FAQ + Travel Resources
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Does it cost more to work with a travel agent?
Most travel professionals will charge a professional fee to design a customized itinerary for their client. That professional fee is the same that an accountant, doctor or lawyer will charge for their consultation services. You are paying for the travel advisors expertise in the travel industry and their industry connections. However, when you factor in the time saved, the value added and memorable experiences you will recieve in return - it is worth the fee. In fact, a travel advisor can very often save you money, with the insider promotions that they will only have access to in the industry.
What can a travel advisor do for me that I cannot do for myself?
A professional travel advisor makes planning and designing vacations their career. They will have a wealth of insider knowledge through their industry connections, personal experiences and the experiences of their fellow colleagues and clients. Travel Advisors will have access to a variety of tools that the average consumer is not able to use or does not know about. They can sometimes get you added amenities at hotels, room upgrades otherwise not offered to the general public. They not only consider price but value, which is what they bring to your vacation experience.
Travel Advisors not only help you plan your vacation, but they can act as your vacation advocate. If something bad happens while on vacation – such as a canceled flight or a missed connection – they’ll help clean up the mess. They take the stress out of vacations. Imagine not having to worry about arranging travel, hotels, transportation, best connections, meals, and excursions. They will coordinate all the details for you, which saves you a lot of time. Some studies show that travelers spend about 30 hours researching and preparing for a trip. Many visit up to 39 sites before actually making a reservation. Have you ever gone down the rabbit hole comparing flights? Or poring over photos of hotels? How about debating over sightseeing options? Or even second-guessing your choice of destination altogether? Travel Advisors will vet those countless options for you. They can offer insight a website can not provide. They work for you and will have your best interest at hand.
Our clients hire Paradise Haven Travels for our white glove concierge services. We work for you and take all the burden and pressure of planning, pricing and scheduling off of your shoulders. We personally meet with our clients and gather as much information as we can before we begin our research. Once we develope a relationship with our clients, we know exactly how they like to travel and are able to offer itineraries with very little revisions. In addition, as professional travel consultants we have long standing valuable relationships with our suppliers. These cultivated relationships translate to consistent and superior services that we are able to extend to our clients often in the form of upgrades and special amenities.
Our relationships are built on quality, not quantity. We are with our clients through the entire planning process, while they are in travel and upon their return. We know that a person's vacation is a very valuable asset to them. It is memories being created that will last a lifetime, so we do not take that lightly. The value and experiences we give our clients far exceeds our fees and our testimonals can attest that fact.
What's the best way to kick off organizing a group trip?
Do I need a passport to travel on a cruise ship?
Mostly, whether or not a passport is required depends on your itinerary. If you are going on what’s called a “closed-loop” cruise (for example, leave from Ft. Lauderdale then visit a foreign country (ex. Caribbean islands) and return to Ft. Lauderdale then technically you do not need a U.S. passport booklet. On such a closed-loop cruise and without a passport, U.S. citizens will be able to enter or depart the U.S. with certain proof of citizenship. You will be required to present a government-issued birth certificate and a laminated government-issued photo ID, denoting photo, name and date of birth. You may also present an Enhanced Driver’s License (allows you to re-enter the U.S. only by land or sea and only from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean) or a Passport Card. Check with your state to see if it offers an Enhanced Driver’s License. Passport Cards have the same limitations at an EDL.
Keep in mind that some Caribbean countries on your closed-loop cruise might require a U.S. passport to enter. If this is the case, without a passport booklet you will not be allowed to cruise or go ashore on those islands. Caribbean nations that require cruise passengers to have a passport include: Barbados, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, St. Bart’s, and Trinidad and Tobago. Note: Royal Caribbean’s private island, Labadee, though part of Haiti, does not require a passport. If your cruise is not closed-loop and you board, for example, in San Diego for a one-way Panama Canal cruise to Ft. Lauderdale, you will need a U.S. passport.
We recommend that everyone taking a cruise from the United States have a passport book. Though some “closed-loop” cruises may not require a U.S. passport, we recommend bringing yours in case of an emergency, such as an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port.
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from your return date of travel or you will be denied boarding your flight. There is also a very big difference between Passport Books and Passport Cards. For example, at the time of this writing, you cannot travel to Europe on a Passport Card.
When you book with us, we actually gather your passport information in the beginning to ensure your expiration date fall within the travel guidelines. We take care of all your travel needs.
Is travel insurance really necessary?
Is Covid-19 covered in my insurance policy?
For most insurance companies Covid-19 will be covered under their medical policy. It is considered as sickness and not an isolated sickness. You should talk to your insurance companies regarding other components of Covid-19, as those may not be covered without obtaining additional coverage. Many countries are requiring special Covid-19 insurance before you can enter through country to cover any expenses (medical and lodging) that may arise out of contacting Covid during their vacation.
Do I have to pay for my trip in full at the time of booking?
The payment schedule will vary depending on the supplier and the timing of when you book your trip. However, many vacation packages will allow for a pay overtime plan. They generally require an initial deposit payment with final payment due by a specific timeframe before travel, facilitating you pay as your budget allows.
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