Escorted Tour FAQ

Monday, November 17, 2008

I just returned from Insight Vacations Easy Pace Russia.  It was a fantastic experience. We spent 3 nights in St Petersburg & 3 nights in Moscow & used the train to get between the cities. Since we spent so much time in each area, we had ample time to see all of the sights & also to explore on our own. All of Insight’s Easy Pace programs require a minimum of 3 nights in each city, which allows you to really get to know an area.

One of the highlights of the trip in St Petersburg was our visit to the Hermitage Museum located in the Winter Palace. The Winter Palace was the residence of the Russian Czars & was built during the span of 1754 to 1762. The array of artwork by the masters was mind boggling; with over 3 million pieces of work from the Stone Age to the 20 Century. Peter the Great’s summer residence at Petrodvorets, with its fabulous gardens, is also not to be missed.

Moscow exceeded my expectations. Red Square & the Kremlin were wonderful. Gum’s Shopping Center at Red Sq was amazing; built in 1893 brings you back to the time of the Czars. Another thing that wowed me there were the subways. It is hard to believe that a subway could impress anyone, but in all of my travels & there have been lots, I have never seen anything like what I saw there. The station at Red Sq built by Stalin has bronze sculptures throughout. You would think that you were in a museum, rather than a subway station. The other stations also had fabulous art work.

I also found the food to be quite good. Breakfasts were huge buffets with a vast array of choices. Typical Russian dinners were borsht (a hot beet soup) & beef stroganoff (Created by the Duke of Stroganoff because he had no teeth & needed something soft to eat). Salads & desserts are also included. Lots of vodka toasts occur, as well, at dinner time.

Shopping is great with the dollar getting a great exchange rate against the ruble. Picking up a matrioshka (stacking doll) is a must. I brought 2 home.

Russia should definitely be one of the places on your list to see. If you want to have a fantastic time, make sure you experience it with Insight Vacations.

Contributed by Elaine Post
Elaine is the Director of Sales East, Insight Vacations & has traveled the world.

Monday, November 10, 2008

There are over 8.8 million applicants for US passports each year.  For that reason, there are around 7,000 passport offices in the country. Generally it takes around 3 to 4 weeks to get a passport. But what if you need to travel soon? If you have 2 weeks, you can usually get an appointment at one of the 13 regional passport offices and get the passport sooner.

Need it even faster? Perhaps "immediately" like one of our clients who arrived at the airport only to realize his passport had expired? You can use ItsEasypassport.com who can usually get you a passport the same day, or within 24 hours. They work in conjunction with US Passport offices in New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Houston and other major U.S. cities & even have an office at the JFK airport. The fee for same-day service for a new passport or renewal, is currently from $249 plus standard government passport fees.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Common question asked by clients:

How can they possibly travel for a length of time with just one suitcase not to exceed 50 lbs & one carry-on?

Answer:

You would be surprised how many things can be packed and not exceed 50 lbs. There are some wonderful no wrinkle, light weight fabrics for traveling and you don't need a pair of shoes for each outfit. When staying in the same hotel for more than 1 night, you can take advantage of the laundry facilities they have to offer.

Make a list before packing and make sure to mix and match outfits. Always pack tightly. Scarf or jewelry can change the look or a blouse. Packing loosely will waste space and cause clothes to wrinkle from moving around. Use all the space you have available to you, such as putting socks & under garments inside of shoes.

You can get a great packing list from Frommers.

Keep in mind that the airlines are changing their restrictions and charges often these days. Make sure and go to their web site or call a couple of weeks before travel to get the latest information.

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Clients often ask when they will get "more" information about their tour. I always tell them after final payment is made, they will receive their documents delivered to their home by UPS 2 to 3 weeks prior to travel, and not to expect anything from the tour operator in the interim.

There are exceptions, especially with adventure trips or luxury travel, where preliminary documents are sent, as well as personal registration forms to be filled out.

You will of course always receive written confirmations from us for your records.

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Just thought of another confusing question among clients. What day does the tour begin?

Day 1 with the budget and first class tours is "always" the overnight flight to Europe, arriving on Day 2 - this means Day 2 is your first hotel night.

Day 1 with the Deluxe & Luxury Tours is the day you arrive in Europe to start your tour.

With US and Canada tours, day 1 is the day your tour begins.

With other exotic destinations such as South America, Asia and Australia, please check with you agent, as there could be as many as 1 to 2 days for the flight over.