Frequently Asked Questions
- Are the forms you send me secure?
- Yes. The forms used are secure and are PCI compliant. Your passport information and payment information are kept only on secure, highly encrypted servers.
- Do you book flights?
- Only as part of a package you book with me.
- How do I book book my trip once I have decided on a proposal?
- Once you have approved a proposal (call, text, or email), I will send a form to enter traveler information and payment information.
- What type of payment do you process?
- Payment information submitted on the secure form is entered into the vendor's payment system. That said, most vendors prefer to take credit cards. Some may be willing to take e-checks, though.
- How will the payments show up on my credit card statement?
- It will appear listing the vendor used, not Trudie Travel an Associates or Mark's Magnificent Vacations.
- For example, if your travel package was purchased through Apple Liesure Group Vacations, the seller would show as ALGV or ALG Vacations.
- I booked a trip and now I can't go. What do I do?
- Contact me as soon as possible! I will work with the vendor to figure out what options are available.
- Should I get travel protection/insurance?
- YES! I ALWAYS recommend having some sort of travel protection. The unexpected happens. The last thing you want is a HUGE unexpected bill!
- When we work on your vacation, I can let you know what is offered by the vendor and what I am authorized to sell. You can always go through an outside vendor.
- If you choose not to purchase travel protection or you opt to buy travel insurance from an external vendor, you will need to electronically sign a form stating you have chosen not to purchase travel protection.
- You've booked my trip. How and when do I get travel documents?
- Travel documents are sent to me between 2 and 4 weeks prior to departure. I then organize them and upload them into your TripPlans Itinerary.
- North America, Central America, and the Caribbean - Documents will be provided electronically to be printed by you.
- Europe trips - I will print and deliver documents with an explanation of the vouchers to be exchanged in lieu of payment for lodging, transport, and activities.
- You provided documents electronically. Do I need to take printed copies with me?
- Yes. While some operators may be able to simply scan an electronic barcode, most require exchange of the document itself in place of payment.
- Aside from having a passport, is there any special documentation, like a visa, required for my international travel?
- This all depends on your destination and your citizenship/passport issuing country. I will advise when we go through the planning stages.
- How far in advance can I book a trip?
- Air: 10-11 months.
- Most airlines do not make ticketing available until about 10-11 months out from travel.
- Lodging, cruises, and activities: 1+ years.
- If you want to book your own air travel separate of the travel package, we could book as far as 2 years out in some instances.
- I have Frequent Flyer Miles or Hotel Points to use. Can you book travel for me using them?
- Rewards bookings are not bookable through a travel agent/advisor.
- One exception: If you have Delta Skymiles, we can use Delta Vacations.
- After you pay a deposit, I provide you a number to text at Delta Vacations to apply your skymiles to the purchase. Any remaining balance after applying your miles can be paid at that time or up to the final payment date.
- Policy prohibits independent agents from acting as a traveler's proxy to apply skymiles to bookings.