Frequently Asked Questions

When should I book my trip?
It’s always important to remember travel inventory is based on supply and demand. When its frigid and snowing outside many travelers want to get away from the ice and snow and dip their toes in warm Caribbean waters. It is for this reason we suggest not waiting until the last minute to book your travel arrangements. If you do, unfortunately you run the risk of limited or sold out inventory at hotels or on flights. At a minimum, we suggest clients make travel arrangements six-months prior to departure.  This will help ensure space availability and optimal pricing.

How do I make my arrangements?
The first step is contacting our office at 814-535-4424 or support@trofino.com. We will need full legal names of all passengers traveling (the names provided to us must match what appear on passport or driver’s license). Additionally, we need dates of birth (for all passengers traveling), departure airport (where you want to fly from), your destination choice (Mexico, Europe, etc), and most importantly, we need to know your budget so that we can find you the appropriate options, within your budget. All of this information must be provided to us, in writing. Once we have the information we need, we will price your options and provide you with a detailed rate quote. Your rate quote outlines all important factors of your vacation package and your Travel Professional will review it with you, in detail.

Do I need to pay for everything up-front?
No, unless you are within 45-days prior to your departure. Typically, when you secure your reservation a small deposit is required to confirm your space. Deposit amounts vary according to which vendor we use but the standard is between $200.00 to $300.00 per-person.  However, if you are traveling using published air pricing (opposed to charter air or bulk fare pricing) then the cost of the published airline ticket will be due in addition to your deposit, at the time of securing your reservation.  Final balances are due anywhere between 45 to 60 days prior to your departure (depending on cruise line or tour operator used).  Your Travel Professional will discuss all important aspects of your rate quote as all rate quotes we provide our clients describe due dates and costs involved with your reservation.     

Do you charge for your services?
We will provide rate quotes free of charge however we request the courtesy of being respectful of our time.   If you require more than three rate quotes, or if your travel arrangements require extensive planning, we reserve the right to charge a $30.00 service fee, which will be refunded back to you if you secure your vacation package through our office.   Our time is limited and our expertise, valuable. Our rate quote fee helps to ensure we are not expending time and resources on travelers who may not be as serious as others about making travel arrangements.  If you wish to request a rate quote from our office, please fill out this form and we will reply within 48-hours with your quote. Alternatively, our website has been designed to enable all our clients with the most accurate and direct pricing available on the market. You are more than welcome to use our website and shop and book directly from our site, without having to pay any fee. When you use our website to book any vacation package, we remain your servicing agency and address all pre-departure questions or concerns you may have, free of charge. 

What is typically included in your prices?
A typical Caribbean all-inclusive package will include round trip air, round trip airport/hotel transfers (to/from airport at your destination), lodging and all lodging taxes, all meals and all drinks (alcoholic beverages included) while on premise of the resort, and all airline government taxes and fees (to date).

A typical cruise package will include round-trip air, round-trip airport/cruise port transfers, cruise fare, all meals while onboard the ship, and all port charges, government imposed taxes and fees.

What is typically not included in your price?
If the resort is not an “all-inclusive” property, then meals and drinks will not be included in your price. Your travel professional will advise accordingly and discuss various options with you. Additionally, airline luggage fees, travel cancellation insurance and foreign customs departure taxes (nominal fee payable directly to Immigration services) are typically NOT included in vacation package costs as these fees are separate and payable directly to either the airline, travel insurance vendor and/or immigration services of the country you are departing from. 

What is the average cost of a vacation package?
Vacation packages vary according to time of year traveling, space availability and destination. A typical 7-night, all-inclusive package for Riviera Maya Mexico, staying at a 5-star resort will cost between $1,400.00 to $1,500.00 per-adult. However, there are many different factors that affect the pricing and your Travel Professional is skilled at knowing how to find the most optimal pricing to suit your budget.   

Rate Quotes
As we deal with live inventory and pricing, we can quote you something today but without a deposit on your record, that space could be gone, tomorrow. If we have provided you with a rate quote, our strongest advice (especially during winter season), is to not wait weeks to get back to us to book your vacation as 9 times out of 10, your space has gone to someone else. 

Are the prices I was quoted guaranteed?
NO. Its important to note that all rates quoted are subject to change, without notice, until your vacation package is under deposit.  This is standard throughout the travel industry.  In rare situations, even under deposit, your pricing can change primarily due to increases in Government imposed federal taxes (such as fuel sur-charges).  However, once paid for in full, your costs will not change.  

What Documentation do I need to travel?
If you are leaving the county, you must have a valid US passport. If you are traveling domestically, you will need a state issued photo drivers license.

How do I receive my travel documents or airline tickets?
Today, 95% of travel documents are issued as electronic documents (commonly referred as e-docs). Typically, e-docs will be sent to your Travel Professional between 21 to 14-days prior to your departure. Your Travel Professional will review all documents for accuracy and then will contact you directly prior to emailing these documents to you. In addition, your Travel Professional will make arrangements to review your documents with you and ensure all your questions are addressed, prior to your departure. 

Can I purchase tour excursions in advance?
Yes, and we highly encourage our clients to do so as this will optimize your vacation time. Purchasing tour excursions in advance will help ensure you’re not wasting your vacation time, standing in line. For our clients we offer direct access to hundreds of tour excursions, worldwide. Simply browse our selection of available excursions and purchase directly from our site. It’s that easy. Its a simplified way to get yourself organized and prepared well in advance of your vacation.   

How do I plan a large family trip or group travel?
First, elect one person to be the planner of the trip. Planning a trip with a specific purpose will need fine-tuning, but general rules apply no matter the occasion. First, ask lots of questions of the participants. What’s the goal of the trip? What’s the budget? What are their interests? What mode of travel is preferred? Is alone time necessary or is everyone group-oriented? How many days can they get away?

For groups in which each person has a different idea of fun, compromise is necessary. If it’s an annual or biennial event, take turns choosing. If it’s a one-off, choose a trip that everyone can at least grudgingly accept: A cruise, an all-inclusive or a European getaway may fit the multi-generational bill.

For honeymoons we suggest setting a budget and a goal. There is nothing wrong with spending a week at Sandals, but couples looking for adventure should consider a more suitable destination, such as Iceland or Chile.

When it comes to group and special-occasion vacations, the more planning done in advance, the better. Before you go, make the dinner reservations, arrange the excursions, figure out the train schedules and agree on who is paying for what. With over 20-years experience in the travel industry, our office has fined tuned group travel processes to alleviate stress on the group leader. Call us today at 814-535-4424 for experience, professional advice. 

What if I have to cancel my vacation?
Depending on the vendor used, you run the risk of loosing your deposit or your entire vacation cost. Travel Insurance is available from Travel Guard, to learn more and obtain a quote please follow this link, or by calling Travel Guard at +1-800-826-1300.

  

                                                                                                                           HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
                                                                                           Give us a call 814-535-4424 or email us at support@trofino.com