Questions Frequently Asked by Women Travelers
Q: What's unique about a women's trip?
A: It’s safe, relaxed, uncompetitive and stress free. When women travel together they let their hair down. They don’t have to nurture or take care of anyone, except themselves. A women’s trip is a “real vacation,” a time to renew body, mind and spirit. The camaraderie of like-minded women encourages laughter, easy communication, sharing secrets, being oneself and having lots of fun. Women’s trips have “female specific” activities built into the itineraries--like a spa visit, a cooking class, visits to gardens, evening entertainment (such as attending theater performances or visiting local jazz clubs), and free time to shop.
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Q: Can I go alone?
A: Many women who sign up for Gutsy Women Tours come alone. They know they’ll be with other like-minded women and will make new friends. Every land tour has a tour manager or local escort who sees to the details, so all you have to do is show up.
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Q: Do I have to pay a single supplement?
A: Not as long as you’re willing to share a room and a share partner is available.
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Q: Why should I take a Gutsy Women Tour instead of planning my own trip?
A: You’ll have instant travel companions and you’ll be able to relax and let someone else do all the planning. Gutsy Women Tours have selected quaint inns, spas and charming hotels that are located right in the center of a destination. These special accommodations, as well as tickets to the theater or evening entertainment are in great demand and need to be booked well in advance. Unlike other tour operators, who use a different guide at each destination--one who doesn’t travel with the group--most Gutsy Women Tours are escorted by a professional tour manager, or alternatively with a well-versed local escort, who takes care of all details from start to finish. Also, each tour offers value.
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Q: How are Gutsy Women Tours different from regular tours and other women's tours?
A: Gutsy Women Tours are professionally planned by and for women to include appealing and entertaining “female specific” activities--like hiking, spa visits, cooking classes in regional cuisines, wine tastings, lectures on specialty topics, antiquing, theater-going, in-home visits to learn about the life-styles of women of other cultures, visits to gardens and art galleries, evening entertainment, and free time to shop.
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Q: How many women will there be on tour?
A: We know that you do not want to spend your vacation standing in line at a rest stop or waiting for your fellow passengers to enter or exit the coach - this wasted time could be used for shopping or sightseeing! That is why Gutsy Women Travel's Escorted land tours have a maximum of 20-25 women per departure. Our small groups ensure that every passenger receives personal attention from Tour Managers and local guides.
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Q: Who will the other women on the tour be?
A: Gutsy Women Travel does not discriminate against women of different race, religion, age, or sexual orientation. Tour participants are women like you--wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, best friends, educators, businesswomen and caregivers. They share your desire to feel safe and secure in a group environment while you enjoy your explorations and, in the meantime, have fun--certainly having fun is central to the Gutsy Women Travel experience! (See Testimonials)
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Q: Why are women’s trips popular?
A: Family trips can be wonderful, but traveling alone--or with your mother, your sister or your best friend--offers you the opportunity to focus solely on yourself and on your own interests for a short, but meaningful, period of time. You get to enjoy the company of your peers, exploring exciting places of mutual interest. For example, on tours like Secrets of Sedona, Magnificent Florence & Tuscany or Exotic Thai Escape, our Gutsy Women are escorted and pampered, but are given the freedom to exercise both mind and body in exquisite locales, and are offered the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate the spirit and invigorate the mind! That is key to what draws women to our tours. We offer something out of the routine, a carefully crafted program devoted to the concept of renewal of self and of undistracted fun! Ultimately, our Gutsy Women return home refreshed to meet their family and work responsibilities, having taken this kind of respite.
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Q: What if I want to take a trip, but you don’t offer a particular destination for which I’m looking?
A: Gutsy Women Travel is a division of Gate 1 Travel, which is able, upon request, to tailor any of its existing programs for Gutsy Women tour groups. If you have or are part of a group of women who want to go somewhere together, we’ll get you there to see specifically what you want to see, and will have destination-appropriate, female-specific activities for groups to enjoy.
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Q: Are there any group discount benefits available?
A: Those will vary from time to time. Our Groups Department is able to schedule, and to tailor upon request, our Gutsy Women Travel programs for groups of all varieties. Each group’s size, interests and specified needs help determine the cost of the program.
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Q: Why should I join a Gutsy Women Travel Group?
A: Isn’t it time you nurtured the free-spirit inside you, unencumbered by your customary demands and responsibilities, if only for a few days? Perspective is best achieved by taking a look at life’s options from different angles. Once you’ve refreshed yourself on one of our tours, you will no doubt rejoin your family and coworkers with renewed energy and focus.
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Reservation Process
Q: How far in advance do I need to book a vacation?
A: GWT suggests booking as far in advance as possible to ensure the best air and hotel availability. All reservations made within 30 days of departure (7 days or less for Caribbean) will be charged a $50.00 late booking fee and immediate full payment is required in the form of a certified check, money order, or credit card, and must be submitted within 24 hours of reservation.
We cannot accept a reservation if the desired departure date is within 14 days, except to the Bahamas & Caribbean.
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Q: What happens if my reservation made within 30 days cannot be confirmed?
A: If services cannot be confirmed or an acceptable alternative cannot be found, your payment and late booking fee will be refunded.
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Q: Are all prices based on double occupancy?
A: Yes, all prices are based on double occupancy, however many hotels will accommodate a triple or single. Additional charges may apply.
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Q: What are acceptable forms of payment?
A: GWT accepts all major credit cards, with the exception of Diners Club. A non-refundable deposit of $100.00 per person, paid by credit card, is required at the time of booking. The cardholder must be one of the passengers traveling.
If you choose to pay your balance by credit card, our Credit Card Payment Form must be faxed or mailed to GWT before payment can be processed. Personal checks will only be accepted if received by GWT 30 days prior to your departure. If sending a check within 30 days of departure, it must be a certified check, a cashiers check, or a money order.
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Q: Can I purchase an optional sightseeing tour in advance?
A: Yes. GWT offers optional tours that can be purchased in advance or during your tour. In some cases, optional tours may only be available for purchase locally.
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Q: Can I call and ask questions before I make a reservation?
A: Our reservations department will be happy to answer any question you may have.
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Q: Besides your on-line reservation engine, what other ways can I make my reservation?
A: Reservations can be made via your local travel agent or by calling our Reservations Department at 866-IMGUTSY. Our hours of operation are Monday - Friday from 9:00A - 7:00P, Saturday & Sunday from 10:00A - 4:00P EST.
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Documentation
Q: Do I need a passport or a visa?
A: All GWT destinations require you to have a valid passport. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. In addition there are some destinations that require a visa. Visas can be obtained on arrival at the airport for countries such as Turkey and Egypt; for others, such as China and Brazil, it is necessary to obtain a visa prior to departure from the U.S.
It is your responsibility as the passenger to ascertain if a visa is required for your destination, however, GWT provides a list of our destinations that are known to require a visa for entry, and information on where you can obtain one. (This information only applies to U.S. Passport holders.) GWT does not offer visa service. For more information on visas click here.
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Q: My trip is paid in full, when can I expect to receive my documents?
A: Documents are generally sent between 14 and 21 days prior to departure. For more information see Terms and Conditions.
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Q: Why do I have to provide my name as it appears on my passport?
A: Due to newly introduced security measures, any name change including minor spelling corrections may require airline reservations to be canceled and rebooked. Reservations are subject to availability at the time of rebooking. Once full payment is received, airline tickets will be issued. Subsequent name corrections will be subject to an airline rebooking fee of up to $250 per ticket plus a Gutsy Women Travel $50 revision fee per change. GWT will not be held responsible for the denial of services by a carrier due to any name discrepancy. Name changes must be advised in writing.
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Q: I have received my documents but cannot find my airline tickets, what should I do?
A: First, make sure your airline ticket is not an e-ticket. If not, then, contact GWT immediately.
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Q: I made a special request (i.e. special meal) with your representative. Why don't I see it on my itinerary?
A: We have forwarded your special request to the airline, but the airlines do not always confirm special requests in advance. We recommend that you repeat your request when reconfirming your airline reservation with the airline 72 hours prior to your departure.
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Insurance
Q: What does the Travel Insurance cover?
A: Travel insurance covers many aspects of your vacation from cancellation to medical coverage. It is strongly recommended. Please see our Travel Protection Information.
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Q: What happens if I need to cancel my trip and I didn't purchase travel insurance?
A: Penalties vary depending on how close to departure you are at the time of cancellation and the services you have booked. For more information see
Terms and Conditions.
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Touring Policies
Q: What is the policy on smoking?
A: Our motor coaches are non-smoking, however when stops are made, passengers are permitted to exit the coach to smoke. Smoking as well as non-smoking rooms may be requested.
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Q: What are the limitations on luggage?
A: Motor coach tours provide for porterage of one piece of checked luggage. Due to limited coach storage, we strongly recommend that this single bag should have dimensions not exceeding 30"x18"x10" and weight not exceeding
50 pounds. For more information, please see click here.
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Q: Are tips for the tour director included in the tour price?
A: Tips to your tour director, bus drivers, and local guides are not included in the tour price. Please view our recommended tipping guidelines for suggestions.
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Q: What extras will I have to pay for?
A: Any items of a personal nature such as: phone calls, tips, laundry, beverages and meals not stated in the itinerary, taxi and bus fares, passport and visa fees, etc.
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Q: Will our tour guide speak English?
A: English is the only language spoken on GWT
escorted/guided tours, except tours of Guatemala and Classical Greece
which may occasionally be guided in English plus one additional
language. Some sightseeing tours are operated with English plus one or
more additional languages.
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Q: Does GWT accept passengers with disabilities?
A: Yes, however should you require assistance you must notify Gutsy Women Travel, in writing, when the reservation is made and deposited. GWT consultants will advise you the options available. For more information see Terms and Conditions.
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Q: What is the minimum age for children
to travel with GWT?
A: Children under the age of 12 are not permitted on GWT programs and packages.
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Airline
Q: What does air upsell mean?
A: If air at the brochure rate is unavailable, we will offer the next best alternate to you. You always have the option to revise your departure city or make the booking land-only, prior to ticketing, if the upsell charge is unacceptable.
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Q: I lost my airline tickets, what should I do?
A: Contact GWT immediately, they will advise you how to file a lost ticket application with the airline. You will have to pay for a new ticket, but you should receive a refund within 6 months assuming the lost ticket is not found and used.
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Q: What is an e-ticket?
A: An e-ticket is an electronic airline ticket. At check in, you must present your passport and a second form of identification, along with your passenger receipt. Your passenger receipt and an itinerary are included with your documents. Not all of GWT's airline tickets are e-tickets.
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Q: Can I purchase air only from GWT?
A: No. Our airline agreements require minimum land services (e.g. 2 nights hotel).
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Q: Can I earn frequent flyer miles for my trip?
A: Most airlines do allow passengers to earn frequent flyer miles. Please check with the airline to see if you are eligible.
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Q: I made a request for a seat assignment with your representative. Why isn't this noted on my flight itinerary?
A: Although GWT forwards all requests for preferred seating to the airline, they will not always provide you a seat assignment in advance. You do have a confirmed reservation even if you do not see a seat assignment on your air itinerary.
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While Away From Home
Q: How can my family contact me overseas if there is an emergency?
A: Your documents will include vouchers for your hotels. Listed on each voucher is the name of your hotel, along with the city and phone number. We suggest leaving a list for your family in case of an emergency.
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Q: Do I need a credit card to travel?
A: Hotels and car rental companies do require a credit card at time of check in. If you do not have a credit card you will be asked to leave a cash deposit that varies in amount depending upon the supplier.
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Group & Private Car Touring
Q: I am interested in a custom tour, can GWT help me?
A: GWT has a private car as well as a custom group department who will be more then happy to assist you.
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Privacy Policy
Q: What is GWT's Privacy Policy?
A: Click here to view Privacy Policy.
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Promotion Policy
Q: How do I redeem advertised savings with a promotion code?
A: Promotion codes can be found within select Gutsy Women Travel advertisements. To redeem the advertised savings, please enter the applicable promotion code during the Finalize Your Reservation step of your reservation or provide the code to your reservation agent when making an initial booking. Promotions codes must be redeemed at the time of booking. Please note that promotion code applicability may vary and that promotion codes may not be combinable with other offers.
For questions regarding the validity, eligibility and usage of specific promotion codes please contact marketing@gutsywomentravel.com.
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Security
Q: What is my security code?
A: It is an important new Internet security feature that now appears on the back of most Visa and MasterCards, and on the front of American Express cards. This new code is a three or four-digit number which provides a cryptographic check of the information embossed on the card.
The security code helps validate that the customer placing the online order actually has the credit card in his/her possession, and that the credit/debit card account is legitimate.
Click here for image showing location of security code.
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Q: How does my security code protect me?
A: The security code is only printed the card and it is not contained in the magnetic stripe information nor does it appear on sales receipts or billing statements - you must have the card in your possession in order to use this code. Card Security Codes are not raised, so they are not scanned into standard credit card readers. In theory, these numbers are only visible to you. When you give your Card Security Code to a merchant, you assist the merchant in verifying that the order is being placed by you, the card holder.
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Q: Do I have to enter my security code?
A: The security code is only printed on the card and it is not contained in the magnetic stripe information nor does it appear on sales receipts or billing statements - you must have the card in your possession in order to use this code. Card Security Codes are not raised, so they are not scanned into standard credit card readers. In theory, these numbers are only visible to you. When you give your Card Security Code to a merchant, you assist the merchant in verifying that the order is being placed by you, the card holder.
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