Question 1

Do you book our flights?

Accepted Answer

Participants must book their own flights. We will provide assistance and guidance in booking flights if needed.

Question 2

When should I book my flights?

Accepted Answer

Before you book any non-refundable airfare, please check with us to confirm the trip has reached the required minimum number of guests. (Each trip has a specific minimum number of guests in order to be financially viable.) Because of our small group size, most of our trips sell out early, but occasionally a trip will take longer to sell. If the minimum number of guests has not been met within 90 days of the trip start date, we may need to cancel or reschedule the trip. 
Please do not purchase non-refundable airfare or incur other non-refundable costs until you confirm with us that the minimum number of participants has been met.

Question 3

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Accepted Answer

We can try to accommodate as best we can. However, some destinations are more limiting in cuisine and ingredient usage. For example, it's harder to find gluten-free options in Japan because soy sauce is widely used in the cuisine (which is typically not gluten-free). If you have any concerns, feel free to ask us!

Question 4

Does everyone have their own room?

Accepted Answer

All our trips are organized and priced based on single occupancy at all the places we stay.

If you're traveling with a friend or a family member and prefer to share a room, we can typically offer you a discount. We don't match you with guests you don’t already know, and we NEVER charge a single supplement.

Question 5

How active are your trips?

Accepted Answer

In general, we require that everyone be able to walk 3-4 miles in a day and be comfortable navigating stairs and uneven sidewalks or paths.

Question 6

Will the itinerary ever change?

Accepted Answer

We make every effort to stick to the advertised itinerary. But sometimes factors outside our control - weather, construction, changes in hotel ownership, strikes, etc. - can impact an itinerary and make it necessary to adapt and make changes. When substitutions are necessary, we strive to maintain the same level and class of service as the original itinerary.

Question 7

Do you offer travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

We do not. However, to protect yourself from the unexpected, we recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip. We recommend Allianz Travel Insurance.

Question 8

What are my payment options?

Accepted Answer

Once you decide you'd like to join one of our trips, there are two ways you can pay: 1) pay a 35% deposit when you book, with the remaining balance due 90 days before the trip starts. We accept check or bank transfer.

Question 9

Do I need vaccinations or other health checks?

Accepted Answer

Many countries require vaccinations and/or other health tests for entry. We require everyone traveling with us to conform to the entry requirements of each country we visit. While it is everyone’s right to decide whether or not they want to receive a vaccination or perform any other health-related procedure, the failure to or decision not to meet the entry requirements of a country will prohibit you from joining the trip and does not qualify as a travel restriction that is the basis for a refund.

Please review the CDC website for recommendations and guidance for each country you plan to join us in. We also recommend checking in with a travel nurse or your PCP.
 
To help protect your immunity, the CDC recommends getting any vaccinations at least 1 month before you travel.

Question 10

What documentation do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

If you're traveling overseas, don’t forget your passport. It’s the one item that’s tough to replace. Please be sure you have enough blank pages in your passport that are free of stamps, and that it is valid for a full 6 months after your return from your trip.

If there are additional Visa requirements to enter a country, we'll let you know and guide you through the process to obtain it.

Question 11

What's included in the tour price?

Accepted Answer

Daily local tour guides.
All Airport Transfers.
Travel between cities in destination country.
Private ground transportation.
4 and 5 star hotel stays.
Meals covered: Daily breakfast, most lunch meals, and group dinners.
All entrance fees to scheduled gardens, temples, and cultural sites.
All scheduled daily activities.

Question 12

What is NOT included in tour price?

Accepted Answer

International airfare from home country.
Alcoholic beverages, beyond glass of beer or wine with dinner.
Local public transportation. A travel card app is recommended for smart phone; John will assist with setup.  Public transportation is very reasonable.

Question 13

What's your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Before 90 days, there is a $350 cancellation fee.
90–60 days before tour: 25% cancellation fee 
59–45 days: 50% cancellation fee
44–30 days: 75% cancellation fee
Less than 30 days: No refund 
No refunds once the tour has begun.

Cancellation Policy by Pacific Rim Tours: 
If minimum participant number is not met, tour may be canceled or postponed. 
If external events (e.g., natural disaster, pandemic) force cancellation, full refund minus planning costs will be issued or the option to apply payments towards future trip.

Question 14

I'm interested, but have a few more questions, how do I get in contact?

Accepted Answer

We're easy to get in contact with! Please give us a call at 608-215-5523 during business hours.

Question 15

I want to go! What's next?

Accepted Answer

Amazing! We so look forward to having you! Please email us at john@pacificrimtours.com to begin your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions