FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why travel with Epicurean Tours?
Great Trips! Celebrating our 30th Year, we’ve been selling Travel Vacations since 1989, and have knowledgeable, experienced agents who have provided over 50,000 people with their Vacations.
Our phones are available from 10am to 7pm Monday through Friday, along with e mail assistance from 9am to 9pm – 7 days a week.
Our goal is to provide exciting fun filled enjoyable trips, that will keep you traveling with us over and over again!
What airline will I fly? Do I have a choice?
We use all the scheduled airlines, including several reputable charter companies to transport our clients to the destinations they choose. (A charter is simply a full jet aircraft that has been rented to transport 180-230 passengers to a specific destination. Such airlines include Continental, USA3000, ATA, Miami Air, North American, etc)
As we stated above, we want you to have a fun stress free travel experience, and this starts by selecting the right Airline for you. Although scheduled airlines usually have a slightly higher price then charters, you can pick and choose the airline you prefer. If booking a cruise, we will provide the air cost through the cruise line, as well as booking the ticket directly with the airline.
We can also provide your frequent flyer number to any airline, if applicable.
You have 4 ways to price and book your Vacation with us.
1.) You can use our Vacation Engine located on our home page.
2.) Fill out the form on our website listed under GET A PRICE.
3.) E mail us directly from the bottom of our left menu.
4.) By Phone at 516-889-0101.
You can submit payment by Personal check, money order or credit card. Once your reservation is received, you will have an invoice e-mailed immediately, along with a copy in the mail within 3-5 business days.
When do I receive an invoice confirming my trip?
Once payment has been received, an e mail will be sent confirmating your trip. Once everyone is paid in full, tickets are sent 7-14 days prior to departure.
Be sure all travellers have given us their correct E mail address, so we can keep them informed on any of the trip details. We will also provide confirmations to all e mail address’s given to us.
What are the late fees if I don’t pay on time?
We will always do our best to work with you, but unfortunately we must ultimately deal with the airline, hotel and travel companies who demand payment on time. If a reservation is canceled due to lack of payment, all cancellation penalties will apply, and there is no guarantee we will be able to get your space re-instated.
In addition, there is a $75 per person fee to re-instate a booking, along with any fees from the Hotel, Airline, travel suppliers, etc.
If you need a payment plan to budget yourself, please let us know before final payment is due. Most trips will offer you more time to get your final payment to us, at a nominal cost.
What happens if I have to cancel or change my trip?
Changes to an existing reservation can be difficult, but we will make every effort to accommodate your request. Such changes will incur a fee of $25 per person, plus any additional costs by the airline, hotel, travel supplier(s), etc.
Please keep in mind there is no guarantee your change can be fulfilled. Once a reservation is made, your deposit is non-refundable. If you need to cancel, all cancellations need to be received in writing. If you are paid in full and need to cancel, your trip is usually non-refundable within 60 days prior to departure, and therefore highly recommend the optional travel insurance coverage.
In a few cases, to avoid a substantial cancel fee, you may be able to find someone to fill your space on the trip. You can then transfer your reservation to the new person and only be charged a $75 change fee, plus any additional fees from the hotel, airline, travel supplier(s), etc.
For further information on your exact Cancellation or Change Fees, please contact us at 516-889-0101.
Why is Travel Insurance highly recommended!?
The Travel insurance is ment to cover you if you need to cancel due to non pre-existing medical reasons only, for you or someone in your immediate family. We also have policies available to cover pre-existing medical conditions, and cancel for any reason policies, at higher rates.
It will also cover you while on your trip for: lost or stolen baggage, flight delays, rental car damage, hurricane type weather, hospitalization, evacuation, Identity theft and Emergency Travel assistance.
Cost of insurance will usually range from $39-$79 for land tours or $59-$99 for Cruise Vacations.
Without insurance, there are no refunds, regardless of your circumstances. You can click on our INSURANCE link located on the home page, or call us for further information.
Are there any meals included with the trip?
Most of our Trips will not include daily meals or drinks, Unless you have booked an All Inclusive Resort or Cruise Vacation.
All Inclusive Resorts will include all your meals and unlimited drinks. Cruise Vacations will also have unlimited food and much of the entertainment already included, but drinks are additional on board.
On all other Vacation packages, you may be able to add OPTIONS that would include a Meal or Drink plan to your trip. These options will be listed as you go through the booking engine on our home page.
Do I need a passport or birth certificate?
As of January 8, 2007 all U.S. citizens will be required to have a passport if traveling outside of the U.S Borders, and will NOT accept a birth certificate with picture ID any longer.
Although we recommend you obtain a passport as soon as possible, you will still be able to use your valid drivers license to Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
If you are under the age of 18, you will be also required by customs to bring a notarized letter from BOTH parents or legal guardian, giving you permission to travel outside of the United States. This letter must be with you at the airport. Without it, you could be denied entry into your place of travel, and no refund given. Please call us if you have further questions on this subject.
After we go over your travel documents to assure names, dates and hotel are correct, you should have them within 7-14 days prior to departure.
Most tickets are electronic, and you will be able to print your tickets off our website.
If for some reason we need to send actual tickets to you, they will be sent regular mail. You will have the option of getting your documents shipped overnight at a nominal fee of $25, or 2 day shipping at $15.
Where do I go when I arrive at my destination?
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Once you arrive at your destination, proceed to the baggage claim area to pick up your luggage. There you will see our ground handler who will take your bags and drive you to your Hotel or Cruise Ship. This is already included in the cost of your trip, unless previously stated. Our ground handler will also assist with any questions, offer a list of optional tours, and provide an emergency contact number if you need help while on your vacation. The name of the ground handler will be listed on your travel documents. |
Who can I contact on the trip if I have a problem?
We have arraigned to have onsite representatives available to you, and advise using them as often as needed to assist you with any questions or problems.
We also suggest using the front desk staff at the hotel or cruise ship, who will usually provide assistance and solve your problem, before calling home.
It is expensive to call home from most destinations. When you receive your travel documents, you will be provided with the airline, hotel and our on site staffs phone numbers, in case of emergency, or any questions you might have.
Calling home should be your last option, after you have tried the others above for assistance.