Ask a Travel Agent

We recently asked travel agents the most common questions they receive from clients.

Flooded with responses, our first post was so successful that we’re now presenting part two. It’s a great learning opportunity for the next time that you travel.

Do I Need My Passport During a Cruise Port Call?

“Almost all of my clients ask this,” said Kelly Ortiz, Guru Travel in Elgin, Illinois. “Passports are not typically required for most cruises, but I do not recommend anyone leaves the country without one,” she said.

Ortiz cites a potential emergency, such as injury or missing the ship as the reason to carry your passport with you.

"You will not be able to leave the country you are in without proper documentation,” she said. 

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Do Kids Need Passports?

“Everyone seems to think that children only need a birth certificate,” said Kim DalPonte, owner of Pixie Dust & Paradise Travel, Inc, in Chicago, Illinois. “I am adamant in telling them that they all need to have up-to-date passports, even the children.”

Do I Tip at All-Inclusive Resorts?

“This is resort-specific,” said Ortiz. “If you are traveling to a brand, such as Sandals and Beaches, they have a no-tipping policy. However, many resorts will say tips are included but it is not frowned upon to tip bar service and wait-staff. I always recommend that clients tip drivers and tour guides as well as butlers if they have one.”

Diane Bean, CTC of Off On Vacation Travel in Bangor, Maine, said that tipping is her number one question too.

“I always tell my clients exactly what my vendors instruct me to tell them, which is that with the exception of those transporting them to the resort, those who work at the spa and private butlers, tipping is included.”

Then, she tells the truth.

“Some people will be tipping regardless,” she said. “I warn them that to give a tip overtly could get a worker fired. If they are so inclined, stay under the radar. Bring a nice gift for your room maid; they appreciate the gesture.”

READ MORE: What Questions Should You Ask Your Travel Agent?

How Should I Dress?

Cruise specialist Suzanne Terry gets this one a lot. 

“My answer is usually that this is outlined in their documents, but since cruises have become more casual, I find that the luxury cruise lines expect Country Club Casual attire at night and jeans are acceptable during the day,” said Terry of Blue Sky Excursions, an affiliate of Travel Experts in Boca Raton, Florida.

“For many guests, it is their major vacation and they want to dress up, but it is not necessary. I always suggest one jacket for gentlemen for the specialty restaurants or formal nights.”

What Should I Pack?

When asked what his clients should bring, Chuck Flagg of Cruise Planners in Canton, Georgia, tells them, “Pack half the clothes and twice the money.”

“You can mix and match and you will need far fewer clothes than you think you will need,” he said. “If my clients send out a photo as their Christmas card, I recommend they pack nice outfits and get their photos done on board and have an outfit for formal night. 

Another great tip from Flagg: “Mom packs with Dad, kids pack with mom, etc. That way, they all have some clothes if one of their bags is lost.”

What Happens if the Price Drops?

You’ve booked a vacation and are all set when you see that a particular rate has changed in your favor. What next?

“Prices may fluctuate based on supply and demand, but I advise clients to book when the price is right for them for the dates, room category and resort that they are looking to book,” said Renee Tsang of Centre Holidays in Ontario, Canada.

“It is possible that the price may drop after they book, but in most cases, prices will only increase as the supply decreases.”

She said that if the prices happen to drop, it is because the supplier has space available and is clearing out inventory: “I ask if they are willing to pay a lower price for a lower category room or not as ideal flight times. When you begin comparing apples to apples, the original price for the vacation they booked is usually the better deal.”

READ MORE: The Travel Agent’s FAQ

Are Credit Cards Widely Accepted Internationally?

“Not all shops or restaurants in other countries accept credit cards,” said Leila Coe, CTA, travel specialist at World Class Travel in Kissimmee, Florida. “Those that do may require it to have a chip. Visa and MasterCard are more widely accepted versus AMEX or Discover.”

Coe said it is best to get some local currency at an ATM or order some through your U.S. bank before you depart.

“Make sure to tell your credit card companies and banks you are traveling overseas so they don't think your card info has been stolen.”