FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)

BOOKINGS:

BEFORE YOU GO:

ABOUT HOTELS:

MONEY MATTERS:

 

 

How do I book my vacation?
We tried to make it as easy as possible for you to price and book your vacations online with us. If you know where you are going, the fast way to book is to go to our "Book your own trip" page and use the booking engine there. Enter your departure city, destination city, travel dates, as well as the number of people traveling. Please note that for each additional room you need to make a separate reservation. If you are going to visit multiple cities, select "yes" when prompted. The booking engine will now display the cheapest flight first (although you will not be able to see the air fare) and our default hotel. Please feel free to customize your vacation by selecting your most convenient flight and your hotel of choice. The following screens will give you the option to book a transfer to and from the airport (recommended), book sightseeing tours (if available), and purchase travel insurance. Once you are satisfied with your itinerary, you will then enter your payment information. Then you will be displayed the full itinerary and you will be sent an email confirming your booking. You will then be able to use our site to print electronic tickets receipts and your vouchers.

How early should I book my vacation to Latin America?
Latin America is becoming a hot destination. Please book early to avoid being disappointed. We realize that your time is very valuable and we want to make your vacation memorable. In order to help us make your dream vacation a reality we recommend that you book 6 months to a year ahead of time. If you think this is outrageous, please consider the following:
- Some of our most unique lodges have at the most 30 rooms
- Not enough availability for cruise ships to the Galapagos due to the high demand and the many restrictions to protect the environment

Do I need travel insurance?
You don’t have to purchase travel insurance, still we highly recommend it. For example, if an unforeseen event occurs before your departure and you have to cancel the trip, you will be reimbursed for all or some of the costs. Otherwise, chances are you will pay cancellation fees and lose money. Please read our insurance information before deciding either way.

Do I need to confirm my flight?
It is always a good idea to call the airline 72 hours in advance to confirm your reservation, especially if you booked your vacation months in advance. Once you book a vacation package on our site, you will receive a booking number and you will be able to check the status of your booking on our web site.

Why don’t you issue paper tickets anymore?
To reduce costs and save time most airlines prefer to issue e-tickets. It is as safe to purchase e-tickets, as it is to purchase paper ones. Most airlines will charge you extra if you prefer paper tickets. Some airlines or some combinations of airlines require us to issue you paper tickets. In this case, you will not be charged an extra fee.

What kind of documents do I need for traveling to Latin America?
We are not responsible for providing documentation information for your trip. For up-to-date information regarding travel and foreign-entry requirements, please consult the Department of State website. Please ensure that you understand fully those requirements. Our agents are not responsible for information regarding visa and passport requirements. It is the responsibility of the passenger. We also recommend checking with the destination country's consulate in advance before embarking on your trip. Please pay special attention to children traveling with only one parent. For example, Mexico requires a written power of attorney from the absent spouse. If you are a non-US citizen or a legal alien resident, you might have additional restrictions, to include re-entry to the United States. **IMPORTANT CHANGE** U.S. CITIZENS RETURNING FROM ANY INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION DECEMBER 31, 2006 AND AFTER: Effective December 31, 2006, a valid passport will be required for persons of all ages returning by air or sea from any international destination. State issued birth certificates with government issued I.D. will no longer be an acceptable form of proof of citizenship.

I am traveling with my children. I know children usually benefit from special rates. What is the maximum age for children to enjoy all the benefits of travel?
For children to enjoy reduced travel, they must be 11 years of age or younger. Please make sure that your children do not turn 12 while traveling, as they will not qualify for discounted fares.

I want to go to Mexico with my children, but my wife cannot go. Is there a problem?
Parents of minor children (under 18 years old) should carefully document legal custody prior to traveling to Mexico. If a minor child is traveling with only one parent, the absent parent should provide notarized consent. If only one parent has legal custody, that parent should be prepared to provide such evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities. In cases in which a minor child is traveling to Mexico alone or in someone else's company, both parents (or the sole, documented custodial parent) should provide notarized consent. Please note that non-US citizens might face different requirements when departing/entering the United States. Please check with INS before committing to any travel plans. Also, you can check State Department’s web site for the latest visa requirements.

I don’t understand the rankings of your hotels. Can you explain?
There are many ways to categorize hotels, but the most popular ones are either the categories we use or the stars. If you are not familiar with our system, think of the following: deluxe=5 stars; superior=4 stars plus, moderate=3 stars, tourist=2 stars. The description of each hotel gives you a pretty good idea of the amenities offered on site.

General comments about properties in Central and South America
Please consider that properties in some areas of Central and South America may not meet the standards you are accustomed to in the USA. The places you will visit do not enjoy our same standards of living. Although there are hotels throughout the region that match the luxury and facilities of US counterparts, do not expect to find a Las Vegas or Cancun type of resort in places like the Monteverde Cloud Forest of Costa Rica, the Belize Cayes or Peru's Sacred Valley. You will find very fine, unique and comfortable properties, just don't expect the lavishness of some mass tourist destinations. In many cases, properties are right next to beautiful tropical surroundings teeming with life- do not be surprised to meet the occasional ant or spider in your room or shower. We inspect the properties we feature and work hard to present factual information that you can use to make an intelligent choice. Please read the property information carefully. Hotels select how to name their room types. Some names may confuse travelers. A "seaside” room may not mean that the ocean is besides the room. An "ocean view” room means that you can see the ocean from your room, but not necessarily that the room is in front of the beach.
Each beach property has its own "beach” characteristics depending mainly on their specific location and the general coastline. Some of the most beautiful properties in Costa Rica, for example, are on the coast but not right on the beach. They are perched on top of high ground that affords inspiring vistas but it will take you some time and effort to reach

Why can’t I get a confirmation for the hotel right away? How are my requests handled?
Specific details on payment terms and deadlines are in our "Terms and Conditions". Because many of the properties in regions of interest in Latin America are relatively small, space cannot be guaranteed. Most of the time we have to request and then confirm the rooms that you requested. We try our best to confirm exactly what you wanted. If we cannot, we will offer alternative properties that you will have to approve. We try to get you an answer on your request as soon as possible. In some countries we give you an answer within 48 hours, others may take longer- we strive for the confirmation process to take no longer than 72 hours. Sometimes this is not possible due to circumstances in a specific properties reservation procedure. In destinations such as the Mexico Beaches, we can offer immediate confirmation. Our fixed departure itineraries also found in "suggested itineraries" can also de immediately confirmed. It is always wise to book well in advance of your traveling date – especially during winter peak season and other peak periods throughout the year – to obtain faster confirmation for your room or to find available rooms in the desired hotel.

We are going to need more than one room for our hotel stays. I don't see a place to enter multiple rooms. What should I do?
The way to book multiple rooms is to do a separate booking for each additional room. If you do not have the time to do it yourself, call us and we will be glad to assist you.

What are airport and departure taxes?
Most countries charge a departure fee in cash at the airport and some charge a cash entry fee. Our site tries to keep this information updated under "Travel Guide section" in each country's page. Please plan on having extra cash to cover your departure fee at the airport on the day you are returning home. Since these are cash payments, our packages do not cover these entry and departure fees.

Are the prices on your site in US Dollars or Canadian Dollars?
All the prices on our site are in US dollars. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Why is my price different than the advertised price?

This could happen for a variety of reasons listed below:

• Travel Itinerary: rates quoted in the ad are valid for the period when the lowest airfare price is available - which is generally during weekdays. Different dates selected may result in higher prices - especially when including a weekend day as a travel date. The ad was selected to price from a specific departure city. If you are departing from a different city, your price will vary.

• Seats for lowest fare no longer available: By the time your price your vacation, the flights for your itinerary may no longer have any low-priced seats available.

• Air Taxes: Advertised prices do not include US taxes associated with flights and some destination taxes which vary and can change without notice. Typically, they will be collected at the airport upon your departure. For example, Mexico charges a Foreign Departure Taxes and Tourism Fee - up to $80.00 USD per passenger, depending on your destination.

• Ads generally do not include transfers. If you select transfers, the price will increase.

• Ad rates do not include insurance and shipping options. If you select these, your price will increase.

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Please note prices are in US Dollars, per person based on double occupancy and may not include government tax, car rental insurance (if applicable). Foreign airport departure fees of up to $78 may also be additional and payable directly to the appropriate foreign airport authority or prior to departure depending on destination. Final price depends upon day of departure, departure city, length of stay, hotel selected, room category and class of airfare available at time of booking. Some package prices are based on the lowest available season at the time of pricing and may be subject to availability and change. All travel dates within a date range may not be available at the time of booking. We carefully monitor all of the information presented on our site; however, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions resulting in descriptions, inventory, and content or pricing discrepancies. The details shown, including any pictures are for informational purposes only. Hotel conditions and features may change at any time and offered inclusions may be withdrawn without notice.