TRAVEL continued There are often “package” rates with itineraries that are marketed to travel agencies and offer a substantial discount compared to if you did the same trip using posted “rack rates.” But, if the package cost is still higher than your budget allows, can the agency check on an alternate accom- modation and dive operator that will lower the overall cost to meet your budget? Another set of financial questions to ask involves non- posted expenses your group may incur. Are there any hid- den costs involved? These costs can include international transaction fees, visa costs, departure or arrival taxes, marine park fees, Wi-Fi charges, and additional credit card trans- action fees (usually 3-5 percent of the transaction) for any incidental charges. It is better to know of these charges up- front instead of your group getting “nickel and dimed” on the trip. Is tipping expected for everything in this country? If so, what is expected for tipping the destination staff, dive staff, and transportation personnel? Tipping is expected at most dive destinations, and many have their own processes for providing these tips. For example, some resorts want you to provide a tip for the entire staff that will be divided ac- cordingly by the resort and ask you not to tip a staff mem- ber individually. Can a credit card be used for tipping the dive staff and, if so, which cards are accepted, is a question offered by Cheryl Patterson of Deep Blue Adventures. She said some societies prefer cash over credit cards, so it is important to know if your currency is accepted in that country or else you must plan ahead to bring that country’s currency on your trip. (Note: it is advisable to let your credit card com- panies know about your travel plans so they don’t suspect fraud and cancel your card.) Patterson mentioned a few other items that may “trip up” a dive va- cation, like if your destination’s kitchen understands the difference between vegan and vegetarian dishes, or what is involved with cer- tain dietary allergies for your group. She said some medications may be restricted in certain countries and cause an issue at the customs inspec- tion, so research what items may be allowed into that coun- try and which will be confiscated. Verify trip planning details.
Good to Know Items: Items you can request from either your travel agent or destination contact include: What travel documents and health forms do you need ▪ to travel to this destination (and when are they due)? Are all transportation services and costs included with ▪ the trip package? Will we have a “meet and greet” service at the airport? ▪ How long does it take to get from the airport to the destination? (Also, are there any stores along the way that you could stop to pick up items you didn’t pack?) Do you provide personalized travel documentation ▪ and detailed trip itinerary? Can you prepare a trip brochure or any marketing ma- ▪ terial to help sell the trip? Do you allow any last-minute itinerary changes? ▪ Do you offer additional sightseeing, cultural, educa- ▪ tional, and adventure options (including private tours or hidden gem tips) to the package? Can you suggest any backup plans to the itinerary in ▪ case of disruptions (canceled dive days due to weather, etc.) What clothing is suggested and acceptable for this lo- ▪ cation, and what is not? Should we bring insect repellant, or is it available ▪ there? Does the Wi-Fi system cover the whole resort, or only ▪ one area? If on a liveaboard, is your connectivity de- pendent on being close to a cell tower? What is the destination’s electrical voltage and what ▪ style of plug is used there? Checking on your Accommodation: Seeing the layout and photos of the rooms selected for your group is impor- tant to avoid disgruntled clients. Questions to ask can in-
clude the quality of the beds and if they can be configured to suit your guests (separate beds for people shar- ing a room). Does the room have a private bathroom (or do you have to share one)? Is there ample storage and workspace (desk, table, chairs, and lighting) in the room? Is laundry service available? Are there a lot of steps at the resort to consider for
guests who may have physical limitations. Safety is important, so does the resort have a security service and are there any health issues in the area? Is the
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