FAQ
Effective Date: July 5, 2025

1. What types of travel do you specialize in?
 I specialize in personalized travel planning by land, sea, and air. Among the different trip types include ocean and river cruises, custom land itineraries, guided tour packages, and travel for solo travelers, couples, and small groups. Wherever in the world you would like to experience, I’ll help craft a journey that fits your style.

2. Do you charge planning or service fees?
Yes, I do charge consulting and administrative fees to reflect the time, research, and support I provide. All fees are shared clearly during our initial consultation and outlined in the Travel Services Fee Disclosure. Many fees are waived or credited for qualifying bookings or returning clients.

3. I do not need help planning the trip. Can you help with just booking flights, hotels, and tours?
 Absolutely. I assist with complete travel arrangements, including airfare, accommodations, transportation, and any tours. While I can waive or credit consulting fees, there are other administrative fees (e.g. airline booking fees, cancellation fees) that will be charged. Whether you need help booking flights or choosing local excursions, I’ve got you covered.

4. Do I have to book everything through you?
 Not necessarily. I’m happy to help you with select parts of your trip, like a cruise, a tour, or a custom itinerary. That said, working together on your full travel plan often ensures a smoother, more cohesive experience.

5. Can you work with groups or families?
 Yes! I plan group travel for families, friends, or affinity groups. I’ll help coordinate accommodations, activities, and logistics so everyone can relax and enjoy the trip without the stress of planning.

6. Do you offer payment plans?
 Many of the travel vendors I work with offer installment payment options. I’ll walk you through the deposit and final payment schedule for your trip and help ensure everything is processed on time. I also partner with FlexPlay (formerly UpLift) that works with additional travel vendors to provide a payment plan.

7. What happens if I need to cancel or change my trip?
 Cancellation and change policies vary by supplier. I’ll explain those details during the booking process and assist with any rebooking or cancellation needs. Please note that Alpas Travel, LLC may charge administrative fees in addition to supplier penalties. Travel insurance is highly recommended.

8. Do you offer travel insurance?
 Yes. I can help you compare travel insurance options and find a policy that suits your needs. My preferred travel vendor is Allianz International. Insurance helps protect your investment in case of cancellation, illness, delays, or other unexpected events.

9. Help! I am traveling on my own. Can you help me find the right trip?
 Definitely! I love working with solo travelers, as a solo traveler myself. I can recommend various cruise lines, tours, and destinations that are safe, welcoming, and well-suited to traveling independently, with or without a group setting.

10. What forms of payment do you accept?
 Payments for planning and administrative fees are accepted via secure credit card or ACH payments via PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle. For trip payments, you will receive an electronic, PCI-compliant, credit card authorization request form to obtain credit card information. Once this form has been received, the payments are processed directly with travel suppliers through their secure payment portal. I’ll guide you through the process to make everything easy and secure.

11. How will I receive my itinerary and travel documents?
 At the start of the planning process, you’ll receive your itinerary through a personalized web link and the TripPlans mobile app, allowing you to access your plans anytime, anywhere. Final travel documents are typically delivered electronically in PDF form, unless physical delivery is required by the supplier. Your final travel documents will also be available in your TripPlans itinerary.

12. Why should I book with a travel advisor instead of doing it myself online?
 Booking with a travel advisor means having an expert on your side who understands your travel style, vets the options for you, and provides personal support every step of the way. I offer guidance, insider perks, access to trusted travel partners, and help navigating the unexpected, things online booking sites do not understand and can’t match.

13. Can you help with travel requirements like visas, COVID-19 rules, or entry forms?
 Yes. While I’m not a legal authority on visa issuance, I can help you understand what’s required for your destination, including entry forms, health declarations, and COVID-19 protocols. I’ll make sure you have the resources to feel confident and prepared before you depart. It is your responsibility to ensure all your travel documents are ready at the time of travel.

14. Will you be available during my trip if something goes wrong?
 Absolutely. I’m here to support you before, during, and after your trip. If an issue arises while you're traveling, I’ll work with you and the travel suppliers to find a solution quickly and minimize disruption. You will be able to contact me via WhatsApp and the TripPlans app via chat texts. You’re never alone when you book with Alpas Travel, LLC.

15. Can you help with last-minute or spontaneous travel plans?
 Yes! While I recommend planning early to secure the best options, I understand that sometimes travel needs to happen quickly. I can assist with last-minute getaways, subject to availability, and still provide expert guidance and support to help you make the most of your time and budget.