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Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.

Whether it’s your first Globus tour, or you’re joining us again, we're thrilled you've chosen to travel with us! Either way, you’re sure to have a few questions about what to expect on your vacation. From accommodations to travel tips, we’re here to make preparing for your tour simple and easy.

Booking a Trip FAQs



How do I find a vacation?

Choose a destination from our Explore Tours page. Click on a specific tour to be linked to a page that provides a tour overview and links to detailed information about the Itinerary, Highlights, Maps, Hotels, Dates, Prices, and more! 

How is an Independence by Globus tour different than other Globus tours?

With Independence by Globus, you still enjoy the many benefits of a Globus tour, with an added focus on free time that’s untethered and unscheduled. Like our other award-winning vacations, Independence by Globus tours handle the details with included accommodations, daily breakfasts, select guided sightseeing, and transportation between cities - with air travel and airport transfers upon request. The big difference? Independence by Globus puts the “I” in independent travel with built-in free time to explore as you please – with a wealth of expertly selected Insider Tips for optional excursions and I-Time exploits that speak to you! 

How do I make a reservation?

Once you have found a vacation that interests you, you can use the "Book It" button located on the tour page. You can also contact a travel advisor or call us at 1.866.755.8581 with any questions and to book your exciting Globus experience. 

What is the Travel Protection Plan?

The Travel Protection Plan offers important services to help protect your vacation purchase. Under the Trip Cancellation Waiver, you can cancel your trip any time up to departure for several eligible reasons as listed in the plan and receive a refund of the normally non-refundable Globus cancellation penalty amount, less the cost of your Travel Protection. If your reason for cancellation does not qualify for a cash refund, you would instead receive a Cancel for Any Reason travel certificate equal to the cancellation penalty amount, less the cost of your Travel Protection. The travel certificate is valid for travel within two years from the original canceled vacation start date, is non-transferable, non-refundable and may not be redeemed for cash.

In addition, the plan offers Travel Insurance benefits, including Trip Cancellation for independent air arrangements, Trip Interruption, Trip Delay, medical expense, emergency medical transportation, baggage loss, theft, damage or delay coverage, 24-hour emergency assistance services, and more.

Learn more about the Travel Protection Plan

Why am I asked to give my passport name, gender, and date of birth when booking air?

Due to increased travel security around the world, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires airlines to collect this information in accordance with the Secure Flight Program enacted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. If the name on the airline reservation does not match the name exactly as it appears on your passport or other government-issued ID being used at the time of travel, you may not be allowed to board the plane. It is also important that this information be provided correctly at the time of booking, as any changes to your air booking, which includes spelling, could be subject to a change fee, penalties, higher fares, new schedule, and/or cancellation. TSA information is required within 10 days of booking air with Globus.

How does Globus support sustainable travel and protect the environment?

Globus is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

Are Globus tours disability accessible?

Globus makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility-impaired travelers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travelers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details and contact us to learn more.

Why is my contact information collected when I book?

There may be times when unforeseen events beyond our control impact travel schedules and potentially disrupt your vacation. These include, but are not limited to, severe weather conditions, acts of nature, and government travel advisories. Under such circumstances, it is critical that Globus be able to contact you immediately and effectively - including nights, weekends, and holidays - to make sure we’ve informed you of any possible changes to your travel.

Additionally, the care and safety of our guests have always been our highest priority. There may be a need to contact you while on the trip or to contact someone back home due to an unforeseen event that happens while on the trip. Therefore, in addition to pre-trip contact information, we also require an emergency contact name and number, as well as an on-trip phone number for all travelers .

Preparing for Your Vacation FAQs

 

Do I need a passport and a visa?
When traveling outside the United States, a passport is required for U.S. citizens and many countries require that the passport be valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. Some countries also require a visa. We know that navigating visa applications and requirements can be confusing. We can help. Globus is pleased to offer its customers the expertise and experience of iVisa, with fast and easy ways to obtain visas, passports, and/or other documents required for travel. You can check visa requirements for your vacation by visiting the iVisa Web site at www.ivisa.com. Simply select your country of travel to obtain any necessary visa forms.

What size can my suitcase be?
Due to limited coach capacity, your bag should have dimensions not exceeding 30"x21"x11" (62" linear dimensions) or weight exceeding 50 lbs. Carry-on bags should not exceed the dimensions of 12"x11"x6". Please note that air carriers, cruise lines and other forms of transportation may have other restrictions and requirements including weight, and we recommend that you contact the suppliers directly for additional information. We regret we are unable to accept a second suitcase or any luggage exceeding these limits.

Some airlines are also charging fees for checked baggage, and these fees are not included in the vacation or airfare package price. Please check with your airline directly for baggage information and regulations. Globus is not responsible for any additional fees imposed by air carriers regarding baggage.

How many bags am I allowed to bring?
Hotel porterage (where available) for one bag per participant is included in the price on Globus and Avalon. Additional bags, if space is available, are charged extra and payable to the Tour or Cruise Director. If no space is available, you are responsible for arrangements for your extra bag(s) from location to location at your expense.

Porterage is not included at train stations or at airports. Additionally, porterage is not included at hotel on Cosmos; exceptions exist on select tours based on hotel facilities and operational necessity.  

For specific vacation restrictions and information, please refer to the Terms and Conditions as well as your Travel Documents.  Each vacation may have slight modifications to the above. 

Your air carrier may have stricter weight/dimension limitations than Globus. Size and weight limitations for carry on and checked baggage vary from airline to airline and even according to destination. Up-to-date information on carrier specific standard checked baggage allowance (including size and weight limitations), the standard allowance (and fee, if applicable) for carry-on baggage, and the standard fee for the first and second checked bag, along with information that additional discounts may apply depending on flyer-specific factors (e.g. frequent flyer status, military, credit card used for purchase or early purchase online, etc.) can be found by accessing www.iflybags.com. Globus is not responsible for additional fees imposed by air carriers regarding baggage. Regulations within most airports require that passengers handle their own luggage through customs. No responsibility is accepted for loss of or damage to baggage or any of the traveler's belongings throughout the duration of the vacation. Baggage insurance is recommended. Review our comprehensive Travel Protection Plan for available coverage options.  

What is the difference between a twin-bedded room and a double room?

A double room is a room designed to accommodate two people, though not necessarily with two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size; this is what we usually reserve for our guests.

What size is a triple room?
A triple room is the same size as a twin-bedded room. It will have beds to accommodate three people; however, we cannot guarantee that there will be three separate beds. If there are only two beds, a rollaway may be requested but also cannot be guaranteed.

When are final hotel accommodations confirmed?
The hotels and accommodations listed are provisional and subject to change and may be substituted with properties of similar standard. Hotels are confirmed approximately 30 days prior to departure and can be found in your travel documents, but are not guaranteed until check-in.

When will I receive my travel documents?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

Where can I find information on currency rates?
If you are in the process of planning your vacation and need information on currency exchange rates, access our currency converter tool.

Can I pre-pay my gratuities before my trip?
Globus offers passengers the ability to pre-pay their Tour Director and Driver gratuities before departure in select destinations. A base per-person gratuity rate is calculated for each vacation in North America, South America, Africa, and Asia to conveniently provide gratuities for the Tour Director and Driver, however, Local Guides and other personnel are not covered in this amount. You can pre-purchase gratuities at the time of booking online or over the phone or they can be added after you’re already booked. NOTE: Tips to Local Guides are included in pre-paid gratuities in South America. European and South Pacific tours are excluded from pre-paid gratuities, but you are welcome to offer tips directly on tour.  

When On Vacation FAQs

When can I purchase optional excursions? 
You can view and pre-purchase optional excursions 90 days before your vacation starts, which will also be available while you're on vacation. If you are traveling on a Choice tour, or on Independence by Globus, optional and choice excursions are available immediately after receiving your deposit. A list of excursions will be included in your documents for review prior to departure. By purchasing excursions beforehand, you have the opportunity to craft a more personal touring experience and plan your time and budget in advance. To purchase excursions for your Globus tour, log in to the MyGlobus site (you will need your invoice/reservation number).

How is seating determined on the coach? 
We offer daily rotation of seating, which gives everyone a variety of views.

Committed to Your Health & Safety
Our Global Health & Safety Team has established a worldwide Assurance program, with enhanced on-trip protocols and procedures, to ensure the health and happiness of our guests. Learn more about Globus' On-Trip Assurance.

Globus Program to Cuba FAQs

 

How is it possible to travel to Cuba?
The Cuba program featured is not a tour but a Support for the Cuban People program, operated under a United States Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) general license. Globus previously applied for and received individual licenses from OFAC. Thus travelers with Globus can be confident that our itinerary is compliant with all OFAC requirements. You will not travel as a “tourist” but as part of a Support for the Cuban People program and must participate in all program activities. 

What is Support for the Cuban People?
The Support for the Cuban People program is a full-time schedule of opportunities to engage directly with the Cuban people. Our program features meaningful encounters and activities with Cuba’s residents, musicians, students, artists, private business owners, and entrepreneurs. These will be rewarding cultural and educational exchanges, allowing participants to share their culture and ideas with the Cuban people while learning about them at the same time. 

How much free time will I have in Cuba?
Under OFAC requirements, all travelers must participate in a full-time schedule of Support for the Cuban People activities during the day. During the early morning hours and evenings, you will be able to explore on your own. 

What type of hotels will I stay in?
Hotels are conveniently located first-class or best available accommodations featuring private bathroom, hairdryer, bath amenities, air-conditioning, satellite TV, and telephone. Some programs visit remote areas where some facilities are not up to the first-class standards you expect from Globus. However, we have selected the best available hotels that satisfy our high standards of cleanliness and comfort. For more information on specific hotels used on our program, please visit our website.

Can I bring my children on the trip?
Travelers under 18 years old on the departure date must be accompanied by an adult throughout the trip and must share an adult’s accommodation. Children under 8 years of age are not allowed on our Cuba programs. 

What type credit card/currency should I use?
Checks, credit cards, and debit cards issued by U.S. Banks are not useable in Cuba. With a few exceptions, certain hotels may accept US credit cards. Note: this may change at any time. 

We suggest you bring Euros (preferred) in small denominations or USD in small denominations to use while in Cuba. Euros and USD can be used at private business and you often get a better exchange rate than using the Cuban Peso.  Euros can be exchanged at the airport, exchange bureaus, Cuban banks, and your hotel’s front desk. For your convenience, very little cash is needed for these programs, as the majority of meals, activities, and gratuities are included. We recommend you bring as much cash as you would normally spend on incidentals while traveling elsewhere.

Can I bring a camera to Cuba?
You may bring one camera and one video camera into Cuba. Professional photo equipment is not allowed. Your Cuban National Tour Director will outline what you may and may not photograph.

NOTE: Spare batteries, film, memory cards, etc., are not easy to find in Cuba, so pack extras. 

Will my cell phone work in Cuba?
In general, U.S. cell phones, including smart phones, may or may not work in Cuba.  Please check with your carrier before leaving home. You will be able to use your hotel phone but this can be expensive. Another option is to download the WHATS APP on your cell phone prior to travel. WHATS APP can be used to text and make calls from Cuba when using Wi-Fi. 

What documents do I need for this trip?
Due to the special requirements to visit Cuba, participants will be required to complete and sign a travel affidavit confirming that they are traveling on a Support for the Cuban People program and are aware of the travel rules. Participants are also required to read and acknowledge the Notice of Cuba Program Information (Cuba travel tips).

Do I need a passport & visa?
A passport (valid for at least six months after the scheduled return date) is required for programs to Cuba. A visa is also required to travel to Cuba. Your airline will help you obtain the visa and advise cost. 

What items can I bring back to the U.S.?
Any items brought back to the United States must be imported for personal use and limits on duty and tax exemptions will apply. These items may include artwork, handmade items, crafts, books, and music. Authorized travelers to Cuba may purchase alcohol and tobacco products while in Cuba but they must be consumed in Cuba. You may no longer return to the United States with alcohol and tobacco products.