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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Welcome to our F.A.Q. page. You can use the drop down menu to find a
question under each topic, then click on the question to get the answer.
If doing so doesn't find a suitable answer, try using the search box
below (by searching for single words only, such as 'tickets').
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01. Transportation |
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What is the difference between a bus and a plane trip? [TOP]
Bus trips: You travel the entire trip by charter bus roundtrip from a specific location or pickup point back. Same charter bus entire trip. You can board anywhere along the route the bus takes to its destination. Plane
trips: You travel to your destination by plane and you return home by plane. All transportation during the trip is on a chartered bus.
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Do you use a bus for all of your tours? [TOP]
No. Some of our smaller tours will be using the BCT van that is stationed in New York. |
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What is the difference between an electronic ticket (e-tickets) and paper tickets?
[TOP]
With an e-ticket, you will receive an itinerary in the mail before you leave. To check in for your flight, you present the proper identification to the person at the check in counter. Your boarding passes are issued when you check in. With paper tickets you receive a voucher and a itinerary in the mail before your trip. To check in for your flight, you present the vouchers and proper identification to the person at the check in counter, along with proper identification. Your boarding passes are issued when you check in.
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When do I get my plane ticket if I am taking a trip that involves air travel?
[TOP]
You will receive your airline ticket and airport arrival instructions, and hotel addresses and phone numbers 3-4 weeks before your trip.
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When should I check in for my flight? [TOP]
At this time the airlines are recommending you check in three hours in before your flight for international flights and two hours before your flight for domestic flights. OR you may check-in online with most carriers 24 hours before departure. |
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What documents do I need to take to the airport to get my boarding pass?
[TOP]
You will need your driver’s license or an International passport. The name on your plane ticket should match your name on your passport or drivers license. Minors without a driver’s license or passport will need a copy of their birth certificate, and again, the name on the birth certificate should match the name on their plane ticket. |
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Why is it important that I give my name as it appears on my passport, passport card or state/federally issued identification when making my reservation?
[TOP]
Due to increased travel security around the world, it is now more important than ever that your airline ticket, or train ticket, match your first and last name exactly as it reads in your passport or other identification. Additionally, any changes to your air or train booking, which includes spelling, could be subject to a change fee, penalties, or cancellation. Therefore, when making your reservation it is important that we have full and correct legal names |
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How is my airfare or train fare price determined if I purchase air through BCT
[TOP]
Generally, the price quoted is from major airports only. Any airport can be used, but in most cases, not always, additional fare collection will be necessary. The airfare or train fare amount is not guaranteed until you pay your trip invoice in full. The invoice must be paid in full in order to secure the airfare price quoted and to avoid increases in taxes and fees. Tickets may be issued once the invoice is paid; thus, any revisions made to the booking after that time will be subject to change fees and airline availability. |
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What if I purchase my own airfare? [TOP]
You will be responsible for all your transfers, which can be very costly. |
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What You Can & Can't Take on Flights (Carry-on / Checked Baggage)
[TOP]
Please visit:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm |
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Do you offer discounts for children? [TOP]
Unfortunately, no. Our venders (hotels, busses, and airlines) charge us a set amount regardless of age.
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What form of identification is required? [TOP]
To Cross The Canadian Border All adults and children who are citizens of the
United States must have a passport to cross the border. However, On tours that
include Canada, you have the option to stay in Niagara Falls, USA instead of
crossing over into Canada. For complete details, mention this in your
reservation form or to a travel specialist.
Passport Information:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
To Cross the Mexico Border. You will need an valid passport.
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
PASSPORTS: U.S. citizens who travel to a country where a valid U.S. passport is not required will need documentary evidence of their U.S. citizenship and identity. Proof of U.S. citizenship includes an expired U.S. passport or an original birth certificate. A certified copy of the birth certificate is also acceptable, but it must have the registrar’s signature and a raised, impressed, embossed, or multicolored seal. If you were born abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States will suffice. To prove identity, a valid driver’s license or government identification card are acceptable provided they identify you by physical description or photograph. However, for travel overseas and to facilitate reentry into the U.S., a valid U.S. passport is the best documentation available and unquestionably proves your U.S. citizenship. Before you send your passport through the mail to apply for a visa, sign it in ink, and write in pencil your current address and daytime telephone number in the space provided. This will help the U.S. Postal Service return it to you should it become separated from the envelope during processing.
Some countries require that your U.S. passport be valid at least 6 months or longer beyond the dates of your trip. If your passport expires before the required validity, you will have to apply for a new one. Please check with the Embassy or nearest Consulate of the country that you plan to visit for their requirements.
To Check in for flights at Airport. You will need your driver’s license or an International passport. The name on your plane ticket should match your name on your passport or drivers license. Minors without a driver’s license or passport will need a copy of their birth certificate, and again, the name on the birth certificate should match the name on their plane ticket.
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Do you sell travel insurance? [TOP]
Yes we do. In fact, we
recommend travel insurance to everyone. |
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02. BCT Website Help |
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Why do I need a personal account? [TOP]
Creating an account with the website allows you to create and access your tour, personal information and documents provided you by Bethel Coach Tours. |
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If I book my trip with BCT by phone - do I still get a personal, online account?
[TOP]
Yes. We are now fully online with our reservations - even those taken over the phone, therefore, are entered online so our customers can access their details at any time. |
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How do I access my personal online account [TOP]
At the time of your booking a tour through the website, you will have been asked to provide a username and password. This information will have been automatically emailed to you at the time you created the reservation. Visit:
http://www.bethelcoachtours.com/bctguest and enter in your personal username and password. |
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After I book a trip online - will I get anything in my email?
[TOP]
Yes. Your account information will be automatically emailed to you, should you have provided a valid email address. If you do NOT receive anything, please contact us at (575) 434-3944 or email us at:
email@bethelcoachtours.com
Please see our 'Contact' page for further details. |
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What if I don't have an email address? [TOP]
An email address is required for us to give you information electronically. We suggest setting up a FREE email address with an online service such as Hotmail (www.hotmail.com) or a similar service. If you do not wish to do so, you can ask a close friend to recieve your email for you at their email address. Otherwise, we will need to have a valid mailing address on file to send your documents to you. |
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Can I get my documents mailed to me? [TOP]
Yes. Please inform us by email
(email@bethelcoachtours.com) or by phone (575-434-3944) if you prefer this method. A valid mailing address is required. |
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How do I correct/update information in my personal, online account?
[TOP]
You are NOT able to edit your own information at present. To have your information edited, please call Bethel Coach Tours at (575) 434-3944 or send an email to:
email@bethelcoachtours.com to request the change.
Please see our 'Contact' page for further details. |
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I have lost my username or password [TOP]
Don't be worried! Our travel specialists have your information on file and can gladly provide you with it. Call us at (575) 434-3944 Monday - Friday 9AM - 4PM Mountain standard time. |
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How do I make a deposit and/or payment online? [TOP]
The first time you reserve a tour online you are given the choice to either pay in full or to make a down-payment of $350 per traveler. If you do not make a payment at that time, you will need to do so by phone (575-434-3944) or by email. Payments of any amount are accepted Monday - Friday
11AM - 4PM Mountain Standard Time. Please see our 'Contact'
page for further details. |
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Can I make a deposit and/or payment online? [TOP]
Yes, but only at the time that a reservation is created. After that, payments must be made by phone (575-434-3944).
Please see our 'Contact' page for further details. |
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03. Before, After and During the Tour |
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Before your tour: |
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Who can go on your trips? [TOP]
Our tours are designed for Jehovah’s Witnesses, their family and friends. Those
that are not Jehovah’s Witnesses are welcome to join the tours provided their
conduct does not cause problems among the travelers.
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Can minors go without their parents? [TOP]
Yes. If you have children 18 years of age or under who are going on the trip without either parent you need to fill out a Child Guardianship Consent Form which you can get from the home office. This form will authorize a responsible adult as legal guardian over your child/children for the duration of the trip. As you read the form please pay careful attention to what you are signing. The person you choose will be entrusted with full moral, legal, and medical powers concerning your child/children.
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Are Children Welcome? [TOP]
Absolutely! However, if a child occupies a seat on the airplane or bus, he/she is considered a passenger and there is usually no discounts available.
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How much should I pack [TOP]
One of our Trip Partners came up with this equation: Put all the money and all the clothes you plan to take on your bed. Double the money and half the clothes and you are ready to go! Seriously, take as much luggage as you are willing to carry from the bus to the hotel. |
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How much of a deposit do I have to have for my trip?
[TOP]
A deposit of $350 per person is required at the time of reservation for all trips. The balance is due 90 days prior to departure on all trips except cruises. Balance due on all cruises 90 days prior to departure date.
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Are my seats saved when I make a reservation? [TOP]
If your reservation includes a deposit or full payment then your seats are saved. If you make a reservation without the deposit, your reservation is filed in a pending file and activated as soon as we receive a payment.
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Do I have options for Sunday if my tour includes New York? [TOP]
Yes, you have two options. unless BCT is notified otherwise your first day in NY
includes a Metropolitan Museum of Art Bible Tour. To view only the museum
without the Bible tour is by request ONLY! You can view more information on this
on most tours that include NY. |
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How far in advance are trips scheduled?
[TOP]
Sometimes we have a tentative schedule for trips scheduled over a year in
advance. If this information is useful to you in planning a tour farther
down the road, please contact us and we will be happy
to assist you! |
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During Your Tour: |
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Can I make arrangements to meet and spend time with those I know at Bethel?
[TOP]
Absolutely! Just keep your Tour Guide well informed.
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Are the trips properly supervised and are they safe? [TOP]
Spiritual things come first, and Christian conduct is expected from all. We start each morning with a prayer and daily text, and we keep the rest of the day on a spiritually up-building level. We advise everyone to stay in groups of three or more for safety sake, and parents and/or guardians are expected to keep track of minors at all times.
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Is there a dress Code? [TOP]
The Society suggests a dress code be set up for the trip because everywhere we stop we give a witness. We want the trip to be comfortable and memorable for everyone so we have set forth guidelines that are reasonable and still allow room for personal preference. Please let your desire to bring honor to Jehovah’s name be reflected in how you dress. All clothing, casual or touring, must be clean, neat, and modest. Before packing, please read the June 2002 Our Kingdom Ministry Question Box on page 2, which considers "What standard of dress and grooming should we observe when visiting Bethel homes and branch facilities?". Of course, when we are visiting the Society’s facilities baptized brothers and sisters and their children should dress in meeting clothes. Suits and dresses and comfortable shoes.
Dress code for bus trips? The following dress is appropriate when traveling on the bus en route to New York:
Loose fitting sweats are fine and well suited to traveling long distances and sleeping on the bus. If jeans are worn they should not have holes or worn-out spots in them. The crotch should not be down around the knees and look as is they are about to fall down around the ankles. Never go outside the bus barefooted. Shorts (not cutoffs), slightly above the knee and loose fitting, are acceptable, i.e., walking shorts. Hair styles (men and women) for baptized brothers and sisters should reflect the spiritual person and not worldly fads. We are not bashful and will ask you to change into something more appropriate if necessary. The friends are very conscientious about their appearance, so this is seldom necessary. |
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Can we change clothes after the tours? [TOP]
Yes you can, but since we don't return to the hotel until later in the evening, you should bring a change of clothes with you. |
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If my tour includes a free evening in NY, how can I use my time?
[TOP]
Your tour guide will be happy to assist you in formulating a plan with you. |
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Expected behavior during your tour
[TOP]
All of our tour
guides are Jehovah's Witnesses, both Brothers and Sisters. Should your tour be
guided by a Sister, please take the lead in cooperating with her direction and
be respectful and obedient to what is needed on your part. The same would
obviously be true if your tour guide is a Brother. Your tour guide's job is to
keep you safe, informed and to help you get the most enjoyment from your tour.
Your attitude will help with that! |
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After Your Tour: |
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Can I send you
photos from my tour? [TOP]
Absolutely! We love to share photos from our fellow Brothers and Sisters
who have taken a tour with us. Please go to
www.bctimages.com to send us your
photos! |
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04. Health & Medical Needs |
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When we are traveling on the bus for long distances, how often do we stop for bathroom breaks?
[TOP]
Approximately every two hours.
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Is there a bathroom on the bus? [TOP]
Yes, but we ask that is used only in emergencies. Therefore, we make frequent bathroom stops.
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Can someone go who needs assistance because of health problems?
[TOP]
Yes, if they have a traveling companion who has accepted the responsibility of assisting that person.
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I have to eat frequently for my blood sugar. Do we stop for meals regularly?
[TOP]
Yes. But we recommend you keep snacks with you if your health would be compromised since the timing of our meal breaks can vary slightly.
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Can we take food on the bus? [TOP]
Absolutely. |
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What meals are Included in the Tours? [TOP]
Breakfast is included on Europe and International tours. When on the Costa Rica tour and on Cruises; both are all inclusive. No meals are included on the NY bethel and the NY & Canada Bethel trips. On the NY Bethel and NY & Canada Bethel trips as a general rule expect to pay about between $10 to $30.00 per person per day. $10 dollars if you snack often and eat frugal and $30 if you eat two to three full meals a day without expensive drinks.
The Australian tour does NOT include meals. |
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Can someone in a wheelchair go on the trip? [TOP]
Our busses do not have lifts, so the person would need to be able to walk on and off the bus. If he/she requires a wheel chair most of the time, they must have a traveling companion who has accepted the responsibility of assisting that person. If they are wheel chair bound then they can go on the 'Just For You - New York Special Handicap' tour; specially designed for them.
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Will a wheelchair fit in the luggage compartment under the bus?
[TOP]
Yes. Wheelchairs that fold up fit under the bus with no problem. Plus, all of the Society’s facilities have wheel chairs available for those that need them.
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Do you sell travel insurance? [TOP]
Yes we do. In fact, we
recommend travel insurance to everyone. |
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05. About Bethel Coach Tours |
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How long has Bethel Coach Tours been taking the friends to Bethel?
[TOP]
Since 1988.
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What is the goal of BCT? [TOP]
To offer trips to Bethel branches that are spiritually encouraging, safe, fun & affordable.
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Is Bethel Coach Tours sponsored by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society in any way?
[TOP]
No. Therefore, please do not give copies of any BCT promotional information out in the Kingdom Hall, make announcements at the KH, or post any of our literature on the information board. However, we have found that Bethel workers around the world appreciate safe and affordable provisions made and used by the brothers that enables and encourages the friends to visit Bethel.
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06. Rooming |
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What are your rooming policies for NY and Mexico Trips?
[TOP]
4 to a Room = 2 double Beds There will be two double beds in the room. This means two people will share a double bed. We cannot get rooms with two queen beds in one room. 3 to a Room = 2 Double Beds 2 to a Room = 1 Queen Bed In most cases, hotels give double occupancy rooms one queen bed. We can request a room with two doubles but we cannot guarantee it. 1 to a Room = 1 Queen or 2 Double beds (Depends on hotel availability) Rollaway Beds - Rollaway beds can be requested. However, the hotel charge is passed on to the customer. Hotels charge approximately $10-$20. And, at times, rollaways are not available, but we will do our best to meet our customer’s requests, working within the boundaries of availability and hotel policy.
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What are the rooming policies for Europe Trips? [TOP]
1 to a Room = 1 single bed 2 to a Room = 2 singles or 1 double 3 or 4 to a Room = Depends on the hotel
Some of our Europe hotels are incredible, historic buildings that have been renovated as hotels. Due to that and other factors, 3 and 4 to a room accommodations are not always available. That’s not a problem. It is easy to quickly adjust our rooming list to suit both our customers and the hotel. |
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Do you offer discounts for children? [TOP]
Unfortunately, no. Our venders (hotels, busses, and airlines) charge us a set amount regardless of age.
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07. Making Payments |
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How do I make a deposit and/or payment online? [TOP]
The first time you reserve a tour online you are given the choice to either pay in full or to make a down-payment of $350 per traveler. If you do not make a payment at that time, you will need to do so by phone (575-434-3944) or by email. Payments of any amount are accepted Monday - Friday
11AM - 4PM Mountain Standard Time. Please see our 'Contact'
page for further details. |
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Can I make a deposit and/or payment online? [TOP]
Yes, but only at the time that a reservation is created. After that, payments must be made by phone (575-434-3944). |
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Can I make a
deposit and/or payment over the phone? [TOP]
Of course. It is, in fact, mandatory to do so after having reserved your
tour. To do so, please call us at 575-434-3944 Monday - Friday 11am - 4pm
Mountain Standard Time. Please see our 'Contact'
page for further details. |
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08. Trip Documents |
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After I book a trip online - will I get anything in my email?
[TOP]
Yes. Your account information will be automatically emailed to you, should you have provided a valid email address. If you do NOT receive anything, please contact us at (575) 434-3944 or email us at:
email@bethelcoachtours.com
Please see our 'Contact' page for further details. |
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What if I don't have an email address? [TOP]
An email address is required for us to give you information electronically. We suggest setting up a FREE email address with an online service such as Hotmail (www.hotmail.com) or a similar service. If you do not wish to do so, you can ask a close friend to
receive your email for you at their email address. Otherwise, we will need to have a valid mailing address on file to send your documents to you. |
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Can I get my documents mailed to me? [TOP]
Yes. Please inform us by email
(email@bethelcoachtours.com) or by phone (575-434-3944) if you prefer this method. A valid mailing address is required.
Please see our 'Contact' page for further details. |
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When do I get my plane ticket if I am taking a trip that involves air travel?
[TOP]
You will receive your airline ticket and airport arrival instructions, and hotel addresses and phone numbers 3-4 weeks before your trip.
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What documents do I need to take to the airport to get my boarding pass?
[TOP]
You will need your driver’s license or an International passport. The name on your plane ticket should match your name on your passport or drivers license. Minors without a driver’s license or passport will need a copy of their birth certificate, and again, the name on the birth certificate should match the name on their plane ticket. |
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What form of identification is required? [TOP]
To Cross The Canadian Border All adults and children who are citizens of the
United States must have a passport to cross the border. However, On tours that
include Canada, you have the option to stay in Niagara Falls, USA instead of
crossing over into Canada. For complete details, mention this in your
reservation form or to a travel specialist.
Passport Information:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
To Cross the Mexico Border. You will need an valid passport.
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
PASSPORTS: U.S. citizens who travel to a country where a valid U.S. passport is not required will need documentary evidence of their U.S. citizenship and identity. Proof of U.S. citizenship includes an expired U.S. passport or an original birth certificate. A certified copy of the birth certificate is also acceptable, but it must have the registrar’s signature and a raised, impressed, embossed, or multicolored seal. If you were born abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States will suffice. To prove identity, a valid driver’s license or government identification card are acceptable provided they identify you by physical description or photograph. However, for travel overseas and to facilitate reentry into the U.S., a valid U.S. passport is the best documentation available and unquestionably proves your U.S. citizenship. Before you send your passport through the mail to apply for a visa, sign it in ink, and write in pencil your current address and daytime telephone number in the space provided. This will help the U.S. Postal Service return it to you should it become separated from the envelope during processing.
Some countries require that your U.S. passport be valid at least 6 months or longer beyond the dates of your trip. If your passport expires before the required validity, you will have to apply for a new one. Please check with the Embassy or nearest Consulate of the country that you plan to visit for their requirements.
To Check in for flights at Airport. You will need your driver’s license or an International passport. The name on your plane ticket should match your name on your passport or drivers license. Minors without a driver’s license or passport will need a copy of their birth certificate, and again, the name on the birth certificate should match the name on their plane ticket.
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09. Tipping |
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Should I tip the bus driver & tour guide? [TOP]
Yes! It give a good witness to our bus drivers (who are usually NOT one of Jehovah's Witnesses), when he or she receives a tip for their hard work. Your tour guide will also gladly accept tips. |
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Should I leave a
tip in my room? [TOP]
Yes. It gives a good witness to those who will clean/maintain our room. |
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10. Pricing Related Questions |
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What IS Included in the price... [TOP]
NY Bus Trips: Rooms and Transportation Unless otherwise stated, all prices include hotels rooms and charter transportation at the destination point. NY Plane Trips: Rooms, Airfare, and Transportation Unless otherwise stated, all prices include hotels rooms and charter transportation at the destination point. They also include round trip airfare in the continental United States as long as it is departing from and returning to the same city for the tour dates only ALL NY TRIPS: Professional Tour Guide. An energetic and professional Tour Guide is included... complete with corny jokes. Refreshing Association. The pleasure and safety of traveling with your spiritual brothers and sisters is included. Admission into the Holocaust Museum. |
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What IS NOT Included in the price... [TOP]
Land Packages A land package price does not include airfare or airport/hotel shuttle. PLANE TRIPS Special Requests regarding flights. All plane trips include round trip airfare out of a major airport near you on the dates of the trip. We purchase budget airfares whenever possible which might be nontransferable and nonrefundable or might include early departure or late arrival times. Requests for smaller airports, preferred itineraries, or extended dates will incur additional charges. ALL NY TRIPS Admission Fees. The admission fees to Empire State Building and Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls are not included. Meals Unless otherwise stated, meals are not included.
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What are your terms and conditions? [TOP]
For the latest information, please go here. |
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How can I avoid high cancellation fees? [TOP]
To avoid high cancellation fees we recommend you purchase travel insurance through an agent of your choice or Bethel Coach Tours can process your application with a reputable travel insurance agency.
Our online reservation process includes the option to add insurance to your
tour. |
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How Can I Save on my Bethel Tour? [TOP]
Please click here for various ways to save on
your Bethel tour! Among them, when a reservation is made online, the
discount is $25. When we help you over the phone, you still receive a $10
discount if you have email. If you have no email, we cannot offer a discount. |
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11. Meals |
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I have to eat frequently for my blood sugar. Do we stop for meals regularly?
[TOP]
Yes. But we recommend you keep snacks with you if your health would be compromised since the timing of our meal breaks can vary slightly.
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Can we take food on the bus? [TOP]
Absolutely. |
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What meals are Included in the Tours? [TOP]
Breakfast is included on Europe and International tours
(where applicable). When on the Costa Rica tour and on Cruises; both are all inclusive. No meals are included on the NY bethel and the NY & Canada Bethel trips. On the NY Bethel and NY & Canada Bethel trips as a general rule expect to pay about between $10 to $30.00 per person per day. $10 dollars if you snack often and eat frugal and $30 if you eat two to three full meals a day without expensive drinks.
The Australian tour does NOT include meals. |
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