FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
See below for answers to the most commonly asked travel-related questions.
We never charge planning or cancellation fees (cancellations are subject to supplier conditions for penalties associated with deposits and final payments).
We are paid by our suppliers and are able to develop quotes and service your travel without the need for additional fees. You will receive the same (or often, better) pricing that you can get online, and the added value of a seasoned expert to guide you through everything, ensuring a seamless experience!
We are a small local business servicing clients in the NY Metro area, as well as hundreds of others nationwide and even a select few who reside outside of the USA. Each vacation takes time to plan and deliver, and as such we cannot price match or discount the products and services we provide. We look for the best balance of cost and quality with every vacation we quote, and we provide significant value over internet-based travel agencies and discount agencies who work on volume at the cost of personalized service - something we never compromise on!
It's simple. We have a quick call to review the vacation you are looking for. Whether a week in an All Inclusive, a Med Cruise, a month-long trek across Europe or a Honeymoon in Tahiti - we have you covered. We will make recommendations based on your personal wants and needs and will provide you with quotes that best meet your time and budget. When you are ready, we will process your deposit, and we will notify you when final payment is due. Packages typically include flights, hotels / villas, transfers and insurance, and we work with several top tour suppliers who can help you get the most of your time on the ground while traveling.
Approximately 1-2 weeks prior to travel, we will deliver your travel documents to you, typically via US Mail, and will send along a copy via email. We will provide you with advice for everything along the way from current country entry requirements to recommended tours. We take the worry out of planning so you can pack, go and enjoy!
We have extensive experience planning a multitude of experiences including Group Travel and Weddings, Ocean and River Cruises, organized tours and independent travel on all Seven Continents. We can plan anything from a weeklong getaway to the Honeymoon of your dreams! Each vacation is crafted personally to meet your budget, preferred travel class and dates and desired destination(s). If you are not sure, that's ok too - we can discuss a few options to help you plan your next dream destination.
Passports are required for all travel outside of the United States, and typically must be valid no less than six month from the date that you are returning home. Some destinations such as Mexico may accept an Enhanced Drivers license, as standard licenses are no longer proof of citizenship, and therefore no longer acceptable for travel). We strongly urge clients to obtain a Passport for ALL travel outside of the United States.
Travelers should review information on the US State Department and review information for the Embassies of each Country you will be visiting for the most current information, as this remains subject to continual change.
As the Covid situation continues to evolve, the US has relaxed regulations for pre-return Covid testing, and other Countries are continually modifying their entry requirements. Many no longer require proof of vaccination for travel, and we will review your specific needs when we discuss your upcoming vacation.
Depending on your itinerary, you may be required to obtain vaccines, e.g. for Yellow Fever if you are planning an African Safari. Examples include but are not limited to a Notarized Letter authorizing travel for a Minor when only one parent is traveling, Visas (which will be required for US Citizens beginning in 2024) or an International Driving Permit if you are renting a car while abroad.
We will help you identify specific requirements for each destination to ensure you have a seamless experience regardless of where you are traveling next!
You work hard for your money - so do we and we get it! Sometimes things come up and plans change. If you are looking for maximum flexibility, a refundable cruise may be your best option. Alternately, we have a number of vacation packages with reduced deposits, limiting cancellation penalties in the event you change your mind.
Today more than ever, it is essential to have travel insurance to protect your investment if you cannot travel for a covered reason. Insurance is also essential to provide coverage for unexpected issues during travel, ranging from lost luggage and missed connections to illnesses or injuries necessitating medical treatment while you are away. Travel insurance is offered for ALL vacations, and we require clients to sign a waiver if they choose to decline to insure their vacations.
Cancellation policies and penalties are clearly stated by each Supplier with your quote and invoices. Cancellations for any reason (or CFAR) insurance may be available with by some insurance plans when purchased within 14 days of deposit. Where applicable, insurance with CFAR will cover a specified percentage of your non-refundable costs if you choose to cancel for any reason other than those specifically stated in your Quote, Cruise and/or Travel Supplier Contract and Travel Insurance policy.
Tell us about your individual needs so we can help you select the best options based on your personal needs.
While we have a limited number of cruse, travel, air and hotel suppliers available for booking on our website, we encourage you to contact us so we can obtain the most current pricing and educate clients on which destinations, brands and products are a best fit based on your individual needs. We will assist with planning your entire experience including flights, transfers, hotels, rail and car rentals.
It is far too easy to make mistakes when booking complex travel online, and far too costly to correct them when they occur. We believe our "human" factor ensures you will have a seamless experience that is well worth the time we invest in crafting the ideal vacation.
If you have booked an independent vacation (rather than an organized group where daily activities are already planned) and would like to reserve tours online, you view our portfolio of Day Tours from the link under "Destinations" at the top of this page. All tours booked through us will be added to your itinerary when you travel documents are prepared.
That depends a lot on where you are heading and who you are traveling with. Each Country has its own unique entry requirements, and these are subject to continual change. We will advise you when we are planning to help select a destination that works for your own unique needs. This includes assistance for passengers with special needs, dietary restrictions, or anything else that we need to consider to ensure your comfort when traveling.
We require all clients to thoroughly review terms and conditions including Cruise Contracts, individual Supplier Contracts and all other supplier rules, and familiarize themselves with local entry requirements for all planned destinations. This helps to ensure all individuals traveling can comply with entry requirements, including travel documents, vaccine requirements, Visas, Passports, etc.
Some Countries (US and Canada included!) have specific laws preventing entry to foreign passport holders with a history of prior criminal convictions. Other destinations and suppliers expressly forbid travel with items which may be considered to be contraband although they are legal for consumption where you live. Carrying these items into foreign countries or attempting to board cruise ships with them can result in detention, arrest or denial of boarding. Clients must read all pre-travel information thoroughly and are encouraged to ask questions prior to booking to avoid issues later.
When it comes to preparing for travel, from what to pack to foreign Currency, cell phones overseas, International Driving Permits and everything else you need, we have years of experience planning amazing vacations, and are happy to guide you so you can head onto the plane and enjoy!
Your travel documents will contain an emergency contact number for in-travel issues such as flight cancellations, missed connections, illness, delayed or missed transfers, etc. Emergency contact numbers should not be used for general questions or pre-travel issues as these resources are there to assist clients currently traveling and help get things fixed and back on track as soon as possible. They can often help you much faster than we can in the event of an issue. You can also call, text and email us. We will make every effort to assist you and can start notifications to your travel insurance provider to ease the process of filing claims upon your return.
We have expertise in travel in some of the most desirable locations throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa and Australia.
We provide complimentary destination guides for some independent vacations, and we even do web-based meetings with clients to provide city overviews, insider insights, tips on skipping the lines and highlights based on your specific itinerary and wish list.
We are part of a network of over 3000 agents and proud members of the Travel Leader's Consortium, and if we do not know the answer, we can rely on our excellent travel Suppliers, peers and partners to help get it for you. We have a portfolio of tours available to research and book directly on our website using our custom links, so we can manage tours as part of your vacation while affording you the flexibility to select exactly what you want. We add your tours to your travel itinerary so you have everything you need in one place when you it's time to fly out, so all you have to do is pack and go!
Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free quote!
Call us at (888) 868-2319 or email us at cbrock@totalexcursion.com to get started planning your next dream vacation!