Group Tours FAQ

What about our safety and security?

Safe and secure travel is a top priority for Latitude Group Travel and all our hand-picked ground operators. Even though all circumstances cannot be predicted and complete safety can never be guaranteed, our tour operators have between 15 and 50 years’ experience, in addition to our own 25+ years which gives us all valuable knowledge on how to operate a tour safely.

 

Here are some examples:

• Motor coach transportation provided on tour is contracted with busses that are not older than 5 years. This means busses that are in new condition and have met the latest governmental safety standards.
• Professional Tour Guides that have background checks and are licensed by governmental agencies.
• Hotels that have been pre-screened, have interior corridors and appropriate surveillance services.
• Latitude Group Travel and all our ground operators have a 24 hour  emergency number for participants to use for any emergency situation.
• The ground operators liaise with the tour director frequently so that the tour runs smoothly

 

What extra costs will be incurred on tour?

• All activities, accommodation, classes, workshops, entrances, guides and tour director if required are included with our tours.
• Admissions to every venue, show and program on the itinerary are included. There are no hidden costs or extras to be paid on tour.
• Gratuities for included restaurants, hotels, tour guides, drivers and local guides are also all included in the cost.
• A list of inclusions and exclusions is on your itinerary so you know exactly what’s included. 
• All breakfasts are included and you have the choice as to how many lunches and dinners you would like to have incorporated into your tour. 
• You may find some optional extras that you can choose to include or not, at your convenience.
• We recommend that you think about spending money.  For your convenience, Latitude Group Travel offers a Cash Passport card with the ability to hold multiple currencies.

 

What happens if there is a problem on tour?

Usually, there is an experienced and licensed tour director who will ensure that any problems or issues are addressed immediately and professionally. He or she will organise the tour from start to end as well as ensuring that everything runs smoothly. In almost all cases, problems are solved prior to the group ever realising that anything was amiss!

 

If you have chosen to travel without a tour director, a staff member from the ground operator will be dedicated to ensuring your tour goes smoothly.

 

Both they and Latitude Group Travel have 24/7 emergency numbers to call if something happens.

 

Will the tour be exactly as on the itinerary?

Latitude Group Travel ensures that the tours we have developed in conjunction with you have all activities booked where possible.  Due to traffic delays and unforeseen circumstances, there are occasions where the itinerary may need to be altered.

 

Tours that are offered to us are not always what we want for our interest or sport?

Latitude Group Travel always works with you and your group to determine the best tour for you to meet the needs of your group members.  All our tours are developed from scratch, unless you see something that you like in our list. We will either work with you on your theme from inception to implementation or you may change a tour that you see in any way you choose.

 

What is the typical location and standard of our hotels?

With our tours, all our hotels are at high quality levels.  The hotels are close to the destination, in a safe location and often in the city itself. Depending on your budget, hotels may be between three and five star with a combination of hotel quality and location being equally considered.

 

Can we share rooms – how does this work? 

For adults we offer single, twin or triple accommodation as you choose.  For students we offer twin and triple accommodation and sometimes a higher multi share depending upon your requests. 

 

Room mates are chosen by the group itself and it is up to you to provide that information at least 90 days prior to departure.

 

PLEASE NOTE:  Triple accommodation is difficult to get.  When we can, it consists of two twin beds and one rollaway or sofa bed.  There are occasions when, if the group wants a large number of triple rooms, there may be a supplement charged by the hotel if they have to hire rollaways.  Latitude Group Travel will only be informed about this supplemental charge after our quote, after you have requested a high number of triple rooms and once the hotel determines how many triples they have without having to hire any extra beds.

 

Do we need to take out travel insurance?

All participants in our tours are required to take out travel insurance to ensure that they are covered in the unlikely event that it needs to be accessed. We prefer that all members of the group take the same insurance cover if possible.  This is so that, if a trip interruption or other problem occurs, we are able to treat each group member equally.  We advise that credit card insurance is not, in our opinion, sufficient to travel with our groups.

 

Those who will be participating in adventure or dangerous sports must ensure that their insurance covers those activities.

 

Additionally, Latitude Group Travel offers a significant discount if you choose to take QBE Travel Insurance or SureSave Travel Insurance.

 

> SureSave Travel Insurance special discounted rates

> QBE Travel Insurance special discounted rates

 

Are special meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian, gluten free, diabetic, coeliac friendly meals are available in most instances

 

Do I need to bring medication?

Please ensure that you have enough medication for the whole time that you will be away and pack these in your hand luggage to take on the plane.  If you need more than four weeks’ worth of medication, your doctor can assist.  Please check www.smartraveller.gov.au  to ensure that the medication you are taking with you is legal in the countries to which you are travelling.

 

What do I pack for this trip?

We provide relevant information for each tour that suggests what you will need to pack for each season.