Important Travel Information
We are pleased that you have chosen to book your vacation with us! As experienced vacation experts, we are confident that you will be delighted with all aspects of the trip you have arranged through us. Because we want you to have the most enjoyable experience ever, we have compiled some helpful information for you. Please also be sure to visit our FAQ section on our website.
Pre-Trip
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
Please visit ItsEasy Passport & Visa for helpful information.
It is each traveler’s responsibility to ensure that they have a valid passport and proper visa documentation to travel.
All travelers are required to have a machine-readable passport valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip.
All travelers, regardless of the passport they hold, must check with the consulates of the countries being visited to determine if any entry visas are required. Depending on the itinerary, some vacations may also require multiple-entry visas for certain countries.
All programs booked through us require names exactly as they appear on the passport and some programs also require passport details (passport number, expiration, date of birth, etc.) be provided at the time of booking. It is very important to ensure that all information is reviewed for accuracy. To avoid any fees you must notify Great Value Vacations of any corrections within 24 hours of booking. Great Value Vacations is not responsible for Travelers who are denied boarding due to inaccurate information.
We cannot refund for unused services and we are not responsible for additional expenses due to lack of proper documentation.
FOREIGN CURRENCY
Currency can be exchanged at airports and banks and some hotels will also offer this service. Service fees may also be applicable.
It is a good idea to have some small denominations handy upon arrival for tips, tolls, or taxis.
Credit Cards and cash (converted to the local currency) are easy ways to pay for food and souvenirs. ATMs are widely available and a convenient way to obtain cash. It is suggested that you notify your bank to let them know that you may be using your Debit Card/Credit Card for cash advances and/or purchases. Your bank will advise you of any applicable conversion/transaction fees.
For current rates of exchange please visit reliable sites such as http://www.reuters.com/finance/currencies.
CREDIT CARDS
Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted in most countries. Please be sure to check with the shop/restaurant/vendor to be sure as some smaller vendors may not accept certain cards due to transaction fees.
WEATHER
For weather conditions pertinent to your itinerary visit reliable and international-friendly sites such as www.weather.com
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Schedule changes may occur between time of booking and time of departure. It is always recommended to re-confirm your flight at least 24 hours prior to travel. You can view all of your flight information atwww.checkmytrip.com - you will need to enter your airline booking number (PNR) in the booking reference field and your last name as well as your first and middle name (together with no space in the first name field). NOTE: Not all Aer Lingus flights are on checkmytrip.com. You will need to visit the Aer Lingus website directly www.aerlingus.com
There is no physical ticket or e-ticket provided. The airline confirmation number (PNR) is sufficient for check-in. This is 6 characters found next to your flight information on your documentation.
Note that it is suggested that you arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to flight departure for international travel, 3.5 hours if you have a car to return. For domestic travel, arrive approximately 2 hours before your scheduled flight departure. However, it is your responsibility to monitor conditions such as traffic, weather, or anything that may affect your check-in such as traveling during a holiday. Airlines can and will charge fees if they are able to re-schedule missed flights. Be aware that if you miss your outbound flight the airline will consider you a 'NO SHOW' and cancel all subsequent flights.
For a smoother security screening process and an overall better air experience we suggest TSA Pre — a convenient, more efficient security screening process.
AIRLINE NAME CORRECTION FEES
Any name correction, including minor spelling corrections, may require the airline reservation to be canceled and re-booked. Reservations are subject to current availability and pricing at the time of re-booking.
Once airline tickets are issued, subsequent corrections will be subject to airline fees which may be as much as the full value of the ticket plus a $50 revision fee per change. Great Value Vacations will not be held responsible for the denial of services by a carrier due to any name discrepancy.
Once your package is booked, name changes to another individual are NOT allowed. Vacation packages are not transferable.
AIRLINE SEATING
Where possible we will assign seats when complimentary seat assignment 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 their policies are ever-changing.
Should you wish to obtain seating with additional legroom most airlines charge a fee to upgrade to premium seats. You will need to contact your airline directly to obtain these seats. You will need to provide your flight confirmation number (PNR) which is 6 characters 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.
U.S. IMMIGRATION PRE-CLEARANCE IN IRELAND
Dublin and Shannon Airports offer the ultimate time-saving service of U.S. pre-clearance. This means that if you’re flying to the U.S., you can clear not only U.S. immigration, but also full U.S. customs and agriculture controls. The benefit of this is that you can land as a local! You simply collect your baggage at your U.S. arrival airport and get on with your day. The pre-clearance facility, operated by U.S. personnel, is located on the ground floor level of Terminal 2 at Dublin airport and in the departures lounge in Shannon airport. Unfortunately, duty free goods including cigarettes and alcohol can’t be sold on board flights which pre-clear U.S. customs and immigration.
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.
Please be sure to read the B&B's Terms & Conditions carefully to ensure that you are aware of any cancellation or change fees. Please note: In the event that you cancel your reservation, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to cancel all B&B reservations directly through the B&B voucher booking site: www.reserveabandb.com
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. You must request your accommodations as far in advance as possible for the best chances of securing your desired locations (minimum of 45 days in advance of travel). 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 from The Circle for each property at the time of check-in.Check-in (unless otherwise specified) is between 4pm and 6pm (unless otherwise specified). 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.
During Your Vacation
TRANSFERS
For packages that include transfers from/to airport/hotel - if you deviate from the trip arrival/departure dates you have chosen to forfeit the included transfers and are responsible for making your own way to/from hotel/airport.
LATE ARRIVALS
It is your responsibility to arrive on time for all scheduled flights, cruises, and package components. Latecomers may lose their seat assignments or be denied boarding at their own expense. Arriving late may be considered a 'no-show' with no refund for unused services and an automatic cancellation for all continuing and return flights.
If you are delayed and will be arriving late to your destination please contact the vendor directly (car rental company, hotel, B&B, etc) or contact Great Value Vacations. Be aware that even though you miss a day or two at the start of your trip you will pick up your itinerary as scheduled and your return date remains the same as originally scheduled. Missed days are not refundable. If you have purchased Travel Protection please reference the plan benefits to determine if you are eligible for a claim.
CAR RENTALS
All car rentals are subject to the rules and regulations of the car rental company. Late returns are subject to charges/penalties paid by the renter dirctly to the car rental company.
Your car rental covers one (1) driver. There is a fee to add additional drivers.
Car rental companies require drivers to provide a valid driver's license, major credit card (Discover card is NOT accepted), and meet a minimum age requirement. Some countries may require an International Driver's Permit.
Additional fees may apply for changes in rental duration, drop off locations, additional drivers, underage drivers, and optional additional insurance coverages.
For Ireland packages, VIP Insurance (CDW - Collision Damage Waiver) may be purchased from Great Value Vacations prior to departure at a discounted rate. Declining this plan will result with the rental company, Dan Dooley, placing a 3,000 Euro hold on a credit card until the car is returned undamaged.
Hertz rental cars (in the UK, Italy, France) that include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) have a deductible. The deductible amount can be lowered by purchasing Super CDW or zero escess insurance at the time of pick-up. It is the travler's responsibility to pay for any additional, optional insurance.
Rates exclude gas, optional insurance coverage, and some applicable taxes and surcharges. Please see our Terms & Conditions for details regarding supplemental fees.
Travelers are responsible for becoming familiar with local traffic laws and road signs. Great Value Vacations is not responsible for any expenses, fines, or administrative fees for traffic violations, tolls, damage to the vehicle, and theft of items inside the vehicle or the vehicle itself.
Great Value Vacations will not refund for car rentals not used.
ELECTRICITY
Outside of the US electric voltages will differ from those at home and adapters may be required. Please visit the website for the International Electrotechnical Commission.
SECURITY
As you do at home, it is important that you take precautions when traveling. Some travelers keep items such as money and passports in a money belt hidden under their clothing.
Important items such as wallets and purses should be kept out of sight — in front of your body or inside pockets. Carry your handbag and backpacks around the front of your body.
HOTELS
Check-in: Check-in at most hotels is mid-afternoon. If you arrive early most hotels can store your luggage while you go have a meal or browse the local area.
A single supplement secures privacy, it does not secure a larger room. In fact, outside of the States some single rooms are, in fact, smaller rooms with 1 bed.
Triple rooms are often rooms accommodated for two people with a roll away or cot to accommodate the third person.
Please see the front desk for any questions or concerns during your stay as they can assist you on the spot. Politeness and a smile are universally understood and generally most helpful when seeking to resolve any issues!
PERSONAL HOTEL EXPENSES
Any additional costs incurred during your stay at hotels (for example laundry, telephone calls, bar bills, etc) are your responsibility. We suggest settling your account on the evening before leaving to ensure a smooth and speedy departure the following morning.
LOCAL CITY TAXES
When staying overnight in some countries, some cities have a tourist tax. This tax must be paid by you direclty to the hotel upon check-out.
RENTAL CARS
Please have your rental car voucher ready. A credit card is required upon pick up for the security deposit (many international car rental depost will NOT accept Debit Cards or Discover Cards for payment or deposit). Credit card MUST be in the name of the designated driver.
Designated driver MUST be a licensed driver.
Possible supplemental fees apply for young or older drivers.
In large cities many of our clients have found it easier to park the car at their hotel and use public transportation to travel to the city center as parking can be challenging.
PERSONAL EXPENSES AND SHOPPING
Don't forget to budget! Naturally, you will want to take back home a few souvenirs and gifts of the places you visited — it is fun and part of the travel Experience.
Keeping Connected
MAKING PHONE CALLS
Phoning home from another country can be expensive. All hotels will add a service charge to the cost of any phone calls you make from your room.
It is suggested that you contact your phone carrier to find out what international plan options are available to you. Also, there are mobile messaging APPS such as WhatsApp that will enable you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS.
E-MAILING
Many hotels offer free WiFi in public areas and WiFi in rooms (often for an additional charge). Also, internet cafés are found in many cities throughout the world.
NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR VACATION PRICE
Some fees which are not included in your vacation package may be the following: parking, tolls, traffic tickets, public transportation, Local City Tax, passports, visas, vaccinations, tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, Driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew, gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships, laundry, telephone, minibar, alcohol, beverages, and food (outside of the meals specifically listed under your trip inclusions), optional excursions, airport transfers on non-qualifying flights, porterage at airports and train stations, Travel Protection premiums, excess baggage fees, and all other items not specifically mentioned.
Emergency Assistance
PRE-DEPARTURE ASSISTANCE:
Should you require assistance prior to departure, please contact our office here in the US: — during non-business hours please listen to the prompts to reach our after-hours voicemail if you are traveling within the next 72 hours.
Or
E-mail us at info@greatvaluevacations.com — Note that this not manned 24/7 and should not be used if your concern is an emergency.
IN-COUNTRY ASSISTANCE
Please refer to your travel documentation for contact information for hotels, car rental companies, local vendors, etc (information will be dependent upon the package that you have purchased).
If you have purchased our Travel Protection Plan please remember that you have access to assistance from One Call Worldwide Travel Assistance Services around the clock. Please see your Trip Summary for One Call’s telephone number.