Question 1

Do you book airfare?

Accepted Answer

I do not book airfare by itself. I only book airfare when it is included in a package and booked with the supplier as part of the trip. There are some great deals on air when booked with a package or a cruise.

Question 2

Do you book group travel?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Booking group trips are so exciting. Unlike individual or family vacations, there is so much that goes into group trips. It requires an agent that has access to the tool and support to booking such a trip. As a former teacher, I traveled with middle school students out of state for Math and Science trips over each spring break and have experience on both sides of the booking. I have some great tips for chaperones as well.

Question 3

Do you price match?

Accepted Answer

I will be happy to look at another offer. I will need you to send the complete offer to me with travel dates and all details to make sure we are comparing apples to apples. I cannot do a price match without all the details.
Please keep in mind, many factors can affect the price of a vacation from dates, flights, resorts and what is included in each package.

Question 4

Is it possible to travel with a food allergy or a specialty diet such as a gluten free diet?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can travel all over the world with a food allergy or specialty restricted diet. In fact, Val has Celiacs and a shellfish allergy as well and has researched this intensively ! As your professional travel advisor, I help you know the cuisine in your destinations in advance and provide you with translation information to help you communication your needs while traveling. Also, I help you choose hotels and cruises that cater to your diet.

You can help stayed prepared by packing medications and communicating your needs. Having travel insurance with coverage for medical emergencies is always a good idea.

Question 5

Can I travel with a special needs family member?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, you can travel with a special needs family member by ensuring proper planning and utilizing available resources. Many destinations and transportation options offer increased accessibility. When Vacation with Val books your travel accommodations, I choose hotels with accessible rooms and facilities. I advise you on how to use airport and major train stations assistance, including wheelchair services and priority boarding. For those needing oxygen, we will notify your airline or cruise line in advance to arrange for oxygen needs, but it's important you, also, communicate your needs at the time of check-in. Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are often allowed onboard, provided they meet specific requirements. Always carry your medical prescription and ensure an adequate oxygen supply for the trip, including layovers.

Traveling with mobility needs is also manageable with careful preparation. Many major airlines offer wheelchair assistance from check-in to boarding. Additionally, cruise lines are well-equipped with accessible staterooms and facilities designed for easy navigation.

My 'Special Needs at Sea' certification guarantees comprehensive support, from mobility equipment rentals to specialized medical support. To ensure a smooth journey, plan ahead, contact Vacation with Val about specific needs, and carry necessary medical documents and prescriptions. Considering travel insurance that covers medical equipment and health issues is also advisable. With these steps, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience for your special needs family member.

Question 6

Can I set up a payment plan?

Accepted Answer

Many vacation operators will allow you to make payments on a booking. There are some exceptions such as when travel is within 30 days or includes air. It is something we can talk about.

Question 7

How many months should I have left on my passport to travel internationally?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended that you have 6 months left on your passport when traveling. You can renew or apply for a passport using this link.(https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html)

Question 8

Where can you travel without a passport?

Accepted Answer

You can travel to all 50 states including Hawaii and Alaska.

You can travel to the following U.S. territories without a passport, using just a government-issued photo ID:
 • Puerto Rico
 • U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix)
 • Guam
 • American Samoa
 • Northern Mariana Islands

U.S. citizens can travel on "closed-loop" cruises, which are cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port, without a passport. A birth certificate (or other proof of citizenship) and a government-issued photo ID are required. These cruises can visit destinations such as:
 • Alaska Cruises 
 • The Bahamas
 • Bermuda
 • Caribbean Islands (e.g., Jamaica, St. Lucia, Barbados)
 • Mexico
 • Canada cruises

For more ideas about where you can travel without a passport, please contact Vacation with Val!

Question 9

Do I have to be vaccinated against COVID to cruise?

Accepted Answer

Recently many cruise lines have updated their policies to allow unvaccinated guest on board. Some countries still require proof of vaccination as well as a negative COVID test. I can help find the best cruise line for you.

Question 10

Is there a fee to use you as my travel advisor?

Accepted Answer

Generally, there is not a fee to book a vacation with me.  There are some vacations that require quite a bit more research and time to put together and a research fee may be charged. The fee depends upon the type of trip you are planning. This can be discussed when we have our planning telephone conversation.

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