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| Itinerary Tips | Find out everything about the itinerary and decide whether it lures you. You should know how much time you will spend at each location, whether it is a hectic tour or you will have time to settle into a place for a few days. Ask how much free time you will have there. Too much organized touring can leave you exhausted and confused. If you do not like to walk or any other physical activity, it would be reasonable to find out how much walking will be involved and whether there are any alternatives, like touring by taxi or coach if walking doesn't suit you. Find out what are the interesting options if some activities or excursions don't interest you.
Do not forget to check the accommodations standards. Find out exactly what star ratings mean. In foreign countries, star ratings are awarded by government tourist boards and they may have different idea of luxury. A luxurious guest house may have few stars because there are baths instead of showers. The rooms are rated with four stars if it is poorly decorated but have private phones and bathrooms. You should inquire what the facilities in your room are and ask to see pictures of typical rooms.
Find out whether senior features are good enough, as it may occur that the trip is simply an ordinary package with a senior discount to lure more travelers. Find out whether all your needs for assistance and your accessibility issues are catered for, as not all rooms have refrigerators, for example. Inquire whether they can provide without hassles any cooler, if you need it to store your medications or insulin.
All the supplements, terms and conditions should be clear and fair. If you are single traveler, find out whether there are provisions for this kind of travelers or you would have to pay extra. Inquire about cancellation policies and cancellation insurance. Also check whether the health insurance good value. If not, think over buying your own.
It may happen that your tour operator can switch hotels, or even destinations at the last minute. Find out whether he/she reserves such right and you are guaranteed the vacation you choose. And check out if alternatives don't suit you, you are entitled to any compensation or can you opt out.
And at last, check whether the company's representatives seem helpful, courteous and straightforward or on the contrary offhand and evasive. The way they treat you from the beginning is a good indication of what you can expect overall.
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