FAQ + Policies
Get All Your Questions Answered
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What are your hours of operation?Mon Fri 9am-6pm. Saturday by appointment only.
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Do you only book group travel?We are a full-service travel company, that will manage and design your custom itinerary for group and or individual travel. Contact us for more information.
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I need to cancel, how am I refunded?"All payments are nonrefundable. This is why we strongly suggest everyone protect their investment by purchasing travel insurance.
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Once I make a booking how do I make monthly payments?Once your booking is submitted you will automatically receive an invoice that reflects your deposit made and the capability of making all future payments by only clicking the link in the invoice.
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Are payments automatically deducted from my account monthly?No, payments must be submitted monthly by clicking the link on the invoice.
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Do I have to make monthly payments?Yes, monthly payments are required. If you need to make bi weekly payments instead, please let us know. If you miss 2 monthly payments, your booking will be canceled.
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What if my roommate cancels?We will allow you to upgrade to a single occupancy or you can find a new roommate.
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When will I receive the full itinerary for my trip?Full Itineraries are sent via email 30 days before departure.
Know Before Your Go
Passports and Visas
It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required.
Although you have a passport have your drivers license or state ID. Make copies all documents and leave a copy at home for your family and have a copy with you. YOU CANNOT TRAVEL WITHOUT A VALID PASSPORT. THE PASSPORT MUST BE VALID FOR 6 MONTHS AFTER TRAVEL. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE.
How to Get A Passport
Follow the link below to the TSA's website:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html
Ensure You Have the US Embassy's Information For Each Country You Visit
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/enroll-in-step.html
Additionally, here is where you can view time zones across the globe:
https://www.timeanddate.com/time/map/
Cell Phones & Calling Cards
You may wish to carry a cell phone while traveling. Check with your cell phone provider if your phone will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. If you can access the Internet as you travel, you can take advantage of email or a Skype Internet telephone (VOIP) account for the best value. Additionally, if your phone can connect to WiFi you may be able to make voice and video calls free of charge. Please contact your cell phone provider for further details. There is a charge to use the phone at each hotel. I would avoid making in calls using the hotels. You are responsible for all calls and purchases of a personal nature.
Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another
When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally).
WiFi Access
WiFi access has improved. Free or inexpensive WiFi internet is accessible at coffee shops, airports, restaurants, libraries and on some trains and buses. WiFi access in hotels and cruise lines often involves a fee, determined by that property. Signal strength is subject to local conditions and not guaranteed. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries or, on moving conveyances such as buses and cruise ships.
Stay Healthy
All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations.
There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
• Watch what you eat. Try new foods in modest quantities, and depending upon your destination, you may want to avoid street foods, salad bars, raw vegetables and fruits, unless they have thick peels like bananas or grapefruit.
• Stay hydrated. Drink bottled water and avoid consuming ice cubes made with tap water.
• If you have allergies to foods, medications or insect bites, or have any other unique medical issues, consider a medical alert bracelet and/or a physician's note detailing required treatment should you become ill.
• Wash your hands regularly and carry hand sanitizer.
• Where appropriate, pack sunscreen and insect repellent (for both active and warm destinations).
• You may also want to bring a small first-aid kit with band-aids, antibiotic cream, pain killers, bug bite cream, digestive aids like antidiarrheal or anti-bloat medications, antacids, and cold medicine. This is in addition to any prescription medications which should be adequate for the entire trip.
For the benefit of all, please be considerate of your fellow travelers in the following ways:
• Learn the culture's Do's and Don'ts
• Refrain from wearing colognes, perfumes and/or personal products containing excessive fragrance in respect for other guests who may be allergic
• Avoid smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes or cigars in the vicinity of other members, including in outdoor areas where smoking may be permitted but may still affect others
• Avoid attire with political or religious messages that may offend other travelers
• Refrain from conversation or talking on mobile phones while commentary is in progress
• Respect the mandatory seat rotation policy on the coach
• Make use of the available hand sanitizer on the coach to support a healthy environment
• Seek approval before taking photographs of other gests
• Respect tour departures times to avoid delay and loss of sightseeing opportunities. We will not wait for you. The best practice is to be early.
Luggage
Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”). Reminder 44 lbs due to the intercontinental flights.
Missed connections and lost luggage are more common than ever. I strongly suggest you use your carryon (max 14 lbs.) bag for those necessities you would miss if your checked bags went astray. Items to consider, but not limited to, are prescription medicines, eyeglasses, a change of clothes, mobile phone and charger, valuables (including jewelry and cash), passport, keys, insurance cards, local contact information. Refer to the TSA website for a complete list of items and their sizes which may be carried on board. We also recommend you bring a change of clothes in your carryon bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost.
Gratuities
Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. This is only a suggestion if you choose to do so. Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $6 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $3 per person per day, US $2 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $4 per person per day of sightseeing, US $2 per half day Game Drive Ranger: US $5 per person per day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included