What you should know BEFORE your register
FINAL PAYMENTS & DOCUMENTS
You paid a deposit when registering for your trip. The remaining balance due must be paid in full (by check) no later than the date designated in the brochure under “Terms and Conditions/Tour Contract”. In the event of cancellation, refunds will be made and penalties assessed according to the “Deposits and Cancellation” and “Air Transportation” sections of the “Terms and Conditions/ Tour Contract” found in the tour brochure. Any exceptions must be in writing from Pentecost Tours, Inc. Your final documents will be mailed to you or your tour host approximately one or two weeks before departure.
TIPS AND TAXES
If you have been overseas, you know that tipping is an integral part of travel. While all service charges are included in the tour price, additional tipping is so customary that tipping levels are approved by some departments of tourism. Hotels, guides, bus drivers, restaurants, etc., all expect a tip. Pentecost Tours, Inc. will add the tips to your invoice and the money will be paid on your behalf as the tour goes. When you receive your initial invoice, ESTIMATED airline taxes and fuel surcharges will be added. At ticketing, the airline taxes and fuel surcharges will be firmed up and your account will be adjusted at that time (30 days prior).
TRAVEL PROTECTION
Travel protection is not required, but is recommended. After you’ve registered for a pilgrimage you will receive a welcome packet that includes travel protection information.
LIABILITY
As indicated in the tour brochure, which acts as our contract with you, Pentecost Tours, Inc. acts only as an agent for the airlines, hotels, bus companies, and those providing the services and is not responsible for loss or injury incurred while on this tour. We recommend you accept the comprehensive insurance we have available for your tour or secure travel insurance on your own.
ABOUT THE ACCOMMODATIONS
Single-room supplement: As with most tours, the cost is based on double or triple bedded room occupancy. If you desire a single room, please advise Pentecost Tours, Inc. You will be invoiced according to the supplemental charge as shown under Terms and Conditions of the brochure.
Room Assignment: When your spouse is not traveling with you and you have someone else with whom you wish to room, please notify us so we can make out the room list accordingly. Unless a single room is requested, we assign rooms according to receipt of the initial deposit. It is imperative to get your request in as soon as possible, since last-minute deposits may result in an involuntary single room accommodation. In this case you will be assessed the normal single supplement as stated in the brochure’s Terms and Conditons.
Triple-room supplement: The size of the rooms in some hotels may not warrant triple accommodations. Wherever practical, however, this will be provided upon request. Please note that triples are unavailable in some cities and some hotels. On nights where triples are unable to be accommodated, a single supplement charge may be applied for those nights.
ABOUT THE FOOD
Meals will be delicious and more than ample. Although most meals are American fare, part of the adventure of traveling abroad is trying the cuisine of other countries.
Requests for special dietary meals should be made upon registration. For those under doctor’s care and requiring a special diet, we will request this service from the airlines and hotels if given sufficient notice; however, Pentecost Tours, Inc. can not be held responsible if the request is not fulfilled.
Water served at the table in the hotels we use may or may not be safe
. Bottled water, coffee, tea, and soft drinks are always available at a supplemental charge.
VACCINATIONS
In most countries, vaccinations have not been required for several years, and we do not expect this policy to change except in the case of an epidemic. If this happens, Pentecost Tours, Inc. will advise you of necessary procedures.
VISAS
For US citizens at the present time, no visas are required for most European countries and Israel. Group visas for Egypt and Jordan will be obtained in the U.S. prior to your departure. Visa information can be found on the PTI passport information sheet. Non-US citizens should contact the consulate for each country they will be visiting to determine if a multiple-entry visa will be required. For more information: (www. travisa.com) or 866-951-1212.
PEOPLE WITH HANDICAPS OR PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
Pilgrims who require assistance or cannot move about freely must be accompanied by a paying passenger who will provide that assistance. The tour host, escort, or other tour members cannot be expected to assist. There is a lot of walking on most pilgrimages. One month prior to your pilgrimage you may want to incorporate a walking program into your schedule to prepare you for the trip.
AMOUNT OF WALKING INVOLVED
Every tour involves walking. One month prior to your pilgrimage you may want to incorporate a walking program into your schedule to prepare you for the trip. Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes or gym shoes are a must!