1. Who is an imagine Tours and Travel tour host?
A tour host is one who represents one of the finest tour services available. He or she also represents the traveler and is dedicated to seeing that his or her tour members enjoy a satisfying traveling experience.

2. Who is imagine Tours and Travel?
Imagine Tours and Travel provides quality tours at reasonable prices to the Bible Lands area, Europe and other parts of the world through tour organizers (tour hosts) who are generally members of a profession (clergy, and educators) or leaders within a social, fraternal, or community organization.

Prior to the establishment of imagine Tours and Travel the company’s management and the key staff members already had many years of experience in all aspects of the travel industry.
imagine Tours and Travel is a travel organization with international partnerships which provide you with all the necessary components to assure you an exciting, educational, enjoyable, life changing & unforgettable journey. Imagine Tours and Travel will make your air and/or sea reservations, book your hotels, and arrange for your sightseeing aboard motor coaches with the best available English speaking licensed guides. Imagine Tours and Travel contracts all of the above services with the most reliable correspondents who are constantly re-evaluated so that the quality of service we offer always meets imagine Tours and Travel’s highest standards.

3. What are the responsibilities of an imagine Tours and Travel tour host?
(a) Recruit tour members for imagine Tours and Travel programs compatible with their interests.
(b) Coordinate the collection of initial deposits and follow through with other financial aspects of the tour.
(c) Inspire confidence in Imagine Tours and Travel and motivate tour members so that they will tell others about their experiences.
(d) Provide detailed information about the tour.

4. When is full payment due?
We strongly recommend that you collect full payment as soon as possible. If a passengers is unable or unwilling to make full payment in a lump sum, then perhaps he or she would prefer to make periodic installment payments. Once again the passenger is apt to be more committed to the tour if he has an investment in it. Final payment is due in imagine Tours and Travel’s offices a minimum of ninety (90) days prior to departure. Please check your individual tour brochure for specific dates.

5. Does imagine Tours and Travel offer a reduced rate incentive for early payment?
The “early bird discount incentive” amounts vary with the price of each tour and several other factors. Each tour host should check with imagine Tours and Travel to find the exact terms for his or her particular tour. They are popular and powerful inducements for people to sign up and pay up early, and should be stressed when the tour is being sold. We work very hard at providing “early bird discount incentives” to our programs, to help you with the initial promotion of your program. Your first ten to fifteen registered passengers, in turn, become your best tour promoters.

6. How do I calculate the price of a tour?
Start with the basic tour price as shown in the tour folder, then add the price for any extensions, options, or special services. You may also have to add airport US & Int’l. departure taxes, gratuities for your guide and driver, visas if applicable, optional recommended travel protection (insurance), etc. Please check your tour folder.

7. Will imagine Tours and Travel help passengers finance their trip?
Imagine Tours and Travel prefers that passengers finance their own trips through a local bank or financial institution, as they can generally obtain a much lower rate of interest than using a credit card. However, you should check with your program manager.

8. Will tour prices ever be raised after I have booked passengers?
We do all we can to prevent this from happening. However, our prices are based on current airline and hotel rates, and fuel charges. Occasionally these rates do change. We also have to take into consideration the fluctuation of the US Dollar versus other currencies when traveling abroad. If and when this occurs, imagine Tours and Travel is forced to adjust your tour prices accordingly. This should happen only very rarely, though, as imagine Tours and Travel’s research department maintains a close watch for possible rate increases and is usually able to anticipate any such changes early enough to price our tours appropriately before the tours are offered.

9. Does it cost more if a passenger requests a single room?
Yes. Check the “tour conditions and features” sections of your tour brochure to find out what this supplemental charge may be. Triple rooms are also available to help eliminate the need for a single room.

10. Do airport taxes have to be prepaid?
Yes. This assures you and your passengers faster check-in at airports and saves inconvenience. Also we pay this in advance, as many international airports require this in the currency of their country if not paid in advance.

11. Are there reduced rates for children?
Some fares have a certain percent reduction for children between the age of two and eleven by the date of departure. A child must leave and return prior to his twelfth birthday to qualify. However, not all fares have this provision. It is important that you check with your program manager prior to having any discussion about a reduction with your passengers or prospective passengers. Please note: the airlines will check your children’s passport if they have a discounted airfare to be sure they are the age they say they are.

12. Can imagine Tours and Travel help me make arrangements to get my group to Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, or through the connecting departure city?
Yes. Domestic reservations should be made and prepaid at least as early as final payment time or 90 days prior to departure. Please contact your program manager at imagine Tours and Travel who will assist you with the necessary arrangements.

13. Can our group purchase their own Domestic Tickets?
Yes. Please keep in mind, though, that all international flights are subject to change without advance notice. If you purchase your own domestic flights and there is a change to your international flights, imagine Tours and Travel is not responsible for the domestic travel flights which you have arranged on your own. If we issue your domestic flights for you and your group, and a flight schedule should change at the last minute, it is imagine Tours and Travel’s responsibility to take care of any necessary changes to accommodate you on the next available flights and/or air carriers. If you purchase your own domestic flights and there is a schedule or flight change, you are responsible for your own domestic flight arrangements and any additional charges that may be reflected at that time, IE: change fees, possible higher airfares, etc.

14. Will the tour departure be affected in the event that our tour does not reach the required minimum number of passengers to qualify for group rates?
This can happen. However, imagine Tours and Travel reserves the right to consolidate smaller groups whenever the original departure dates for each group fall within one week of each other. Thus you could reasonably expect no more than a one-week adjustment in your schedule if such a problem arose. Be sure to check with your program manager whenever any your group falls below the minimum required. We will also provide you with other possible options that may be available as well, should this occur.

15. How many people are assigned to each bus?
It depends on the country or countries you are visiting. In Israel the transportation facilities are as follows; 7 seater limousine; 10 seater zotobus; 19 seater; 30 seater; 47 seater; 51 seater motor coaches. The buses in Jordan are 30 and 47 seaters, the Egyptian buses are 10 to 51 seater similar to Israel’s. In Italy and Greece the maximum seating is 45. In Europe there are double-decker’s available that can seat as many as 59 and in some cases up to 70 passengers. Remember that the larger buses cannot get into the tight streets for close in sightseeing, and in some cases you may have to walk up stairs in order to reach areas that you may have reached with a standard motor coach. We normally do not exceed 40 to 45 persons in a motor coach unless you or the tour host decides otherwise.

16. Does imagine Tours and Travel offer first class hotels, English speaking licensed guides, and modern group transportation?
In most cases imagine Tours and Travel offers modern first class and superior first class hotels. You should check your folder’s “conditions and features” section to determine the class of hotel being used on your specific tour. In the Middle East we use first class, superior first class, and deluxe hotels. In Europe our selected hotels are superior tourist class, minimum first class, or better hotels. All guides employed by imagine Tours and Travel speak English as well as other major languages. All buses used by imagine Tours and Travel are modern vehicles.

17. What type of ship does imagine Tours and Travel use?
Imagine Tours and Travel endeavors to book clean and comfortable cabin accommodations. Special emphasis is placed on comfort and attractive surroundings in the public areas, such as lounges, swimming pools, game rooms, and dining rooms. In all cases you can assure your passengers of comfort, convenience, and pleasant surroundings. A word of caution, though: some travel organizations tend to over glamorize the conditions and features of their cruise ships. Remember that different people are affected quite differently by terms such as “luxury” or “luxurious”. It is best to avoid using these words. Imagine Tours and Travel prefers the use of quality, comfort, and convenience. We recommend that you not oversell our tour arrangements.

18. How does imagine Tours and Travel assign berths for its cruise offerings?
Imagine Tours and Travel assigns and confirms cabin space/berthing by category upon receipt of the required $250/$300 confirmation deposit. Occasionally there are demands on certain types of ships, which require 25% deposits, IE $400/$600 deposits. Occasionally there are requests for certain types of cabins and berthing arrangements that exceed the availability. In such a case, we meet special requests on a first come first served basis. Anyone who is not given the specific accommodations he has requested will be given the next closest type of cabin available – and in the event of any cancellations, he or she will have priority in securing the original request.

On any cruise ship there are only so many minimum price accommodations, so the passenger must understand that he may have to pay a higher price if the cabin accommodations have been exhausted. On the Aegean 3 and 4-day Greek cruises, the category differentials are from $75 to $155 additional per person.

19. What are the differences between an “option”, “extension”, and a “deviation”?
An option is the opportunity to have additional sightseeing when you have leisure time. All options must be purchased at final payment time if to be purchased in US Dollars. If options are purchased after time of final payment, most options will need to be purchased in the local currency.

An extension is an addition to your basic tour. For example, if your tour is an 11-day tour, you may add an additional 4 days to touring provided you have a minimum of 15 passengers traveling together in a predetermined itinerary. All extensions must be prepaid prior to departure.

A deviation from a tour occurs when a passenger requests: (1) to leave the tour within its progress, or (2) to be ticketed as an individual (e.g. earlier or later return, not with the group). This is often requested when someone wishes to stay on longer when a tour is over or travel prior to a tour and wishes to travel on his own, not with the group. Please understand that deviation fees will be charged by the airlines, and most airlines only allow for 10% of the group to deviate, in order to maintain the group contracted special airfare. Also, deviations may have additional surcharges if the class of seat that they need is not available for their request. All deviation requests must be provided in writing with dates and special request. Not all deviation requests will be available.
Remember, no group travel situation will ever meet all individual desires. After all, passengers are taking advantage of the economies that are possible through group travel – and deviations defeat the whole purpose: they can also be expensive. Please consult your tour manager with further questions.

20. Can any of my passengers make “optional” tours?
Yes, but urge your tour member to select and prepay any such optional tour at least by final payment time so that availability can be confirmed.

21. Are optional tours guaranteed?
Yes, if the group size is above the stated minimum. However, from time to time, optional tours can be over-booked, so please discuss this with your tour manager in advance.

22. Can a passenger join a tour enroute?
Yes, but imagine Tours and Travel requires notification of such plans at least 90 days prior to departure of the tour from the USA.

23. If my group travels with another group, can I assure my passengers that the two groups will be compatible?
Yes! Imagine Tours and Travel designs its tours with special emphasis on compatibility. We do everything in our power to assure that you will travel with people of similar interests and backgrounds.

24. Does imagine Tours and Travel recommend travel and baggage insurance?
Yes. We will send you, upon request, information about a plan that is geared specifically to your tour members’ needs. (And, remember that many prominent American insurance companies offer special programs for overseas travelers!) In any event, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance of some kind either from elsewhere or us. Imagine Tours and Travel does not accept responsibility for loss or damage to luggage. And since liability on most airlines and overseas handling agents is limited, we strongly recommend that your passengers secure reliable travel insurance.

25. What is the luggage allowance?


26. Are service charges, local taxes, and tips included in imagine Tours and Travel’s tour price?
Service charges as imposed by hotels and taxes levied by local municipalities are included in your tour price. See your specific brochure for US & Int’l. airport taxes. Each program varies, so please read your brochure and tour conditions for specific inclusions/exclusions. Gratuities are generally not included (unless specified in your program brochure). We also recommend a “love offering” at the end of many of our programs, which is fully optional. This is for your guide & driver, should they meet and exceed your expectations.

27. What should my passengers and I expect to pay in the way of gratuities?
Tipping will vary depending on the individual tour. Usually you are expected to tip anyone who performs special individual services for you such as headwaiters, bus drivers on your tour bus, sightseeing guides, etc. Imagine Tours and Travel will send you a guide with more detailed recommendations on tipping for general planning purposes. On land, normal tipping is approximately $8.00/$9.00 per day. On cruises, normal tipping is about $10.00/12.00 per day. Shore excursions are $1.00 per person for a half day tour; $2.00 to $3.00 per person for a full day tour.

28. Does imagine Tours and Travel secure passports for its passengers?
No. U.S. law requires every citizen traveling outside the country to secure his own passport personally. Please keep in mind that it can take as much as three (3) months from the time of application to receive your passport, so plan accordingly in securing your passport. Also, certain customs laws require that a passport be valid for a minimum of six (6) months after your projected return date to the U.S. If you do not already have a passport, we recommend applying for your passport as soon as possible.

29. Does imagine Tours and Travel secure visas for its passengers?
Yes, but for U.S. citizens & Canadian citizens only. All non-U.S. & Canadian citizens must secure visas through the visiting country’s consulate.

30. When do I get my visa?
For most tours we will secure group visas, which are issued locally upon arrival. If you need a personal visa please contact our program manager who will furnish you the necessary information and applications. In most cases all personal visa applications should be in our possession at final payment time, ninety days prior to departure. Consult with your local Embassy Office for further information.

31. If a passenger cancels, will his deposit be refunded?
Yes, but with certain provisions. Special refund policies apply on certain tours and airfare programs and you should consult the “fine print” and “conditions” section of your tour program brochure. In most cases there is a minimum $75.00 - $100.00 administration fee if cancellation is made prior to final payment – 90 days prior to departure. (This amount will be credited if the passenger goes at a future time). In many cases airline cancellation fees may be waived if the passenger can present a medical certificate showing illness as cause of cancellation.

Refunds are always limited to the amount recoverable by imagine Tours and Travel, and no more. Ordinarily it takes eight to ten weeks to process and pay a refund. Because of the heavy cancellations on some tours, we strongly urge all tour members to purchase some form of optional recommended travel insurance.

32. If a passenger leaves the tour and later rejoins it, will imagine Tours and Travel pay any refunds on the unused portion?
No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour once travel begins. Also imagine Tours and Travel is not responsible for cancellation penalties imposed by the airlines if you change your itinerary.

33. When does the tour host receive all final schedules, lists, and all other necessary material?
Imagine Tours and Travel will send name badges, luggage tags, flight schedules, hotel lists, and other final document information to the tour host and/or passengers approximately three weeks prior to departure, provided that the tour has been paid in full. The tour host should then place these materials in the hands of the passengers no later than ten days prior to departure.

34. Will imagine Tours and Travel representatives meet my tour group upon arrival abroad and assist us in departure for the return trip?
All groups, regardless of U.S. departure point, will be met at each arrival city where overnight accommodations have been arranged by an imagine Tours and Travel overseas representative. Our representative will assist you in reaching your assigned hotel and in looking after other concerns. Upon your departure you will again be assisted by our overseas representative.

By offering you this list of questions and answers we hope we have helped you to learn the important facts about your association with imagine Tours and Travel. Undoubtedly, you will have other questions, and we are eager to answer them for you. Most of the additional information is available in a series of other publications that we will be sending you. Of course, you should also study your individual brochure program thoroughly – so that you will know the day-by-day itinerary, its features, terms, and the conditions of your particular tour.

If you encounter any serious problems or questions that are not covered in this pamphlet or in the other materials we are sending you, then please write or call us. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you!