| Why should I travel with South American Vacations? |
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Here are five reasons why you should travel with us.
- Customization. Our tours are fully customizable. You choose your own departure date and city, and can mix and match hotel accommodation levels. Most of our tours are priced with the airfare included, but we can quote your tour on a land-only basis. We will also to be happy to help you choose the best extension for a given tour.
- Value. Our tours are priced to provide you with good value for your money. We provide private airport transfers and private tours of the most crowded sites.
- Experience. The principals of the company have over 42 years of experience in the corporate and leisure travel industry selling packages and cruises to destinations around the world. We use local tour guides who will share with you their insights into the local customs, traditions, and history of their culture.
- Detailed Planning. We carefully research our itineraries and plan every detail of your tour. We also let you travel your way, and incorporate your interests into the itinerary so that you can focus on having a once-in-a lifetime experience.
- Peace of Mind. We are licensed and insured, and active members of ASTA, IATAN, CLIA, IGTOA, and the BBB of Southeast Florida.
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| How do I book one of your tours? |
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| To book one of our tours, choose your tour by destination or category; call or email us to confirm the availability of airfare, hotels, and services for the dates that you want to travel, or to customize an itinerary for you; read our terms and conditions, complete our Booking Reservation and Credit Card Authorization Forms, and fax both forms to us. All of ours tours require a non-refundable deposit, with final payment due 60 days prior to your departure date. |
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| Can I purchase a land only package? |
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| Yes. While many of our packages are quoted with the international airfare included in the price, we will be happy to quote you a land only package. |
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| Can I mix hotel accommodation levels during the trip? |
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| Yes. You can choose from four levels of accommodations (3 star, 4 star, 5 star, and deluxe) and choose the number of days you want for each level. |
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| What is the size of your groups? |
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| Our groups generally contain 10-15 people. Many of our excursions (the Sacred Valley in Peru for example) are private. |
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| How far in advance do I need to book one of your tours? |
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| It depends on the tour. For the Inca trail, since the Peruvian government issues a limited number of hiking permits per day, we suggest that you reserve your space at least two-three months in advance of departure. For Galapagos Islands cruises, Amazon River cruises, and Antarctica cruises, we suggest that you make your reservations six months in advance. We can make last minute reservations on a space available basis. |
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| Are airport transfers included? |
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| All of our air inclusive tours include round trip transfers from the airport to your hotel. |
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| Do your tour guides speak English? Are they licensed? |
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| All of our tour guides speak English and are licensed by the appropriate regulating authority. We can hire a tour guide that speaks another language upon request. |
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| What does the travel insurance program that you offer cover? |
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| The Access America Classic Comprehensive Plan covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical/dental, emergency medical transportation, baggage loss/damage, baggage delay, travel delay, and missed connection. Coverage limits, an application, and the insurer's terms and conditions can be viewed by clicking the travel insurance link on our website. Please note that this Plan is available only for U.S. and Canadian citizens. We have other plans available for citizens of other countries. |
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| Are meals included in your package prices? |
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| All of our itineraries indicate which meals are included in the price. Breakfast is shown as "B", Lunch is shown as "L", and Dinner is shown as "D". |
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| What is the current carry-on policy for liquids, pastes, gels, and aerosols (U.S. and Canada)? |
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According to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, air travelers may now carry liquids, gels and aerosols in their carry-on bag when going through security checkpoints. With certain exceptions for prescription and over-the-counter medicines, baby formula, breast milk, and juice, and other essential liquids, gels, and aerosols, the following rules apply to all liquids, gels, and aerosols you want to carry through a security checkpoint.
3. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Each container must be three ounces or smaller.
1. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed. Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.
1. Each traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.
Please keep in mind that these rules were developed after extensive research and understanding of current threats. They are intended to help air travelers bring essential toiletries and other liquids, gels and aerosols for short trips. If you need larger amounts of liquids, gels and aerosols such as toothpaste or shampoo, please place them in your luggage and check them with your airline. |
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| What is the baggage allowance per passenger traveling to South America? |
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| For Economy Class, the carry-on allowance is one piece up to 8 kg. (17.60 lbs.) + one personal item (purse, laptop, or baby bag). The checked baggage allowance is two pieces that together weigh up to 23 kg. (50.70 lbs.). For Premium Classes, the carry-on allowance is one piece up to 16 kg. (35.20 lbs.) + one personal item (purse, laptop, or baby bag). The checked baggage allowance is three pieces, each weighing up 23 kg. (50.70 lbs.). |
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