FAQ
Booking procedures to travel essentials, visa requirements to safety tips, find the information you need in our curated list of FAQs. Simplify your travel planning process and embark on your next adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Traveling With Us
The size of each travel program varies depending upon destination and type of trip. Most of our land programs have approximately 25 or fewer participants. Ocean voyages are usually smaller than 75 travelers, and river voyages range between 50 and 90 travelers.
If you are interested in a specific program but are not affiliated with the sponsoring organization, please contact our office at 1-800-221-1944 or 1-212-514-8921 for availability.
Yes. All tour directors are native English speakers or speak English with native-level fluency. Local guides also lead their portions of the tour in English. For other language-related requests, please contact our office at 1-800-221-1944 or 1-212-514-8921.
In order to maintain the integrity of the program, travelers are unable to skip portions of the tour. Please contact our office with questions or concerns.
Pending availability, we will hold a place for you for three days to allow you to make a decision. After three days have passed, a signed reservation application along with a deposit to guarantee your place are required. The deposit will be applied toward the total cost of your travel program.
Deposit amounts (of which 50% is non-refundable for administrative fees) vary depending on the tour. You may pay your deposit with a credit card, wire transfer, or personal check.
Yes! We have a secure online payment portal where you can make a deposit with any major credit card. However, only American Express is accepted for your final payment balance. Check, Bill Pay or electronic bank transfer (ACH) are also accepted for both the deposit and all payments toward your program.
Absolutely. Solo travelers are always welcome. If you prefer a private room or cabin, a single supplement usually applies. We do not arrange roommate matching for shared accommodations.
Comfort is key. During the day, casual clothing is appropriate both on land and on board. Depending on the destination, pack layers for cooler weather, especially while cruising or during excursions. A windbreaker or raincoat is helpful in wet conditions. Don’t forget sun protection. Bring a hat or umbrella, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
On cruises, most travelers change for dinner. For men, jackets and collared shirts work well; for women, skirts, blouses, dresses, or suits are suitable. Welcome and farewell dinners are more formal: Men typically wear a jacket and tie; women often wear a cocktail dress or tailored suit.
Bring comfortable walking shoes for excursions. Rubber-soled shoes are best. If your trip includes a riverboat or voyaging ship, pack shoes with non-skid soles for safety on deck.
A suggested packing list will be shared one to two months before departure.
Airfare, Flights, and Transfers
To offer travelers flexibility in their travel arrangements, we do not include round-trip airfares in program rates. However, flights within and between foreign countries that are part of the travel itinerary are generally included in program rates.
Arrangements Abroad works with Largay Travel to assist guests with booking air travel. The service costs $40 per person. All airfares are guaranteed once your ticket has been issued.
When you book through Largay, you’ll receive personalized support, including a wide range of flight options, pre-ticketing fare analysis, and ongoing monitoring of your reservation. If any airline changes or delays affect your plans, your adviser will help you make alternate arrangements.
Full details can be found in your program’s Booking Your Flights & Arrival FAQ.
Unless your program’s brochure says otherwise, your group airport transfers are only included for travelers on the designated group flight or those who arrive within the specified arrival window shown in your reservation documents. If you are arriving earlier than the designated flight or arrival window, you are welcome to join the group if you feel comfortable waiting at the airport until the time scheduled for the group transfer. Please let us know if it is your intention to wait, so that we can be sure of the location of the transfer and adequate seating.
If you would prefer not to wait we suggest booking private transportation in advance for your flight. Contact us at trips@arrangementsabroad.com, 1-800-221-1944 or 1-212-514-8921 if you would like help coordinating this.
Special Arrangements
Yes, we are pleased to offer group rates for additional nights at the group hotels before and after trips. Regrettably, we cannot assist with individual arrangements at hotels not included in the program itinerary. For more information, please contact our office at 1-800-221-1944 or 1-212-514-8921.
As a group tour operator, typically we cannot assist with individual arrangements such as private touring and dinner reservations. We recommend seeking the services of a travel agent or hotel concierge to help you with these arrangements.
Travel Insurance Plan
Please consider purchasing a travel insurance plan, which may help in the event of trip cancellation, lost baggage or medical issues. Travel Guard offers travel insurance plans that may suit your needs. Click here for further information about Travel Guard, or call 1 (844) 873 1585.
To learn more about insurance plans for Cuba offered by Travel Guard, please call 1-800-454-7107.
Passports and Visas
Please note that, according to the U.S. State Department, you should renew your passport approximately nine months before it expires. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your journey. Some destinations require a tourist visa valid for your dates of travel. To obtain your Visas, we recommend G3, a passport and visa agency, who will complete the visa application process for you. G3 can also coordinate U.S. passport services with your visa process. Click here for additional information.
Program Activity and Pace Levels
Each Arrangements Abroad program is thoughtfully designed with safety, cultural depth, and memorable experiences in mind. Our itineraries include visits to museums and historic sites, special events, and conversations with leading scholars, artists, and public figures.
To help ensure your comfort and enjoyment, we encourage you to review each program carefully and select one that matches your health, mobility, and personal travel style. A positive mindset, curiosity, and flexibility go a long way.
We include physical activity and pacing levels in brochures, on our website, and in the What to Expect section of your Terms & Conditions and Personal Information Form. These indicators give a clear sense of how active the trip will be, allowing you to choose a program that fits your needs.
Activity Levels
| These programs involve a minimum of one (1) mile of walking each day, averaging a pace of around 30 minutes per mile. During walks, there may be stairs without handrails to climb, and walking periods can last up to an hour. While the routes generally consist of level ground, there may be occasional cobblestones, uneven pavement, or unpaved paths. Please be aware that there will be times when you’ll need to stand during the walks. Additionally, embarking and disembarking from motor coaches and other transportation methods will be part of the program. |
| On these programs, you can expect to walk one to two (1-2) miles at a time while visiting different sites and participating in walking or architectural tours. Some excursions may involve climbing multiple flights of stairs without handrails, as well as walking on uneven pavement, unpaved roads, paths, or cobblestones. Please note that there may be instances where you’ll need to stand for up to an hour at sites where seating is not available. |
| These programs may include more active components such as hiking, bicycling, and walking longer distances of three (3) miles or more per day. You can expect to encounter hills and/or uneven terrain on several days. Additionally, on each day of the program, there may be instances where you’ll need to stand for long periods of time without difficulty. |
| These programs are specifically tailored for travelers who are physically fit and vigorous. Participants should be able to walk five (5) or more miles without difficulty, even on steep or highly uneven surfaces. Throughout the program, there will be several days that involve active pursuits lasting three to four hours at a time. These activities may include hiking in mountainous regions or in the bush, cycling for several miles, or sea kayaking. |
Trip Tempo/Pacing
These programs offer a high degree of flexibility when it comes to choosing activities and pacing levels and are usually based on small-ship travel. On these journeys, you may be able to opt out of morning or afternoon excursions and other activities if you prefer. Additionally, there may be multiple groups available on the excursions, each with their own distinct pacing options, allowing you to find the pace that suits you best.
These programs offer a full schedule of excursions, with some opportunities for free time and independent meals. It is possible that you may stay in more than one hotel during the program as you explore different locations. Additionally, there may be early-morning hotel departures and extended coach, air, or train travel between cities or to remote sites.
These programs feature a packed schedule of active sightseeing and visits, often starting early in the day and potentially including evening activities. There may be substantial travel times on coaches, trains, or planes. Throughout the program, you can expect to stay in more than two hotels as you explore different locations. Vivace programs frequently involve visits to multiple countries and have limited free time.
These programs consist of packed and active days, including evening activities. You can expect extended travel times and the use of various local transportation methods. Additionally, there will be frequent changes of hotels throughout the program.
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, we ask that you let us know at the time of booking if you have any medical conditions, mobility limitations, or other needs that could affect your participation or the experience of others on the trip. This helps us understand how we can best support you.
Please note: We are unable to provide personal assistance with walking, wheelchairs, motorized scooters, carrying belongings, or similar needs. If you require this kind of support, you must travel with a companion who can assist you throughout the entire trip.
We’re happy to speak with you about the suitability of any program. Contact us at 1-212-514-8921 or email info@arrangementsabroad.com for a personal consultation.
Keep in mind that itineraries may change, which can affect activity and pace levels.