Resorts | Villas | Cruises | Yachts

What You Can Expect By Booking With Us

What is the next step after I have completed a reservation?
Immediately after your reservation has been purchased, you will receive an invoice which will outline your reservation details. This confirmation is sent via email for all customers that book their reservation on our website, as well as to those purchasing their vacation with one of our Vacation Consultants, as long as we have been provided with an email address. If we have not been provided with an email address, the invoice will be sent via regular mail within 7-10 days after the reservation is purchased. In all cases, we ask that you carefully review the invoice and acknowledge receipt.

Are the rate per person or for the entire villa?
Our rates are for the entire villa, based on two people per bedroom. Villa rates are based on occupancy and there can be no parties, weddings or large gatherings allowed in villas without written permission. Villas may not be occupied by more guests than specified in the rental contract. Rates are based on occupancy and additional fees may apply.

What is the required length of stay?
Normally a 7 night stay is required. Many villas do accept shorter stays, especially if it is close to your departure date. During Christmas and New Years Holiday period, most villas require a minimum of 14 nights

Does a weekly rental always start on the same day each week?
In the Caribbean and Mexico, you can arrive on any day if the week, as long as the villa is available. In Europe, especially France and Italy, the normal arrival and departure day is Saturday.

When is In Season and Off Season?
In the Caribbean, 'In Season' (also known as Winter and High Season) begin in mid-December and lasts until mid-April. The lower rates of 'Off Season' (Summer or Low Season) take effect until mid-December. Your villa specialist will reconfirm this upon your inquiry as there are a few exceptions. In Europe the opposite is true, with July and August being "peak" season.

Do we have to pay full rent if we book a home with more bedrooms then we need?
Not necessarily. Many villas can be rented at a reduced rate when you do not use all the bedrooms. This is noted on the villa rate listing on this site.

If we do not book all the bedrooms in a villa will someone else (I.e. strangers) be using those bedrooms ad sharing the house?
Absolutely not. You are renting the entire villa and you never have to share a villa with anyone other than those in your party.

Aren't villas more expensive than a hotel?
As you explore the villas we represent you'll see that many villas are often much less than prices at hotels of the same quality standard. When you factor in all the benefits and amenities of a private villa, you'll quickly realize that villas offer a superb value. (Remember to compare rates per room/per night).

Which island is the best?
There is no correct answer to that question. Each island is different and unique. Trips of Distinction can match your preferences to the perfect island. More importantly we'll make sure your villa on that island will meet or exceed your expectations and requirements.

Do all of your villas include staff personnel?
This and other considerations vary from island to island. If you are looking for a cook service Barbados, Jamaica, Mustique and St Lucia have homes staffed with cooks. Cook service can be arranged as additional cost at most of our other destinations. Maid service is included in most island destinations but please confirm this with your luxury villa specialist.

What are the maids duties?
Daily cleaning of the villa and daily laundry service for clients, including folding and ironing.

What are the cooks duties?
Generally prepares 3 meals a day. In some villas, 2 meals are prepared daily, with a third meal arranged for an additional fee. You select the menu and prepay the cook to grocery shop.

What are the houseman's duties?
Oversees the villa, available for errands and requests as needed. Available mornings only in most destinations.

Are the staff available every day of the week?
Villa staff are off on Sundays.

What is the cost of food in the villa?
In Mexico food will average $20 - $35 per person per day for breakfast and dinner. In the Caribbean food will average $30 - $50 per person per day. In Europe food will vary depending upon the Euro and menu selected. Prices do not include specialty items or alcohol.

Are children welcome in the rentals?
There are a few homes that have restrictions. More importantly we recommend you let us make a few suggestions. Certain homes are more child friendly than others in terms of safety and bedding considerations.

What is the general rule for tipping in the villas?
Cash only for tipping at the end of the stay. Generally tipping is 10-15% of the villa rental. Tipping varies for each villa, consult you villa specialist for tipping requirements. Pre-pay options available in most destinations.

What do I need to bring to the villa?
Villas are generally furnished with linens, kitchen utensils and dishes, CD players, satellite television, DVD players, games, books, beach towels, etc. Clients are encouraged to bring their favorite CD's, DVD's, and books etc. Wine aficionados and gourmet cooks are welcome to bring wine, spices, oils, condiments etc.

What is my deposit amount?
A deposit equal to 50% of the total villa package is due within 3 days to confirm your reservation. Reservations are not considered firm until the deposit is received. Deposit payment dates for holiday reservations may vary, your villa specialist will advise you of the policies at the time of your reservation.

When is my final payment due?
Final payment is due 90 days prior to arrival. Final payment dates for holiday reservations may vary, your villa specialist will advise you of the policies at the time of your reservation. Please keep in mind that, while we make every effort to provide payment reminders as a courtesy, it is ultimately the passenger's responsibility to ensure that their reservation is paid in full by the due date. In all cases, we reserve the right to cancel any reservation that has not been paid in full by the specified date.

What form of payments are accepted?
Cash, check and all major credit cards are accepted as payment.

When will I receive my villa documents?
With each booking, Trips of Distinction will issue you a personalized travel wallet. Documents will be released upon receipt of full payment and mailed at least 21 days prior to departure. Documents may be requested earlier if Trips of Distinction has received full payment. Airline tickets are issued with documents in accordance with air carrier policies.

How are my documents delivered?
Documents are delivered by Priority Mail if payment is received 21 days prior to departure. If final payment is received within 21 days of departure it is the clients responsibility to pay for any extra fees for express or overnight delivery. We offer overnight delivery of documents via Federal Express at an additional charge.

What is a villa security and damage deposit?
Security and Damage deposits vary, depending on destination and property-type. Most villas ask for a $500 refundable deposit, though some larger villas ask for $1,000, particularly those in Europe. Deposits are refunded within 30 - 90 days after travel is completed depending on several factors including, but not limited to local telephone billing cycles.

What are the fees if I have to cancel?
Cancellation penalties can differ broadly, depending on destination and private villa. In general, for written cancellations received outside the 90 days of arrival – 35% of gross rental price is retained. For cancellations inside the 90 days of arrival the entire deposit is forfeited. Pleas check at point of booking. Trip insurance is strongly recommended. Villa rentals in France, Portugal, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, St. Barts and select villas in St. John are non-refundable at all times. Christmas bookings are also non-refundable. Please check at point of booking for exact cancellation penalties for your booking.

What does Trip Protection cover?
"From a grounded flight to needing immediate medical attention, the insurance program through Travel Guard can cover you and your trip from those unexpected – and undesired – events that may cause you to cancel your trip and perhaps lose your vacation investment. Villa/Private Residence Insurance Program Also Covers for Unforeseen Weather and More! This program also covers if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to a covered reason such as hurricanes or other natural disasters, sickness, injury, and more. Consult your villa specialist for exact policies and coverage."

What is the cost of the Trip Protection?
Trips of Distinction is introducing the Villa/Private Residence Insurance Program. This program is designed to provide coverage for everyone staying at the villa for one affordable premium. The cancellation coverage is offered in the event of an unforeseen circumstance (as named in the insurance policy). This program offers a completely new way to provide coverage to guests that are booking a villa stay

What do I need to know about my Hertz car rental?
"Hertz rates are based on a 24-hour clock...if pick up and drop off is a difference of more than 1 hour, your luxury vacation specialist will book your car for extra day.

• Minimum rental age is 25 years
• $30/day charge for drivers 21-24 years
• $9/day charge for each additional driver (including spouse); max $45 per rental.
• Renter must have a valid driver's license and all rentals are subject to Hertz standard rental requirements.
• Renter must present an acceptable credit card.
• Trips of Distinction pricing does not include extensions, upgrades, drop-off charges when returning car to a different location, refueling service, child safety seats, collision damage waiver or any other insurance options that are available at an additional charge and are payable directly to Hertz."

Can I give you my Hertz #1 Gold Club number?
Hertz #1 Club Gold members will enjoy the benefits of membership when picking up their car reserved through Trips of Distinction. Advise your villa specialist of your Hertz #1 Gold Club number and we'll add it to your reservation for you. Hertz #1 Gold Club membership benefits are not available in all villa destinations.

What are transfers?
This refers to the transportation available from the airport to your hotel. Transfers may be one-way or round-trip and may be included in your package price or available at an additional cost.

Why should I book my air through you?
Trips of Distinction has negotiated discounted rates with the travel industries premier airlines, passing that value on to you. We offer discounted rates on economy class, business class and first-class air that are not available to the general public or through the airlines themselves.

Will I get mileage plus credit if I book my air with you?
Yes, simply give your luxury resort specialist your Airline Mileage number and we'll add that to your flight information for you. Consult your resort specialist for participating airlines.

Can I use my mileage to upgrade my air?
Yes you may use miles to upgrade if the airline you select is a participating carrier. Please consult your vacation specialist for the exact participating airlines.

What is concierge service?
Trips of Distinction Luxury Concierge Specialist provides exclusive, personalized services to discerning travelers in need of additional assistance. Services provided by our Concierge Department include:

• Restaurant Reservations and Recommendations
• Golf Tee Times
• Grocery pre-stocking
• Baby-sitting or Nanny service
• Spa Arrangements
• Upgrade Confirmations on Applicable Airlines

Proof of Citizenship

What Proof of Citizenship do I need for my vacation?
Do I need a passport? The U.S. Department of State and Homeland Security has announced that U.S. Citizens will soon be required to present a valid passport to exit or re-enter the United States. The requirement will be implemented in stages, as follows:

January 23, 2007: U.S. citizens will now be required to present a valid U.S. passport for all air travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
January 1, 2008: U.S. citizens will now be required to present a valid U.S. passport for all air, sea, and land border crossings.
Please keep in mind that you will need to allow 6-8 weeks for your passport to be processed. For further details regarding the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, as well as further information regarding obtaining a passport, please consult: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.
Non-US. citizens should contact the consulates or embassies of the countries visited regarding the proper documentation necessary for travel. We recommend all travelers confirm the entry requirements for all countries prior to departure. The following website may assist you in verifying the required documentation for travel:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html. Please be advised that knowing, securing and bringing the required identification is solely the responsibility of the passengers. We are unable to provide refunds for clients who do not possess the necessary documentation.

How can I obtain a passport?
You may apply for a passport at your local post office. Many cities also have local passport offices. For further information regarding obtaining a passport, please consult: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. Please keep in mind that you will need to allow 6-8 weeks for your passport to be processed.

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