|
|||||||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
Q1: I booked a plane ticket through a travel agent, but I have to cancel my flight. How long does a refund take? How much will I get back? Q2: Will I ever get no refund at all? Q3: What if my flight is overbooked? Q4: I booked a free & easy trip with an agent including a hotel stay, but the hotel could not find my booking. Now what? Q5: What happens if I book a package tour and then cannot go because of a family emergency? Q6: Is the situation different if the travel agency itself cancels a tour? Q7: What is a good travel agent? Q8: What would be unfair to expect of a travel agent? Q9: Why go through an agent when I can book my own tickets and rooms directly with airlines or hotels online? Q10: Why are agents' phone lines always busy? Q11: Why must I queue so long to see a tour operator? Q12: What can my agent do if I miss a tour because I oversleep, or fall sick? Q13: Can I opt out of certain activities if I want to? Q14: How difficult is the trek on my trip? Q15: Are there western toilets available? Q16: How do I check the departure dates and/or the number of spaces available on a trip? Q17: Are airport transfers included in the trip price? If not, how much will a taxi cost from the airport? Q18: What time can I check in? Q19: What is the food like? Are special dietary requirements catered for? Q20: Who are the Guides & Leads the Tours? Q21: How safe are the activities? Q22: What about health requirements? Q23: What is the accommodation like? Q24: Do I need travel insurance? Q25: What about passports and visas? Q26: Can I extend my trip? Q27: Can I take my young children on BLISS TRAVELS trips? Q28: What is the currency in my destination? How much should I take in traveller's cheques/cash? Can you change traveller's cheques? Can I use my credit card during my trip? Q29: What is the Feedback discount? Q30: If I am booking many trips together, can I get a discount? Q31: Do you have regular specials? Q32: Interested in working for BLISS TRAVELS? Q33: Do BLISS TRAVELS have family trips? Q34: Need to find the best trip for you? Q35: Are flights included? Q36: I don't want to travel in a group. Do you have set itineraries for individuals? Q37: I am over 60 - am I too old for your trips? Q38: Is it possible to make any changes to the itinerary of my group trip? Q39: While on my group trip can I add in an extra night en route? Q40: Why are your prices so low? Q41: Can we book a triple room? Can I book a single room? Q42: I am concerned about the political stability of the country through which my trip will travel. Q43: Will refrigeration be available for medicines? eg. Insulin Q44: What medical and vaccination requirements are there? Q45: I am over 60 - do I need a medical certificate? Q46: Is tipping common place in other parts of the world? Q47: Where can I get my Visa? Q48: I need further specific details about my trip in order to fill out my Visa Application Form. Q49: What is the best time of year to travel? What is the weather expected to be like in my chosen destination at the time I want to travel? Q50: I am unable to open a link in the BLISS TRAVELS website? Q51: What to Pack ? Can I take a suitcase rather than the recommended back pack? Q52: Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?  Q1: I booked a plane ticket through a travel agent, but I have to cancel my flight. How long does a refund take? How much will I get back? A: If BLISS TRAVELS have not confirmed or issued the ticket, you pay nothing or a small administration fee. However, if the ticket has been issued, BLISS TRAVELS must cancel with the airline, and a refund from Airlines could take nine months to process a refund. Therefore, BLISS TRAVELS are given no choice but to wait. However, you are assured that BLISS TRAVELS do not sit on refunds. When Airlines impose charges on us, please note that these charges will be passed on to you. Airlines usually charge US$75 for each ticket cancelled and US$50 administrative fees. BLISS TRAVELS may charge US$50 for the cancellation too, so you could pay USD$175 in total. Please note that these prices are subjected to change according to Terms & Conditions stipulated by Airlines. If you cancel only a day ahead, airlines impose a US$150 no-show fee in addition to their US$75cancellation fee, US$50 administrative fee and the agent's own administrative fee. That way, you could lose a few hundred dollars off the value of your ticket. | Back to Top Q2: Will I ever get no refund at all? A: This can happen with special fare return tickets. If you travel one way, a refund on the return way may be impossible as the airline treats what you have used as a one-way normal fare, with no value left in the return trip. Sometimes ticket conditions state that the ticket is non-refundable, so it is important to read the fine print. Another no-refund example is during certain peak seasons or promotional periods. Agents may have to 'firm buy' non-refundable seats from the airline first. If your purchase is from the non-refundable seat inventory, you may lose the whole sum. | Back to Top Q3: What if my flight is overbooked? A: Refused boarding happens when airlines overbook flights against no-show passengers. This has nothing to do with travel agents. Different airlines offer passengers different compensation. | Back to Top Q4: I booked a free & easy trip with an agent including a hotel stay, but the hotel could not find my booking. Now what? A: You have a receipt of your booking from BLISS TRAVELS. Show this to the hotel and let them call BLISS TRAVELS to check if the booking went through. In the worst case, if your booking did not go through and the hotel is full, find another hotel, pay first and keep the receipts. When you come back, you may request BLISS TRAVELS for reimbursement on booking and mental stress. Give us time to investigate with the hotel and handling agents. We will reimburse the room rates and compensate you for inconvenience suffered. The same goes when you have already paid for a land tour, but the overseas agent claims you have not. Pay first, insist on a receipt from the overseas tour operator, then come back with the receipt for a refund from BLISS TRAVELS immediately. | Back to Top Q5: What happens if I book a package tour and then cannot go because of a family emergency? A: Before booking, it is advisable to read the agent's cancellation policies. If you find the policies unfair, negotiate for more equitable terms (in writing) or choose another agent. BLISS TRAVELS have cancellation time frames (e.g. four weeks before departure, no charge; three weeks before departure, 50%; 100% cancellation charges if you cancel within 24 hours of departure). In addition, BLISS TRAVELS suffer losses for airline seats bought, and payments to overseas agents to secure rooms and tours when met with a cancellation. If a customer cancels at least one month before departure, we usually takes only an administrative fee. Otherwise, you will be charged more. | Back to Top Q6: Is the situation different if the travel agency itself cancels a tour? A: BLISS TRAVELS may cancel tours because of insufficient bookings, passenger cancellations or rejected visa applications. Airlines could also cancel flights because of weather conditions, safety considerations or overbooking. In this event, we will inform all passengers two weeks in advance and refund the money in full if alternatives offered are rejected. If your package includes a mountain trip or helicopter ride and it is cancelled because of landslides or high winds, we will try to arrange for alternative sightseeing to make up for it. Your safety comes first. | Back to Top Q7: What is a good travel agent? A: A Good Travel Agent must be transparent and upfront with customers is a good agency. A good agency's trading conditions are fair to both parties. Good agents will put in their best effort to ensure that customers get what they want, and are there to handle problems or complaints if such situations arise. Customers say they like agencies with well-informed, well-spoken and helpful staff that know their product, volunteer information and are able and willing to recommend destinations based on customers' interests and budgets, not merely on the price or promotion alone. | Back to Top Q8: What would be unfair to expect of a travel agent? A: Agents are middlemen. They do not own the airlines, hotels or transport companies, so matters like booking availability, payment deadlines, cancellation fees and inventory controls are beyond and/or within their control. For example, airports may increase taxes and there are instances where customers refuse to pay the extras. Or when customers want to extend their group tours, they do not realise that this depends on airline confirmation. If no confirmation is received, the customer has to return with the group. This is made known at the point of booking. It may not always be possible to give the customers exactly what he/she wants, but a good agent will be one that can provide satisfactory alternatives. | Back to Top Q9: Why go through an agent when I can book my own tickets and rooms directly with airlines or hotels online? A: The average customer is untrained in flight booking issues, and if you face problems overseas, you risk having no travel agency to help. At BLISS TRAVELS, we live up to high standards, reliable and take responsibility when things unexpectedly go wrong, so there are benefits in going through BLISS TRAVELS. Also, BLISS TRAVELS may hold special airfares, land tour rates and hotel rates that are lower than those offered direct to the public. They contract them in volume and thus get preferential pricing, and these savings are passed on to customers. | Back to Top Q10: Why are agents' phone lines always busy? A: At times, phone traffic is unusually high. Agencies like us counter this problem with a call centre - when it registers waiting and missed calls, we deploy more staff to handle the call-in enquiries. The nature of your enquiries plays a part too. Free & easy tours often take longer process because they combine specific hotels, airfare and land tours into one package. Customers calling about free & easy tours may experience longer waiting time than those calling or queuing for packaged tours. | Back to Top Q11: Why must I queue so long to see a tour operator? A: For peak seasons like school holidays, peak periods like lunchtime and after office hours, traffic is inevitably higher. BLISS TRAVELS seek customers' understanding with regard to this. You may have experienced incidents where you are 'made to wait' even when there is an available counter. This is because agents have different departments handling different tours to ensure specialised service to their customers. A consultant who specialises in packaged tours can indeed assist a customer who walks in for free & easy enquiry, but may not be able to provide a lot of detail or assist to the fullest. So the consultant you see at an "available" counter is not taking a break at your expense, but simply may not be the best one to help with your particular enquiry. | Back to Top Q12: What can my agent do if I miss a tour because I oversleep, or fall sick? A: If you miss a tour due to your own negligence, BLISS TRAVELS can try to arrange for you to meet the group at a later time, in another place. However, you must bear the cost of re-issuing your ticket (subject to seat availability). BLISS TRAVELS advise you to purchase travel insurance, so that if you cannot travel due to health problems, you can produce your medical certificate and the insurance company can process a refund. The amount is determined by the policy purchased and on a case-by-case basis. If you cannot travel due to serious family emergencies, BLISS TRAVELS can try to obtain a compassionate refund for you. However, this is also on a case-by-case basis and depends on the number of days' in advance notice is received. | Back to Top Q13: Can I opt out of certain activities if I want to? A: Yes. In most situations the itineraries provided are flexible so as to enable you to build your own holiday. The trip leader may be able to help you make any specific alternative arrangements - please notify us at the time of booking. The only exception to this rule is when we are trekking, or travelling from one place to the next night's stop. Please note anything organised outside of the group activity will be at your own cost. | Back to Top Q14: How difficult is the trek on my trip? A: For all travellers we recommend that you check out the Physical and Culture Shock Rating that applies to the trip you are considering and make your own judgment according to your fitness levels. The rating for each trip is provided in the Physical Rating in the Destinations Sections. For more details on the rating system, click on 'rating definitions' or refer directly to the fine print. | Back to Top Q15: Are there western toilets available? A: Some trips have regular access to western toilets while others don't. As a general rule, the more remote the place the less likely you are to find western bathroom facilities. | Back to Top Q16: How do I check the departure dates and/or the number of spaces available on a trip? A: A full table of upcoming departure dates, and the number of spaces available on each departure can be found for most trips on this website. | Back to Top Q17: Are airport transfers included in the trip price? If not, how much will a taxi cost from the airport? A: Transfers are generally not included in the price for most travel agents trips. BLISS TRAVELS trips are the exception however as they often do include an arranged transfer. Please refer directly to your Trip Notes to find out whether a transfer is included in your trip. If a transfer is not included, BLISS TRAVELS are able to arrange transfers for you at an additional cost. Prices for transfers as well as pre and post accommodation are available at the back of our brochure. Alternatively, instructions for catching a taxi and guidelines to the expected cost are provided in your Trip Notes. | Back to Top Q18: What time can I check in? A: Generally check-in in Asia is midday, for Australasia & Europe it is around 2.00pm. For specific details, as there are exceptions. | Back to Top Q19: What is the food like? Are special dietary requirements catered for? A: With all the exercise, you will have very healthy appetites and we always try to serve fantastic local dishes to give you a varied culinary adventure. In many places there will be a mixture of Western and local dishes so you will always find something familiar to eat. We will make an effort to cater to any special dietary needs, allergies and vegetarian diets. Please make sure you notify us of your requirements on the registration form. You will never go hungry! | Back to Top Q20: Who are the Guides & Leads the Tours? A: You will be well supported by a very experienced team of a BLISS TRAVELS leader and local guides who have a passion for the destination, and local leaders who have worked with BLISS TRAVELS for a long time and know their own country intimately. Essentially, it is whoever works best for that destination and trip. They will encourage and motivate you as well as provide a unique insight into the host country: from language and etiquette through to religion, beliefs and how their history has brought them to where they are today. This depends on the trip. | Back to Top Q21: How safe are the activities? A: The safety of the group is our first priority and a thorough risk assessment is made on each itinerary. You will be given a full safety briefing during the event and cautioned about any activity which could pose a hazard to your own or the groups' welfare. It is recommended that you take the time to review the government travel advice regarding the country you're visiting. | Back to Top Q22: What about health requirements? A: We recommend that you visit your local Travel Clinic or doctor before departure. They can advise you on what vaccinations are recommended. As some vaccinations require a course over weeks to months, contact your doctor as early as possible prior to departure. Generally, six to eight weeks' notice is adequate. | Back to Top Q23: What is the accommodation like? A: We use different types of accommodation (hotels, teahouses or camping) depending on each itinerary. The standard will vary according to where we are and we ask for your patience, as at times things do not work the way you are used to at home. Sometimes there may be no electricity, the plumbing may be temperamental, there is only cold water in the showers or you will not receive Western food for breakfast. | Back to Top Q24: Do I need travel insurance? A: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any BLISS TRAVELS Challenge. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that your policy covers you for the following: Emergency repatriation and full Medical Cover 24 hr Emergency Assistance Personal Liability coverage Coverage for Cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage and personal effects | Back to Top Q25: What about passports and visas? A: You must hold a full passport, which is valid for at least six months from the return date. If you need to obtain or renew your passport please allow at least six weeks to process. | Back to Top Q26: Can I extend my trip? A: There are limited options offered by BLISS TRAVELS Challenges to extend your trip at the end of the event. Please read the terms and conditions on the website and download the relevant extension form. This must be submitted to BLISS TRAVELS 90 days prior to travel. | Back to Top Q27: Can I take my young children on BLISS TRAVELS trips? A: We do not accept children under 12 years of age on BLISS TRAVELS Challenge trips. Please refer to our Family or Independent itineraries which have many options suitable for younger children. If there is a group of 3 consisting of 2 adults with 1 child, it is often not possible to obtain triple rooms. In such cases, one of the adults will share with the child and the other adult will share with another adult passenger in the group. | Back to Top Q28: What is the currency in my destination? How much should I take in traveller's cheques/cash? Can you change traveller's cheques? Can I use my credit card during my trip? A: Currency and banking services and other money matters differ between nations. Check for ATM locations in specific countries for - Mastercard or Visa. | Back to Top Q29: What is the Feedback discount? A: Travellers who complete on-line feedback within four weeks of completing their trip may qualify for a 5% discount off the full price next time they book with BLISS TRAVELS Adventure Challenge. To claim this discount, simply book your next trip online and quote the reference number you are provided in your feedback confirmation email. This number is very important - your discount cannot be processed without it. Please store the email safely, as it is proof of your claim to the 5% discount. This offer applies to new bookings only. For more information, visit our feedback page. | Back to Top Q30: If I am booking many trips together, can I get a discount? A: We've noticed that more and more of our travellers are choosing to book multiple trips with us all at once! In future, if you have BLISS TRAVELS mania, we'll reward you with a multiple trip discount. Each traveller who books three trips or more for themselves, all at once, will receive a 5% discount per person off the total trip price (excludes Beach Breaks). | Back to Top Q31: Do you have regular specials? A: Are you ready to travel NOW? BLISS TRAVELS regularly offer 20% OFF trips when the departure date is coming up soon and the trip is not yet full. Book a BLISS TRAVELS Special today, pay in full, and save 20% off the regular price! This offer is available only on selected departures and only while seats are still available. Here's what incredible trips are available to book today at BLISS TRAVELS Specials - and don't forget to bookmark this page and check back regularly. Please note: you need to be able to confirm your international airfares and obtain any visas and travel documentation before you travel. | Back to Top Q32: Interested in working for BLISS TRAVELS? A: Please email WEBMASTER for information regarding employment with BLISS TRAVELS. | Back to Top Q33: Do BLISS TRAVELS have family trips? A: Please refer to trip styles for information regarding our family style trips. Q34: Need to find the best trip for you? A: Email us and/or any of our BLISS TRAVELS Journalist personally. | Back to Top Q35: Are flights included? A: The prices you see on our website and in our brochures are quoted 'land only'. We recognise that everybody has different airline preferences and affiliations and may choose to book their international flight with their travel agent, directly with an airline or via an online site. We also offer the option to purchase international air tickets with BLISS TRAVELS. | Back to Top Q36: I don't want to travel in a group. Do you have set itineraries for individuals? A: Yes, BLISS TRAVELS Independent itineraries offer fabulous trips for those not wishing to join a group. | Back to Top Q37: I am over 60 - am I too old for your trips? A: BLISS TRAVELS group adventures are designed for travellers of all ages - we seem to have found a travelling style that suits all ages - assuming you are fit and healthy - and take travellers from 12 to 80 (12-17 year olds must be accompanied by an adult). The trips work brilliantly, with great group dynamics and social interaction. The majority of travellers are in the 25 to 45 age range. BLISS TRAVELS Basic is different - the majority of travellers are in the 18 to 30 age range. | Back to Top Q38: Is it possible to make any changes to the itinerary of my group trip? A: No. It is not possible to make any changes to our group trip itineraries. Our Independent trips may be able to offer you some flexibility upon request. | Back to Top Q39: While on my group trip can I add in an extra night en route? A: No. It is not possible to make any changes to our group trip itineraries. Our Independent trips may be able to offer you some flexibility upon request. | Back to Top Q40: Why are your prices so low? A: BLISS TRAVELS recognises many travellers like to build their own holiday while still following a basic itinerary. As a result we offer trips with a mixture of organised activities and free time to do your own thing. However don't fear, value is far more important than price. Look a little deeper and you'll see we do actually include many extra things to make your trip special. BLISS TRAVELS trips are also run on a twin share basis, so single travellers do not have to pay a single supplement. And because we know the best of what to see and do, we save you money by using your time efficiently. | Back to Top Q41: Can we book a triple room? Can I book a single room? A: All BLISS TRAVELS trips are organised on a twin share basis. Some places will be able to provide a triple room however the majority of our hotels do not have such rooms available. Triple rooms can never be guaranteed. You can book pre and post accommodation on a single basis however throughout your trip, rooming is organised on a twin share basis. | Back to Top Q42: I am concerned about the political stability of the country through which my trip will travel. A: BLISS TRAVELS runs trips in keeping with a basic travel safety policy. Should either the relevant consulates and/or our operations groups on the ground deem an area unsafe, trips will be cancelled so as to minimise risks to our groups. Please keep up to date with destination travel advisories as issued by your government's foreign affairs department. BLISS TRAVELS also provide regular safety updates on the web. | Back to Top Q43: Will refrigeration be available for medicines? eg. Insulin A: Availability of refrigeration cannot be guaranteed. As a general rule, many of our city hotels provide access to small fridges however outside of this, especially when trekking or in homestay environments, you cannot rely on access to refrigeration. | Back to Top Q44: What medical and vaccination requirements are there? A: Medical and vaccination requirements differ between nations. | Back to Top Q45: I am over 60 - do I need a medical certificate? A: BLISS TRAVELS do not require a medical certificate from travellers over 60. We do however recommend that you observe the Physical and Culture Shock Rating that applies to the trip you are considering, and make your own judgement according to your fitness levels. The rating for each trip is provided on the trip page. | Back to Top Q46: Is tipping common place in other parts of the world? A: Yes, tipping is common place in most parts of the world. Your leader will advise how much and where and when tipping is appropriate. | Back to Top Q47: Where can I get my Visa? A: For more information about visas relevant to your nationality, visit your embassy. To find a nation's embassy in any country, visit www.embassyworld.com/embassy/directory.html | Back to Top Q48: I need further specific details about my trip in order to fill out my Visa Application Form. A: All information regarding the trip that may be required in a Visa Application can be found in the Trip Notes, please visit the trip specific facts page on the web.. For example, point of entry and exit, mode of transport and date of entry. | Back to Top Q49: What is the best time of year to travel? What is the weather expected to be like in my chosen destination at the time I want to travel? A: BLISS TRAVELS pre-departure information provides guidelines on the best time to travel for major cities in each BLISS TRAVELS destination. While you're looking at a featured destinations trip, which will provide detailed information on the trip, as well as climate guidelines and tips on the best time to go. For more general weather information we suggest you visit http://www.worldweather.org | Back to Top Q50: I am unable to open a link in the BLISS TRAVELS website? A: There could be hundreds of reasons for this from temporary glitches to mismatched settings on your own computer. We can confirm that the link URL's are correct however if they are not working on your computer, try copying the URL given and pasting it directly into your web browser. Alternatively, retype it into the browser yourself. | Back to Top Q51: What to Pack ? Can I take a suitcase rather than the recommended back pack? A: We strongly advise that you do not bring a suitcase as they are bulky and difficult to carry and can be difficult to secure on trains etc. While your trip may not involve carrying your bags for any great distance, we would still recommend that you bring a backpack or soft bag. Porters are not always available to carry your luggage for you. | Back to Top Q52: Do I need to bring a sleeping bag? A: Most trips don't but some do. As a general rule, trips that involve trekking or overnight stays in homestays do require a sleeping bag or sheet. | Back to Top |
 |
|
 Send your email request to our TRAVEL JOURNALIST in seeking your dream vacation.   SINGAPORE Sentosa Bird Park Zoological Garden Botanical Garden THAILAND Bangkok Phuket Pattaya Koh Samui Koh Phangan MALAYSIA Malacca Port Dickson Kuala Lumpur Penang NEW ZEALAND North Island South Island Christchurch Hanmer Springs Twizel Lake Tekapo Mt Cook Lake Wanaka Queenstown Te Anau Milford Sound Dunedin AUSTRALIA Perth Melbourne Tasmania Gold Coast  By Dr Kenneth Soh PHUKET, Thailand MALACCA, Malaysia PENANG, Malaysia SOUTH ISLAND, NZ TASMANIA, Australia By Desmond Ho PATTAYA, Thailand BANGKOK, Thailand By Lance Leong BALI INDONESIA
  |
|
||||||||||
| HOME | ABOUT US | SERVICES | DESTINATIONS | FAQ | TESTIMONIALS TERMS | BOOKINGS | PRIVACY | PARTNERS | SITEMAP | CONTACT US |
Copyright © BLISS TRAVELS 2000 Designed by TemplateYes - Free Web Templates |
|||||||||||||
