Good To Know

At Journeys Beyond The Beaten Path, we’re passionate about creating seamless, personalized journeys—and that starts with a clear, collaborative planning process. Below are our key policies to help you understand how we work and what to expect.

  How We’re Compensated

  • We do not charge service fees beyond a planning deposit. We’re compensated by the trusted travel partners we work with—only when your booking is confirmed and completed. This means your pricing is usually the same as if you booked on your own, but with the added benefit of our expertise, connections, and customized support.

  Planning Deposit

  • To begin designing your dream journey, a non-refundable planning deposit of $150 is required. This enables our team to invest time and resources into researching, pricing, and creating the best options for you.
  1. The deposit is applied to your booking once confirmed.
  2. If you choose not to move forward, it serves as a planning fee for the time and care invested in your itinerary.

  Passport Information

  • To secure the best rates and hold space for flights, cruises, or accommodations, we may request your passport details early in the process.
  1. You’ll receive a secure, PCI-compliant link to submit this information.
  2. For your safety, please do not share passport images or details via email or text.

  Pricing & Availability

  • Travel pricing and availability are dynamic and can change quickly. Booking early is the best way to secure preferred rates for flights, properties, and tours. Once you’re ready to move forward with the deposit, we’ll lock in availability and begin refining your itinerary.

  Invoicing & Payments

  • We’ll share clear timelines for deposits and final payments, based on our supplier partners’ policies.

  Accepted Forms of Payment

  • We accept all major credit cards through a secure payment system. ACH bank transfers and personal checks may be accepted for planning deposits in certain cases. We’ll always confirm the appropriate payment method based on your trip.

  Cancellations, Changes & Replanning

  • If your travel plans change after we’ve begun planning, we’re happy to adjust your itinerary. Additional deposits or change fees may apply depending on the complexity of the revisions. Supplier cancellation penalties are determined by their own terms, which we’ll always review with you before booking.

  Travel Insurance

  • We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment and provide peace of mind. We can assist with a quote or refer you to a trusted provider.

  Communication & Business Hours

  • The easiest way to reach us is by email or text. If you prefer to speak by phone, we’re happy to schedule a call at a time that works for you.

  Your Role in the Process

  • We value your feedback throughout the planning process—it helps us fine-tune every detail. The first options we present may be just right, or they may be a starting point to refine together. You are also responsible for reviewing your own travel documents, including passport validity, visa needs, and any health requirements. We’ll guide you, but your review is key.

Whether it’s a curated cultural tour, a private bus trip, or a celebration getaway, group travel requires a few extra details to help things run smoothly for everyone.

  Minimum Group Size

  • Most group trips require a minimum number of travelers to operate. If the minimum isn’t met, we’ll notify you and offer the option to apply your deposit to another trip or receive a full refund (depending on the supplier’s terms).

  Deposits & Payment Deadlines

  • Group trips often involve earlier deadlines and stricter terms due to supplier requirements. We’ll provide a clear payment schedule at the time of registration—including deposit due dates, balance deadlines, and cancellation cutoffs.

  Cancellations & Name Changes

  • Cancellation penalties vary depending on the group trip and vendor. In some cases, name changes or substitutions may be allowed up to a certain date—fees may apply. We’ll outline these policies clearly before you commit.
    Room Assignments & Special Requests
    We do our best to accommodate rooming preferences, dietary needs, accessibility requests, or travel companion pairings. Please let us know of any requests when you register so we can make arrangements in advance.

  Group Flights or Add-Ons

  • Some group trips include optional group airfare or pre and post-tour extensions. If available, these will be detailed in the trip description and offered at an additional cost.

  Hosted Group Trips

  • Many of our group trips include a Journeys host to support the group, coordinate logistics on the ground, and help create a smooth, enriching travel experience.

 

At Journeys Beyond The Beaten Path, we value your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

  I. Information We Collect

  • When you book a journey with us, we collect your name, contact and payment details, and travel preferences. Payment details are securely processed through trusted third-party services.

  II. How We Use Your Information

  • When you request and/or authorize certain services, we will use and share your personal information as necessary with our trusted service providers and vendors to provide these services to you
  • Your information is used to confirm bookings, send trip updates, and provide customer support. We may also send occasional emails about new trips or special offers. You can opt out anytime.

  III. How We Protect Your Data

  • We use secure systems to protect your information and never sell or share your personal data with unrelated third parties.

  IV. Your Rights

  • You can request to view, update, or delete your personal information by contacting us at any time.

By using our site or booking with us, you agree to this policy. We may update it occasionally, and any changes will be posted here.

 

Helpful links to stay informed, travel smart, and prepare with peace of mind

Before you pack your bags, make sure you’ve got the latest travel info and requirements. These official links can help you plan with confidence

         

          U.S. Department of State – Travel Advisories

  • Stay updated on safety alerts, entry requirements, and country-specific information for U.S. travelers.

        View Travel Advisories

          EU – ETIAS Travel Authorization

  • Visitors to most EU countries will soon need travel authorization. Find out who it applies to and how to prepare

        Learn About ETIAS Requirements

         UK – Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

  • The UK is rolling out a new entry system for visa-exempt travelers. Check if you’ll need authorization before your trip

        UK ETA Information

         CDC – Travel Health Notices

  • Up-to-date health alerts, travel vaccinations, and destination-specific health guidance

        Visit CDC Travel Health

         STEP – Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

  • Register your trip with the U.S. Embassy for alerts and emergency assistance abroad

        Enroll in STEP

         Global Entry & TSA PreCheck

  • Speed through customs and security—ideal for frequent U.S. travelers.

        Apply for Global Entry

         Learn about your destination

  • Many countries require at least 6 months of passport validity—check before you go

        Check Country Requirements

         IATA Travel Centre

  • Global database of entry, visa, and health rules maintained by the airline industry.

        Visit IATA Travel Centre

 

Last updated: 07/02/2025

We highly recommend travel insurance to protect your trip. 

  • It provides financial coverage for unforeseen events such as cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage—helping ensure a safe and stress-free experience. Most suppliers offer their own insurance options.
  • Additional information can be explored through the resources below:
             InsureMyTrip | Squaremouth
 
 
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