Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make reservations?
You may make reservations by calling 920-734-5620 (in the Fox Valley) or 1-800-236-5511 (outside of the area) and one of our travel professionals will take your information and assist in answering any questions you may have.
What sort of deposit is expected?
A deposit of $100.00 per person (plus cancellation option charge, if selected) within 10 days of making the reservations is required for most overnight tours. On tours involving flights, $300.00 within 10 days is required. If the amount is different, it is listed.
When is full payment required?
For most motorcoach tours the balance is due 45 days prior to the trip’s departure. For most flying tours, the balance is due 60 days prior. All 1-day tours are to be paid in full within 10 days of making the reservation. If there is a different timeline, it will be specified in the tour description or will be on your deposit receipt.
Receipts are no longer sent when we receive your final payment. They will be sent only when we receive your deposit. The arrival of your final documents 7-10 days prior to your tour’s departure indicate that your full payment has been received.
Do you send an invoice for the full payment?
We do not send bills. You will receive a receipt for your deposit and it will note at the bottom the date final payment is due. You will also receive a questionnaire to fill out and return with your balance.
What about the payment for 1-day tours?
Payment in full is required within 10 days of making a reservation for a 1-day tour.
PAYMENT:
How do I pay for my trip?
We accept cash, checks, money orders and VISA or MASTERCARD.
When will I get my tickets in the mail?
In most cases, we do not get individual tickets for shows and performances. If we do, they will be passed out on the tour. In the case of airline tickets, if you are being taken to the airport on a Nationwide Travelers motorcoach, the tickets will be given to you then. If you are meeting the group at the airport, the tickets will be mailed to you.
When will I get my final documents?
Final documents are mailed 7 to 10 days prior to a tour departure and will specify the names, addresses and phone numbers of motels you will be staying at, the day-to-day itinerary, packing suggestions, general weather information, your luggage tags and any other pertinent information.
CANCELLATION:
What if I can’t go on the trip after I’ve paid my money?
If you do not have the Cancellation Protection Option and you are not able to find a replacement, the following penalties will apply:
Time to Departure/Penalty:
- More than 35 days (Extended tours)…..$25.00
The following applies to both Extended and 1 day tours:
- 35-15 days prior………5%
- 14-6 days prior………10%
- 5-3 days prior………..15%
- 2 days or less……….100%
Should the tour have non-refundable costs (for example, theater tickets) that amount will be charged in addition to the percentage shown above. Refunds will be issued on the first Friday of the month following the cancellation.
COMPARISON OF PROTECTION
What’s the difference between the two plans?
The Cancellation Protection Option protects you from non-refundable costs if you cancel on a Nationwide Traveler’s Motorcoach tour because of illness, injury or death in the family prior to the tour’s departure. It does not cover you once you are on the trip.
It costs an additional $25.00 per person for overnight tours of 2-4 days, $50.00 per person for overnight tours of 5 or more days and $15.00 per person for one-day tours. This overrides the percentage cancellation penalties listed and will insure that you are refunded any non-refundable amounts. It must be paid with your deposit 10 days after making your reservation, cannot be purchased less than 45 days prior to the tours departure and its cost is non-refundable.
Cancellation/Interruption insurance is offered by an independent insurance provider. A brochure is available through our office. It will also cover non-refundable costs of a tour but is purchased separately directly from the insurance company and the cost is based on the cost of the tour and the age of the insured. It covers you both prior to the tour departure and during the tour.
CANCELLATION ON FLYING TOURS
What about tours involving flights or cruises?
Cancellation policies for flying and cruise tours are set by the air and cruiselines and the cancellation penalties are different. We can inform you of the applicable cancellation policy when you make your reservation. Some flying and cruising tours do include cancellation insurance. If it is not included, we recommend that you purchase it. The brochures are available through our office but you make the arrangements directly with the insurance company.
BAD WEATHER
What if there is inclement weather on the day my tour departs?
There will be no refunds for inclement weather if the bus is able to travel and the attractions are not closed.
REACH US IN AN EMERGENCY
What if something happens when the office is closed and I need to reach you?
There is an emergency number listed on your itinerary for you to use.
GIFT CERTIFICATES
My parents travel with you all the time. Can I get them a gift certificate for their anniversary?
We have gift certificates available in any amount for any occasion. They can be purchased over the phone with a credit card and mailed to the person you are buying for. All we need is their name and address and who the gift certificate is from. We suggest that you purchase the certificate for a specific amount rather than for a specific tour.
LUGGAGE HANDLING
I can’t carry my own luggage. Is there an extra charge for that service?
Luggage handling is an included feature on most motorcoach tours.
SMOKING/DRINKING
Is smoking or drinking alcohol allowed on the motorcoach?
No – break stops are made every 2-3 hours. Smoking is not allowed on the motor coach. Alcohol is not permitted on any Nationwide retail tour. Alcoholic beverages in coolers can be stored under the motor coach in the luggage bay but cannot be taken out or consumed until arriving at the destination.
SINGLES
I don’t have anyone to travel with. Can you find me a partner?
We do not assign travel partners for singles. However, if you choose a tour where another single is looking for a partner, we will give you their information so you may contact them and then it is up to the two of you to decide if you wish to travel as partners.
LUGGAGE
How many suitcases can I take and is there a size requirement?
One large suitcase per person (50 lbs. or lighter) and 1 carry-on is allowed. The carry-on should be no larger than 15” x 10” x 6” high. A soft-sided carry-on made of canvas or soft leather is recommended. A camcorder is considered a carry-on, a purse is not.
TOURS IN CANADA
The tour I am interested in goes into Canada. Do I need a passport?
(Taken from the U.S. Dept. of State website: www.travel.state.gov) As of June 1, 2009, a PASSPORT WILL BE REQUIRED for ALL passage (land, sea and air) to and from Canada.
TOURS INTO MEXICO
The tour I am interested in goes into Mexico. Do I need a passport?
(Taken from the U.S. Dept. of State website: www.travel.state.gov) As of June 1, 2009, a PASSPORT WILL BE REQUIRED for ALL passage (land, sea and air) to and from Mexico.
PARKING
Where can I leave my car while I’m on tour?
Nationwide provides free parking at our office during any tour. Many other pick-up locations do as well. Nationwide and the owners of these parking lots are not responsible for vehicles.
PICK-UP POINTS
Where can I be picked up?
In MOST cases, the following are standard pickup points available free of charge. In the list that follows we have indicated which locations agree to allow overnight parking; however, Nationwide Travelers is not responsible for your vehicle. These are only suggestions of where overnight parking is available:
Appleton – Nationwide Travelers Office, 1103 S Lynndale Dr. Overnight parking available on south side of building.
Neenah – Twin Cities Diner, Hwys 41/114 (Green Bay Road). Park on south side, away from building. NO OVERNIGHT PARKING.
Oshkosh – J.C. Penney’s parking lot, Hwy 44 & Koeller Rd. Park at back edge of southeast corner. Overnight parking allowed.
Fond du Lac – Holiday Inn, Hwy 41 & Military Rd, 625 W Rolling Meadows Dr. Park in the southeast corner of lot. Overnight parking allowed.
Lomira – Exxon, Hwys 67 & 41. Overnight parking allowed at south end of Sports Shop
Slinger/Hartford/Allenton/West Bend – Park & Ride. Northeast side of Hwys 33 & 41. Overnight parking allowed.
Menomonee Falls/Germantown – McDonalds, Hwy 41 & Q/County Line Rd. NO OVERNIGHT PARKING.
Milwaukee – Watertown Plank Road Park & Ride, Exit 40 off Hwy 45 (just north of I-94 exit) 5 DAY PARKING LIMIT!!
Milwaukee – Target, 4777 South 27th St. Lot closest to 27th Street – back of lot. NO OVERNIGHT PARKING.
Racine – Ives Grove Park & Ride (next to Sheriff Substation). Hwy 20 & I-94. NO OVERNIGHT PARKING.
Kenosha – Days Inn, I-94 & Hwy 50. NO OVERNIGHT PARKING.
NOTE: The points south of Fond du Lac are not available on tours going North or West.
We offer the following pickups for an additional $10.00 per person, round-trip, on tours 3 days or longer: DePere (also available on one and two day tours for the $10.00 per person, round-trip charge); Shawano; Clintonville; New London; Manitowoc; Chilton; Waupaca; Fremont; and Stevens Point. Other pickup points are available for an additional charge. Please call our office for details or e-mail us. A Waupun pickup is available on Fireside tours.
SENIOR DISCOUNTS
I am a senior citizen. Do you offer a senior discount?
We get group pricing; therefore, our prices are discounted regardless of your age.
