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WHAT YOU MAY LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR VACATION BEFORE YOU GO
What exactly is included in my vacation?
The true value of your vacation is in the accurate detailed vacation description,
on the websites and in the brochures, that is unusually specific and specifies accommodation,
touring in deluxe coaches, sightseeing and included meals. The agenda for each day
is spelled out with exactly what is included in the price. Sightseeing with local
guides is clearly listed. Inside visits and special features are spelled out in
UPPERCASE.
How hectic is my vacation going to be?
Globus Family of Brands offers over 400 vacations and while some are very leisurely
paced other are hectic or medium paced. Typically, Panorama vacations covering more
countries / cities in a short duration make a vacation quick paced and Regional
Discoveries are medium to leisurely pace. Every vacation has a pace meter indicating
it's pace on the brochure & website.
How long will we be on the road everyday? How often does the coach stop enroute?
Driving time varies for each vacation. It depends on the itinerary and the driving
distance is mentioned in the travel documents. You can also request this information
in advance. When driving between cities, the coach stops after every 1 and a half
to 2 hours at places where you can pick up a snack / meal and use washrooms. Most
vacations do not include drives from one city to another everyday.
How early does one have to wake up on the vacations?
The wake-up call differs based on the type of vacation, the season when you are
travelling, the city that you are in and even the weather. Wake up timings are not
the same for each day and the Tour Director will advise you of these once the tour
starts. Early starts offer the advantage of reaching sightseeing spots before the
rush starts and this leaves you free the rest of the day giving you more time to
enjoy the destination and to do as you please.
Can I get Indian / Vegetarian / Special cuisine on request while on tour?
Our vacations strive to introduce you to the authentic flavours so you can enjoy
the destination in a deeper way. Therefore, meals included are usually local or
continental. None of the vacations include Indian or other speciality Asian cuisine.
Breakfast is included in most vacations, with the exception of Cosmos North America,
though some of these vacations offer optional breakfasts that can be purchased at
the time of booking the tour. Please request vegetarian meals with the Tour Director
when on tour and this can usually be accommodated when requested in good time. When
meals are not included, you may choose an Indian restaurant, on your own, in European
and North American cities. In certain countries and regions such as National Parks
of North America, it may be difficult to find Indian or occasionally even vegetarian
food. The exact number of meals included on your tour is clearly specified on the
itinerary and is different for each vacation.
Who will be my travel companions?
Our vacations are very popular worldwide and the demographic profile of travellers
is varied. Your fellow travellers will include many nationalities including American,
English, Canadian, Australian, Kiwi, Japanese, Thai, Indian and many others. They
are usually of varied ages and professional backgrounds. This is a wonderful opportunity
to make friends from people across the world.
Are prices published in the brochure / on the website guaranteed?
Prices quoted in the brochure / website are based on rates and taxes — including
all important foreign exchange rates — known at the time of costing. They are subject
to increase without notice if rates or taxes change substantially & current
price will be confirmed at the time you book your vacation. Once we receive your
deposit, the land price is guaranteed. 2010 prices and itineraries are subject to
change.
Do vacation prices include tips to Tour Directors, Drivers & Local Guides?
It is customary worldwide to pay tips to Tour Directors and Drivers on all international
vacations. Gratuity is automatically added to the tour price on the majority of
our tours and river cruises at the time of booking so you don't have to budget for
this at the end of the tour. To know if the gratuity will be added and the exact
amount of gratuity you are paying, please refer to the price box for your chosen
vacation. You will receive Gratuity vouchers with your travel documents and all
you need to do is give this to the Tour Director and driver or Cruise Director and
ship's crew at the end of the vacation. Gratuity is fully refundable if you need
to cancel your tour for any reason.
What is the difference between a twin-bedded room and a double room?
A double room is a room designed to accommodate two people, though not necessarily
with two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size; this
is what we usually reserve for our travelers.
How are optional tours booked?
The Tour Director / Local host / Cruise Director will go through the optional excursions
for purchase while you are on tour. Approximate costs and descriptions of possible
optional tours are mentioned on our websites and in the travel documents to enable
you to budget for the same. They can be booked and paid for on tour only. Some optional
tours mentioned in your travel documents may not operate due to weather, minimum
participation, and other operational reasons.
When will I receive my travel documents?
Travel Documents are sent approximately two to three weeks prior to departure, provided
full payment has been received. If available, a service charge per reservation is
added for documents requested in advance.
What airline can I fly? Is the arrival and departure transfer arranged for all vacations?
You may fly any airline of choice based on what is recommended by your travel agent
and that suits the dates of your travel. Airport transfers may be purchased on all
land-only reservations provided the arrival and departure timings are within the
scheduled airport transfer times as specified for the particular vacation. The timings
can be checked by your travel agent. Transfers are not available for non-brochure
dates but can be arranged if purchased with pre/post nites. Transfers cannot be
provided if joining late or leaving early. Your travel agent will be able to provide
you with information on availability and prices of transfers at the time of booking.
Transfers will be provided only if confirmed by Globus Family of brands. Transfers
will be provided only if confirmed by Globus family of brands. Look for confirmation
of your transfer in the travel documents.
What is the cancellation policy if I have to cancel? How can I protect against cancellation?
Cancellation policy differs based on the tour and the time of cancellation. Guidelines
of our cancellation policy are available in the brochure, website and with your
travel agent. You can protect yourself against cancellation charges by purchasing
a Trip Protection from the Globus Family of Brands. This is at an additional charge
and details are available with your travel agent and on the brochure and website.
It is optional for you to purchase Trip Protection and is not included in the standard
vacation price. It cannot be added after the tour is guaranteed for payment. We
recommend that this and a comprehensive insurance policy, be purchased for your
vacation.
Does Globus family of brands offer a Travel Protection/Insurance plan for purchase
or is a plan included in the vacation price?
In certain countries & regions, the Globus family of brands offers Trip Protection
/ Insurance that protects against trip cancellation, delay and interruption. This
is not a comprehensive travel protection and only provides coverage on Globus family
of brands trips, in case you have to cancel or leave early due to covered reasons.
It is optional for you to purchase and is not included in the standard vacation
price. We do recommend that this, as well as a comprehensive Travel Protection/Insurance
policy, be purchased for the duration of your vacation.
Why is it important that I give my name as it appears on my passport?
We do not allow a change in names of passengers at any time after the booking is
made. Due to increased travel security around the world, it is now more important
than ever that your bookings with airlines, hotels, cruise liners, etc. match your
first and last name exactly as it reads on your passport. Additionally, any changes,
which include spelling, may be subject to a change fee, penalty, or cancellation.
We also recommend a minimum of three blank pages in your passport for stamps while
traveling.
Does Globus Family of Brands provide visa assistance service?
With the exception of Russian visa letter which is provided at an additional charge,
we do not give any hotel vouchers for any visas. For Globus Russia & Northern
Europe (Tour Code RR), which requires Russian, Belarus and Schengen Visa, Globus
could also help in getting a Belarus visa while on tour at a charge. The Globus
family of brands takes no responsibility for obtaining or notifying travellers about
visas required for any vacation. Please pay special attention to certain tours that
need more than one visa, i.e. Spain & Portugal (Tour 6820) needs Schengen Visa
& UK Visa for Gibraltar. Some US Vacations visiting Niagara Falls (Tour 8000)
require both a US and Canada visa.
What size can my suitcase be?
TheDue to limited coach capacity, your bag should have dimensions not exceeding
30"x21"x11" (62" linear dimensions) or weight exceeding 50 lb. Carry-on bags should
not exceed the dimensions of 12"x11"x6". We regret we are unable to accept a second
suitcase or any luggage exceeding these limits (except on cruises).
How is seating determined on the coach?
We offer daily rotation of seating, which gives everyone a variety of views. The
rotation is mandatory and is adhered by everyone.
What benefit do I get booking two back-to-back tours together or taking 2 tours in
a year?
Clients who take two or more vacations in the same calendar year (January — December)
qualify for a reduction on all vacations after the initial vacation. The reductions
are per person for Globus is $35, for Cosmos is $25, for Monograms is $35 and Avalon
Waterways is $35.
How can I make the most of my vacation?
Our vacations endeavour to immerse you in the local destination experience with
regional Tour Directors and are of international standards and quality. Your travel
companions include people from all parts of the world and being friendly and a part
of the group activities, rather than being on your own, makes it more enjoyable
for all. You will have free time for your own activities as well. Showing respect
to cultural differences often gets respect in return. It is also imperative that
you maintain punctuality at all times, for departure timings, optional tours and
meeting times so that everyone, including you can maximise on the tour experience.
Keep an open mind and exhibit attitudes that set a positive example of our nation
outside - every citizen is a country's ambassador, especially when travelling overseas!
It's in your interest to book early.
Book your vacation as soon as possible to guard against not finding space on the
vacation of your choice. Many Globus family of brands vacations sell out months
before departure.
IT IS LIKELY THAT YOU MAY HAVE MORE QUESTIONS THAN THE ONES WE HAVE LISTED ABOVE.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ASK YOUR TRAVEL AGENT OR CONTACT US ON 1800.425.3575 OR EMAIL
US AT india@globusfamily.com
TRAVEL ETIQUETTES
Prior to your journey, it is important that you read your travel documents and the
brochure thoroughly, so you know exactly what to expect on your vacation, what you
are paying for, and so that you can look forward to it with a big smile. We urge
you to also familiarize yourself with the following expected travel etiquette:
Why It's Important to Follow Etiquette
Every citizen is their home country's ambassador, especially when traveling overseas!
Our vacations are of international standards and quality, and include travel companions
from around the world. Showing respect for cultural differences often gains you
respect in return. Being friendly and a part of the group makes it more enjoyable
for everyone.
Punctuality
It is imperative that you maintain punctuality at all times—for departure times,
optional tours, and meeting times—so that you do not get left behind and so that
all participants can enjoy the tour. It is rude and unfair if your travel companions
have to waste time waiting for you when they could be enjoying the destination.
Moreover, your itinerary has been planned to maximize the touring experience, and
on-time operation is necessary to ensure the planned itinerary can be followed.
We are not liable for any losses you may incur because of poor timekeeping on your
part. We urge you to read our Terms & Conditions to familiarize yourself with
our liability in such situations.
Your Travel Companions
Our vacations are very popular worldwide, and the demographic profile of our travelers
is varied. Passengers are usually of varied ages and professional backgrounds, and
will include many nationalities, including American, English, Canadian, Australian,
New Zealanders, Japanese, Thai, Indian, and many others, providing a wonderful opportunity
to make friends from around the world. Introduce yourself and try to mix with your
fellow travelers. It is good manners and more fun for you than being on your own.
On—Tour Behavior
Showing respect and courtesy to fellow travelers during the journey will likely
earn you the same in return and will result in a positive experience for everyone.
Speaking to others or on a mobile phone when the Tour Director is giving commentary
should be avoided.
Traveling with Children
If you are a parent traveling with children, it is your responsibility to take care
of them and tend to their safety. Most of your travel companions will have a real
interest in learning about the cultures of countries they are touring and want to
enjoy uninterrupted commentary from the Tour Director. It is also a great way for
the children to learn about other places and to respect other cultures.
Your Touring Motorcoach
Eating and smoking on our motorcoaches is strictly prohibited, so you can enjoy
your scenic drives in a clean, hygienic, and state-of-the-art environment.
Bags
For your own comfort, please travel light (baggage dimensions and weight limitations
are given in your travel documents). On the motorcoach, carry only essential items
in a small backpack to ensure it fits in the luggage rack or under the seat in front
of you, rather than on your or your neighbor's lap! Trolley bags that are used as
carry-on luggage on airlines are strictly prohibited on the motorcoach.
Your Tour Director & Driver
Every Globus vacation is special because of the experienced, knowledgeable, and
motivated Tour Directors who escort each tour. These friendly professionals are
highly respected, are trained in dealing with people from different cultures and
backgrounds, and work hard to provide you with an enjoyable and hassle-free vacation.
They will tell you delightful stories, give local insights, and work behind the
scenes so that operational details are taken care of for the next day of the journey.
Many hold professional degrees and are highly qualified. They justifiably expect
to be treated and respected as professionals.
Your drivers ensure that you have a comfortable and safe journey as you discover
new places on your vacation. They navigate through heavy traffic and ensure your
motorcoach is neat and tidy for your next day of travel. They, too, expect to be
treated with courtesy.
Tour Director & Driver Gratuities
At the end of each tour, our travelers take the opportunity to thank the Tour Directors
and drivers for their services by paying them a gratuity. This has been automatically
included in your invoice at the time of booking, so you don't have to budget for
this at the end of the tour. Please contact us if you prefer to pay the gratuities
directly on your vacation. The exact amount of gratuity that you are paying is included
in the price box for your chosen vacation. You will receive a gratuity voucher with
your travel documents—all you need to do is give this to the Tour Director and the
driver at the end of the tour. Tips charged at the time of booking are fully refundable
if you need to cancel your vacation for any reason. Tips for Local Guides are not
included in this charge. Tips added are only for the main tour and exclude extensions.
You may pay these directly on your vacation.
On—Tour Assistance
If you have an issue or concern, please approach your Tour Director rather than
wait for the situation to escalate, waiting until the end of the tour to bring it
up, not bringing it up at all, or just discussing it with other passengers. The
only person who can help resolve any situation that arises is your Tour Director.
At the same time, be reasonable and understand that s/he is managing a large group.
Everyone wants a wonderful travel experience—including your Tour Director!
In Rome, Do as Romans Do
People everywhere love to welcome visitors to their part of the world. They appreciate
those who take an interest in their culture, so having an open mind will help you
take away some great experiences. The best way to embrace the local culture is to
do what the locals do—and on our vacations, you will have ample opportunity to do
so!
It All Depends on You
We live in a wonderfully diverse world. One of the greatest benefits of travel is
the opportunity to return with different experiences and new points of view. Consideration
for others go a long way toward making your own vacation experience an unforgettable
one!
If you have any specific questions on your tour write to us at india@globusfamily.com
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