FAQs

WE HELP ANSWER LOTS OF QUESTIONS FROM OUR CLIENTS. THE FOLLOWING ARE A FEW OF THE MOST COMMONLY ASKED. WE’RE HERE TO SET YOUR MIND AT EASE. IF YOU STILL HAVE QUESTIONS, SEND US AN EMAIL OR GIVE US A CALL, WE’D LOVE TO SPEAK WITH YOU!

 
 

WORKING WITH BEYOND BORDERS BOOKING

Q. Why should I book with you instead of an online booking site, or direct with a resort?"

  • With us, you get exceptional personal assistance before, during, and after your vacation.
  • Budget is important and we strive to get your dream vacation within the budget you've set for it. There's no pressure to go above and beyond what you're comfortable with. You can't enjoy your vacation when you're stressed out about paying for it.
  • We provide honest advice about all resorts and destinations to help you choose the perfect resort for you.
  • You also benefit from our extensive personal connections which carry a certain gravitas when needing anything addressed. We have an easier time getting you perks (like getting your room upgraded)—it's easier for us to get a "yes" because we work with them often.
  • You can also call us anytime if you need something while you're away. You won't get that from a travel site.

Q. How much does your service cost?

  • Beyond Borders charges a planning fee based on the complexity of the trip. These fees range from $50-$250 per trip.

Q. How does your service work?

  • It's simple! Just contact us by email or phone. We will collect some initial information and provide you with a quote. At that time, we will let you know all your options to book your vacation with Beyond Borders Booking and collect any additional information needed. That's it!

Q. Will I pay more for a vacation if I book through you than an online booking site?

  • No. We have access to all the same pricing for resorts as the online booking sites do and we can price-match online booking engine pricing when comparing apples to apples.
  • In many cases, we can find discounts and other promotional offerings that are not offered to the general public.

Q. Will I pay more for a vacation if I book through you than an online booking site?

  • No. We have access to all the same pricing for resorts as the online booking sites do and we can price-match online booking engine pricing when comparing apples to apples.
  • In many cases, we can find discounts and other promotional offerings that are not offered to the general public.

Q. What important information should I have thought about before contacting you?

  • Ideally you should set a budget and share it with us so that we can give you a realistic, fun, and memorable itinerary for a price you are comfortable with.

Q. Can I use your itinerary planning services even if I don't book through you?

  • Technically, yes, you could do that, but why would you want to? It is not costing you anything extra when you book with Beyond Borders, plus you get our help should you have any issues while you are traveling. And, like you, we have bills to pay too. The only way we get paid is for trips booked; not our research time.

Q. I’ve heard horror stories about travel agencies that went out of business, and people lost their vacations… What guarantees do I have doing business with you?"

  • Because you don't pay Beyond Borders Booking for your vacation, there is no risk of losing your vacation through us.
  • When making your reservations, you provide us with your credit card information for booking. In turn, we provide that information to the vacation vendors (resorts, airlines, etc.). They charge your card.
  • This way, you are assured that every payment you make towards your vacation is applied directly to your reservation.

PRICING, BILLING, INSURANCE & PAYMENTS

Q. How do I find the lowest vacation price?

  • Many people think that they'll only find the best flights or vacation packages on their own. Not true! Thanks to our longstanding partnerships with the world’s greatest travel companies, Beyond Borders Booking has access to special pricing for cruises, air and tour packages, hotels, all-inclusive resorts and car rentals that you just can’t get on your own.
  • Plus, we can offer you exciting bonus amenities at no additional charge, such as shipboard credit, complimentary room upgrades, free shore excursions and more. We also offer you travel support before, during and after your trips—which is an invaluable service to have on your side.
  • Many resorts also have price parity, the cost is the same whether you book through us, direct with the resort, or with an online booking engine.
  • The difference between using us is that we help you plan a stress-free vacation without the hassle of going it alone.

Q. Should I purchase travel insurance?

  • Beyond Borders Booking highly recommends purchasing travel insurance, as it protects your travel investment, health, belongings, and vacation memories before and during your vacation. Most travel insurance plans cover trip cancellation, interruption or delays, medical, dental, emergency medical transportation, lost luggage, missed connections, itinerary changes and more. Beyond Borders has access to various travel insurance providers, so you’ll have plenty of great choices to choose from.

Q. Do I have to pay up front for my vacation?

  • It depends. The deposit requirements are set by the resorts and the tour operators we book through. Deposit rates vary based on the resort or package you select, and the time you are traveling.
  • The deposit is made via Beyond Borders Booking directly with the resort or tour operator. At no time do we ever charge your credit card? This way, you are assured that your deposit is applied directly to your vacation at the time of booking.
  • Most vacation packages require that you pay the balance 45 days prior to your arrival. Again, that payment is made directly to the supplier.

Q. How do I pay for my vacation? Who will charge my credit card when the reservation is made?

  • You may pay by credit card. It will depend on what type of vacation you are booking. The supplier(s) will charge your credit card directly (NOT Beyond Borders Booking). Example: A one-week all-inclusive vacation to Mexico through Apple Vacations will incur a charge from Apple Vacations. If you book a cruise with Royal Caribbean and separately book flights on Jet Blue, you will receive a charge from Royal Caribbean and one from Jet Blue.

TRAVELING: DOCUMENTS, MEDICAL, LUGGAGE & INSURANCE

Q. What kind of documentation do I need to travel?

  • Before you may board a flight, all passengers 18 years of age and older are required to present a photo ID issued by a government authority (example: driver's license or passport). If you don’t have either of those, please consult directly with the airline for alternatives. If you are traveling outside of the United States, all passengers are required to have a passport.

Q. What shots do I need?

  • We advise our clients to visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website for current information about recommended and required vaccinations and refer to your personal physician for specific guidance

Q. Do I need to reconfirm my flights before I leave?

  • It isn’t mandatory, but we highly encourage you to do so. Airlines regularly alter their schedules or change their flight numbers. We make every attempt to contact you when there is a change; however, there are rare occasions when we are not correctly notified by the airlines that a change has occurred. Reconfirmation helps to detect a problem before you arrive at the airport. We recommend that you contact us or check with the airline directly 24-72 hours prior to departure.

Q. How much luggage am I allowed to take on my trip?

  • It varies on the airline and the destination. It is always best to check directly with the airline on their website. Standard requirements are usually two pieces of checked baggage, one carry-on bag and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase or laptop computer.
  • Standard measurements for checked baggage is 62 linear inches (L + W + H) with weight not to exceed 50 lbs. per piece. Carry-on bags should not exceed 45 linear inches (L+W+H) with weight not exceeding 40 lbs. Foreign airlines may have stricter regulations for both checked baggage and carry-on baggage.
  • Please note that the airlines have been strictly enforcing the 50 lb. weight limit. If your bag exceeds 50 lbs, the airlines reserve the right to charge a fee for overweight luggage. The fees vary by airline but usually begin with a charge of $25.00 or more each direction. Please pack and plan accordingly.
  • If your vacation entails traveling on a tour via motorcoach, certain luggage limitations may also apply. Please consult the brochure or ask our travel counselor that assisted you with the arrangements.

Q. When do I need to be at the airport to check in for my flight?

  • It varies on airline and destination. It is always best to check directly with the airline. You can help avoid vacation stress by arriving at most airports at least 90 minutes prior to scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 120 minutes prior to International flights. Some large airports like Chicago O’Hare, New York JFK, Los Angeles, etc. require even more time so plan accordingly.

Q. What should I pack in my carry-on bag?

  • You should always keep ticket receipts, tour documents, and identification with you at all times. Never pack necessary daily medication in checked baggage; pack it in your carry-on. We also recommend that you carry a change of clothing and toiletries. Most airlines have greatly reduced meal service so we encourage you to pack healthy snacks. When traveling internationally you are not allowed to take fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers to other countries or return back to the USA with them as they may harbor insects. Follow the TSA guidelines of the 3-1-1 rule: all liquid, gel or aerosol items in your carry-on bag must be 3 oz or less, placed together in a clear one-quart zip lock bag, 1 bag per person.

Q. What do I need to avoid packing in my carry-on bag?

  • You are not allowed weapons or sharp weapon-like objects. It is recommended that sharp cuticle scissors be placed in your checked luggage. Butane type cigarette lighters, matches, flammable liquids, fireworks, household items such as bleach, drain cleaners, and other toxic chemicals are not allowed and will be confiscated. It is always good practice to check with applicable carrier for specific details.

Q. Can I obtain my boarding pass before I get to the airport?

  • Yes. As technology continues to improve, airlines encourage you to check in advance. Please visit the web-site of the airline involved. In most cases, you will need your reservation number (also called record locator #) OR e-ticket number.
  • Most boarding passes can only be issued within 24 hours of flight time.

Q. Is travel insurance really necessary?

  • Travel Protection plans are available and recommended to help protect you and your trip investment. Travel Protection Policies offered by most major travel insurance providers include benefits such as Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical, and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. Please ask our trained travel professionals for details.

Q. Do I need a passport to travel outside the United States and how do I get one if I do?

  • The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by January 1, 2008 travelers to/from all international destinations INCLUDING Canada, Caribbean, Bermuda, Bahamas & Mexico must have a passport.

Q. I’m taking a cruise. What’s with all this alphabet soup?

  • Ah, travel agents and their acronyms. When it comes to cruise industry accreditations, that’s particularly true. For example, if you are considering a cruise, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the primary accreditation organization. It certifies members based on years of experience, comprehensive testing, and ship visits. The Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) is the first step, followed by the Master Cruise Counselor (MCC), and then the Elite Cruise Counselor (ECC). ASTA also certifies agents for specific destinations as Destination Specialists (DS), or for specific lifestyles (LGBT or elder travel) as Lifestyle Specialists (LS).

TRAVEL INDUSTRY BACKGROUND

Q. What is a travel agent?

  • A travel agent is a seller of travel and tourism services on behalf of airlines, car rentals, cruise lines, hotels, railways, and package tours.

Q. What services does a travel agent offer?

  • Travel agents provide information and help consumers make travel arrangements for business and pleasure. A travel agent, for instance, coordinates a traveler's airline flight, hotel reservation, car rental or tour. Travel agents offer advice and answer common travel questions such as weather inquiries and conditions, places to see and visit, currency exchange rates, required travel documentation and local customs.

Q. What is the role of the travel agent and how has it changed?

  • Travel agents work hard on behalf of the consumer. The role of a travel agent is to make a trip - whether for work or pleasure - a stress-free and memorable experience. Travel agents spend time not only booking tickets and searching for affordable prices but also personalizing their services for individual clients. ASTA's (American Society of Travel Agents) motto, "Without a Travel Agent, You're on Your Own", exemplifies the importance and way professional travel agents view their role in today's changing market.
  • The job of a travel agent has grown and adapted to reflect the changes within the travel industry and the difference in the way people think about travel. ASTA travel agents recognize that consumers today have done their homework and are more knowledgeable about what they want. Clients who turn to an ASTA travel agent desire an in-depth, personal approach and want the advice and expertise of a professional.

Q. How has the travel industry changed, and what factors affect travel?

  • Over time, the leisure travel industry has become price-driven. Many people today base a large part of their travel buying decisions on cost and convenience. Additionally, more people are booking closer to their travel dates. Thanks to dramatic discounting across the industry, consumers have been conditioned to wait until the last minute before booking in hopes of securing a deeply discounted package deal. However, increasingly, as personal time is in increasingly short demand, people are once again finding the value of working with a professional travel agent to make their vacation plans. AND, depending on the type of travel you are interested in, waiting until the last minute does not always get the results of securing a deeply discounted package deal. This is especially true in the cruise industry where supply and demand will drive the price of certain cruises UP instead of down as the cruise date approaches.

Q. Will the Internet replace the need for travel agents?

  • There are some things technology cannot replicate, and the personal touch is one of them. The Internet is a valuable resource, but it cannot replace the expertise, guidance and personal service of a travel agent. At a time when travelers are stressed out with hectic schedules, travel agents have all of the information at their fingertips, saving valuable hours of surfing on the Web. Agents also can offer insider tips based on personal experience.

Q. What are the benefits to using a travel agent compared to the Internet?

  • The Internet can be a powerful tool. It can increase the scope and reach of a consumer’s efforts and allow a person to check hundreds of options or research destinations in depth. But to make the Internet work effectively, a person has to understand where to look and what questions to ask, otherwise hours can be wasted surfing the Web and ultimately produce unsatisfactory results. This is where a travel agent can make a world of difference.
  • A professional travel agent is trained to guide a client through the entire process of planning a trip, whether for business or for leisure. Travel agents take classes, participate in seminars, become destination specialists and join professional associations, such as ASTA, in order to ensure they make each client’s travel experience as personalized, convenient and memorable as possible. When planning a business trip or family vacation, the Internet can be a valuable resource, but it cannot replace the expertise and guidance of a travel agent. Also, during travel crises, the Internet can’t replace a human being who will persist to help a client get restitution.
 

Q. What’s the difference between a human travel agent and an online agency?

  • A human agent is one that relies on a personal agent for most transactions. An online travel agency (OTA) is largely automated and conducts most of its transactions online. Human travel agents cringe when you refer to a site like Orbitz as an “online” travel agent. They also draw distinctions between the term travel agent, travel advisor, and travel counselor. These labels are meaningless to most travelers. I’m sticking to the basic travel agent term to describe a human agent and online travel agency, or OTA, to describe a site.

Q. When should I use a travel agent?

  • When you want a professional to assist you with your travel arrangements.
  • If you don’t have the time to pull together a complex itinerary and need a person to do it for you, or if you need someone to help you while you’re on the road.
  • If you want access to special fares or prices that only an agent has, or if you need the expertise of an agent for a special event or trip, like a destination honeymoon, or anniversary cruise. (Note: these special rates are not always the cheapest. Be sure to shop around and compare prices.)

Q. What are the two kinds of DIY bookings?

  • Travelers who act as their own agents are known as DIYers or Do-It-Yourselfers. For independent travelers, being a DIYer is a point of pride; among travel agents, DIYer is often a term of derision, because they make rookie mistakes, like booking the wrong dates or forgetting their visas. They also cut out a person or company that could potentially help them if they have a problem.
  • A direct self-booking means you’re dealing with the company, which is to say you’re buying a ticket directly online, on the phone, or in person. You might still have the protection offered by your credit card, but there’s no intermediary handling or processing the transaction. You’re flying solo.
  • Booking through an online travel agency means you’re buying travel through a third party, usually a website like Expedia, Orbitz, or Travelocity. It’s similar to a self-booking, in that it’s fairly automated, but there’s a company acting as an intermediary. That can be helpful.

Q. When should I book myself?

  • If it’s a simple transaction, like buying a train ticket, a point-to-point plane ticket, or a hotel room.
  • If you enjoy researching the best deals and like the flexibility of being able to book your trip whenever you want to, even at 3 a.m., in your pajamas.
  • If you know enough about a destination or a product that you don’t require the advice of an expert, and can easily resolve any disputes directly with the airline, car rental company, cruise line, or hotel.