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Q: Do you 'customize' packages?
A: Yes, we specialize in customizing packages to meet our client's needs and expectations.
Q: What type of hotels do you use?
A: Based on the individuals requests we have three levels of accommodations in all of our pacakges, However we prefer to use at least '3 star' properties as our moderate level.
Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: Yes – Mastercard & Visa
Q: What are your cancellation conditions?
A: All cancellations will be charged a $25.00 processing fee.
45 days prior to departure 100% refundable
30-44 days prior to departure 75% refundable
0-29 days prior to departure 0% refundable
Q: When is payment due?
A: Initial deposit of $200 per package is required at time of booking, with final payment due 45 days prior to departure.
Q: What information is required to make a booking?
A: Names, Address, Telephone number, Email address, Credit card
Q: Are meals included?
A: With most packages, unless specified, meals are not included.
Q: Do you book these types of Customized travel packages in the USA or other Destinations?
A: We currently specialise in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific vacations. Check with us regularly for new, exciting destinations.
Q: Is there a guide with us or will someone meet us?
A: Independent Travel enables you to create your own dream vacation, travelling at your own pace with descriptive pre-paid vouchers. This style of travel means you do not require the assistance of a guide for your trip. There are some specific sightseeing day tours, which do provide a guide for that portion and will be outlined as such on your quote or itinerary.
Q: Can I use my VIA discount card for train travel?
A: As a tour operator, we receive discounted tour operator rates, so unfortunately we are unable to accept the discount card for VIA Rail Travel.
Q: Are packages available for travel every day?
A: Some of our packages are available every day, however others do require a specific day of travel, eg. Tuesday departure. Most often, this is due to train scheduling or motor coach siteseeing dates of departure
Q: What is the age of a child?
A: Different activities and attractions have different age requirements for child pricing. Please notify our friendly reservation staff at 1-866-814-7378, when enquiring for applicable prices of the ages of our children
Q: Is summer pricing the same as winter pricing?
A: Summer is high season in Canada and The South Pacific, so pricing is relatively higher than winter. In the winter time many activities are not available, which also reduces pricing.
Q: Do self-drive packages include car rental?
A: Our self-drive options do not include car rental, however we are able to offer car rental from as little as $55 per day.
Q: What if the package I want isn’t shown online?
A:If the exact package isn’t shown, we can create a package to suit your travel requirements and budget. Contact one of our Independent Specialists for details.
Q: Are all independent travel packages self-drive?
A: We can combine coach and rail travel so it is not mandatory for you to drive to the destinations yourself.
Q: When is the 2008 Calgary Stampede?
A: The 2008 Calgary Stampede is July 4-13. We are able to offer you accommodation packages, with tickets to the Chuckwagon Races and Grandstand Show, as well as the afternoon Rodeo. Other packages even include Souvenirs, Cowboy Hats, and Programs.
Q: I would like to include train travel in my package in a “domed” car – how is this possible?
A: There are several trains that offer the domed car service and this is very popular in Canada travel itineraries. Depending on the class of service you book, the trains with access to a domed car are The Rocky Mountaineer, Skeena Totem Deluxe Class, The Canadian Silver and Blue Class and The Ocean.
Q: What is included in your ski packages?
A: Our packages include accommodation, transfers and ski passes. Ski rentals and lessons can be purchased directly at the ski hill.
Q: Why don’t the ski packages appear online?
A: Within the ski season there are numerous rate changes. We ask that you contact us directly to get an accurate price.
Q: How many brochures do you produce a year?
A: We produce 3 Independent Vacation Brochures by destination a year, one in February, and one in August, as well as 4 or 5 Flyers. Check back often to request our latest brochure or flyer.
Have other questions contact our independent travel specialists at fitres@andersonvacations.ca
Q: What do you provide for passengers prior to tour departure?
A: One month prior to either a motor coach or FIT program an information kit is provided to the client. This will include invoices, luggage tags, information required for your tour, and pick up locations in the case of a coach tour.
For motor coach tours a detailed itinerary will be provided on the motor coach.
Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: Yes, we accept Visa and MasterCard for our coach touring programs
Q: What are average gratuities for guides/drivers?
A: We recommend an average of $3 Per person per traveling day for the driver and $4 Per Person per traveling day for the escort congratulating our staff for a job well done. This is merely a guideline and is completely left up to the traveler.
Q: What documents do I need for International Travel?
A: Anybody on a tour that includes flying outside of their country of residence is required to have a valid passport prior to and during their tour.
As of November 2007, all Canadian citizens entering the USA through a land border crossing, must have a Passport (recommended but not mandatory) or. Two pieces of government issued identification; one piece must be a photo id of some sort (i.e. Birth Certificate, Drivers License). Please refer to your governments website for the latest regulations for entry into the USA. Canadians can refer to http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/2007-11-09-eng.html
Q: I have (a) walker/wheelchair/oxygen/diabetes/allergies/dietary needs how can Anderson Vacations accommodate me?
A: Passengers with disabilities are welcome to travel with Anderson Vacations. A companion capable of providing for their needs must accompany persons requiring special assistance. Single travelers must be independent travelers who require no additional assistance. The tour director is unable to provide individual service for wheelchairs, baggage handling, etc. Passengers must be capable of getting on and off the coach without the assistance of the tour director or driver.
Wheelchairs, some models of motorized scooters, walkers, and oxygen can be stored under the coach. Oxygen must be stowed in secure boxes underneath the coach for safety purposes. Allergies, medical needs, and dietary needs can be accommodated for to a certain extent. Hotels, restaurants, and attractions will be made aware of any special requirements of our passengers. In the past, fridges have been arranged for insulin, oxygen has been delivered to hotels, special meals have been prepared (i.e. Celiac) and allergy-friendly rooms have been arranged! We will do our best to meet your requests and needs however we do have to work within the confines of the accommodations and restaurants that host us.
Q: Can we leave our vehicles at our Departure Location?
A: Some departure locations will allow Anderson Vacations clients to leave their vehicles at the departure location, If you are unable to leave your vehicle we will give you this information in the mail out that you will receive 30 days prior to departure.
Anderson Vacations does not recommend that you leave your vehicle their but it is up to your discretion. If you chose to leave your vehicle there please inform the departure location that you are doing so.
Q: How are we to dress on our trip?
A: You can be as formal or as casual as you like, if there is a dress code in place we will inform you prior to departure in one of our mail outs
Q: When should we arrive at our departure location?
A: At least 15 minutes prior to the coach’s scheduled departure time.
Q: What are your cancellation conditions?
A: All cancellations will be charged a $25.00 processing fee
45 days prior to departure 100% refundable
30-44 days prior to departure 75% refundable
0-29 days prior to departure 0% refundable
When is payment due?
Initial deposit of $100 per package is required at time of booking for all land tour programs, and $300 per package for Cruise or Air programs, with final payment due 45 days prior to departure.
Q: How long in advance should I make my booking?
A: Tours with Anderson Vacations work on a first come first serve basis. Bookings can be made with Anderson Vacations right up until the day of departure for most tours. Some tours have more variables involved and therefore take longer to organize. We recommend that your tour should be booked and paid at least one week in advance. However the later you chose to make your booking the higher the chances of the tour being sold out.
Q: I really want to go on a tour, but it is already sold out. What are my options?
A: All of Anderson Vacations escorted tours have the ability for waitlists to be created. If you are placed on the waitlist you can be called right up to the day of departure if a position becomes available.
Q: Do I need Insurance?
A: Anderson Vacations Strongly recommends the purchase of insurance to protect yourself in case of cancellation, interruption and/or medical expenses.
To view our travel insurance information click here.
Q: Will I have time on my own?
A: Yes, many of our tours have allocated time for you to “do your own thing” We ensure multiple night stays in major destination on many of our tour programs, that enable this to happen.
Q: What are the Tour Directors like?
A: We pride ourselves on having some of the best tour directors in the country, and all are Customer Care Certified (Our own certification program)/Our tour directors come from many different backgrounds, this gives you the opportunity to go on the same tour more than once and have a completely different experience, with a guide who brings the great Anderson service levels, with their own personal touch.
Q: How much luggage can I bring?
A: On an Anderson vacation Tour you can bring one bag per person. There is an additional charge for extra bags of $6.00 per hotel per bag
Q: Is baggage handling provided?
A: Baggage handling is provided for one piece of baggage per person, it will be brought to your hotel room on every day of the tour program
Q: How do I make a reservation?
A: You can either use our websites “book now” function, or you can call one of our friendly reservation staff on 1-866-814-7378.
Q: Do you do group tours?
A: Yes, at Anderson Vacations we can help you out with your entire group booking needs, weather it is a small group of five or a large group of thousands.
Q: Can I request special dietary meals?
A: Yes, at the time of booking please let an agent know of any dietary needs so we can pass on all of your requests to the tour guides and Hotel’s
Q: Is there seat rotation?
A: Yes, on our overnight tours your Tour Director will implement a seat rotation system, whereby clients rotate seats on the coach daily. This allows for all passengers to experience the different views from various seats and maximize interaction.
Q: Are your coaches modern and comfortable?
A: Yes, at Anderson Vacations we use coaches designed to get you there in comfort, style and ease. Our coaches are equipped with a variety of audio and digital equipment for your entertainment during your travels with us.
Have other questions contact our escorted travel specialists at tourres2@andersonvacations.ca
Q: What deposit amount is required to reserve one of your vehicles and when is the deposit due?
A: Our standard deposit amount is 10% of the total estimated cost of the charter and this amount is due upon receipt of the signed charter contract. We can negotiate other terms under certain circumstances.
Q: When is the final payment due?
A: Our standard policy states that final payments are due 7 days prior to trip or move departure. Any overages or changes in the contract will be billed and are payable 10 days following the receipt of the adjusted contract. We are able to set up billable and credit accounts for repeat clients.
Q: Are driver gratuities and/or rooms included in your rates?
A: Driver gratuities are not included in our rates. We suggest 10% of the total charter amount for driver gratuity for excellent service. These gratuities can be paid directly to the driver
Q: How far in advance should we reserve our motor coach?
A: We suggest reserving your motor coach as far in advance as possible to make certain the equipment is available to you. This is extremely important during Spring, Fall. We can take last minute bookings as well but availability of equipment may be affected.
Q: What is included in the price of a charter?
A: Charter prices include the bus and driver for your trip. All other fees such as gratuity, ferry fees, parking fees, entrance fees and drivers lodging are the responsibility of the group.
Q: Can we take food or drinks on the coach?
A: Yes, food and drinks on the coach is permitted. Our request is that the coach is kept peick-up for the groups comfort.
Q: Where can you pick us up?
A: Thats the benefit of chartering a coach, we come to youwe pick you up where you want and take you to your destination.
Q: What is the minimum/maximum group size?
A: A minimum group size is ten people traveling together. There is no maximum group size and we will provide you with a custom Canadian vacation quote for as many participants you have.
Q: Does Anderson Vacations provide tour directors on all group tours?
A: Tour Directors can be provided by Anderson Vacations but they are not mandatory.
We also have professional trained driver/guides for our smaller groups. We feel that a tour director or driver/guide will provide your group with an enhanced tour. We also provide group programs that take advantage of our great hotel and coach rates only, and tour operators or travel agencies put their own guide on board. Corporate incentives are also another popular type of group travel.
Q: Can my group save money by using Anderson Vacations for our travel?
A: Anderson Vacations can not only save you time on researching and developing the tour but we can also save you money. We have developed partnerships with many hotels and attractions throughout Canada. Due to the volume buying power with each supplier, we are able to pass this saving onto our groups.
Q: Does the group leader get to travel for FREE?
A: If you are a group leader, free travel is possible depending on the size of your group. As a group leader you would be the main contact for the group and you would work with our groups department.
Q: When should I start to plan for my group’s trip?
A: In order to best prepare for your tour, we recommend that you begin to plan your group travel as soon as possible. By planning early Anderson Vacations is better able to confirm accommodation and transportation for your group. However, we can also manage last minute group inquiries.
Q: What is the process for booking group tours?
A: Once you have contacted Anderson Vacations and agreed to an itinerary and price, a simple contract will be sent to you. A deposit of $500 per group is required which is totally refundable up to 60 days prior to your tour date. (some restrictions apply for tours involving train or air) . Full payment is due 30 days prior to the tour date. People can always book following this date based on availability at the hotels.
Have other questions contact our inbound group specialists at tourres2@andersonvacations.ca
Q: Do I need insurance?
A: Insurance is not mandatory to travel with Anderson Vacations, however we do strongly recommend it
Q: How is insurance calculated?
A: The cost of insurance is based on different variables depending on the type of coverage you are purchasing. It can be based on your age, cost of the tour, length of the tour, and where you are traveling to. Please contact Anderson Vacations for a quote.
Q: What am I covered for?
A: You can purchase many different types of insurance, the most common types are; Cancellation and Interruption, this will cover you if you need to cancel prior to your trip or if you can no longer continue with your trip.
Medical Emergency, this is to cover the cost of any medical costs incurred during your tour.
All –Inclusive, this is a combination of cancellation and interruption as well as Emergency Medical.
Q: I have a pre-existing condition. Can I still buy insurance?
A: A Pre Existing Condition means any sickness, injury, or medical condition that exhibited symptoms prior to travel. You can purchase TIC travel insurance (Medical, Trip Cancellation & Interruption) with a pre-existing condition. There are three options: you can purchase insurance and get coverage for your pre existing conditions providing you are under 70years of age and traveling for 36 days or less. OR. If you are between the ages of 71 and 84 or traveling more than 36 days you can purchase insurance without coverage for your pre existing condition and the rate for coverage will be the standard rate. This option will NOT cover treatment or compensation if the resulting claim is due to the pre-existing condition. OR. If you would like coverage for the pre existing condition or are over the age of 84 you must complete a Medical Questionnaire and TIC will provide a specialized quote for the coverage you are looking for.
Q: Am I eligible to purchase insurance?
A: Anyone can purchase cancellation insurance. Emergency Medical and All Inclusive insurance is available only to Canadian citizens who are insured for benefits by the Canadian government, are in good health and have no reason to seek medical consultation and are not residing in a nursing, convalescent or rehabilitation centre.
Q: What happens if I do not buy Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance?
A: If you do not buy insurance and you do cancel you will be subject to Anderson Vacations Cancellation Penalties corresponding to each product line
Q: What happens if I do not purchase Medical Insurance?
A: You will be subject to payment of the full cost of any medical treatment or procedure outside of your provincial coverage. This can become very expensive outside of your home country.
Q: My credit card has insurance do I still need to buy insurance?
A: Some Credit Cards do offer insurance. If you are planning on relying on this insurance please check with your credit card company to make sure you are covered. Anderson Vacations can supply you with a list of suggested questions to ask your Credit Card company to ensure you have the best coverage. Typically Credit Card insurance does not provide adequate coverage.
Q: When should I purchase my travel insurance?
A; Insurance should be purchased at the time of Deposit.
Q: Do I need to carry my Policy with me when traveling?
A: Yes, You should carry your policy with you at all times. Anderson Vacations will supply you with a wallet card to carry on your person, just in case of emergency. In some foreign hospitals proof of insurance is required prior to treatment.
Have other questions contact our insurance tour specialists at admin@andersonvacations.ca
Q: Why Use SimpleRES for my conference housing requirements?
A: SimpleRES has three major features for your conference housing requirements that ensure it will be the best platform for you in the Canadian marketplace.
- The User Friendly Front End System customized to the look and feel of the conference planner’s website available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week supported by Anderson Vacations Call Centre.
- The 24 hour real time reporting features for hotel partners, and conference planners.
- The Anderson Vacations Pre and Post Conference one stop solution for individual packages, pre post tour or convention travel programs, convention shuttle service, and all other convention services.
Q: With that kind of service SimpleRES must have a huge cost to use, what are the fees?
A: There are no fees to use the SimpleRES system for the conference planner. The planner simply negotiates a nominal commission into the hotel rate, that will be passed onto the delegates for their stay. Most hotels do not even add any amount to the rate, as the convenience for them in having SimpleRES manage the hotel inventory for them until the conference cut off date, ensures they receive a clean list and do not have to manage individual calls themselves.
Q: What major conferences have SimpleRES been involved with?
A: SimpleRES have been contracted or are contracted with the following partners to provide inventory and booking systems and corresponding call centres:
The Calgary Stampede Accommodation Services – 2006, 2007, 2008 – www.calgarystampede.com
American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine Convention 2007 – www.aossm.org
Rural Matters Symposium 2008 – www.ruralmatters.ca
AAMDC Spring and Fall Conventions – www.aamdc.com
North American Outgames 2007 - www.calgary2007.com
Rendezvous Canada 2009 – www.rendezvouscanada.ca
Tourism Calgary – www.tourismcalgary.com
Q: How can I find out more?
A: Visit the stand alone website for SimpleRES at www.simpleres.ca, or set up a demo of this system with Anderson Vacations by emailing cmarshall@andersonvacations.ca
Have other questions contact our conference specialists at cmarshall@andersonvacations.ca
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Anderson Vacations
Northern Alberta Office
PO Box 82117
Yellowbird RPO
Edmonton, AB
T6J 7E6
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Anderson Vacations
Southern Alberta Office
301, 1117, 1 Street SW
Calgary, AB, Canada T2R 0T9
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