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Information and FAQs
- I could organise this more cheaply if I organised it myself, so why use the Travel Tailor?
By booking a holiday with the Travel Tailor, you are making use of our extensive travel knowledge and experience, which will help your trip to run smoothly and offer the best possible travel options and itinerary suited exactly to your needs. A huge amount of time and enthusiasm is put into the creation of each tour, taking the burden of research, reservations and administration off our clients. We know many areas of the world personally, and for those places that have not been visited by ourselves, we have contacts and undertake thorough research.
You may save some money by arranging your own holiday, but the Travel Tailor can save you time and effort, and provide you with a quality, personalised trip of a lifetime. The Travel Tailor may also be able to save you money, knowing where to look for the best deals.
- When is the best time to travel?
We will advise when booking about the different seasons in your chosen destinations, and when the best time to travel will be. We also think about peak holiday seasons as well as climatic seasons, and take this into account when advising on your travels.
- What flights do you use?
This depends on both the destination and the type of trip being undertaken. As an independent company, we are not limited or obliged to use any particular airlines and are thus able to chose the best for you. We book flights with any airline, from the low budget options around Europe, to more luxurious long haul choices.
- Can you arrange transfers from our home to the departure point?
Certainly. We can arrange a private taxi transfer from your door, or advise on public transport if you are saving every penny for once you have arrived on holiday.
- What is your approach to responsible tourism?
See our page on responsible tourism.
- I don't speak any languages, will this be a problem?
Not at all. It is always a good idea to learn a few words or phrases in the local language – it should put a welcome smile on people's faces and show that you are willing to immerse yourself in their culture. In many places there will be someone who speaks some English, and in more remote areas where they don't, it is all part of the adventure. Speaking is not the only form of communication.
- Do you think about safety when organising tours?
The personal safety of our clients is always a top priority. We will not send travellers to countries experiencing widespread instability of any kind, and keep a close eye on advice from the Foreign Office.
- What about health?
The Travel Tailor is happy to provide general health advice about the country which you are to visit, but it is your own responsibility to obtain up to date health and vaccination information.
Pease consult your GP or a travel clinic for information regarding travel vaccinations, and note that some vaccination courses may take several weeks to complete, so this needs to be done well in advance of the holiday.
Alternatively, visit the MASTA (Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad) website for the latest advice on health matters and Foreign Office travel advice, or telephone them on 0906 822 4100.
It is inadvisable for a passenger who suffers from respiratory problems or high blood pressure to undertake travel at high altitudes. Please consult your doctor if you are in any doubt.
For travel in Europe, you are advised to hold an EHIC (EU Health Insurance Card) to receive necessary health care whilst visiting a European Economic Area country or Switzerland. The EHIC has replaced the E111. Visit the Department of Health for the latest worldwide health updates.
- I am disabled, can I go on a trip?
Not everywhere is as disabled-friendly as we would like, and some of the more remote regions of the world will be very difficult to visit in comfort. However, if you would like us to tailor a trip for you, we can make sure we organise it around your special needs and requirements.
- Are there any age or health restrictions on Travel Tailor holidays?
If you have been advised by your GP that you should not travel due to health concerns, you should adhere to this advice. If you are concerned about travelling due to restrictions caused by age or health, we will be happy to arrange a trip taking these needs into account.
- How can we arrange travel insurance?
You can either arrange insurance yourselves, once you know when and where you will going, or the Travel Tailor can source a range of suitable options and offer these to you instead. Insurance should be taken out immediately when the flight is booked, because if you have to cancel your holiday prior to departure, unless you have insurance you will not be covered.
For mystery tours, we will arrange the most appropriate travel insurance for you, because to take out insurance you will need to know where you are travelling to, and whether you will be undertaking activities which may require additional cover such as winter sports or summer outdoor pursuits. If you would like to arrange your own travel insurance, we will advise on the level of cover required.
- Do I need a passport and visa?
You will require an international passport on all holidays outside your country of residence. Most countries require a minimum of six month's validity from your date of arrival. You will need a visa in some areas, which will need to be obtained in advance of travel. The Travel Tailor will advise of any visa requirements at the time of booking. If you are not British, contact your embassy for visa requirements. When discussing options with the Travel Tailor, you will be advised of any special requirements of the places which you will be visiting. Please note however that it is the personal responsibility of the passenger to ensure that passports are valid and that the necessary visa requirements have been obtained for the entire journey.
- How safe is our money? Customer Protection?
As a small, independent company we are not yet bonded as we try to keep costs down by not having to pass such expenses onto our clients. However, in the event of our insolvency, we do guarantee that any money you have given us which has not been realised in the form of a taken holiday, will be fully refunded. We also guarantee, in the event of our insolvency, that you will not be stranded abroad.
- How much deposit will I need to pay?
That depends on your holiday. As a general rule, we ask that flights are paid for in full when booked, and an additional 10% or GBP100 (whichever is greater) sum be paid in order for further reservations to be made. If you have asked us to arrange travel insurance, this must also be paid at the booking stage.
- When will the balance be due?
The final balance of your tour is due 60 days prior to departure.
- What payment method can I use?
You can pay your deposit and balance by cheque, made payable to ‘The Travel Tailor’, or by bank transfer.
- Will I be charged if I cancel my holiday?
You must notify the Travel Tailor in writing if you wish to cancel your holiday. The cancellation will be effective from the day of receipt of this confirmation. See our Terms and Conditions for further details.
We highly recommend that you take out full travel insurance which should cover loss of deposit and cancellation fees, in most cases, depending on the reason for cancellation.
- When will I receive my tickets and final travel itinerary?
You will receive your final travel information documentation pack including tickets and finalised itinerary at least 1 week prior to departure.
- What is an E-ticket?
This is a paperless ticketing system, used by numerous airlines. You will be given a booking reference which must be presented to the airline staff at check-in. All details are held on their computer system, meaning a paper ticket does not need to be issued. This makes the check-in process more efficient and means that your ticket cannot be stolen or lost.
- Departure tax
You will often have to pay departure tax when leaving a country. This is paid upon check in of your return flight.
- Complaints
If you have any complaints about your holiday, please contact the Travel Tailor in writing as soon as possible after your return. We will endeavour to reply within 28 days of receiving your correspondence.
- Can I claim compensation for a delayed flight?
Tour operators and airlines do not generally offer compensation for such delays, but many travel insurance policies will include a degree of compensation and out of pocket expenses incurred. You will need to obtain an FDC (flight delay confirmation) from the airline in order to claim.
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