Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your most frequently asked questions about planning, booking, and preparing for our guided tours. Our FAQ page provides essential travel information, covering everything from tour inclusions and travel requirements to packing tips and payment details. Explore this helpful resource to make your next vacation with us seamless and stress-free.
What sets Holiday Vacations apart from the rest?
- Personalized guest service is and always has been the focal point of our company. When you travel with us, you’ll experience the best care in the travel business. This tradition of excellence dates back to our founding in 1973. Add in our professional relationships with quality hotels, restaurants, attractions and other suppliers, you are assured a carefree and memorable vacation.
What can I expect when I call the toll free number?
- When calling our office during normal business hours, you can expect to talk to our friendly and professional Tour Consultants. They will happily assist you in a welcoming and informative environment. Whether you simply have a question, would like to request information or are ready to book a tour, you will not be prompted by a series of recordings and will receive live one-on-one assistance.
When should I make my reservation?
- We recommend that you make your reservation well in advance of the final payment date, as most departures fill quickly. A low deposit of $200 per person confirms your tour reservation and is fully refundable prior to the final payment date. A friendly and knowledgeable Tour Consultant is happy to take your reservation by phone and answer any questions, allowing you the satisfaction of booking your vacation with confidence and ease.
When will I receive my tour documents? What information will be included?
- Your tour documents will be mailed approximately two weeks to ten days prior to the tour’s departure date. Included within your nylon document holder will be flight departure & return information, TSA information to reference when packing, luggage tags, the daily tour itinerary, name badges with lanyards and a confidential emergency contact form which will be collected by your Tour Director at the start of your vacation.
What happens if I cancel my reservation?
- Should the need arise to cancel your confirmed reservation, a simple phone call to Holiday Vacations will ensure that your reservation is released. Remember, your low $200 deposit is fully refundable prior to the final payment date. To avoid penalties after final payment, we encourage all guests to consider our Travel Protection Plan.
What is the travel protection plan?
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A key piece that is often overlooked when making the decision to purchase travel insurance is if something happens to an immediate family member that prevents you from traveling. I work with guests that encounter the unexpected on a regular basis. Oftentimes these situations involve a medical issue or having to cancel or leave a tour because something happens to a family member. I often hear: “I’m in excellent health and didn’t buy the insurance, but had to cancel because of a family member.” Frequently these circumstances would be covered by travel insurance.
Although it is optional, Holiday Vacations strongly recommends guests take advantage of our Travel Protection Plan. The plan offers accident and sickness coverage, baggage protection, trip interruption and cancellation insurance. Your vacation is an important investment. We encourage you to protect it.
How much free time will I have on tour?
- Each Holiday Vacations itinerary designates leisure time for our guests to independently explore, shop or sightsee. Your Tour Director will assist you in taking full advantage of your free time by offering suggestions for local attractions or by coordinating optional activities.
How active are Holiday Vacations' tours and how will I know if a tour has an activity level that is right for me?
- Our tour itineraries are designed to include the best a destination has to offer. Tour activity levels vary as sightseeing and attractions are unique to the area. The ability to perform each tour’s daily activities may differ from person-to-person. Should you have specific questions about one of our tours, please speak with any of our knowledgeable Tour Consultants. If you have questions about your ability to complete travel-related activity, please consult your doctor.
What should I pack?
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While on tour, casual and comfortable clothing is most always appropriate. It is recommended that you pack good walking shoes; specifically, a pair that is ‘broken in’. Due to the uncertainty of weather and air conditioning at attractions and restaurants, you may want to dress in layers and bring a light sweater or jacket.
When do I need to apply for a passport for international tours?
- Excellent question! According to the United States Department of State, currently it takes between four and six weeks to receive your passport after the application has been completed. This passport will be good for ten years. It is important if you already have a passport that it be valid at least six months after the return date of your international vacation, otherwise it would be a great idea to renew your passport so you can continue to travel the world care free!
Holiday Vacations tours include airfare. Can you assign seats on my flight?
- We are pleased to offer our guests the benefit of included airfare for all of our tours. At the time of reservation we are happy to note your seating request; however, all airlines maintain the control of seat assignments. Please be assured we will make every effort to match your request with the limitations and restrictions put forth by the airlines. Airline seating preference is on a request basis and cannot be guaranteed.
What identification is required for Hawaii?
- Domestic tours: All passengers 18 years and older must carry government issued photo identification such as a valid driver’s license or passport. International tours (including Canada): It is our policy that all tours traveling outside of the United States require a valid U.S. passport. Passport cards and enhanced driver’s licenses are not acceptable for any Holiday Vacations tour traveling outside of the United States. For your protection, we require a passport be valid for six months beyond the tour’s return date.
Do I need a passport for a Hawaii Tour?
- You don’t need a passport to enjoy the warm tropical sun of Hawaii. Though it may feel like a completely different country when you feast your eyes on the lush palm trees, sandy beaches and crystal blue water, you can take in all the ambience of the South Pacific without ever leaving the U.S.! There are many benefits to Hawaiian travel including using U.S. Dollars for currency, having medical records available if care is necessary and the ease of traveling in an English speaking society.