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Questions & Answers

PRE TOUR ~

Q: Where do I meet my Tour Manager/Leader?
A: You will be met by your tour leader either at the airport, or at your hotel. The tour leader will provide you with instructions on the time and place that they will meet you, along with the rest of the group.

Q: If I purchase airport transfers, where do I meet them? Is there a sign?
A: Private transfers ~Once you have claimed your luggage and have passed through customs, there will be a Central Holidays representative waiting for you, holding a “Central Holidays” sign. This person will bring you to your vehicle for your transfer. In case you do not see someone right away, kindly wait for the individual. If after 15 minutes you still have not seen any representative, please contact our service provider as listed on your transfer voucher. Shuttle transfers ~You may or may not be met by an actual person for your shuttle transfer, depending on the destination you’re traveling to. Please refer to your Traveler Information pamphlet that is included in your documents, which will provide you with more information on your specific transfer arrangements

Q: What do I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled and I have a transfer scheduled?
A:For security reasons and rules from the FAA, we are prohibited to obtain passenger information. Consequently, if your flight is delayed or cancelled it is your responsibility to contact our services provider as listed in your voucher immediately, to reschedule your pick up time. In the case of a flight cancellation departing from the US, please contact our local office in the US during office hours, or contact the emergency number listed on your travel voucher.

Q: Are there documentation requirements for entry into foreign countries visited?
A: With the exception of a few countries where a visa is required for American Citizens to visit, a valid US passport is the only required document needed to travel. Please refer to our general terms & conditions statement in our brochure or online, for more details. For non- US Citizens, please contact the countries local consulate for complete details on all required documents. We are not responsible if required documentation is not obtained.

Q: Do I need an International driving license if I rent a car?
A: Not all countries require you to have an international driver’s license, but we highly recommend that you obtain one to avoid any situations overseas. You can visit your local AAA office for assistance and more information on how you can obtain an International driver’s license.

Q: If I purchase my air tickets through Central Holidays, can I use my miles to upgrade to business class?
A: Our air rates are special contracted rates with the airlines. Please contact your airline carrier directly for more details, or to inquire about ticket upgrades.

Q: If I purchase insurance will I get a policy with my documents?
A: Yes, with your documents you will receive a pamphlet with details on the specific insurance policy purchased, as well as phone numbers to contact in case of an emergency both here in the US and overseas.

Q: How to file a claim with the Insurance Company?
A: If you have purchased travel insurance with us and need to file a claim, please contact the number provided inside your insurance pamphlet. Please note that we will not be able to assist you with the claim. The insurance provider will contact us directly.

Q: Can I make a payment over the phone with my credit card?
A: We will gladly take your initial deposit by credit card, and this can be done over-the-phone. For final payment or any other payments you wish to make, we ask that you kindly fill out a credit card authorization form that will be provided to you at time of booking.

Q: When will I receive my documents?
A: You will receive your travel documents between 3 – 5 weeks prior to your departure, provided full payment has been made on time.

Q: How will I receive my documents?
A: Depending on the type of service you request, you will have the option to receive your paper documents via ground service, or electronically via email.

Q: Will I receive maps of the cities I am visiting?
A: In general we do not provide city maps, except for those traveling to Paris. If you are renting a car, you may obtain local maps at your car rental pick up location.

Q: If I book an escorted tour, will I receive a list of optional tours with my documents? How much do they cost? Can I pay by credit card?
A: A list of optional excursions, if available, will be provided to you with your travel documents. Optional tours can only be purchased locally and are payable by cash or by credit card.

Q: If I book a cruise, will I receive a list of shore excursions?
A: Shore excursions, if available, can be purchased through our call center at the time of booking. Some cruise lines will not allow us to pre-sell shore excursions, and if that’s the case a list will be provided to you upon embarkation.

Q: Are gratuities included? What are the guidelines?
A: In general, gratuities are not included. Please see our travel tips pamphlet for more details and tips for suggested gratuities during your trip.

Q: Who do we contact in case of an emergency?
A: In case of an emergency overseas, please contact our local service provider. In case of an emergency in the US, please contact our office during regular business hours. If the emergency occurs outside of our business hours, please listen to our answering machine recording for a list of emergency contact numbers for you to use.

Q: If I make changes to my reservation after is it confirmed, will I be charged?
A: Yes, please refer to our terms and conditions pages in our brochure, or on our website for complete details.

While Abroad ~

Q: What If I have a problem while on my vacation, who should I call?
A: Should you run into any major problems where you might need assistance while overseas, please contact the local service provider of the country you are in and they will do their best to assist you with your issues in a timely manner. Please note that you must notify the service provider before your return trip if you plan to file a claim with customer relations. No claims will be processed without prior notification, and claims must be filed within 30 days of your return.

Q: What do I do if I lose my documents and/or airline tickets?
A: If you lose your documents prior to departure, please contact our operations department immediately for possible documents replacements. Additional fees may apply. If you lose your documents during your trip, please contact our local service provider. For airline tickets – please contact your local airline carrier. For rail tickets – Please note that rail tickets are non refundable, and are not replaceable. Therefore, new rail tickets must be purchased locally.

Q: If I miss any feature of my tour or package, will I be refunded?
A: Please note that we normally do not provide a refund for any unused portions of any trip. We suggest that you submit a letter in writing to our customer relations department for review, as each case is treated individually.

Q: Can I extend my trip while abroad?
A: This option may be available for an additional supplement. Please contact your travel agent or our offices during U. S. business hours if you’re interested in extending the length of your stay

Q: Will sightseeing tours operate during holidays?
A: Generally, sightseeing tours operate year-round and during holidays. Depending on National and/or local holidays, tours schedules may be altered. Under these circumstance, tours may be rescheduled prior to your departure or locally.

Q: Can I rent a cell phone while abroad?
A: Yes, you may find cell phone rental locations at major airports and city centers. We strongly suggest that you take advantage of Central Holidays’ phone rental offer. For more information on our optional phone rental plan, please refer to your travel documents, or visit our website at www.centralholidays.com.

Q: What is the difference between a double and a twin room?
A: In Europe, a double room will include one bed for two people. A twin room, will include two separate single beds in one room.

Q: What size is a triple or single room?
A: In general, single rooms are smaller sized rooms with one single bed. For a supplement, we suggest where available, to book a double room for single use. Triple rooms generally include two twin beds and a roll away.

Q: What does it mean to rotate seats on a bus?
A: Rotating seats means that you will be occupying different seats on the bus throughout the tour.(isle, window, back, and front seats) This rule will be implemented when needed, by the tour director.

Q: Are the motor coaches equipped with toilets?
A: All our regular sized motor coaches (40 seats and higher) are equipped with toilets. If a smaller motor coach is required, toilets may not be available. However, frequent rest stops are scheduled on all of our tours.

Q: Are children allowed on Escorted Tours?
A: Please be aware that some of the features included in our tours, such as museum visits, or visiting historical sites, may not be suitable for young children who are not accustomed to this type of traveling.

Q: Are there fees for traveling with infants?
A: All infants up to the age of 2, with the exception of airfare fees and taxes, are free of charge - providing parents pay locally for charges that may be required by our local provider (crib, food, etc.).

Q: Are tips included?
A: Tips for doormen, luggage handling, restaurants, and housekeeping personnel are included. Tips for tour leaders, local guides, and bus drivers are not included. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis. Suggested tips for a tour guide is $3 - $4 per person per day, and local guides and bus drivers, is $1 - $ 2 per person per day.

Q: Can I travel with a wheelchair?
A: We allow collapsible wheelchairs on our tours. However, we regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member for walking or getting on and off motorcoaches or other transportation vehicles. Travelers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion.

Q: What is the best way to exchange money?
A: The best place to exchange money is through an ATM machine. Be sure to bring your pin number with you. You should notify your bank or credit card company that you will be traveling before you depart, so they don’t freeze your account for abnormal charges.

Q: Do I need to bring an adaptor with me for any appliances?
A: The electric current used throughout most of Europe is 220 volts. European wall outlets take plugs with two rounded prongs. It is suggested that you purchase a converter/adapter before you leave on your trip or at the airport, if you plan to use U.S. electric appliances, as hotel supplies may be very limited.
Most hotels supply hair dryers in the room. However, irons are not supplied due to safety precautions. Dry cleaning and laundering services are offered at most hotels, for a fee.

Post Assistance ~

Q: What do I do if I have to file a claim?
A: All claims must be submitted in writing within 30 days of return date. Please note that in order for your claim to be considered by our customer relations department, you must have already filed a complaint at the time of the incident with our local representative of the country you were visiting.

Q: How long will it take to process my claim?
A: All claims are processed within 60 days of receipt of your claim, provided necessary documents have been received.

Q: Do I need to return my travel vouchers in case of unused service?
A: In general, unused portions of any trip are non–refundable. In case of exceptional situations, you must file a written request for a refund to our customer relations department attaching the original voucher, and include a detailed explanation of the circumstances.