
Cosmos Tours Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is included in my vacation?
The true value of your vacation is in the accurate detailed vacation description, on the websites and in the brochures, that is unusually specific and specifies accommodation, touring in deluxe coaches, sightseeing and included meals. The agenda for each day is spelled out with exactly what is included in the price. Sightseeing with local guides is clearly listed. Inside visits and special features are spelled out in UPPERCASE.
How hectic is my vacation going to be?
Globus Family of Brands offers over 400 vacations and while some are very leisurely paced other are hectic or medium paced. Typically, Panorama vacations covering more countries / cities in a short duration make a vacation quick paced and Regional Discoveries are medium to leisurely pace. Every vacation has a pace meter indicating itâ??s pace on the brochure & website.
How long will we be on the road everyday? How often does the coach stop enroute?
Driving time varies for each vacation. It depends on the itinerary and the driving distance is mentioned in the travel documents. You can also request this information in advance. When driving between cities, the coach stops after every 1 and a half to 2 hours at places where you can pick up a snack / meal and use washrooms. Most vacations do not include drives from one city to another everyday.
How early does one have to wake up on the vacations?
The wake-up call differs based on the type of vacation, the season when you are travelling, the city that you are in and even the weather. Wake up timings are not the same for each day and the Tour Director will advise you of these once the tour starts. Early starts offer the advantage of reaching sightseeing spots before the rush starts and this leaves you free the rest of the day giving you more time to enjoy the destination and to do as you please.
Can I get Indian / Vegetarian / Special cuisine on request while on tour?
Our vacations strive to introduce you to the authentic flavours so you can enjoy the destination in a deeper way. Therefore, meals included are usually local or continental. None of the vacations include Indian or other speciality Asian cuisine. Breakfast is included in most vacations, with the exception of Cosmos North America, though some of these vacations offer optional breakfasts that can be purchased at the time of booking the tour. Please request vegetarian meals with the Tour Director when on tour and this can usually be accommodated when requested in good time. When meals are not included, you may choose an Indian restaurant, on your own, in European and North American cities. In certain countries and regions such as National Parks of North America, it may be difficult to find Indian or occasionally even vegetarian food. The exact number of meals included on your tour is clearly specified on the itinerary and is different for each vacation.
Who will be my travel companions?
Our vacations are very popular worldwide and the demographic profile of travellers is varied. Your fellow travellers will include many nationalities including American, English, Canadian, Australian, Kiwi, Japanese, Thai, Indian and many others. They are usually of varied ages and professional backgrounds. This is a wonderful opportunity to make friends from people across the world.
Are prices published in the brochure / on the website guaranteed?
Prices quoted in the brochure / website are based on rates and taxes â?? including all important foreign exchange rates â?? known at the time of costing. They are subject to increase without notice if rates or taxes change substantially & current price will be confirmed at the time you book your vacation. Once we receive your deposit, the land price is guaranteed. 2010 prices and itineraries are subject to change.
Do vacation prices include tips to Tour Directors, Drivers & Local Guides?
It is customary worldwide to pay tips to Tour Directors and Drivers on all international vacations. Gratuity is automatically added to the tour price on the majority of our tours and river cruises at the time of booking so you don't have to budget for this at the end of the tour. To know if the gratuity will be added and the exact amount of gratuity you are paying, please refer to the price box for your chosen vacation. You will receive Gratuity vouchers with your travel documents and all you need to do is give this to the Tour Director and driver or Cruise Director and ship's crew at the end of the vacation. Gratuity is fully refundable if you need to cancel your tour for any reason. Tips for Local Guides are not included in this charge.
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 travelers.
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 bed may be requested but also cannot be guaranteed.
How are optional tours booked?
The Tour Director / Local host / Cruise Director will go through the optional excursions for purchase while you are on tour. Approximate costs and descriptions of possible optional tours are mentioned on our websites and in the travel documents to enable you to budget for the same. They can be booked and paid for on tour only. Some optional tours mentioned in your travel documents may not operate due to weather, minimum participation, and other operational reasons.
When will I receive my travel documents?
Travel Documents are sent approximately two to three weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received. If available, a service charge per reservation is added for documents requested in advance.
What airline can I fly? Is the arrival and departure transfer arranged for all vacations?
You may fly any airline of choice based on what is recommended by your travel agent and that suits the dates of your travel. Airport transfers may be purchased on all land-only reservations provided the arrival and departure timings are within the scheduled airport transfer times as specified for the particular vacation. The timings can be checked by your travel agent. Transfers are not available for non-brochure dates but can be arranged if purchased with pre/post nites. Transfers cannot be provided if joining late or leaving early. Your travel agent will be able to provide you with information on availability and prices of transfers at the time of booking. Transfers will be provided only if confirmed by Globus Family of brands. Transfers will be provided only if confirmed by Globus family of brands. Look for confirmation of your transfer in the travel documents.