Frequently Asked Questions

Can you work within my budget?

Absolutely! We work within any, and all, realistic budgets, and an honest sharing of ideas and goals helps us immensely when making recommendations and suggested options for YOUR travel plans.

Does it cost money to get a quote?

No, NEVER! There is no fee for our services. The travel suppliers recognize our value, and compensate us from the gross amount paid (the same amount you would have paid TO THEM without our assistance). PLEASE NOTE: For more complicated international itineraries that require custom crafting and significant involvement of our international partners, we do request a small, intent-to-travel, deposit to begin the process. This deposit is NOT an additional fee, and is 100% applied to the reservations that are made on your behalf.

When do I have to pay for my travel reservations?

Each travel supplier has different guidelines on deposits, payments and cancellations. Your personal, professional travel counselor will advise you once your approval of a suggested option is given. Your credit card will be charged by the supplier.

WE CONSIDER OURSELVES FIDUCIARIES - FOR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS! We always do what is best for YOU! We work for YOU, not the suppliers!

Where can I find my itinerary once my trip is booked?

Your itineraries and receipts will be emailed to you to the email address you have provided us. Since we are directly connected to many vendors’ inventory systems (airlines, cruise lines, hotels, cars, rail, etc.), you will also be able to retrieve your information on their unique client sites, many of which offer a wealth of information to help you prepare for the trip ahead.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is available and recommended to protect all of your travel investments. Many trips, such as tours and cruises, involve non-refundable funds paid months in advance, and for those types of travel, we REQUIRE you take travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you from losing this investment. Perhaps even more important is the ‘during travel’ coverage (medical, missed connections, lost luggage, repatriation) and global assistance that comes with the insurance companies we carry. For ALL travel of 7 days or longer, every quote from our travel professionals will INCLUDE travel insurance. In these uncertain times, the small premium you pay for travel insurance is THE key to a stress-less and worry free trip, and the peace of mind it gives is the best ROI (Return On Investment) you can ask for!

Without travel insurance, trip interruptions due to illness or unforeseen circumstances can be very expensive, and medical care abroad is often not covered by domestic insurance plans, with medical repatriation to the USA often costing over $100,000.00. Additionally, an increasing number of countries require proof of medical insurance for travelers entering their country.

How do I cancel a trip I have booked with you?

Call us right away. If it’s after normal business hours, please contact the next involved travel supplier (airline, hotel, tour operator, cruise line) to cancel any reservations you will not be able to use. If you purchased travel insurance, please contact the insurance company’s 24-hour line to start the cancellation process and ensure your maximum refund.

How do I know I can trust this travel vendor?

Smart Traveler is extremely cautious when it comes to choosing our business partners and vendors. This vetting of travel suppliers and support of the top companies for more than 30 years has given us preferred access to the world’s top trusted suppliers. In turn, they trust us to represent and care for the reputations they have earned over the years and to deliver the same high standard of care to our mutual clients. We choose to work only with known, reliable providers in order to maintain a high standard of quality service.