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Frequently Asked Questions |
Click the questions to read the answer. Click
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How do I book?
After you requested the itinerary and are now ready to
deposit, simply click the
BOOK NOW
button in the navigation bar. If you prefer you may
also phone us at 770-432-8225 (outside GA 877-813-9421). If you get our voice mail, please leave phone number
and we'll call you back. |
| Book early! All trips fill quickly. For
most trips
a $300 deposit secures your space. Some trips
may require a second payment due 90 days prior.
Final payments for all trips are due 60 days prior departure.
Some prices
include round trip air from various gateways, land only prices are usually
available. |
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If you haven't provided us your email address, please do so now to keep
abreast with last minute openings.
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Why depart from JFK so often? |
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For group air we always arrange
air from the least expensive departure city and
convenient for our clients to reach from any state. We make no profit on group air
and encourage you to arrange your own air from your hometown. Just
google various
travel search engines to see if you can get a better rate. Then simply meet us overseas on arrival
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What is the average age are they strenuous?
We pride ourselves in not having "cookie cutter" tours like other operators. AFS strives to find
unique and special activities for every trip. There is a
perfect balance of cultural tours and leisure time. You will definitely
meet interesting people and make new friends.
As for being
strenuous, please
choose your tour wisely. Some AFS tours can be
quite active involving long walking tours on cobbled streets or
even strenuous river rafting. If you feel this would
hinder you in the group, we suggest you contact Grand Circle
(800-595-0405) as they cater to a more senior crowd with slower
movement.
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Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, with limitations & small handling fee may apply on final
payments. Please
call us at
770-432-8225 for further information.
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How large are your groups?
Most groups average between 25 to 45 singles. If groups are over 40
people, we'll usually have 2 full time tour escorts. Occasionally some popular trips draw
such large groups (for example, India drew 62.) We divide these
into two separate groups side by side groups with 2 motorcoaches
and guides for better manageability
and maximum guest comfort.
Most singles prefer larger
groups because there are simply more friends to make and the
odds of connecting are far greater. (Imagine going on a 2 week
tour to Mongolia with 12 strangers who you discover on day 2
have nothing in common with you!) Medium to large size
groups have worked well for us and our clients, and it
simply enables us to give you a far lower price.
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Your prices are so good, are there any hidden fees?
We are proud of our prices and offer you a great value.
Many other companies with large overhead may advertise great prices, but when looking into the details, you
may discover
that much is not included, they may have you staying in less than
desirable accommodations with few meals etc. This can significantly increase their published price.
Secondly, we're upfront with the
price. There are no hidden fees. Gratuities for guides,
drivers and porters and cash for incidentals is all you'll need. Due to our
long term relationships with our foreign vendors over many years, we can offer
you far more than you can get on your own. Suzy is renowned as an
excellent shopper and her skills to negotiate hard getting the best
price without cutting corners. We do have larger groups to
give you the best cost.
Finally, we run a tight ship.
We don't waste money on unnecessary
things. Since most of our clients are repeats, we rarely
need to advertise. These savings are passed directly to
you. TOP
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What are the accommodations like?
Nearly all of our hotels and lodges are first class to
superior to deluxe with 4 to 5 star ratings. Even in the
African bush you will have a private bath. We never do
triple rooms.
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What are the age ranges?
It varies from group to group. It seems the shorter and cheaper trip, the
younger the group. Our groups usually include professional
singles from their 30’s
to their 60’s. We've even had mother and sons and dads and daughters.
For some reason, the age ranges within each group have blended
amazingly well through the years. We do not have age restrictions but stress that
some AFS tours can be quite active
and strenuous.
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What is the ratio between men to women?
We'd love to have a 50 – 50 ratio. Reality dictates on average
70% women to
30% men. But remember it's all about the
destination. Men often try to book last minute and are
disappointed to learn the trip's are full.
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If I am traveling alone, will
you find me a roommate? Yes, there's no single
supplement if you are willing to share. Suzy works hard to match
you with a compatible roommate according to your age and
personality to save you money. Please understand minimal time is spent in your
room on these trips. TOP
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Can I have my own room?
Hotels limit single
rooms go quickly, usually around 3 to 4 per group. The single
supplement rates are determined by the hotels and can cost 30%
to 75% extra. Cruise ship often charge double. If available
you can buy a single supplement on any trip, but we encourage
you to let us match you according to your age and personality.
You are only in your room to sleep. Save your money for sleeping
and use it for shopping.
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What about snoring? - No travel company can guarantee or
monitor the possibility of a roommate snoring. If we ask, they
may not be aware they snore or won't admit it. If this is a
serious concern, you should opt for a single room if one is
available. Single rooms are usually limited to 2 or 3 per group.
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Must I be single to join these groups? Nearly
all our guests are single. Occasionally others join us, including those
who may have a partner that is either unable to travel or doesn't
enjoy it. We've had several couples repeatedly come on our
trips because they may have met on one of our trips or they are
simply a lot of fun to enhance our group.
Suzy loves to see romantic connections happen and thus far AFS
has been responsible for 15 marriages. It is far more common,
yet equally rewarding, to see the true lifelong friendships develop
between people of either gender from all over the USA.
AFS is not a dating venue and we screen callers to discourage
such inclination especially if this is their sole purpose. Our
journeys are about the destinations and for anyone who simply loves
to explore the world! |
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I'm concerned I may feel alone if so many in the group know each other.
Is this founded?
There are always first-timers and although the majority have
traveled with us before, they may not have been on the same trips
together. Our trip escorts are there as a liaison to make you
feel comfortable. Often will do games enabling you to discover
each other. Normally by day 3 all seem to be connected. |
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What about visas, inoculations, packing etc.?
Specific info is always provided for each trip through "AFS Tips for
the Trip" and "Heading Abroad." |
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Can I do my own air?
Yes, we make no profit on group air
and encourage you to arrange your own air from your hometown. Just
google various
travel search engines to see if you can get a better rate
or find a more convenient air schedule. Then simply meet us overseas on arrival
day. You may have frequent flyer miles to use. Transfers, however, may not be included on
arrival.
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Can you book my domestic add-on
air? Unfortunately no, we are not travel agents.
If you need assistance in getting add-on air you may call our travel agent
friend Kathy
(904)
387-2234
or (904)
387-3829 or email
Kathy@tripsinthevillage.com or
make them yourself via the web. TOP
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What is your policy should I
need to cancel? In years past we were burdened with over 300 cancellations simply
because many decided they couldn't afford the trip once the final payments
were due. Not only is this hard
on us, it forced some clients to make other vacation plans
because we appeared to be sold out when in fact they
weren't. See
our Terms & Conditions for more
information.
We encourage you to give careful consideration to
the trip you choose. Travel insurance can be purchased to
further protect your investment. We prefer
TravelSafe as
they have been good to our clients who needed to cancel in the
past. Of course you are welcome to search any company on
your own. Please call us with your
questions.
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What does
waitlist mean? Trips do sell out, we build a waitlist
once they do. But there are always cancellations and
changes. The odds are good we will get you on a trip and
you'll know well in advance.
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Does Suzy lead every trip?
For years I have truly loved leading groups around the world,
however, with our increase in trips, I must cut back. I have
visited some destinations over a dozen times and need office time to
create new dreams for travelers. Janice McDonald, Carol
Huntington, Debra Harrell and others are fabulous
additions to AFS. They will be leading groups with me and on their
own. They are extremely well traveled, have participated in over 10 AFS
trips and are fully capable to ensure things go smoothly.
Each shares my exact vision in presenting quality trips for clients.
Please read their bios in About Us. TOP |
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Is AFS an accredited travel company?
AFS is proud to be accredited agents of IATA and OSSN. All our suppliers are accredited with various travel associations and agencies.
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