Hudson County Students Out Thousands After Brussels Attacks Prompt Trip Cancellation
JERSEY CITY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- The State Department has alerted U.S. citizens of the potential risks to travel to and throughout Europe following several terrorist attacks.
As CBS2's Meg Baker reported, the warning has disrupted travel plans for a number of New Jersey students.
Tiffany Jimenez dreams of traveling the world. That's why she signed up for a week long trip to Europe with 50 of her classmates at Hudson County Prep. They were supposed to leave on Thursday.
"All of us are devastated," she said.
The Jersey City students had been planning for over a year, but the school's superintendent canceled the trip due to the heightened terror alert following the attack in Brussels.
Students said they were packed with bags ready to be checked, and that's when they got the news.
"Everyone's spirit was down. Some people saving up for this, parents taking second jobs just for this," Constantine Vogiatzis said.
Jimenez said her mother had been working non-stop to save for the $4,000 trip. Students also fundraised.
"She works 16 hours a day. I don't see her in the morning or afternoon just for this trip," she said.
The travel company EF Tours has a cancellation policy that will not refund the whole amount. Families were told there is a $1,000 cancellation fee, and students will be given a $2,500 voucher to use at another time.
It's all because the school made a decision to cancel, unlike some other schools after the attacks in Paris.
"All the parents are frustrated because the company is not returning money, just sending us a voucher," Jimenez said.
Travel companies often have to commit to hotel rooms and tours in advance, with cash themselves.
The plan was to fly into London and travel to Paris, Venice, and Capri.
Some students say it was the safest decision to stay home, and their parents agree.
"They are supportive of the superintendent's decision, but do want to see their money back," Constantine Vogiatzis said.
Travel insurance does not cover world events like the bombings in Belgium. CBS2 reached out to the travel company running the trip, but has not heard back.
