Frequently Answered Questions

Why book with Great Value Vacations?

We offer premium, pre-built vacation packages to the top destinations in the world! Learn more about us here.

Do I need a visa or a passport to travel?

You need a valid passport for travel outside of the United States. Visa requirements vary by destination, check here for the most up-to-date information. Please be sure to check the expiration date on your passport as most countries require that your passport be valid for 6 months after completion of travel and many countries require at least 3 blank pages. You are responsible for obtaining and paying for all visa and entry documents and for meeting all health and other requirements of the countries you will visit.

Is full payment due at time of booking?

Yes, full payment by credit card (Visa, MC, Discover) is due to complete your reservation, confirm hotel reservations, local services, and to issue airline tickets. Your credit card will be charged by Global Consolidated Services (GCS) and will appear as follows on credit card statements: “Great Value Vacations”. Note that full cancellation penalties and change fees apply after full payment.

Will I receive a booking confirmation?

Yes, you will receive an email confirming your booking with itinerary details approximately 15 minutes upon completion of your transaction.

Will I receive travel documents in the mail?

Shortly after completing and paying for your booking in full you will receive a confirmation e-mail with a link to access your trip details in our Traveler Portal.  Most of our travel documents/vouchers are available within approximately 5 business days of booking.  However, depending on the package booked, some documents are not available until approximately 30 days prior to travel.  You will receive a follow-up notification when they are available. Lastly, please keep in mind that your air is paperless - you will NOT receive a paper ticket or e-ticket.  The airline confirmation number found on your itinerary is sufficient for check-in.  

Do I really need to print my travel documents?

Yes - You will need vouchers to pick up your car (or rail voucher if a rail package), check into hotels/castle hotels/B&Bs and partake in any excursions you may have pre-booked. Note that some vouchers for excursions are open vouchers for general admission and can be used on any date during the establishments' opening hours.  Please see the remarks on the voucher for more details.

NOTE:  Sometimes details such as meeting points or times change so please print your vouchers close to departure to ensure that you have the most up to date information. 

How do I book my Bed & Breakfast accommodations?

IRELAND

You will need to choose your B&Bs and book them directly at www.reserveabandb.com – these are the only B&Bs that will accept your vouchers. You can book your entire stay in one B&B or a different B&B each night or whatever combination works for you! When checking in provide the proprietor the appropriate number of vouchers with the corresponding date of stay. Be sure to read the B&Bs Terms & Conditions carefully to ensure that you are aware of cancellation/change fees.

UNITED KINGDOM

Upon purchase of your B&B vouchers, please visit the following website to determine what your accommodation options are in the area(s) you’ll be visiting, and where you would like to stay: www.circlehotels.co.uk It is highly recommended that you request your accommodations as far in advance as possible (minimum 30 days). Once you’ve determined where you would like to stay and when, please email your request to: info@circlehotels.co.uk for confirmation. You will need to provide your name, location of each property desired, dates of stay & number of nights booked, email address, mobile phone number, names & ages of each guest, and type of room required (double/twin/single/etc). Present the individual vouchers you receive for each property at the time of check-in.Check-in (unless otherwise specified) is between 4pm and 6pm. Late arrivals (after 6pm) are only available when pre-approved by the B&B host. Check-out is no later than 11am.

Please note: In the event that you cancel your reservation, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to cancel all B&B reservations directly with The Circle. 

Can I book a single room?

Where available, single rooms can be booked for a supplemental charge. Note that single rooms in many countries are true ‘single’ rooms – paying for a single room ensures privacy not a double/twin room for one person.

How do I book a package that is advertised through an online marketplace?

You must purchase your coupon/voucher for the package first through the online marketplace and then book your trip through us either online www.greatvaluevacations.com or T: 800-896-4600. When booking the payment screen will ask you to enter your coupon/voucher number and value amount. Remember that the rate advertised on the online marketplace is subject to availability and subject to change.

Can I fly from a gateway other than advertised through the online marketplace package?

Yes, you can. Enter the departing airport of your choice in the ‘LEAVING FROM’ field and desired month of travel. After clicking on ‘Check Availability’ you will be directed to a calendar – click on your desired travel date and, if the package is offered on that date, your rate will appear. We strongly recommend this as if there are airline delays and you are traveling on one ticket the airline is responsible for getting you to your final destination. In addition, traveling on one ticket allows the same baggage allowance on the airlines and checked through luggage.  

If you choose to book your flight outside of the travel package to meet up with the advertised gateway please be alerted to the fact that if your connecting flight is delayed for any reason the airline is not responsible to get you to your final destination.  If you miss your connecting flight you will bear the financial responsibility for new tickets according to the airline rules and regulations.  

Can I extend my return date beyond the last day of the package and spend time on my own?

Yes, extended air can be done over the phone through one of our Contact Center sales agents at the time of booking for a $75 per person fee.  Any changes after booking will incur airline change fees and any additional fare difference.   Extra accommodations are not included.  

Do I really need to print my air ticket/s?

Your air is ticketless so there will be no physical tickets sent to you. The airline tickets are transmitted electronically to the airline and the airline confirmation number found on your itinerary is sufficient for check-in. Boarding passes can be printed the day before travel from the airline’s website or can be issued at the airport. You can also see all of your flight information (seating, e-ticket numbers, meals, terminal, flight number and schedule, etc) at www.checkmytrip.com – please have your airline confirmation number ready. Note: Not all Aer Lingus flights are on checkmytrip.com – you can call Aer Lingus at T: 1-888-474-7424 as soon as you have your airline confirmation number, and select your seats.

What airlines do you use?

We arrange flights with all major airlines.  

Can I cancel my trip after booking?

Once paid your travel arrangements are non-refundable as we have secured and made payments for your reservations and services. Airlines and hotels are very strict with cancellation policies in order to reduce administration and continue to provide competitive rates. We highly recommend purchasing our Travel Protection Plan in order to protect your investment from unforeseen circumstances. For more detailed information please visit our Terms & Conditions

Can I transfer my trip to another person? 

All bookings are final and cannot be changed, refunded, exchanged, cancelled, or transferred to another party.   

What do I do if my trip is delayed or canceled due to weather conditions?

We encourage you to monitor the status of your flights on the airline’s website. If your flight is canceled please work with the airline to protect yourself on the next available flight and contact our office with your updated information. If you have purchased the Travel Protection Plan and require assistance or advice please contact One Call 24-Hour Service (contact telephone number is in your documentation).

Do I get seat assignments when I book through Great Value Vacations?

Where possible we will assign seats when complimentary seat assignments options are offered and available. Rules vary by airline as some may or may not allow seat assignments prior to check-in. Some airlines will charge fees for advance seating so it is best to check with the individual carrier as this is ever changing. Seat assignments are subject to the terms and availability of the individual carrier and are subject to change without notice.

Can I change my seat assignments after booking?

You can contact the airline with your confirmation number (PNR) to have your seats changed. Your PNR flight confirmation number is 6 characters and is located next to your flight information on your documentation. Seat assignments are subject to the terms and availability of the individual carrier and are subject to change without notice.

Can I upgrade my flight?

Fare upgrades should be requested at the time of booking. Once tickets are issued fees will apply and vary by carrier as policies differ depending on the carrier. Note that certain fares are NOT upgradeable and mileage cannot always be accrued due the extremely competitive rates that Great Value Vacations has secured.

Can I request a special meal on the flight?

Yes, requests can be made for special meals directly with the airline. The availability of special meals varies based upon carrier and routing and thus is at the discretion of the airline.

Will I accrue Frequent Flier mileage from my trip? 

Travelers are responsible for contacting the airline directly regarding mileage eligibility and accrual.  Some discounted or promotional airfares, as well as some code-share flights, are not eligible for mileage accrual.  

The addition of Frequent  Flier numbers to a traveler's airline booking does not guarantee eligibility as this is at the sole discretion of each airline. 

What time should I arrive at the airport?

For international flights we suggest that you arrive at the airport approximately 3 hours prior to flight departure (3.5 hours prior to flight departure if you have a car to return), however it is your responsibility to allow enough time to check-in, drop baggage, and clear security.

What are the airline’s baggage requirements?

As baggage requirements can vary please learn more about the baggage charges and allowances for your carrier here.

Do I need an international driving permit to drive a car overseas?

There are some countries that will honor a valid U.S.-issued driver’s license, however there are others that will also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). You can apply for an IDP at your local American Automobile Association (AAA) office or via their website, at http://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html. You can check the embassy of the country you plan to visit, for specific requirements: http://www.usembassy.gov/. Keep in mind, however, that while a specific country’s government may not require an IDP, certain car rental companies located in that country, such as Hertz, may still require one. For more information on driving abroad, please visit the following US State Department site: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/driving-and-road-safety.html.

What are the age requirements for renting a car in Europe?

Minimum and maximum age limits for renting a car vary by country, type of car, and rental company. In most countries, the minimum age is 25. However, certain car categories may be available for renters between the ages of 21 and 24, with an additional young driver supplemental fee. Some countries may not allow rentals for below 25 years old/70 years and older - or may impose supplemental fees.

Note: There is an additional fee to list another driver. For specific details, please inquire at the time of booking.

What do I need to pick up my rental car?

You will need the credit card of the designated driver.  

NOTE:  Discover cards and debit cards are NOT accepted. 

Does my credit card or personal auto insurance cover car rental insurance?

It is the renter's responsibility to find out if he or she has coverage in the location(s) they are traveling to, and what the coverage includes and excludes. If you choose to waive the coverage, please be aware that in Ireland and in some other countries, you will be responsible to the car company for damage or loss up to the full value of the car, and it will then be your responsibility to work out the reimbursement directly with your credit card or personal insurance provider.

Should I purchase car rental insurance?

Protect yourself in the event of auto collision, theft or fire with walk away coverage and zero deductible. Book VIP Express Car Insurance (aka Collision Damage Waiver) with your package to save 25% off published rates.  

If you choose to not purchase VIP Express Car Insurance or present proof of an accepted independent coverage (i.e. credit card) at the time of picking up your rental car, you are accepting liability for the full value of the vehicle and a minimum deposit of 3,000Euro(2,500UKL) will be required when you pick up your rental car.  

Should I get local currency before leaving the U.S.?

This is a personal choice but it is normally quite easy to exchange currency once you arrive at your destination. The airport will have currency exchange and ATM machines where you can withdraw what you need upon arrival. For current rates of exchange, please check currency conversion sites such as: https://www.reuters.com/markets/currencies

Can I use my ATM card abroad?

Yes, that is the easiest way to obtain local currency when traveling but it is suggested that you notify your bank that you are traveling and may be withdrawing funds and/or making purchases from your destination. Your bank will advise you of any service/conversion fees that they will apply to your transactions.

Can I book children online?

If you are purchasing a package with a child under the age of 13, please call our Contact Center at 1-800-896-4600. Note that young travelers less than 18 years old on the travel date must be accompanied by an adult and share a room throughout the duration of the trip.

Are there child discounts?

We offer child discounts on air tickets only where eligible and available. As our land rates are competitively priced, we do not offer child discounts.

Hotel check-in / check-out?

Hotel check-in is generally early/mid-afternoon and hotel check-out is generally early/mid-morning. If you require an early check-in please contact the hotel directly. Note that additional charges may apply if the hotel is able to accommodate an early check-in request.

Do the travel packages accommodate persons with wheelchairs and/or walkers? 

Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Great Value Vacations seeks to accommodate travelers with special needs to the extent possible and consistent with the specific tour itinerary.  There is no guarantee that special access needs will be accommodated in all places as certain tour features may not be accessible by wheelchair, scooter, or other special equipment required to assist mobility.  

Travelers are required to advise Great Value Vacations of their special needs prior to booking in order for Great Value Vacations to determine if reasonable accommodations are available.  

Hotels, sea and river cruises and motor coaches outside of the United States are not required to comply with ADA requirements.  

Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs, walkers, and motorized scooters may not be taken aboard motor coaches and river cruises. 

Do I need a plug adapter or electric converter while I travel?

Requirements vary by country – please find useful information here.

How do I use my mobile phone from abroad?

Contact your cell phone provider to activate international calling, rent an international cell phone, or purchase an unlocked phone and SIM card for use in another country. Familiarize yourself with international dialing. For example, calls to the US should be entered with the prefix +011 followed by the area code and telephone number. Be sure that you have taken steps to reduce data roaming charges. For example, turn off the function for ‘automatic’ checking of emails. Always take advantage of free Wi-Fi! Consider downloading messenger applications such as WhatsApp – a mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS.

What if I need emergency assistance during my travels?

If you have purchased the Travel Protection Plan through us you have the services of One Call Worldwide Travel Assistance 24/7. Please refer to your documentation for a list of their services and their contact information.

Your documentation will also list local contact information for the hotels/airline/vendors you have booked with or you can contact our After Hours desk at 800-896-4600 and listen to the prompts to leave a detailed message. 

For additional Terms and Conditions please click here

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