket expenses on the tour can be minimized. Standard quotes will generally include air fare, room with private bath (double occupancy) and breakfast, airport transfers, a guide or driver-guide, and group transportation during the tour. Unless the group is departing from Philadelphia, instructors should include bus transportation to and from the airport in the cost of the tour.

Examples of additional items that may be included in the travel agency's price are museum entrance fees, theatre and concert tickets, metro passes, honoraria for specially arranged local guides and lecturers, and group meals (e.g. farewell dinners, "themed" banquets). Agencies will normally price the trip on a sliding scale, with, for example, a lower price for twenty-five full-paying travelers than for twenty. The instructor, who is traveling (single occupancy) for free, doesn't count.