Q: Why should I use a travel agent?
A: There’s an industry saying that goes, “Without a travel agent, you’re on your own.” This has never been more true than today. With all the options to consider, including the Internet, vacation planning can be time-consuming and stressful. A little help from a travel agent can go a long way to match the traveller with the right package at the best price and best value. Also, when dealing with a reputable travel agent, even if you choose to make your arrangements on-line through their website, you are not dealing with an anonymous Internet company. You know where to reach them when you need them.
Q: Why should I book with VIP Travel?
A: Because we will offer you unbiased services. We work for you. We deal with a multitude of travel suppliers including airlines, hotels, tour companies, cruise lines, etc., to provide you with the best options and best value. We have invaluable knowledge and expertise about travel products and destinations.
Q: If I book with VIP Travel, can I book On-Line?
A: Absolutely! VIP Travel has a number of booking options for travellers, including On-Line booking. To learn more about our on-line options, please click on the following link:
On-Line Travel Deals/Last Minute Specials
Q: If I book On-Line with VIP Travel, how will I get my tickets?
A: Once you’ve completed your On-Line booking, you will receive an e-mail from us acknowledging your purchase. Print this e-mail message as your receipt. On the next business day following your On-Line purchase, you will receive information regarding when to expect your e-tickets or package documents.
Q: Can I give my ticket to someone else to use?
A: Tickets are non-transferable and can only be used by the person whose name appears on the ticket.
Q: What is an E-Ticket?
A: Most major airlines now ticket electronically, eliminating the need for paper tickets which are easy to misplace or leave behind. E-tickets are the most popular form of ticketing today because the ticket is stored in the airline’s computer system. When ticketed electronically, you receive a confirmation e-mail with a copy of your electronic ticket record and an itinerary/receipt. Print this e-mail message and take it with you to the airport. You will need it as proof of purchase at check-in along with proper picture ID.
Q: Will I need to give my credit card number if I book On-Line through your site?
A: Yes, it will be necessary, but rest assured that all of your transactions are protected by SSL technology, an advanced encryption technology. See our security page for more information.
Q: Do I need a passport to travel?
A: This depends on your destination. Regardless of your destination, you’ll need at least some proof of citizenship. You will receive complete information on required documents well in advance of your departure, so you will have plenty of time to make arrangements. Generally, a government issued ID such as a driver’s license along with a certified copy of your birth certificate is sufficient. If you are recently married and using your birth certificate, please remember to bring a copy of your marriage license showing the name change.
Q: Why do airlines overbook their flights?
A: Airlines regularly overbook their flights to try and compensate for customers who neither cancel their reservations nor show up for their confirmed flights. This practice helps offset the lost revenue from “no-shows” and also creates booking opportunities for customers who really need to be on a particular flight that is showing full but is likely to depart with empty seats.
Q: What happens when a flight is oversold?
A: If a flight is oversold, the airline will ask if there are any volunteers to take a later flight in exchange for compensation. If you are considering volunteering you should:
- Determine if the compensation offered by the airline for giving up your seat is worthwhile.
- Make sure that the arrival time of the later flight is acceptable and ensure that you get a confirmed reservation on it.
- Find out whether the airline will pay for food, lodging, or other costs that you may incur by taking a later flight.
If the airline does not obtain enough volunteers, it will deny boarding to passengers according to its particular boarding priority policy. If it turns out that you are bumped from your flight, the airline must put you on their next available flight. If the alternate flight is unacceptable to you, they may confirm you on a different carrier at no additional cost, provide you with a refund, or offer you a travel voucher. Quite often the airline will give you some additional form of compensation for your trouble. Please remember that most airlines require you to apply for your compensation on the day and at the place where the denied boarding occurred.
Q: What if I book my vacation and then have to cancel?
A: We will try our best to assist you. We will make sure you know what the cancellation policy is before you book your vacation. In the unlikely event that you should need to cancel your trip, each airline ticket, package, tour or cruise has a different and specific cancellation policy. By purchasing a ticket for a particular trip, you agree to the cancellation policy for that respective trip. We recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance to safeguard yourself against any unexpected emergencies. For more information or to obtain a quote visit our insurance link:
RBC Insurance
Q: Why do I need medical travel insurance? If I get sick when I’m travelling, won’t our government health plan pay for my medical expenses?
A: Provincial health insurance plans provide only limited coverage for medical treatment and hospital costs outside of Canada. If you are injured or become ill while out of the country, the government plans pay only a portion of your medical bills. You might have to pay substantial medical bills out of your own pocket that could amount to thousands of dollars. That is why it’s highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance.
Q: Do I need medical travel insurance when I travel within Canada?
A: Yes. There are several reasons why it’s important to get medical travel insurance when you’re travelling within Canada. One reason is that unfortunately, accidents can happen anywhere. Another is that Government health plans do have limits on the reimbursement of the emergency medical expenses incurred while you are in another province. For example, ambulance service, emergency dental treatment and prescription drugs might not be covered by some government health insurance plans.
Q: Why would I need Cancellation & Interruption insurance?
A: Emergencies happen when you least expect it. You could become sick, lose your job or a family member could have a medical emergency. Cancellation and Interruption insurance covers you for those circumstances and protects the financial investment you’ve made in your trip. It also protects you if you need to go back home because of an emergency, such as a family member becoming seriously ill at home, while you are away.
Q: What immunizations do I need before I travel?
A: There are 3 types of immunizations: routine, required, and recommended:
- Routine – All adults should update these routine immunizations every 10 years:
Tetanus
Diphtheria - Required – Proof of immunization is required to enter some countries:
Yellow fever - Recommended – Depending on your itinerary, planned activities and current health status, your health care professional may recommend one or more of these immunizations:
Polio
Influenza
Hepatitis B
Japanese Encephalitis
Pneumococcal
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Meningococcal
Rabies
**Please contact your community’s local health unit or travel clinic to ascertain the latest recommendations for the countries you are planning to visit. Keep in mind that some inoculations require an incubation period in order for them to be most effective.