FAQs - Trips of Distinction Resorts
Resorts | Villas | Cruises | YachtsWhat 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.
What is my deposit amount?
A deposit of $175 per person is due within 3 days of reserving your reservation. Trip Protection is due at the time of deposit. Holiday policies will vary, please consult your reservation specialist for exact policies. Your e-invoice or invoice confirmation will advise when your final payment is due. 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.
When is my final payment due?
Final balance is due 45 days prior to departure. Holiday policies will vary, please consult your reservation specialist for exact policies. 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 land 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 if I have to cancel?
Trips of Distinction must be advised 24 hours prior to departure of the cancellation by phone. Monday - Friday, 6:00am to 6:00 pm Pacific Time, please call 1.800.413.1000. After hours and on weekends, please call the following numbers: (888) 568-1484 or (707) 529-1037. Certain exclusions and limitations apply. Trips of Distinction Waiver of Cancellation Fees may not be available at all resorts or during certain travel periods.
What are the fees if I have to cancel?
For changes or cancellations made before departure, a $150 per person fee will be necessary to process each change. For cancellations or changes within 30 days of travel a minimum 3-night package charge plus the per person charge will be necessary. Additional nights (up to the total nights of the original reservation) may be charged if Trips of Distinction is unable to resell the space. You may avoid these fees by purchasing Trips of Distinction Travel Protection Plan, which provides a comprehensive waiver of change and cancellation fees and offers valuable insurance benefits as an option at additional cost. It is the sole responsibility of the passenger to be familiar with the penalties assessed for cancellation. Our Customer Service Department is always available to answer any questions regarding these policies. Holiday policies will vary, please consult your reservation specialist for exact policies.
What does Trip Protection cover?
"With Trip Protection travelers may cancel a trip prior to departure and get a full refund on the complete Tips of Distinction vacation package up to the covered amount, excluding the cost of the waiver. You must cancel during our regular business hours- see ""What if I have to Cancel"" for details. You may make unlimited changes to the land portion of your itinerary without penalty. Travelers may also change their flight plans for any reason as well and their one time change fee of up to $150 per person will be covered. Also covered is trip interruption, trip delay, emergency evacuation, baggage delay and emergency medical. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions page for details."
What is the cost of the Trip Protection?
"Regular season $99.00 per adult and $59.00 per child 12 and under
Holiday season $149.00 per person including children
Tahiti/Fiji Regular season $129.00 per person – Holiday season $179.00 per person"
May I give you my hotel loyalty numbers?
Yes, simply give your luxury resort specialist your hotel loyalty number and we'll add that to your hotel information for you. Consult your resort specialist for participating hotels.
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. On Maui, Kauai and the Big Island guests can just hop on the Hertz bus outside of baggage claim, give the driver their name and will soon be dropped off right at their rental car. On Oahu, guests just stop off at the designated counter, present their driver’s license, pick up their keys and pre-printed rental agreement and off they go.
May I have a car delivered to my hotel in Hawaii?
Now for a nominal fee you will be able to prearrange car delivery at any of Trips of Distinction Premier Collection resorts, condominiums and private residences in Hawaii. We can also arrange private transfers for you upon arrival. Your rental car will be delivered the morning after arrival. For additional convenience, we can also arrange for the car to be picked up on departure with private transportation back to the airport.
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. In most destinations private transfers are available as an option.
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
- Limousine Transfers
- Upgrade Confirmations on Applicable Airlines
- Flower Lei Greeting and Gift Basket Arrangements"
Yes, your luxury vacation specialist has an extensive list of activities available for you to book prior to your departure.
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-U.S. 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.
Vacation Terminology 101
What does All-Inclusive (AI) mean?
All-inclusive plans generally mean that meals, drinks, and in some cases, non-motorized water sports are included.
What is a European Plan (EP)?
European Plan or "EP" plan means that no meals are included.
What is a Modified American Plan (MAP)?
Modified American Plan or "MAP" means that breakfast and dinner are included.
What is a Breakfast Plan (BP)?
Breakfast plan means that breakfast is included.
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