FAQ: Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions

Q. Why should I book thru a travel professional?

Sure, you can spend countless hours online looking for the best deal and then purchase your very own book-it-yourself vacation hoping everything is really included, hoping you really have a reservation, hoping your flights aren’t delayed, hoping you won’t miss a connection and end up over-night in a foreign airport, hoping when you arrive to your tropical paradise that there really will be someone waiting to escort you to your resort, hoping that you have no issues whatsoever with your accommodations, customer service, etc.   Save time and money and have us on stand-by every step of the way.  We are your advocates before, during and after your vacation.  We make it Easy for you with customized packages, daily deals and exclusive discounts made available only to travel professionals.  And the best part yet -- our travel planning services are free!

The reality is, without a travel professional on your side, you’re on your own.     See           Ask An Agent: YouTube Video

 

Q. Are passports required?

Yes. Valid passports will be required for persons of all ages (including infants) traveling by air to any international destination including the Caribbean and Mexico. Non-US Citizens must contact the consulate of the country that you are traveling to for specific requirements and travel documents that are needed to enter that country and return to the US.  Passports are not required for the US Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John) or to San Juan, Puerto Rico.  No passport? See our No Passport Escapes for more ideas and http://www.travel.state.gov/ for passport information and requirements.

 

Q. I want a tropical beach vacation but not sure where to go. What are your suggestions?

If you're on a budget you will get the best value in Mexico, Jamaica or the Dominican Republic.  If you’re looking for a luxury vacation, we recommend St. Lucia, Antigua, Turks & Caicos and St. Kitts.  If you're looking for an exclusive and exotic getaway, Tahiti/French Polynesia, Fiji, and the Cook Islands are some of our favorite Escapes.So depending on your age, taste, lifestyle and budget, we will match you to the right resort.    

Now, keep in mind, all resorts are not created equal.   So depending on your age, taste, lifestyle and budget, we will match you to the right resort. 

Q. Is there a resort dress code?

While staying at a resort, you can look your best while still being comfortable. Most resorts do not have specific dress codes, but certain general expectations about attire do apply. Around the resort, wearing casual clothing including shorts or pants, T-shirts, tank tops, cotton and knit shirts is acceptable. Dress in temperature-appropriate comfortable clothing. Breathable fabrics like light cotton and linen will help keep you cool. Men can wear either shorts or pants and casual shirts.

Dress code and Resort dining: Ladies, remember to bring a cover up. Most resorts will not allow you to have lunch on site at any of the restaurants in just your bathing suit; same for men, if you’re wearing swim trunks only you will need to put on a shirt.  Men should remember to bring at least one pair of long slacks as most properties do have a dress code at the specialty/a-la-cart restaurants. They can turn you away if you do not adhere to the dress code.  Some properties offer a clothing optional experience. Please ask your travel consultant for details on specific resort guidelines ..

  
if you are planning to escapes to a clothing optional resort to ask your agent for details 
if you are planning to escapes to a clothing optional resort to ask your agent for details 

Q. Should I book online or by phone?

Although our online booking engine is user friendly, we highly recommend for you to email or call and speak to one of our travel specialists to customize your vacation. Our travel planning services are complimentary and our advice and expertise is priceless. Besides, many times we have access to many unadvertised deals not available online.

 

Q: What's included in an all inclusive vacation?

Your all inclusive vacation will include resort accommodations, all meals, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, all snacks, all non-motorized water sports (i.e., kayaking, snorkeling -- varies by resort), all tips, taxes and r/t airport transfers.  On rare occasions when airport transfers are not included in your vacation, we will advise you of your transfer options. 

 

Q. Are flights included in an all inclusive vacation?

Flights are not included in an all inclusive vacation unless it’s a charter air vacation package or unless specified that it is air inclusive.  However, we will be glad to help you find the lowest published airfare from your departure city and add it to your land package. 

 

Q. Can I use my frequent flyer miles to purchase my flights?

Yes, you can secure your airline tickets directly with the airline and we will take care of the land portion of your trip.  Once you have your flight information we will need the flight details to arrange your airport transfers based on your flight times.

 

Q: How much do children pay for travel?

Some resorts offer kids stay, play and eat free, while some have discounted rates for children under 12 years old. Children under 2 generally travel free as long as they are a lap child on your flights (depending on the airline these lap children will only pay taxes of $10 - $100ish per child).  Children over 2 years old will pay the same as adults for flights. Let us know the ages of your children and we will be glad to research the best priced options for your family.

 

Q. Can I get legally married at an international resort?

Absolutely! With wedding costs in the US sky-rocketting, destination weddings are becoming more and more popular.  Most resorts will a variety of wedding packages which will include your choice of a traditional legal wedding,  a symbolic wedding, a Catholic wedding, a renewal of vows ceremony, etc.  Bride and grooms will surprisingly save money with a destination wedding. You and your guests pay for your own discounted packages that we customize, negotiate & secure for your wedding party. See our Destination Weddings page for more info and see our top destination wedding resort picks. 

 

Q. Can I make any room requests to my reservation?

Yes! We will add in room requests as you wish.  As always, requests are based on availability at check in, however we will send a note to the resort for you specifying your preferences.

 

Q. Is the destination safe?

Common sense precautions are strongly recommended wherever your travels may take you.  Please visit The US Department of State’s website for the most up-to-date travel safety advisories: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1766.html

 

Q. What form of payments do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards as well as checks and money orders.  For your protection as well as ours, we require for you to complete and scan or fax a completed credit card authorization form for payments.

 

Q. How do I get my travel documents?

Once you are paid in full travel documents will be issued.  Depending on the type of package, electronic travel documents will be emailed to you or physical documents will be mailed to you. 

 

Q: Is this a timeshare deal?

A: Absolutely NOT! Unlike many other travel companies on online, we sell vacation packages for specified dates. We DO NOT sell certificates or worse, timeshare programs. A vacation should be just that – “a vacation” and a time to relax and enjoy yourself.  A vacation is not a real vacation if you’re constantly pressured by timeshare sales reps and stuck in mandatory timeshare meetings throughout your stay.  Say "No thank you" to time share programs that can cost you thousands of dollars in the future!

 

Q. Is travel insurance necessary?

Travel insurance is a good protection for your travel investment.  We offer various types of insurance options depending on the coverage you desire.  We have plans that cover cancel for medical reasons, trip interruption, baggage loss, medical expenses while on your trip, etc.  We also offer cancel for any reason plans.  Without insurance, most vacations are non-refundable.

 

For Escapes to Tahiti, Fiji, Cook Islands, Australia, New Zealand visit our South Pacific Escapes FAQ's