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In an effort to enhance security and efficiency at
U.S. borders, the U.S. government will soon enforce
new passport requirements for all travelers entering
or re-entering the United States from Canada, Mexico,
Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
Travel between the U.S. and U.S. territoties (including
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) will not be
affected.
Land Border Travel
In conjunction with the cruise deadline, a passport or
other qualified travel document will be required at all
land border ports-of-entry prior to June 1, 2009. But
no exact date is set.
Air Travel
All travelers will be required to have passports - including
U.S. citizens returning to the U.S. by air from throughout
the Western Hemisphere - on January 23, 2007. This new
requirement includes Canadians, Americans and others
who have previously been excempt from having to carry
a passport to enter or re-enter the U.S.
Sea (Cruise) Travel
No exact date is set but passports will be required for
"sea" or cruise passengers entering or re-entering the
U.S. on the same deadline as for land border crossings
- some time before June 1, 2009.
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1. When should I book a tour?
As early as possible, please. Of course, sometimes the urge to travel comes upon us at the last minute, but we encourage you to book early. Tours often fill up, and some must be cancelled do to an insufficient number of guests. To avoid disappointment book as early as possible. Additionally, if you are 60 years of age or over, booking early (60 to 120 prior to a tour) on an overnight tour qualifies you for a discount. (Discounts are not available for Fly Tours and Cruises.)
2. How do I make a reservation ?
Reservations may be made through your local travel agent or by calling us directly at:
1 800 MAGIC 16 (1 800 624-4216) or
(845) 565-1700, by fax (845) 565-1220 or
through our web site at www.tlc-tours.com.
3. Where do tours leave from?
TLC Tours has departure points throughout the Hudson Valley. It is important to note that not all tours depart from every departure point. Multi-day tours depart from most departure points, while One Day tours usually depart from Poughkeepsie, Fishkill, Newburgh, and Middletown with additional departure points added dependent upon passenger location and the direction the tour is traveling. Departure plans for each tour are listed in the tour description. Just scroll over to see the full listing.
4. What if I don't live within your departure area ?
If you live outside our departure area, you can still join our tours by arranging your own transportation to one of our departure points, or on our fly and cruise tours you may meet us at the destination. Please call us to discuss your options.
5. Are there ever special pickups?
Yes, if you have a small group of 10 or more passengers booked on an overnight trip, we will arrange a special departure point for your group. The departure point must be within the geographic range of our normal departures, otherwise an additional charge may be assessed.
6. What time do the tours leave?
Depends. Most tours leave in the morning between 7 and 9am, and return in the evening between 7 and 9pm. Exact departure times will be given with your final confirmation, which is mailed two weeks prior to departure.
7. How do I pay for a trip?
A deposit is due within 10 days of making a reservation. You may pay your deposit by MasterCard, Visa or Discover at the time of booking, or send us a check made payable to TLC Tours. Be sure to clearly identify the tour name and tour date for which you are sending payment. Final payment is due on the date indicated on your booking notice. Many people find it easier to budget by sending us installment payments. We are more than happy to take installment payments whenever you would like to make them.
8. How do I pay?
Good question! We require a deposit within 10 days of booking your tour. Amount is from $25 to $300 per person depending on the price of the tour. We accept Cash (not through the mail please!), Checks, and VISA, MASTERCARD or DISCOVER. Final payment is due 45 days prior to departure, or right away if you make a last minute reservation.
9. What if I have to Cancel?
We understand that circumstances occur which make it necessary to cancel a tour. TLC Tours cancellation policy is outlined in your tour confirmation.
Tour Cancellation Protection or Tour Insurance will be added to your booking notice, and complete information will be sent to you. If you elect to decline the Tour Cancellation Protection or Tour Insurance you may deduct this amount when paying your deposit It is highly recommended that you purchase Cancellation Protection and /or additional trip insurance. Please seriously consider purchasing cancellation protection or insurance. We could tell you lots of stories of customers who are glad they did.
10. Do you rotate seats?
We do not rotate seats on our tours. Seating is assigned by the date of booking. There are instances in which we offer tours in conjunction with other companies who are our travel partners. In this case seat rotation may follow that company’s policy.
11. Is smoking allowed on the motorcoach?
We do not allow smoking on the motorcoach. Passengers are free to smoke during rest stops.
12. Do you have discounts for groups?
Absolutely. A major part of our business is working specifically with groups. If you have a large group (at least 30 people) we will work with you to customize a trip for your group. You can choose from any of the itineraries listed in this brochure, or choose from the many other destinations we go to. Planning is always important, and the further ahead you plan the more likely it is we’ll be able to secure the right hotels and touring for your group. Please call Judy LoSasso to discuss your groups plans. (1 800-624-4216 ext 343)
13. What about small groups?
If your group is too small for a full motorcoach, we still have a plan for you. With groups as small as 10 we can offer discounts when you book your group on the trips listed in this brochure. There are a few trips that do not qualify for discounts, so ask us when you call.
14. Are you a member of any professional groups?
Yes!
• ASTA American Society of Travel Agents
• ABA American Bus Association
• CLIA
• IMG International Motorcoach Group
15. What if TLC Tours cancels my tour?
Occasionally, due to a lack of reservations or a change in schedule that would substantially alter a tour TLC Tours may find it necessary to cancel a departure. In the event this occurs you may elect to transfer to another departure or receive a full refund.
16. Do you have children's rates?
Yes. Most tours have rates for children traveling with adults. In fact, we encourage you to bring your children age 5 and up on tours and we even plan some special trips with the family in mind.
17. What is Trip Protection?
Trip Cancellation Protection or Trip Insurance is included in the cost of your trip. Trip Cancellation Protection allows you to cancel for a full refund up to the 5:00PM on the last business day prior to your departure. This is included on all TLC motorcoach trips. Trip Insurance is offered on fly trips and cruises. Complete information on these offerings will be sent to you with your confirmation.
18. Tour Prices
It is assumed that all portions of the tour will be used by each individual traveler. There is no refund for unused sightseeing, meals or attractions. All costs are based on current pricing. TLC Tours
reserves the right to adjust pricing should there be a significant increases, particularly in regards to foreign exchange rates.
19. Membership
TLC Tours reserves the right to remove a passenger from any tour if that passenger's actions or condition disrupts or threatens to disrupt the smooth operation of the tour, or when the safety of the other passengers is threatened by actions or conditions of that passenger.
20. Gratuities
Tipping is optional, and based upon the quality of service rendered. There is no set amount for gratuities; such gratuity should be extended on an individual and voluntary basis. You may contact our office for additional guidelines.
21. Itinerary Changes
TLC Tours reserves the right to make changes in the itinerary and accommodations of any tour if circumstances dictate. TLC Tours reserves the right to substitute hotels of equal or better status and to change schedules of attractions.
22. Responsibility
TLC Tours acts in the capacity of agent on behalf of tour patrons in arranging transportation, lodging, sightseeing and other tour services, and as such, is not responsible for damage, loss, delay, injury, or accident due to any act or omission on the part of any company or person engaged in providing lodging , sightseeing, entertainment, transportation, or other services which are part of the tours.
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