Frequently Asked Questions


Q. Do you arrange travel for other groups or individuals?
A. Only for cruises.


Q. Are payments refundable should I cancel?
A. Payments are non-refundable on day trips to the theater if tickets have already been purchased. If you have a replacement, payments may be transferred to your replacement. If ZTEC locates a replacement for you, a $30 administrative fee will be deducted from your payment. On multi-day tours, the cancellation and refund policy varies; check individual flier or inquire.


Q. Do you accept reservations?
Yes. Reservations are accepted and as long as the initial deposit is received by the due date, you’re in. If not, your reservation will no longer be guaranteed.


Q. Is travel insurance offered?
A. Yes, and it is highly recommended on multi-day trips to protect your investment. A minimum of 10 enrollees is necessary for group rates. Individual enrollment may be completed by going to Other Services on this site.


Q. Once a deposit due date has passed, how can I find out if space is still available?
A. Simply email TravelWithZTEC@gmail.com or call 301-908-1909


Q. What are the payment options?
A. Refer to each trip flyer or brochure for payment options.


Q. How will receipt of payments be acknowledged?
A. Mostly by e-mail; if available, or phone. Always include a note with payment stating name of trip and your contact information.


Q. Are seats assigned on motor coach trips?
A. No. However, if more than one coach is going, assignment is made to either Coach #1 or #2. You and your travel companion(s) will be assigned to the same coach.


Q. Are the motor coaches handicap accessible?
A. Yes. The same company is not always available, so make your requirements known upfront.


Q. From where do your trips depart?
A. Our motor coach trips depart from a carpool parking lot in College Park, Maryland. It will always be noted on the trip flier and directions to it go out with the itinerary.



Q. When do you send the trip itinerary?
A. For all trips, day and multi-day, an itinerary is sent via email about a month before departure.


FYI: There is a $35 returned check fee.

TRAVEL TIPS

Check your passport
Some countries won’t let you in if you have less than two empty pages. Also, check the expiration. Many countries require that it be valid for six months after your return date.  Find a country’s requirements by going to travel.state.gov and clicking “Travel Information by Country.”

Resist the lure for designer knockoffs
U.S. Customs and Border Protection can seize counterfeit copy-righted and trademarked articles when you come back in the United States.

Follow the 3-1-1- rule

To avoid holding up security lines, make sure you’re following TSA’s 3-1-1 rule (3-ounce containers; a 1-quart clear plastic zip-top bag: one bag per flier).  If in doubt, put your liquids in your checked luggage.

Know about the VAT refund
When making large purchases in another country, ask for a “de-tax” form from the shop, read the instructions and allow extra time at the airport to get your sales tax refunded. Value Added Tax refunds are not available in all countries.

Blend in
Europeans joke that you always can tell Americans by their white sneakers.  Blending in will help you avoid being targeted by pickpockets and unethical taxi drivers.  Choose a cab with a meter (and make sure it’s running), or set the price before you get in.

Know the difference
Adapters change prongs to fit international outlets. You use them for dual-voltage appliances, laptops and chargers only.
Converters keep your 110-volt curling iron from burning up in countries that use 220/240 volt electricity. Buy a 1,600-watt converter before you go.

Call your credit card companies
Let them know before you go to avoid suspected fraudulent use, which will result in them freezing your card.