Frequently Asked Questions
At Fins Agency, booking your travels through us won't cost you anything extra. We're pleased to provide up to three travel quotes or modifications without any charge. However, if you've requested three quotes and haven't yet booked any travel with us, we may require a "Plan to Go" fee. This non-refundable fee must be paid before we begin work on your quote. But don't worry, if you end up booking your quoted trip with us, this fee will be reimbursed to you after you've returned from your travels. For more details on why this fee is necessary, please refer to our section "If there are no costs associated with working with Fins Agency, how are you paid?"
To request a quote for your trip, please visit our New Trip Request form.
At Fins Agency, we operate on a commission-based model where travel vendors include a commission in their consumer pricing. When you directly book a hotel room, a cruise, an all-inclusive vacation, or any other travel service, you're essentially paying for a service you're not receiving. This built-in commission is either paid to a travel advisor, like us, or retained by the corporation.
We earn our commission only after you've returned from your trip. It's important to note that if you need to cancel your trip, there may be a cancellation fee to compensate Fins Agency for the time and effort spent curating your travels.
For details on cancellation fees that may apply, please review the Fins Agency Terms and Conditions.
To request a quote for your trip, please visit our New Trip Request form.
Partnering with a travel advisor offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond merely securing a reservation. While we can't always guarantee the lowest prices, our primary focus isn't solely on finding the bottom dollar. We prioritize understanding your needs, preferences, and budget to curate the best options available for your trip dates and price range.
The value of working with a travel advisor lies in our destination expertise and personalized guidance throughout the entire planning process. When you book through us, you gain a dedicated professional committed to ensuring you have the best possible travel experience. From recommending the perfect accommodations to staying updated on the latest specials and ensuring you receive the best value, we're here to support you every step of the way.
One significant advantage of using a travel advisor is having someone in your corner if anything goes wrong. Unlike call centers or automated systems, you'll have direct access to your travel advisor who can promptly address any issues that may arise during your trip. Just ask our Alaska cruise clients who made it to Alaska and their luggage didn't, or our Dominican Republic travelers who needed to adjust their transfer time less than 24 hours prior to pickup. You can also chat with some of our clients who navigated through the challenges of 2020 and 2021, including COVID-related cancellations.
Moreover, utilizing a travel advisor saves you precious time that would otherwise be spent navigating countless websites or waiting on hold with customer service lines. We handle all the nitty-gritty details, allowing you to focus on spending quality time with your loved ones and enjoying the anticipation of your upcoming adventure.
Think of it this way: just as you would trust a professional hairstylist to cut and color your hair, entrusting your travel plans to a seasoned travel advisor ensures they're executed flawlessly. We work for you, not for any particular company, and our sole objective is to prioritize your best interests and deliver an unforgettable travel experience tailored to your preferences.
By choosing to work with a travel advisor, you're not only receiving personalized service and expert advice but also supporting a small business. We genuinely care about crafting the perfect vacation for you, and we're dedicated to going above and beyond to ensure your journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
So, whether you're seeking personalized recommendations, insider knowledge, or simply a stress-free planning process, partnering with a travel advisor guarantees you'll receive the best, most trustworthy advice, and exceptional value for your next vacation.
To request a quote for your next vacation, please visit our New Trip Request form.
Yes, in most cases, you can make payments towards your trip. Typically, you'll have the option to book your trip with a deposit and then make payments towards the remaining balance. The required deposit amount may vary depending on factors such as the type of trip, the vendor, proximity to the travel date, and other circumstances.
Please note that for some trips, particularly last-minute bookings, full payment may be required at the time of booking. The specific deposit and final payment requirements are determined by the terms and conditions set by the travel suppliers.
To request a quote for your trip, please visit our New Trip Request form.
At Fins Agency, we don't handle payments directly. Instead, we collect your payment information securely and process your payment directly with the vendors responsible for your trip. This ensures a secure and streamlined payment process.
If you prefer to pay for your trip in cash, you'll need to obtain a pre-paid card to apply payments towards your trip. This allows us to efficiently manage your payments while ensuring that your trip arrangements are handled promptly and securely.
If you would like to request a quote for a trip, visit our New Trip Request form.
Fins Agency highly recommends traveling with travel protection to safeguard your trip investment and ensure peace of mind throughout your journey. With a wide array of plans available, each offering different levels of coverage, you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
While some coverage may be available directly from suppliers, there are also numerous third-party options to consider. Travel protection can typically be added to your trip until just before departure, although specific terms may vary depending on the vendor and desired coverage.
For those seeking cancellation coverage or protection for pre-existing conditions, it's crucial to add insurance at the time of booking, as these types of coverage often have a limited window for addition to your trip.
If you're primarily concerned about aspects like medical coverage while abroad, baggage loss/delay, or trip delay, consider exploring an "On-Trip Plus" plan with Roam Right. To access this special plan, simply enter "0" as your trip cost when requesting a quote.
It's important to note that Fins Agency travel advisors are not insurance agents and cannot offer advice on which plan to purchase. We encourage you to thoroughly review the policies and select the one that provides the coverage you're comfortable with.
For more detailed information, you can visit https://finsagency.com/travel-protection/
After completing your New Trip Request Form and when you're ready to book, FINS Agency may request you to sign a waiver regarding your travel protection preferences.
A few third party vendors to explore:
Once you submit a New Trip Request form, Fins Agency diligently collaborates with our network of suppliers to source the best value for your desired trip. While we occasionally have access to special perks based on ongoing promotions, affiliations with our consortia, or reserved group space, the pricing we offer typically mirrors what's available to the general public.
In cases where you find a lower price elsewhere for the same trip components, we can request a price match from a specific supplier. However, this is contingent upon all aspects being identical – from flight class to room type, inclusive of all taxes and fees. For more details on why utilizing a travel agent can be advantageous, please refer to our section "Why should I use a travel agent if I can just book it myself?"
Fins Agency specializes in booking complete vacation packages rather than standalone airfare. We do not book airfare separately. Additionally, we do not work with low-cost carriers such as Allegiant, Frontier, or Spirit Airlines, nor do we typically book basic economy fares unless specifically requested by our travelers.
If you are only in need of airline tickets, we recommend utilizing Google Flights to search for the best airfare options. However, if your flights are part of a vacation package, we invite you to complete our New Trip Request form, and we'll be happy to assist you in planning your entire trip.
While a passport opens doors to international travel, not everyone may have one or may be unable to obtain one in time for their desired trip. Fortunately, there are still plenty of exciting destinations you can explore without a passport.
Within the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, and its territories such as the US Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix), Puerto Rico, and several other lesser known US territories, you can enjoy diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures without the need for a passport.
Additionally, you can embark on most closed-loop cruises departing from the United States without a passport. However, it's essential to note that some cruise lines and specific ports of call may have exceptions. See "Do I have to have a passport to cruise?" for more information.
Ready to plan your next vacation? Visit our New Trip Request form.
While it's technically possible to embark on some cruises with just a valid government-issued photo ID and an official birth certificate, Fins Agency strongly advises cruising with a passport. Without a passport, you may encounter significant challenges in various travel scenarios.
For instance, in the event of an emergency back home while you're abroad, or if your ship encounters difficulties and you need to return to your port of departure, having a passport simplifies the process of re-entering the United States. Additionally, if you miss the ship's departure from a port of call, you'll face difficulties returning to the United States without a passport.
To enter the United States by air from a foreign country, a passport is required to prove your citizenship. Without one, you'd need to visit the nearest US Consulate to obtain a temporary passport, which can take days. It's worth noting that while the United States offers a Passport Card valid for cruises and land crossings with Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and Caribbean countries, it's not accepted for air travel. Therefore, a passport book is necessary.
In short, while it may be technically possible to cruise without a passport on certain voyages, it's not advisable due to the potential complications and inconveniences that may arise. It's crucial to consider travel document requirements for both the cruise line you're sailing with and the ports of call you'll be visiting.
To learn more about applying for a passport, visit the US Department of State website.
If you require assistance in finding the right cruise for you, please fill out our New Trip Request form, and we'll be happy to assist you.
Absolutely! Fins Agency is a full-service travel agency, ready to assist with all your travel needs. Whether you're planning a domestic getaway, an international adventure, a scenic train journey, or a luxurious cruise, we've got you covered.
Our expertise extends to various forms of travel, including group trips, romantic getaways, adventurous expeditions, and family vacations. We arrange all-inclusive experiences, exploring theme parks, discovering US National Parks, embarking on expedition cruises, river cruising, cruise tours, land tours, and much more.
Simply fill out our New Trip Request form, and let Fins Agency help you plan your next unforgettable vacation.
Cruise fares typically cover the essentials, such as meals and accommodations. However, the specifics can vary depending on the cruise line. Generally, your fare includes accommodations, access to shows and entertainment, use of fitness centers, pools, hot tubs, and other water features (where available), youth programs, and a variety of dining options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Basic beverages like water, juice, tea, and coffee are usually included, and some cruise lines may offer complimentary soda.
However, certain activities, drinks, and dining options may come with an additional cost. Some cruise lines offer packages to include soda, alcoholic beverages, sports drinks, etc. Additionally, while some cruise lines may include specialty dining in their fares, others may charge extra for it.
When you work with Fins Agency, we'll ensure you're aware of what costs are included in your cruise fare and inform you of any additional expenses you might incur. Simply fill out our New Trip Request form to get a cruise quote and let us help you plan your next cruise adventure.
The range of activities available at your destination depends on various factors, including your chosen location and the type of vacation you're embarking on. Fortunately, there are numerous options to explore to ensure an unforgettable trip experience.
For a comprehensive selection of activities and excursions, we recommend checking out reputable platforms such as Viator and Project Expedition. These websites offer a wide range of tours, experiences, and activities tailored to various interests and preferences.
If you're embarking on a cruise, you may also want to explore Shore Excursions Group and Resort For a Day. These platforms specialize in offering excursions and day passes to enhance your cruise experience with exciting shore excursions and access to resort amenities.
At Fins Agency, we're here to assist you in planning a vacation packed with activities and memorable experiences. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, we can provide recommendations tailored to your destination and preferences.
To start planning a vacation filled with exciting activities, simply fill out our New Trip Request form, and let us help you create the perfect itinerary.