Frequently Asked Questions
How are we different?
The main thing that differentiates Global Getaways from others is that we create our own itineraries versus offering travel as an impersonal commodity or selling someone else’s cookie cutter trip. We carefully craft unique itineraries often based on first-hand experience. In fact, in 2014, we hopped on a plane and embarked on a 15 month Journey Around the World, exploring and discovering many of the destinations we now sell. We worked hard to develop our own supplier relationships, form our own opinions, and photograph and write about the destinations and resorts we visited. We now work with whomever we think will take the best care of our valued clients. If you'd like to read more about our adventures or see our photos, please feel free to visit our blog: Six Hearts One Journey.
How does your pricing work?
Each unique itinerary has a single package price, which is the sum of all the ingredients (hotels, transfers, guides, activities, etc.) you choose to include in your vacation. You’re essentially buying a fully customized vacation package. The total package price is fairly comprehensive and typically covers the bulk of what you’ll spend while on your trip. That being said, there are some things that are generally not included in your package price, such as tipping, travel visas, shopping (sorry), meals (to be determined), additional activities you choose to book while there, and your flights to/from the destination, unless otherwise stated.
Due to the nature of our relationship with our partners, our contracts with them, their somewhat complicated bundling practices, as well as daily international currency exchange rates, we are not provided with a breakdown of costs, nor are we allowed to provide a breakdown of our pricing. Our goal is to keep things simple and clear. What’s most important to know is that we have your best interest at heart, and you are getting your money’s worth. Through the years, we have chosen only the partners we believe provide the best customer service, excellent experiences, reliable and trustworthy guides and drivers, quality accommodations, and most importantly, 24/7 help on the ground while our clients are traveling - should issues come up. Our partners consistently provide an excellent value for the pricing they give us (compared to many other suppliers we have vetted). We only work with partners we feel confident will provide our clients with the best experiences.
What are your payment terms?
Consultation Fee: We require a nonrefundable fee as described in "How we work" before we start creating our customized itinerary. Travel Consultation and Itinerary Planning is for one complete itinerary. Changes in destinations will require an additional consultation fee.
Deposit: Once details of your itinerary have been discussed and decided, we collect a 30-50% deposit, depending on the partners we use. They are either refundable or non-refundable, depending on the company and vacation being booked.
Full Payment: Full payment is required 90 days prior to travel unless otherwise stated. Payment can be made by way of bank transfer, personal check, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express). Credit cards payments are assessed 3-4% and will be added to the invoice to cover the charges levied by credit card companies. We choose not to build this charge into our prices, as the majority of our clients pay by check. We believe it would be unfair to indirectly charge them a levy. See below.
Why do you charge a Consultation Fee?
Our Consultation fee reflects the time, expertise, and personalized attention we dedicate to curating a seamless and enjoyable travel experience tailored to your preferences and needs. Here's a breakdown of why we charge this amount:
Personalized Service: Crafting a customized travel itinerary involves a thorough understanding of your interests, preferences, and requirements. Our team takes the time to research and curate a unique plan that suits your travel style.
Expertise: We have extensive knowledge and experience in creating itineraries that optimize your time, showcase the best destinations, and provide valuable insights, ensuring a well-thought-out plan that enhances your overall travel experience.
Time: Developing a detailed travel itinerary requires significant time investment. From researching destinations and activities to coordinating logistics and accommodations, we meticulously plan every detail to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Access to Resources: We have access to a wide range of resources, including insider tips, local contacts, and up-to-date information. This access enables us to provide you with recommendations that go beyond what's readily available online.
Customer Support: Our service extends beyond the creation of the itinerary. We offer ongoing customer support to address any questions, concerns, or modifications you may have before and during your trip.
What forms of payment are accepted?
Although payment may be made by personal check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express), there are often times when only one or both are required. For example, at times we work directly with ground suppliers who require cash or wire transfers only. In this case, payment may be split, with a portion of your payment being via credit card and the remaining portion sent as a check. Specific payment details will be shared in your completed proposal.
What is your cancellation policy? Cancellation policies can vary depending on the partners we use, but in general:
Deposits and International air are non-refundable unless otherwise stated.
Consultation Fees paid are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Cancelations received between booking and 91 days prior to travel will be subject to 30% tour cost
Cancelations received 90-61 days prior will be subject to 50% tour cost
Cancelations received 60-0 days prior will result in forfeiture of entire tour price
Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend you purchase comprehensive travel insurance. Global Getaways is an authorized retailer of travel insurance products offered by Travel Insured Insurance. We will be able to provide you with a custom quote upon request.
COVID UPDATE: Please note that as of March 11, 2020, COVID-19 is a foreseen event and certain coverages will not apply. Please be careful to read your policy carefully and contact the insurance company directly with any specific questions.
Travel Documents, Visas, and Passports?
Every country has different rules and requirements. These seem to change on a regular basis, so it’s always best to check with the relevant embassy or consulate for the most up to date information. While we can provide guidance, It’s your responsibility to ensure you have a valid passport and meet all necessary entry requirements of the country or countries you will be visiting. Requirements vary by country and nationality and can change from time to time. Global Getaways will do its best to inform Travelers of these general requirements, but we ask that you contact the appropriate embassies and consulates in your country of residence. Global Getaways is not responsible for delays, changes or costs of any kind due to incomplete, expired or inaccurate travel documentation.
Do I need shots or inoculations?
It depends. Every country has different suggestions and requirements. These seem to change on a regular basis, so it’s always best to check with a travel health clinic. You may also check with the CDC or the US Department of State for additional information.
Is Global Getaways the right Travel Agency for you?
That is a great question because we are not always the best fit for everyone. And that’s ok. Here are a few key highlights of our business niche. If you find yourself nodding along, then we may be a perfect match.
We collaborate closely with our clients to create unique memorable experiences that are fully customized.
We listen carefully and ask a lot of questions to help us understand the where and the why of your journey.
We focus on luxury 4-5 star experiences and will never be the “cheapest deal” out there. That said, we provide excellent value in the luxury market, and will never encourage you to spend imprudently.
Our vendor, supplier, and partner relationships around the world are priceless to us because these are the people who take care of our valuable clients. For us, it’s all about relationship - both with clients and partners - and not the transaction.
One of our main roles is to advocate for you. We will not work with a company that doesn’t have your best interests at heart. If we encounter issues and can not reach an agreeable solution for my clients, that company is off my preferred list of vendors. I want only the best for you, so I work with only the best.
Our clients are friendly, curious, and down to earth. They love to explore new destinations and enjoy the opportunity to immerse themselves in beautiful cultures. Our guests appreciate beauty and the ability to slow down throughout their journey, so they can sit at a café and people watch. They are willing to go with the flow and understand that anything can happen during travel, but at the same time, expect a high level of quality and customer service.
How did Global Getaways handle the 2020 Covid Pandemic in terms of Client bookings?
When Covid hit, most of our client trips for 2020 were planned, paid for, and ready to go. As soon as we realized what was happening and the impact it would have on our clients, we began the long and important process of researching, postponing, cancelling, refunding, or rearranging every booking we had. We explained each step to our clients, and proceeded to advocate and negotiate with our trusted partners. This is where having long-standing business relationships built on trust was extremely beneficial. Our partners were wonderful, and every booking was taken care of in a timely, thoughtful, and fair manner.