faq (frequently asked questions)
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
At Gilded Travels, we understand that planning the perfect trip can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) to help you better understand our personalized travel services and put your mind at ease.
I can plan my vacation using Expedia and TripAdvisor for free. So why should I use Gilded Travels?
It’s a common misconception that booking through travel websites like Expedia and TripAdvisor is free. These websites charge a fee, they just bake it into the price of the tours and packages they offer. This often leads to a marked up price. When you book through these sites, it’s like going to a restaurant and paying for a meal that you have to cook yourself. For example, a Mt. Etna and Taormina tour on TripAdvisor costs $100 per person, but if you go directly to the tour operator, you can find the same tour for $90 (77 euros). See that 10% markup?
DIY-ing your vacation may seem like a good idea, but it can be time-consuming and stressful. On average, people spend 23 hours a year researching their vacation and 25% of people consider it one of the biggest stressors in their lives. As a result, over half of people end up going to a place they’ve already visited just to avoid the hassle of planning. So why not let us deal with all that?
Gilded Travels saves you time and money and provides you with travel expertise. We have firsthand knowledge of many popular destinations and have exclusive access to deals and tours not available to the public. Additionally, if something goes wrong during your trip, we will act as your advocate and handle the situation, so you can enjoy your vacation without any interruptions.
Can you get me a “good deal?”
Maybe. But a “good deal” is often code for “bottom-dollar price.” And that’s not our focus at Gilded Travels (because, all too often, you get what you pay for…or don’t pay for).
Instead, we focus on providing you the best value, ensuring your money gets you the absolute best travel experience possible. If you’re on a tight budget, or just love the thrill of the deal hunt, you’d be better served by Expedia or Costco Travel.
How far in advance do I need to start planning my trip?
It all depends. If you’re booking a trip during peak travel season for your destination, it’s best to begin planning six months to a year in advance. For trips that have limited availability, like Antarctica expeditions or African safaris, then start it’s best to start the process one to two years in advance. For round-the-world cruises, two years or more advanced planning is recommended, as many get sold out within days of being announced.
What if one of our travelers is disabled / elderly / pregnant / vegan / etc?
Not a problem! Just let us know from the get-go and we will work on making sure their experience is an unforgettable one.
Do you deal with passports and visas?
Yes, absolutely. We require that your passport be valid up to 6 months after your proposed return date. It’s not that we don’t trust you, it’s that different countries have different border control policies. If you need help expediting a passport renewal we can assist you with that as well. We make sure to cover any visa requirements with you as well, if applicable.
Is there anything you don’t book?
Yes, Gilded Travels unfortunately does not book:
– Rewards travel of any kind. That includes redeeming credit card points, frequent flyer miles, hotel loyalty awards, etc.
– Low-cost carriers like Spirit, Frontier, or Ryanair.
– 3-star and lower accommodations unless unavoidable. Unavoidable examples are campsites on a hike to Machu Picchu or if 4 or 5 star accommodations simply do not exist at your destination.
– AirBnB, VRBO, or similar. We cannot vet these locations for quality, consistency, and service excellence. We do have a network of private condos, villas, and more that we can book instead.
Can I collect award points or frequent flyer miles when booking with you?
For the most part, yes, unless otherwise specified. For example, sometimes our perks and discounts at a hotel can be so great that one of the stipulations is that you can’t collect loyalty points for it. Regardless, we will ask you for all your frequent flyer or loyalty numbers during your onboarding so we can apply them to your bookings.
What happens if part of my trip gets cancelled?
As soon as we are notified we will let you know and work with you on booking an alternative option. If there is a refund involved we will send it your way. Please note that Gilded Travels is not responsible for any cancellations by hotels, airlines, tour operators, or other suppliers. We highly recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy. Please note our own service fees are non-refundable. For more information, please review our Terms & Conditions.
Fees? SO will working with you cost me more?
The belief that booking through a travel agent is more expensive is a common misconception. Typically, travel advisors earn commissions from suppliers they work with. Our fees allow us to partner with trusted suppliers based on their quality and previous experiences, rather than just their commission rate. We may choose to work with suppliers who offer little or no commission because we value their quality and service over discounts.
This is similar to choosing a small boutique clothier over a large, constantly discounted fashion brand – the boutique may cost more upfront, but the higher quality product will last longer and save you money in the long run. More often than not, the rates, perks, and upgrades we have access to are often better than what you can find on your own. The value that our fees add to your experience far outweighs the nominal cost they add to your trip.