Frequently Asked Questions
A teaching vacation is the opportunity for fitness, yoga, sports professionals to share their teaching specialties with resort guests. In exchange, guest accommodations and all-inclusive status for the professional and included companions for the weeklong resort stay.
A teaching vacation includes all-inclusive accommodations, amenities and activities - just like what a full paying guest of the resort receives.
Certified and experienced fitness and tennis instructors. Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, General Group Exercise, Personal trainers who offer small group training, tennis instructors and golf pros have opportunities every single week of the year. Really any form of group led wellness class could qualify for the program from aqua fitness to barre and everything in between. DJs and solo/duet musicians have positions available weekly, and massage therapists have occasional opportunities.
The program is for dedicated professionals with experience and certifications in their field(s) of expertise. Certifications accepted will vary based on the teaching specialty(ies) offered and professional experience in the field.
FITNESS, as in Group Exercise Instructor or Personal Trainer with experience working in small groups: Nationally recognized organizations such as ACE, AFAA, IFTA, CanFitPro, NSCA and others.
YOGA: Some positions may require 200 hours or higher but membership with Yoga Alliance or other professional organization requiring dues.
PILATES: Nationally or internationally recognized Pilates teaching certification.
ZUMBA: Anyone offering “Zumba®” classes must be currently licensed to do so.
TENNIS: USPTA, PTR, Tennis Canada
MASSAGE: Teaching vacations for LMT's do not always exist, but sometimes. These are open to current Licensed Massage Therapists. Individuals credentialled to teach massage techniques, possibly to existing spa staff, may be appropriate.
Current certifications are required for participation as a guest instructor. Participants signed up to teach have agreed to maintain current status of professional certification, keeping that documentation updated in the professional's FitnessProTravel.com account.
Every resort page has details listing an overview of weekly instructor expenses. The fees vary slightly from one resort to the next. Each resort page will look something like this:
~ Your Awesome Travel Deal ~
for you and your one adult guest.
| Admin Fee | $500 |
| Gift Fund | $150 |
| Air Travel | Not Included |
| Transfers | Not Included |
| Other | $0 |
| Total Cost | $650 + Air and Transfers |
The weekly teaching vacation ADMIN FEE varies and is the weekly service fee for utilizing the services of Fit Bodies, Inc. on FitnessProTravel.com.
Gift fund is $150 per weekly position.
Transportation from flights to ground transportation is instructor expense and responisibility.
If known and required 'other'exists, we'll list it here.
All pricing and items are USD.
Big question so lets break it down for the new user who is a fitness/yoga/tennis or other similar kind of instructor.
Once a new user's account is complete and approved, then booking access is offered based on instructor's teaching specialties. This site shows real time booking availability. It's up to each instructor to take the initiative to login and view teaching vacation opportunities. We are here for your questions.
Reviews from other instructors, posted teaching schedules are helpful and on each resort page.
Once you make a selection, place it into your shopping cart and proceed to checkout. We confirm bookings within 24 hours and then you will be set to secure your airfare. Once at the resort, teach on non-travel days offering amazing, motivated, safe and efficient programming. You and your included companions enjoy the resort just like regular guests!
Other FAQs cover aspects of the program in more detail.
Nope; we are teaching vacation specialists. Lots of great down time to enjoy lovely vacation memories and tons of amenities when you take a teaching vacation. And don't forget about your included companion(s)!
Taking kids? Read on.
In addition to your included one adult guest, most family-friendly resorts include two children age 12 and younger. Infants under 2 are usually allowed complimentary regardless of quantity and age of other companions. The following resorts consider a child to be anyone 12 or younger: Sunscape, Now, Reflect Krystal Grand and Dreams Resorts. At these resorts, children older than 12 are considered an adult and checking with us for rates for additional adult companions will be necessary. Your teenager may be your included adult companion in lieu of an actual adult.
Some family-friendly resorts allow children older than 12 and still consider them to be 'children'. Hyatt Ziva will allow two child companions age 16 and younger. Club Med allows two child companions 15 and younger. Jewel Grande Montego Bay considers children 15 and under and Jewel Runaway Bay considers children 13 and under.
Check each resort description thoroughly for specific information.
There are rules for how many total occupants can be in one room. No more than 4 people with a max of 3 adults in a room at family resorts*. This is a resort rule, not a Fit Bodies, Inc. rule and applies to children over 2 and cannot be altered. If you have more than 2 children and an adult companion you will need a second room. Fit Bodies, Inc. customer service can assist with rates and availability.
*There are a few resorts for a family of 5(3 adult max) because they will grant access to a family suite, at an additional charge. Rates and availability can be confirmed by emailing your Fit Bodies, Inc. concierge. Email here
A THIRD ADULT can often be added onto guest instructor room for a nightly rate. An additional adult guest can never be substituted for the kids. The nightly fee for a third adult in guest instructor room is equivalent to per person triple occupancy rate. The resort brand Couples Resorts does not allow a third adult in guest rooms.
Members of the program can book and travel as little or as much as they'd like. There is no minimum or maximum number of weeks needed to travel.
WHO is included::::: All resort positions include one adult companion complimentary. Family-friendly resorts also include kiddos but read on if you're taking kiddos.*
Your additional desired companions can be accommodated but will not be included in your teaching vacation package. It's the instructor responsibility to become aware of fees for additional companions prior to securing a date. Customer service is helpful, email here.
A THIRD ADULT can often be added onto the guest instructor room at both adult and family-friendly resorts. An additional adult guest cannot be substituted for the kids. An additional adult guest will always have a fee equivalent to the triple occupancy per person rate. Resorts never accepting a third adult is Couples Resorts.
*Taking kids? Read on.
In addition to your included one adult guest, most family-friendly resorts include two children age 12 and younger. Infants age two and under are usually allowed complimentary regardless of quantity and age of other companions. The following resorts consider a child to be anyone 12 or younger: Sunscape, Now, Reflect, and Dreams Resorts. At these resorts, children older than 12 are considered an adult and checking with us for rates for additional adult companions will be necessary. Your teenager may be your included adult companion in lieu of an actual adult.
Some family-friendly resorts allow children older than 12 and still consider them to be 'children'. Hyatt Ziva will allow two child companions age 16 and younger. Club Med allows two children companions 15 and younger.
Check each resort description thoroughly for specific information.
There are rules for how many total occupants can be in one room. No more than 4 people with a max of 3 adults in a room at family resorts**. This is a resort rule, not a Fit Bodies, Inc. rule and applies to children over 2 and cannot be altered. If you have more than 2 children and an adult companion you will need a second room. Fit Bodies, Inc. customer service can assist with rates and availability.
**There are two great resorts for a family of 5(3 adult max) because they will grant access to a famiy suite, at an additional charge. Rates and availability can be confirmed by emailing your Fit Bodies, Inc. concierge. Email here.
No; all membership levels have complete viewing access. Nothing is ever hidden in terms of viewing the teaching vacation availability.
Every date available to book shows up for all members, even BASIC level. All the features to search teaching vacation availability and read complete position details is available to all membership levels.
BASIC members have limited booking access, though. BASIC members can only books the upcoming 4 weeks if it's available.
Upgrading to TRAVEL membership immediately gives complete booking access to up to 13 months out.
BASIC members have limited booking access, though. BASIC members can only books the upcoming 4 weeks if it's available.
Upgrading to TRAVEL membership immediately gives complete booking access to up to 13 months out.
The annual Travel membership offers complete booking access on the website. Booking access is based on an instructor's teaching specialties of course, too. Travel membership allows for last minute bookings as well as securing dates up to 13 months in response. TRAVEL membership gives further access to the networking features of the website, for messaging and friendship of other instructors who love teaching vacations.
Great for instructors who book often. Also great for those who want FIRST ACCESS when new dates open up. Medallion members can book a position up to 14 months in advance. Travel members can book up to 13 months in advance (for comparison's sake).
Medallion members receive 5% off everything on the site except gift funds.
Medallion members can change a booking (outside of 60 days) for discounted rate of $75 per week.
Medallion members receive 5% off everything on the site except gift funds.
Medallion members can change a booking (outside of 60 days) for discounted rate of $75 per week.
Terms and conditions say membership fees paid on FitnessProTravel.com are non-refundable. If you question your qualifications for a teaching position, you're invited to contact the program's Customer Service Specialists to review your account specialties and consult on your best teaching vacation options before upgrading membership on the site.
Look to the tabs at the top of the page, click on MY ACCOUNT. Left side, a big drop down of account options will appear and one of those is 'Certifications'. Click there and follow instructions to add the certification details and upload a copy (small - medium picture files taken with a smart phone work well). Don't forget to 'save changes'.
If you are on a Mobile device, click 3 horizontal lines at top. Scroll down that menu to under 'Account Settings' there is "Certifications". Click there and follow directions.
Current and relevant certifications only please. This is a fast moving industry afterall! If image file is too large, it will not upload.
Instructors can book as many weeks as desired, consecutive or not consecutive. Some pros will go from one resort to another while others will stay at one place for a couple weeks. Either is usually fine.
After your booking is confirmed. You'll booking will go from "Processing" in your account to "Confirmed". Your 'check in voucher' and 'Trip Details' .pdf letters will be available once the trip is confirmed. Once your booking is confirmed, airfare can be secured whenever you'd like. Remember, it's incredibly rare for airfare to decrease in price. Do not wait for pricing to go down.
Outside of 60 days to travel time there are options to change your booking. This is different from cancelling. You can't cancel your booking but you can change it outside of 60 days. We need to fill positions as far out as possible so please do not wait to make needed adjustments to your teaching obligations.
Here is the same policy all particpants agree to when signing up:
Here is the same policy all particpants agree to when signing up:
Change OR Cancellation POLICY:
Fit Bodies, Inc. encourages booking pros to be confident in their travel selection. This is a vacation and also a teaching obligation that needs to be fulfilled. contacting us immediately so we can cover the vacated session is a priority if any change or cancellation has to happen.
-Changing a teaching vacation position is available outside of 60 days to departure. This has a $175 weekly fee.
-Within 60 days of departure date, no date or resort changes can be made without forfeiting complete Admin Fee.
-Flat out cancellation, whether inside of 60 days or outside of 60 days forfeits all instructor booking fees for the vacated session(s).
-Within 60 days of departure, ALL Cancellations or date/resort modifications by instructor entails forfeting Admin fees and gift fees and incurs $175 cancellation fee.
Instructor vacated positions encourages the vacating instructor to find a replacement. If vacating instructor can fill the week with a colleague, that new pro needs to be an active member in good standing with a membership level qualifying them to book the teaching position. New members to the site are welcome to fill a vacated position.
Outside of 60 days to travel time there are options to change your booking. This is different from cancelling. You can't cancel your booking but you can change it outside of 60 days. We need to fill positions as far out as possible so please do not wait to make needed adjustments to your teaching obligations.
Here is the same policy all particpants agree to when signing up:
Here is the same policy all particpants agree to when signing up:
Change OR Cancellation POLICY:
Fit Bodies, Inc. encourages booking pros to be confident in their travel selection. This is a vacation and also a teaching obligation that needs to be fulfilled. contacting us immediately so we can cover the vacated session is a priority if any change or cancellation has to happen.
-Changing a teaching vacation position is available outside of 60 days to departure. This has a $175 weekly fee.
-Within 60 days of departure date, no date or resort changes can be made without forfeiting complete Admin Fee.
-Flat out cancellation, whether inside of 60 days or outside of 60 days forfeits all instructor booking fees for the vacated session(s).
-Within 60 days of departure, ALL Cancellations or date/resort modifications by instructor entails forfeting Admin fees and gift fees and incurs $175 cancellation fee.
Instructor vacated positions encourages the vacating instructor to find a replacement. If vacating instructor can fill the week with a colleague, that new pro needs to be an active member in good standing with a membership level qualifying them to book the teaching position. New members to the site are welcome to fill a vacated position.
Aka Equipment Fund. Weekly instructor expense of $150USD*. Since 1992 every instructor, every week of travel has given back to the resort and specifically their Entertainment/Sports department. Here are some details: *Some resorts request a different amount. Always check the Resort Details Page for details.
The gift fund specifics change based on the resort and dates of travel. The fee is either paid in advance (on our website) or Fit Bodies will tell you specific items the resort needs you to buy with the money. You'll purchase with your own money at a store or have the specific item(s) shipped to your home doorstep. Gift items are packed into luggage and hand delivered to your contact person. We work hard to make this easy on you from the shopping to packing the item part. You may have to check luggage for this gift item or it may be smaller and lightweight for carry on. If you have to check luggage, there will still be tons of room for your personal items so the gift fund may not be used for luggage expenses nor will we reimburse for luggage fees. A piece of luggage checked one way may be compressed as a duffle bag so as not to check it on the way home as well. Note: If paid in advance, you may still be asked to bring items that Fit Bodies, Inc. will purchase and ship to you.
Each resort description and Trip Details .pdf letter will outline the gift fund protocol for the specific resort and position. Common items and eccentric requests are made by resorts. From a little IPod to a digital camera to deflated volleyballs, yoga mats or table games and beyond...The gift gives back and supports resorts need for items likely not very attainable or totally out of budget for the Entertainment team.
The gift fund specifics change based on the resort and dates of travel. The fee is either paid in advance (on our website) or Fit Bodies will tell you specific items the resort needs you to buy with the money. You'll purchase with your own money at a store or have the specific item(s) shipped to your home doorstep. Gift items are packed into luggage and hand delivered to your contact person. We work hard to make this easy on you from the shopping to packing the item part. You may have to check luggage for this gift item or it may be smaller and lightweight for carry on. If you have to check luggage, there will still be tons of room for your personal items so the gift fund may not be used for luggage expenses nor will we reimburse for luggage fees. A piece of luggage checked one way may be compressed as a duffle bag so as not to check it on the way home as well. Note: If paid in advance, you may still be asked to bring items that Fit Bodies, Inc. will purchase and ship to you.
Each resort description and Trip Details .pdf letter will outline the gift fund protocol for the specific resort and position. Common items and eccentric requests are made by resorts. From a little IPod to a digital camera to deflated volleyballs, yoga mats or table games and beyond...The gift gives back and supports resorts need for items likely not very attainable or totally out of budget for the Entertainment team.
Yes; it's important your profile with us is up to date with quality and current profile picture. In addition, current certifications need to be uploaded into your account. The account holder's profile needs to be completed, from bio to professional experience telling us who you are, what you teach, how long you have been teaching. Basically, treat the profile on FitnessProTravel.com like a fitness related job resume. Questions about your booking's delayed confirmation? Email us!
Yes. Instructors sometimes create retreats totally seaprate from the teaching vacation program. Other times an instructor will combine the teaching vacation position with a retreat booking. Taking your students to the beach is an amazing experience for both you and them. We can help. Let us offer you info beyond the constaints of an FAQ page. If we can collect some info about your retreat needs, that will be very helpful. Complete a RETREAT QUESTIONNAIRE here and we'll soon be in touch. You can also email Kelly; she handles all our non teaching vacation related bookings and super helpful regarding retreats. Send Mail" target="_blank" title="Retreat questions or information needed">Click here to email Kelly.
At anytime, login at FitnessProTravel.com to view all bookings and their confirmation status. Once your bookings goes from "Processing" to "Confirmed" then you are set. "Confirmed" booking means your 'check in voucher' and 'Trip Details' .pdf downloads are available. A confirmed bookings means it's ok to secure airfare and other travel plans.
When our staff confirms your booking, [email protected] will send you emails. One is about travel insurance, and another may be about ground transportation booking infirmation (if applicable to your booking). You may receive emails requiring action such as updating your certifcations or offering a profile picture.
Bookings are often confirmed well within 24 hours of placing it. Order receipt is emailed to you as soon as an order is placed. Order receipts will have instructions to help you prepare for your teaching vacation position.
When our staff confirms your booking, [email protected] will send you emails. One is about travel insurance, and another may be about ground transportation booking infirmation (if applicable to your booking). You may receive emails requiring action such as updating your certifcations or offering a profile picture.
Bookings are often confirmed well within 24 hours of placing it. Order receipt is emailed to you as soon as an order is placed. Order receipts will have instructions to help you prepare for your teaching vacation position.
Yes. You can secure your airfare anytime once your booking is 'Confirmed'. Remember, it's rare for airefare to decrease in price as travel date grows nearer. Do not wait to secure airfare, especially with hope of price decreasing.
Outside of 60 days to travel time there are options to change your booking. This is different from cancelling. You can't cancel your booking, but you can change it outside of 60 days. We need to fill positions as far out as possible so please do not wait to make needed adjustments to your teaching obligations.
Here is the same policy all particpants agree to when signing up:
Here is the same policy all particpants agree to when signing up:
Change OR Cancellation POLICY:
Fit Bodies, Inc. encourages booking pros to be confident in their travel selection. This is a vacation and also a teaching obligation that needs to be fulfilled. contacting us immediately so we can cover the vacated session is a priority if any change or cancellation has to happen.
-Changing a teaching vacation position is available outside of 60 days to departure. This has a $175 weekly fee.
-Within 60 days of departure date, no date or resort changes can be made without forfeiting complete Admin Fee.
-Flat out cancellation, whether inside of 60 days or outside of 60 days forfeits all instructor booking fees for the vacated session(s).
-Within 60 days of departure, ALL Cancellations or date/resort modifications by instructor entails forfeting Admin fees and gift fees and incurs $175 cancellation fee.
Instructor vacated positions encourages the vacating instructor to find a replacement. If vacating instructor can fill the week with a colleague, that new pro needs to be an active member in good standing with a membership level qualifying them to book the teaching position. New members to the site are welcome to fill a vacated position.
We need to fill positions as far out as possible so please do not wait to make needed adjustments to your teaching obligations. Changes to resort or date are not allowed within 60 days of trip departure. Within 60 days, only a cancellation can be applied, forfeiting booking fees paid. Please keep in good standing with the program by working hard to not cancel a booking within 60 days. Having said that, we understand emergencies come up and hope an emergency does not interrupt your teaching vacation plans.
CANCEL POLICY DETAILS:
Be aware the holiday bookings are a big deal and we do not accept cancellations or changes on holiday bookings. Considered holidays include Christmas, New Year's, President's week (USA), Thanksgiving, Easter.
CANCEL POLICY DETAILS:
Change OR Cancellation POLICY:
Fit Bodies, Inc. encourages booking pros to be confident in their travel selection. This is a vacation and also a teaching obligation that needs to be fulfilled. contacting us immediately so we can cover the vacated session is a priority if any change or cancellation has to happen.
-Changing a teaching vacation position is available outside of 60 days to departure. This has a $175 weekly fee.
-Within 60 days of departure date, no date or resort changes can be made without forfeiting complete Admin Fee.
-Flat out cancellation, whether inside of 60 days or outside of 60 days forfeits all instructor booking fees for the vacated session(s).
-Within 60 days of departure, ALL Cancellations or date/resort modifications by instructor entails forfeting Admin fees and gift fees and incurs $175 cancellation fee.
Instructor vacated positions encourages the vacating instructor to find a replacement. If vacating instructor can fill the week with a colleague, that new pro needs to be an active member in good standing with a membership level qualifying them to book the teaching position. New members to the site are welcome to fill a vacated position.
Be aware the holiday bookings are a big deal and we do not accept cancellations or changes on holiday bookings. Considered holidays include Christmas, New Year's, President's week (USA), Thanksgiving, Easter.
Ground transportation can be secured after teacing vacation is confirmed and airfare is secured. When a booking is confirmed, transfer info and instructions are sent from [email protected] You are welcome to refer to that email. Also upon booking confirmation, your 'Trip Details' pdf letter becomes available and everything about travel and teaching at that resort is listed there for you. Or, you can keep reading here for great ground transportation information.
A few resorts include ground transportation to and from the resort. Club Med Resorts, Couples Resorts, Jewel Resorts and Hyatt Resort.
Otherwise, Jamaica ground transfers are booked directly with our partners at JTL Tours, LLD. That booking link is accessible HERE.
Mexico, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic airport transportation is handled by our partners at AmstarDMC. This transfer service can be purchased on this site. Individual transfer products are held in our Pro Shop under Transfer Services.
Have your flight itinerary handy when securing these optional transportation services.
A few resorts include ground transportation to and from the resort. Club Med Resorts, Couples Resorts, Jewel Resorts and Hyatt Resort.
Otherwise, Jamaica ground transfers are booked directly with our partners at JTL Tours, LLD. That booking link is accessible HERE.
Mexico, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic airport transportation is handled by our partners at AmstarDMC. This transfer service can be purchased on this site. Individual transfer products are held in our Pro Shop under Transfer Services.
Have your flight itinerary handy when securing these optional transportation services.
Changing or cancelling your booking is an email procedure. Inform your Customer Service Specialist team ASAP if you cannot keep your teaching position. [email protected]iesinc.com and be sure you receive a response.
If you really, really want or need to depart on Saturday you can. But the class schedule is #1 priority and any flight or other travel arrangements must occur after the teaching schedule is complete. You need to communicate with your Fit Bodies Customer Service Specialist to ensure your reservation details are perfect in this case, with Saturday departure after teaching notated.
The same policy does not apply for Club Med Resorts with Saturday to Saturday travel. It's required to check out on Saturday for those resorts.
Taxis may be most useful for moving from one resort to another within the same airport vicinity. If you are in Mexico, Dominican Republic or Costa Rica then Fit Bodies Customer Service Staff can arrange private car or van service with Amstar DMC. The rate depends on the specifc travel situation. You can email Erica, who specialized in ground transportation with us, for a custom rate on private ground transportation.
Special ground transportation support will be needed to book round trip airport transfer where you arrive to one resort but depart back to the airport from another.
If you are traveling to a resort offering included airport transportation, this is to and from the airport each one way. Additional airport trips for other companions traveling separately may not qualify for the included service.
Special ground transportation support will be needed to book round trip airport transfer where you arrive to one resort but depart back to the airport from another.
If you are traveling to a resort offering included airport transportation, this is to and from the airport each one way. Additional airport trips for other companions traveling separately may not qualify for the included service.
CLICK HERE to read the complete list of FAQs and the Answers.