Monograms Independent Tours - Frequently Asked Questions
Are Monograms vacations the same everywhere?
Just as the world is wonderfully diverse, so too are Monograms vacations. Planned to highlight the unique characteristics of your destination, Monograms vacations do vary by region. Travel styles differ, and what's included on the vacation also varies, as does the type of sightseeing included. On some vacations, you'll explore cities; on others, you'll see natural wonders. Please see the itinerary pages for the specific details for each Monograms vacation.
Will someone be available to assist me at the destination?
On Monograms vacations, we provide you with the services of a Local Host, giving you peace of mind that someone is there for you during your vacation. Local Hosts provide area expertise and insider information, and are available to help answer questions, arrange excursions and city sightseeing, give directions, and direct you to the activities that interest you most for a truly personal, one-of-a-kind vacation.
Is sightseeing included on a Monograms vacation?
Sightseeing is provided in each city (except for driving vacations in North America and New Zealand). Sightseeing varies by region and will be provided by a Monograms representative or by a local operator. Please see the itinerary pages for full sightseeing details for each Monograms vacation.
Are meals included on a Monograms vacation?
Breakfast is provided (except on North America vacations). In general, lunches and dinners are not included to allow you the freedom to mix with the locals. In the more remote areas of South America, Asia, the South Pacific, and Africa, lunch and/or dinner may be included. Please see the itinerary pages for a full listing of meals included on each Monograms vacation.
How do airport transfers work on a Monograms vacation?
Transfers from/to the airport at the start and end of your vacation are included if you have purchased your vacation air-inclusive and you are traveling on brochure dates. Transfers may be included or available for purchase on non-brochure dates, depending on the destination.
How does transportation between cities work on a Monograms vacation?
Transportation between cities is either included in the package price or available for purchase and can be by plane, train, motorcoach, or rental car. Transfers during your vacation to train stations or the airport are included (except on North America vacations). On vacations where flights are required to get from one city to another, passengers who did not purchase intra-vacation flights from Monograms will be required to provide flight information for transfers.
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What size can my suitcase be?
We recommend your luggage does not exceed the dimensions of 30"x21"x11 (62" linear dimensions) or weight exceeding 50 lbs. Your air carrier may have stricter weight/dimension limitations. Size and weight limitations for carry on and ch4ecked baggage vary from airline to airline and even according to destination. Up-to-date information on carrier specific standard checked baggage allowance (including size and weight limitations), the standard allowance (and fee, if applicable) for carry-on baggage, and the standard fee for the first and second checked bag, along with information that additional discounts may apply depending on flyer-specific factors (e.g. frequent flyer status, military, credit card used for purchase or early purchase over the internet, etc) can be found by accessing www.iflybags.com. Globus is not responsible for additional fees imposed by air carriers regarding baggage. Regulations within most airports require that travelers handle their own luggage through customs. No responsibility is accepted for loss of or damage to baggage or any of the traveler's belongings throughout the duration of the vacation. Baggage insurance is recommended. See our Website for al all-inclusive Travel Protection Plan.
For vacations in Africa, due to limited capacity on safari vehicles and flights when on safari, your single bag must be soft-sided and cannot exceed 33 lbs (15kg) for vacations in Kenya & Tanzania or 44 lbs (20 kg including hand luggage) in Botswana or Zambia. Due to limited motorocoach capacity on South Africa vacations and Avalon river cruises in Egypt, your single bag should have dimensions not exceeding 30"x21"x11" and weight not exceeding 50lbs (22kg) unless otherwise noted in your Travel Documents.
When can I purchase activities & excursions?
A complete listing will also be available in your travel documents. You may choose to purchase these activities and excursions in advance; some may be available to purchase from your Local Host while on vacation.
Note: Activities and excursions are subject to change and may not be available as described
What size are triple and quad rooms?
Triple and quad rooms are the same size as a twin-bedded room (a room with two separate beds of any size). They will have beds to accommodate three or four people; however, we cannot guarantee that there will be three or four separate beds. If there are only two beds, a rollaway may be requested but cannot be guaranteed. Quad rooms are only available in North America.
Why is it important that I give my name as it appears on my passport when booking air?
Due to increased travel security around the world, it is now more important than ever that your airline ticket match your first and last name exactly as it reads on your passport. Additionally, any changes to your air booking, which include spelling, could be subject to a change fee, penalties, or cancellation.
When will I receive my Trip Planner & Accessories?
Travel documents, including any air tickets or itineraries and other information, are sent approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received. Vouchers may be required for additional excursions and activities purchased through Monograms. Instructions for voucher retrieval will be included with your excursion order confirmation.
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What is included with my Trip Planner?
For vacations to Europe, China, Asia, South Pacific, South America, and Africa your Trip Planner will include:
Vacation certificate
Travel vouchers (if applicable)
Daily itinerary
Airport transfer information (if applicable)
Hotel list including address & description
Additional activities & excursions available through Monograms
Airline tickets/E-ticket receipts and Travel Protection information (if applicable)
Information on key sights and attractions
Destination information including average temperatures, currency, what to pack & a few words of the local language to get you started
Passport, visa & entry document information
Baggage tag & travel wallet
For North America Single-City Getaways & Multi-City Getaways your Trip Planner will include:
Vouchers for hotels and inclusions
Airport transfer information (if applicable)
Hotel list including address & description
Additional activities & excursions available through Monograms
Airline tickets/E-ticket receipts and Travel Protection information (if applicable)
Information on key sights and attractions
Destination information including average temperatures, currency & what to pack
Passport, visa & entry document information
Baggage tag & travel wallet
For North America Hawaii Island Getaways your Trip Planner will include:
Hotel vouchers
Go Oahu Card (vacations VU/VUE, VK/VKE)
Sightseeing voucher (vacation VQ/VQE)
Hotel list including address & description
Additional activities & excursions available through Monograms
Airline tickets/E-ticket receipts and Travel Protection information (if applicable)
Information on key sights and attractions
Destination information including average temperatures, currency & what to pack
Passport, visa & entry document information
Details for your rental car pick-up (if applicable)
Detailed driving instructions and maps for your vacation
Baggage tag & travel wallet
For North America Rail Getaways your Trip Planner will include:
Vouchers for hotel, train, and sightseeing
Airport transfer information (if applicable)
Hotel list including address & description
Additional activities & excursions available through Monograms
Airline tickets/E-ticket receipts and Travel Protection information (if applicable)
Information on key sights and attractions
Destination information including average temperatures, currency & what to pack
Passport, visa & entry document information
Baggage tag
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Do I need a passport and a visa?
When traveling outside the United States, a passport is required for U.S. citizens. Some countries also require a visa. U.S. citizens and Non-U.S. citizens should consult with appropriate consulates to determine if any visas are needed. Monograms' preferred supplier of visa services is VisaCentral. For additional information or to obtain a visa for your vacation, please visit www.visacentral.com/globusfamily.
What is Travel Protection?
Travel Protection Plus offers comprehensive protection for your travel investment. In addition to excellent trip coverage and cancellation protection, the plan also includes a Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit that allows for cancellations up to 24 hours prior to departure (or prior business day, whichever is farther out) for any reason. In the event cancellation is for a non-covered reason under Travel Protection Plus, the cancellation penalty retained by Globus, minus the travel protection payment, will be reimbursed under the Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit, in the form of Travel Certificates valid for travel within two years from the original cancelled vacation start date. This Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit does not cover Instant Purchase Air or independently purchased air.
What are the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Requirements?
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require full name (as it appears on a government issued ID passenger will be traveling with), date of birth and gender for all passengers. For passengers with an existing air reservation with Cosmos we encourage you to contact us and provide the required TSA information. Failure to provide the required TSA information for your air reservation can result in, delays at the airport during the check-in process and/or flights cancelled prior to departure by the airline.
How are flights coordinated with monograms vacations?
With Monograms, think of your entire vacation as one-stop shopping. Rather than spending hours researching flights to coordinate with your vacation start and end dates, let us handle the work. And when we book your flights, if there are any changes to your vacation schedule, we make the air changes for you. As a completely independent company, we have no ties to any one airline. We negotiate the lowest possible airfares with the world's finest carriers on your behalf.
Monograms offers 2 air options - Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Flex Air allows flexibility if you want to make changes to your vacation schedule. Instant Purchase Air may offer additional airline options but has more restrictions. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option.
Do I get airport transfers?
Regardless which air option you choose, when you book your Monograms vacation air-inclusive, the transfer to and from the airport to your start and end hotel is included (on published departure and return dates). This can be a substantial savings and give you peace of mind.
Land-only vacation clients who make their own air arrangements on regularly scheduled direct or nonstop flights (not chartered flights) into terminals may purchase Monograms airport transfer service.
Airport transfers can be arranged when you purchase extra nights before or after the vacation. Transfers cannot be provided when you join late or leave early. Flight information for air purchased separately from Monograms will be required at time of booking the extra night transfers and must be provided to Monograms prior to final payment.
Flight details and payment must be received no later than final payment. Time and terminal limitations are provided.
Transfers will be provided only if confirmed by Monograms. Look for confirmation of your transfer in the travel documents.