FAQs
-
We get asked this a LOT! Travel agents offer a range of valuable services that can greatly enhance your travel experience and alleviate the stress associated with planning and booking trips. Here are some key reasons why you might need us:
Expertise and Destination Knowledge: We have in-depth knowledge of various destinations, including local customs, attractions, hidden gems, and the best times to visit. We can provide personalized recommendations based on your preferences and interests.
Time Savings: Planning a trip can be time-consuming and overwhelming, from researching accommodations and flights to coordinating transportation and activities. We can handle all of these details for you, saving you hours of research and booking.
Cost Savings: We often have access to exclusive deals and promotions that are not available to the general public. We can help you find the best value for your budget and ensure you get the most out of your money.
Customized Itineraries: We are going to create tailored itineraries that match your specific interests, whether you're into adventure, relaxation, culture, or sights. We’ll also accommodate special requests and dietary preferences.
Stress Reduction: Listen, travel can be stressful, especially when unexpected issues arise. We will be there to assist you in case of flight delays, cancellations, or other disruptions, helping to minimize the impact on your plans. While these things are sometimes unavoidable and can’t be fixed, we can at least inquire about it for you.
Access to Resources: We have access to a network of contacts in the travel industry, including tour operators, hotels, and transportation providers. This allows us to secure reservations and make arrangements on your behalf and keep you safe and stress free.
Travel Insurance and Protection: We can advise you on travel insurance options to protect your investment and provide peace of mind in case of unforeseen events or emergencies during your trip.
Personalized Service: Unlike online booking platforms, we offer personalized service and actual human interaction. :) We’ll address your questions and concerns, provide travel tips, and offer guidance throughout your entire journey.
Group Travel: When planning group trips, such as family reunions or corporate retreats, we can handle the logistics and coordination, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Industry Updates: Travel regulations, visa requirements, and entry restrictions can change frequently, especially in this day in age. We try to stay up-to-date with the latest information and can help you navigate these complexities.
Basically, We can add tremendous value to your travel plans by providing expertise, convenience, savings, and most of all, peace of mind. We’ve been avid travelers for years and have a TON of knowledge about the must-do’s and the must-don’ts. Whether you're planning a simple weekend getaway or a complex international adventure, our services will enhance your overall travel experience.
-
Using us as your travel agents, in MOST cases does not cost you anything extra. We are actually paid from and earn a commission from the resorts, cruise lines, and tour operators with whom we book your travel arrangements with. This means that the cost of our services isn’t paid by you, but a cut of it is given to us, by the provider. So, you will not see a fee for our assistance.
However, there are cases in which we don’t get commission from providers and over the last couple of years, have begun charging a “research and Maintenace fee” for those bookings. Those bookings include Basic commercial hotels (Holiday Inn, Hampton, Best Western, Marriott, ETC) All AirBNB/VRBO type bookings and research, and ALL flights that are separate from a resort package. We are very considerate of your dollar spent and don’t charge a whole lot for this - but researching these things and booking them, and then overseeing your trips, getting you documents and addressing any issues can take up a LOT of our time - and for that, we still have to charge accordingly. Remember, in some cases, we might be able to find discounts or special deals that you wouldn't be able to access on your own. Therefore, using our services (even with a small fee) can sometimes lead to cost savings or added value.
-
Whether you need travel protection or insurance depends on various factors, including the nature of your trip, your personal circumstances, and your risk tolerance. Here are some considerations to help you decide:
Type of Trip: The type of trip you're taking can influence your need for travel insurance. For instance, if you're going on a weekend getaway within your home country, you might not need extensive coverage. However, if you're planning an international trip with multiple connecting flights and expensive non-refundable bookings, travel insurance could be more beneficial.
Travel Investment: Consider how much money you've invested in your trip. If you have non-refundable deposits or pre-paid expenses for flights, accommodations, tours, or cruises, travel insurance can protect your financial investment in case you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unforeseen circumstances.
Health and Medical Coverage: If your regular health insurance doesn't provide coverage outside your home country or if you want additional medical coverage while traveling, travel insurance with medical benefits can be crucial. This is especially important if you're going to a destination with limited or expensive healthcare options.
Travel Risks: Evaluate the potential risks associated with your destination. Travel insurance can provide coverage for unexpected events such as natural disasters, political unrest, terrorism, and personal emergencies. It can also cover lost or stolen belongings.
Cancellation and Interruption Protection: Travel insurance can help reimburse you for non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel or cut short your trip for reasons covered by your policy, such as illness, injury, or a family emergency.
Travel Suppliers' Policies: Review the cancellation and refund policies of airlines, hotels, tour operators, and other travel providers you're using. Some may offer limited coverage, but it's often less comprehensive than what you can get through travel insurance.
Personal Health and Circumstances: Your own health, age, and personal circumstances may influence your need for travel insurance. For example, if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are in a high-risk age group, insurance can provide peace of mind.
Travel Frequency: If you travel frequently, consider purchasing an annual travel insurance policy, which can be more cost-effective than buying individual policies for each trip.
Really, whether you need travel protection or insurance depends on the specifics of your trip and your individual circumstances. We advise you to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of any insurance policy and consider speaking with Us, a travel insurance professional or insurance provider, to determine the coverage that best suits your needs. While travel insurance comes with a cost, it can provide valuable protection and peace of mind when unforeseen events disrupt your travel plans.
-
You typically need a passport to travel internationally, especially when you're crossing international borders. (Keep in mind, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are US Territories and do not require a passport) Here are some key points to consider:
International Travel: If you are leaving your home country and entering another country, a passport is generally required. This applies whether you're traveling by air, land, or sea. Passport requirements can vary depending on the destination and your nationality, so it's essential to check the entry and visa requirements for the specific country you plan to visit.
Identification: A passport serves as a primary form of identification when you travel internationally. It contains essential information such as your name, photo, nationality, and a unique passport number. Immigration and customs officials use this information to verify your identity and process your entry and exit.
Visa Requirements: In addition to a passport, you may also need a visa to enter certain countries. Visas grant you permission to stay in a foreign country for a specified period and for specific purposes (e.g., tourism, business, study). Visa requirements vary widely, so it's crucial to check the entry requirements for your destination well in advance of your trip.
Validity: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from the foreign country. Many countries have this requirement to ensure you have a valid travel document throughout your stay.
Children: Children, including infants and minors, typically require their own passports when traveling internationally. In some cases, additional documentation such as a parental consent letter may be required, especially if one parent is traveling alone with a child.
Emergency Situations: In emergency situations, some countries may allow travelers to enter with alternative forms of identification, such as emergency travel documents or temporary passports. However, these are typically exceptions and not the norm.
Returning to Your Home Country: Even if you are a citizen of the country you're traveling to, you will still need your passport to re-enter your home country. It's essential to have a valid passport when returning home.
To ensure smooth international travel, we suggest to:
Check the passport and visa requirements of your destination well in advance of your trip.
Renew your passport if it is close to expiring, as some countries may deny entry if your passport's validity is too short.
Keep your passport secure during your trip, as losing it can be a significant inconvenience.
Make copies of your passport and store them separately from the original, as these can be useful if your passport is lost or stolen.
Always verify the specific entry and documentation requirements with the consulate or embassy of the country you plan to visit or consult official government travel websites for up-to-date information.