Insight Vacations FAQs
Why should I choose a Premium Insight Vacations tour?
Insight is completely unique. Simply, we are the only tour operator to give you more legroom on every tour at no extra cost: you’ll consistently stay in quality hotels in desirable locations; you’ll enjoy more included sightseeing; and because you’ll travel in smaller groups, you’ll receive better personal service from your experienced Tour Director and Tour Driver.
What are Insight Tour Directors like?
Time and time again, our guests tell us that it was their Tour Director who really made their trip. Our Tour Directors are amongst the finest in the business and will help steer you through the labyrinth of Europe ‘s cultures, languages and diversities and bring its magic to life before your eyes.
Will coach travel be relaxing?
We ensure your comfort when travelling by planning plenty of rest stops during each journey. There’s also an on-board wash room on all touring coaches (except in Morocco). Seat rotation each day guarantees everyone gets to enjoy the great views, while travelling head and shoulders above the other traffic. By leaving the driving to us you avoid wasted time planning routes and negotiating traffic. We’ll even take care of the expensive items like refueling, paying tolls and parking charges, and more
Will the coach be modern and comfortable?
Yet another exclusive feature of an Insight premium tour is the incredible space and comfort you’ll enjoy when travelling. Our luxury coaches have been specially reconfigured with fewer seats, you’ll relax in style whilst enjoying up to twice as much legroom then on a standard touring coach – on EVERY departure with NO EXTRA SURCHARGE to pay.
Are there other advantages to having fewer seats?
Yes there are. With Insight, it’s not just extra legroom that each guest enjoys, there’s also the extra window space. What’s more, you can recline without crushing the person behind and you have more room for personal belongings and luggage (our allowance is actually higher than other operators). It’s also quicker to embark and disembark, saving sometimes up to an hour or more on days when there are many stops!
Do all tour operators have 40 seat coaches?
No. We are the only operator to have developed a fleet of hundreds of specially reconfigured 40 seat touring coaches with business class legroom. Most others, even if they claim smaller groups, predominantly use coaches with 49 or 53 seats.
How long will I spend on the coach?
We seldom travel longer than a couple of hours or so without a photo stop or visit. Some journeys are much shorter. Many times you won’t need the coach at all as we often build-in multiple days at leisure. One thing you can be certain is that a journey by coach is much easier and more comfortable than by any other transport means. We take you in limousine comfort door-to-door.
Insight also uses many other forms of transportation to give you an exciting and varied vacation. From high-speed trains, cable cars and hydrofoils to open-top taxis, river cruisers and carriages – you’ll enjoy them all, and more.
Is there seat rotation?
Yes, your Tour Director will implement a seat rotation system, whereby all guests will rotate their seats on the coach daily. This allows for everyone to experience the spectacular views from different seats, and you’ll have a better opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers.
How many people will be on tour with me?
With only 40 guests on our premium tours instead of the standard 53, Insight clients enjoy a more personalized service. In a smaller group, you’ll be closer to your local guide for a more in-depth experience, you’ll spend less time waiting to get into sights and it will be faster checking into hotels with your luggage arriving quicker to your room. Insight groups are smaller, more intimate and more friendly.
I want to see all the main sights, but will I have time to explore on my own?
At Insight, planning the perfect tour is our specialty. Not only do we include the ‘must see’ sights, we carefully balance our itineraries to give you plenty of free time to relax and immerse yourself in the location.
We design each itinerary with the perfect balance of planned activities and personal time to explore. We also give you the opportunity to personalize your trip with a range of Optional Excursions at competitive rates, which allow you to choose how you spend some of your time.
All our guests share a passion for travel, fun, adventure and discovery. Ages range from young to mature with an average of mid-50s, travelling either solo, as couples, families or with friends and join us from all over the English speaking world!
What is the difference between “visit”, “view” and “see” in the itineraries?
Here is a glossary of some common terms used in our itineraries:
- Visit – Your coach will stop and you’ll get to visit a specific site.
- View – A brief stop and an opportunity to take photos.
- See – Your Insight coach will drive by the site so that you can see it.
- Sightseeing tour – A local city guide will accompany you on a tour of a city or site.
- Orientation tour – Places of interest are pointed out, allowing you to go and explore them on your own.
- ‘Why not see’ or ‘perhaps enjoy’ – These phrases refer to optional excursions not included in the tour package, but are available for an additional fee.
- Time to explore and discover – Free time on your own.
- A day to relax – No planned activities; time for optional excursions or other independent activities.
What does the tour cost include?
The prices listed in our brochure and website cover all hotel accommodations, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motorcoach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Insight Tour Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on tour by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.
What is an “optional activity”?
These are activities that we do not automatically include but are offered at the start of your tour designed to enhance your travel experience. Your Tour Director will have a list of available options and the appropriate costs. They are carefully programmed to coincide with the best highlights available at the time of your visit. It could be a seafood lunch in Venice, a concert in Vienna or a Grand Canyon Helicopter ride. A detailed list and costs can be found in your tour documentation or on our website.
What does a gold tour mean?
Insight Gold is a luxury collection of leisurely escorted journeys on which you’ll travel effortlessly in absolute comfort, elegance, and style. A GOLD tour with Insight Vacations includes all 5-star accommodation throughout your GOLD itinerary. These accommodations are also centrally located within the destination you are visiting.
Where will my hotel be located and what will it be like?
Insight hotels are consistently first class standard and higher or in a style appropriate to the destination. They have been selected because they are good private or small collection hotels or from well-known chains such as Marriott, Renaissance and Hilton. Insight also chooses hotels based on their location. We know you’ll prefer to stay centrally, convenient to the main historic, shopping or entertainment districts; or scenically in areas of natural beauty.
What is the difference between a definite departure and a departure that is not marked definite?
A definite departure is guaranteed to operate for that given departure date. A tour that is not yet designated a definite departure is not yet guaranteed to operate based on current booking numbers. If a tour and departure date you are interested in is not yet definite, do not let this discourage you from booking. The more paid passengers we receive, the odds of the tour operating increase. In the slim case that we happen to withdraw a tour you are booked on due to a lack of numbers, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid towards Insight Vacations or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure. When booking tours that are not yet definite, we typically suggest looking into booking your airfare with Insight Vacations so that way in case of a withdrawn departure, you are not stuck with any non-refundable flights booked through another party.
When do tours become designated definite?
As a rule of thumb, a tour becomes a DEFINITE departure once we have sold approximately half of the maximum capacity of a specific departure. On average because a sold out Insight Vacations accommodates 40 passengers, a tour is designated definite at the 20 passenger mark
Is baggage handling provided?
Yes, all hotel baggage handling is provided at no extra charge and included in your vacation purchase price. One suitcase per person will be brought to your hotel room
How much luggage can I bring?
You are allowed to bring one suitcase per person with the dimensions of 30.5”x22”x12.5” (77.5 x 56 x 32cm) and weight not exceeding 66 lbs (30kg) due to the limited space on the coach. You can also bring one piece of hand luggage, provided it is small enough to take on the coach and does not have telescope handles. Please note that air carriers, cruise lines and other forms of transportation may have other restrictions and requirements including weight, and we recommend that you contact the suppliers directly for additional information. We regret we are unable to accept a second suitcase or any luggage exceeding these limits.
Carry-on bags should not exceed the dimensions of 12″x11″x6″. For safety reasons, wheeled carry-on bags are not suitable as hand luggage on motorcoaches. Carry-on bags must be small enough to store in overhead bins or under the seat in front of you on motorcoaches and other transportation.
Some airlines are also charging fees for checked baggage, and these fees are not included in the vacation or airfare package price. Please check with your airline directly for baggage information and regulations. Insight Vacation is not responsible for any additional fees imposed by air carriers regarding baggage.
Do you accommodate special needs?
We make every effort to accommodate any special needs requests, whether it be a dietary restriction or a physical limitation. In order to accommodate your needs as best as possible, we ask that you let us or your travel agent know at time of booking so we can assess the request and see how and where we can accommodate you. We may ask you to fill out a form depending on the request in order for us to assess how and if we can accommodate.
Can I have laundry done?
Most hotels do offer a laundry service and in some cities Laundromats are also available. However, it is a good idea to try and pack enough clothing to avoid having to do laundry, as it can sometimes be costly or inconvenient.
What size is a triple room?
A triple room is the same size as a twin bedded room. There will only be two beds and a roll-away may be requested but also cannot be guaranteed.
Can I use my electrical appliances?
Electrical plugs and outlets differ throughout the world so you’ll need a universal travel adapter suitable for the countries you are traveling to in order to use any mobile devices. Electrical currents also vary throughout the world and we suggest you carry a converter for any electronics that are not dual voltage in order to prevent them being damaged.
Do you have a non-smoking policy?
There is a no smoking policy motorcoach touring policy. However, we do make plenty of convenience stops giving you the opportunity to smoke, use local restroom facilities, take a scenic snapshot or just relax and enjoy of cup of coffee.
Do you have a share program for singles?
If you wish to share with another tour member you can advise Insight Vacations at the time of booking. Insight believes that travelling solo doesn’t have to cost you more. We will try to match you with someone of the same sex in order to avoid having to pay the single supplement. If we are not able to provide a suitable room mate, we will provide a single room at no extra cost.
How can I keep in touch with family and friends?
Generally, a cell phone is often the easiest way to communicate with others back home. ‘Bill shock’ is becoming increasingly common for international travellers, arriving home from their trip to a hefty cell phone bill that can be as much as the actual trip!
Before leaving on your trip you can take steps to avoid returning home to an expensive phone bill: Check international calling and text rates, disable data roaming and consider a prepaid service designed for international travellers.
International cell phone and prepaid SIM card lets you stay connected and in touch with family and friends, and control yours costs at the same time.
We partner with eKit to offer travellers international cell phone packages and prepaid SIM cards, to save travellers up to 85% on international roaming rates for calls, texts and data. For more information visit eKit.
How do I book an optional excursion and what is the cost?
Your Tour Director will have a list of available options and the appropriate costs. They are carefully programmed to coincide with the best highlights available at the time of your visit. It could be a seafood lunch in Venice, a concert in Vienna or a Grand Canyon Helicopter ride. A detailed list and costs can be found in your tour documentation or on our website.
How do I change my currency?
Currency can be exchanged at airports or banks. International debit and credit cards are accepted at most bank machines (ATMs) throughout the world. It is a good idea to check with your bank prior to your departure, to be sure that your cards operate in the destinations in which you are travelling.
How do I get from the airport to the start of my tour?
We offer arrival and departure transfers at the start and end of all of our itineraries. We offer many complimentary transfer services when clients arrive and depart as per their specific tour dates. When arriving earlier or departing later, we can offer private charge transfers when booking our start and end accommodation locations. Since every itinerary is unique, we will be able to provide you with specific transfer information based on your tour of interest.
What if I become ill on my trip and am unable to continue?
Your Tour Director will assist you with a doctor’s visit or hospitalization should you require. Insight Vacations has a dedicated Customer Care Department in Europe or our Operations Department in the relevant country will contact you to offer assistance and advice. The cost to return home from your trip due to illness would be at your own expense, so we strongly encourage you to purchase a Travel Protection Plan, and coordinate with your travel insurance company to have your medical expenses reimbursed.
What if I arrive late and miss a feature on the trip?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a trip, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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. 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.
What is FastTrack?
**Registering with FastTrack?** Insight’s FastTrack registration is our online check-in facility that provides us with advance security information which may be required by hotels and border crossings as well as giving us important insights into your interests and preferences. The information will allow your Tour Director to better prepare for your individual needs in order for us to make your holiday experience even more enjoyable. FastTrack is available to our clients after they have paid their deposit and have been issued a booking reference number. It’s quick and easy and takes only 10 minutes to complete.
When will I receive my documents?
Documents will normally be mailed 21 days prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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.
Do you have a frequent traveler programme?
Yes, you can join our Insight Club Bon Voyage at the end of your tour by filling out the feedback questionnaire. Membership is free and as a Club Bon Voyage member you’ll have access to great promotional benefits and you are automatically entitled to a 5% discount on your next tour. You are also entitled to a 5% past passenger discount if you have traveled with one of our sister companies, AAT Kings, Trafalgar Tours, Contiki Holidays or Uniworld!
