FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What age or physical shape should I be in?
  Our tours are meant for women of all ages and different fitness levels. You should, however, be able to do up to a total of 4, not necesserily consequetive, hours a day of walking, including steps and uneven surfaces, especially during the sightseeing portion of the trip in the city. During the relaxation part of the tour there may be hiking, kayaking or other active activities from which you can opt out.Back to top
  
  
• Who will be my traveling companions?
  The average age of our travelers is 55, and most women who join us are between 35-65 years old. They are empty-nesters, busy mothers, retirees, and professionals from all walks of life. They can be single, married, partnered, or widowed. Mothers and daughters, sisters, friends and co-workers sometimes join us as a pair. Many women travel alone because their husbands don't like to or don't have time for travel. Single women prefer women-only travel because they do not feel left out, as they tend to be on general tours which cater mainly to couples. Our tours offer a sense of camaraderie, a supportive environment, and special features designed just for women, and one of the advantages of our tours is that you will make new travel friends. Many women come back with friends they made on prior trips. Back to top
  
  
• How big are your tours?
  Our tours are limited to 16 participants. The only exception to this is our tour to South Africa, which may have up to 20 participants. We limit the number of women on our tours so we can maintain a friendly atmosphere during the journey, and so that everyone gets individual attention. We want you to feel like you are traveling with a group of friends, which you can't experience on typical large (50 - 60 people) tour groups.Back to top
  
  
• I am traveling alone - do I need to get a single room?
  No. If you would like to share a room with another woman traveler, you do not need to pay the single supplement. We will match you with a great roommate. The only exception is smokers whom we ask to get a single room.Back to top
  
  
• Can I stay longer or arrive earlier?
  Yes. Please check off the appropriate box in the registration form and we will advise you about the cost and make the additional reservations for the hotel. Since the hotels where we stay are located in prime locations, they tend to fill up early, so please contact us as soon as you know that you want to extend your stay. Payment for additional nights is due along with the deposit. Airport transfers are not included for early arrivals/late departures.Back to top
  
  
• What should I expect from the trip?
  You will discover historical gems, unspoiled nature, but you will also be pampered so you can truly rest, rejuvenate and get in touch with your mind and spirit. We limit the number of participants to sixteen, so you will receive personal attention and have the ultimate travel experience. The small group travel feels like traveling with like-minded friends.Back to top
  
  
• Do your tours include airfare?
  We do not include airfare in the cost of our tours. Because women from all over the world travel with us, there is no convenient place for all of us to meet before the tour. The only tours for which we offer optional airfare are South Africa and Egypt. Back to top
  
  
• What does the tour cost include?
  For all our tours, the price covers: - accommodations: centrally located, 4 and 5 star boutique hotels and 4 and 5 star resort hotels in the country, typically located in the mountains or by the ocean; - all transportation in spacious, air-conditioned private vans or mini buses; - meals as per itinerary, most meals are a la carte and you order what you like; - all sightseeing costs: site admissions, fees and guides; - taxes and luggage handling fees; - good times, lifetime memories and new travel friends.Back to top
  
  
• Do I need a visa for the countries we visit?
  Most destinations to which we travel do not require a visa for US, Canadian, or Australian travelers. For tours to Egypt and Zimbabwe, visas are purchased at the airport when you arrive. Brazil requires US and Canadian citizens to obtain visa prior to departure. Please check with us if you need more information regarding visas.Back to top
  
  
• What money will I need in addition to the cost of the trip?
  Most expenses are covered by the price of the trip. You will need money for some meals, tipping the local guides and drivers, and you may bring some spending money for buying gifts, alcoholic beverages, spa services or for covering personal expenses such as laundry or phone calls. Other items not covered in the price are: - airfare to the tour starting point - single supplement (optional) - travel cancellation/foreign medical travel insurance - custom fees, excess luggage fees - personal expenses (telephone charges, mini bar, laundry expenses, etc.)Back to top
  
  
• Should I insure my trip?
  We highly recommend travel insurance in case you need to unexpectedly cancel your trip, miss your flight, lose your luggage or have a medical emergency during the trip. Travel Guard is a highly reputable travel insurance company with comprehensive coverage and customer focused service.Back to top
  
  
• What should I pack?
  It is best to arrive with clothing that will allow layering and provide protection from changing weather conditions. Make sure you bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, as well as your chapstick. Most of your clothing should be comfortable play clothes, but you may want to bring one dressier outfit suitable for going out to an evening concert or a formal restaurant. You will receive a Sights and Soul Travels' recommended packing list appropriate for each destination in your pre-departure package.Back to top
  
  
• Do you organize custom tours?
  We happily custom design special escorted and unescorted itineraries in locations where we travel. You can expect the same commitment and attention to detail, as during our scheduled tours. Please contact us for more information.Back to top
  
  
• I am a man - can I go on your trip?
  Absolutely! We organize custom tours for men and women interested in traveling the Sights and Soul Travels' way. So even though we do not accept men on women-only tours, you are welcome to bring your own group or your family. We can customize your tour according to your specific interests and we offer several levels of travel: from independent to fully escorted tours. Please contact us for more information.Back to top
  
  
• What about the payment?
  We request a $500 deposit per tour to hold your reservation. The final payment is due 60 days before the trip, and we'll remind you 70 days before the trip. You can pay by a credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or a personal check in US funds.Back to top
  
  
• Can you help me with other travel arrangements?
  We are not a travel agency, but a tour operator. That means that we can't sell travel products and charge you for it. However, when you register for a trip, you become a part the family, and we'll gladly assist you in finding the best airfare, train connection, private tour or a hotel to extend your stay. Just let us know, and we'll share our travel knowledge with you.Back to top