Frequently Asked Questions : Vietnam Vacations : China Tour Packages by Explorient.com

Since our inception in 1994, the very cornerstone of our success has been providing superior quality services with the sole mission of achieving "total customer satisfaction" for each and everyone of our valued guests. As a full service travel provider and a leader in Orient travel, our guests enjoy the peace of mind that they are looked after throughout their entire holiday experience -- from the moment of their very first inquiry, all they way to the final return of their trip. We continuously upgrade our programs by analyzing current and future trends, conduct periodic quality checks on all of our services, and strengthen ties with our travel partners to deliver the most ground-breaking, highest quality and value-driven tour packages in the market place.

While we strive to offer the most expansive array of high-quality programs to Asia in the marketplace, we also recognize there is no "one size fits all" for everyone. This is where experience counts. Each one of our travel professionals possesses profound knowledge of the destinations we offer. This uncommon expertise enables us to swiftly tailor your trip to the Far East with absolutely boundless possibilities. We welcome and encourage our customers to contact us by telephone. No "e-mail only" correspondences. No automated telephone options. Just friendly and expert service when you need it. With Explorient, you can rely on us to bring you the best value for your money with a level of service that goes beyond your expectations.

Equally as important as service and quality is our rock-solid financial stability. As a testament to this accomplishment, Visits Plus, Inc. has been entirely debt-free with strong cash positions throughout our existence, which includes the travel industry's darkest hours. In the case of SARS & September 11th, full and prompt cash refunds were issued to all confirmed passengers who did not wish to travel. Furthermore, our overseas business partners have neither received a single late payment nor experienced any monetary disputes during our ten years of operation. This simply translates into better care for each and every one of our valued guests even under the most difficult situations. This is an achievement of which we are very proud. Verifiable references by our clients, financial institutions, and our business partners (airlines, hotels, ground operators, etc.) are available upon request.

How do I book one of your tours?

You may book our tours on any of our products by contacting us via email at reservations@explorient.com, or simply call us at 800-785-1233. If the requested tour is available, a deposit or full payment will be required to secure the reservation, depending on the reservation date relative to the departure date. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions section for payment and cancellation information.

Are your tours customizable?

Absolutely! All of our tours are completely customizable to suit your specific interests and needs. Our extensive knowledge and contacts in each country enable us to tailor your trips with boundless possibilities. Our travel experts will be more than happy to assist you with putting together that perfect vacation!

▲Top of page

Can you arrange tours for group travel?

Absolutely! Our special groups department would be happy to assist you for groups of any size to any destination. Depending on the size of your group, special discounts may be available. Please contact us at 800-785-1233 for more information.

Do you accept children on your programs? Are there any discounts for children?

Most of our programs are very suitable for children. In fact, we welcome children on our tours. We have Family Holidays packages designed specifically for children of all ages. We offer discounts to children traveling under 12 years of age. The discount will vary depending on the tour package and lodging arrangements.

Do you only sell tour packages? Can I purchase just an airline ticket or just a hotel room?

Our business model is focused on packaged tours and we do not accept single element bookings (i.e. just airfare or just hotel). However, we can arrange hotels or airfares if they are accompanied by one or more travel service (i.e. transfers, sightseeing, hotel + air, etc.).

Do I need to guarantee my reservation with a credit card or some form of deposit?

To confirm the reservation, a deposit and/or full payment is required depending on the time of booking relative to your departure date. Please visit our Terms & Conditions section for more information.

How do I make payment?

Payment can be by fax or by mail. We accept personal checks and major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and American Express) All payments made using credit cards will be charged in US Dollars.

What is your cancellation/refund policy?

Please refer to our Terms & Conditions section for payment and cancellation information.

Do you offer Travel Protection/Insurance?

Although all of the packages offered by Explorient have public liability and accident insurance coverage, anyone joining one of our programs should have adequate personal insurance against medical and accident risks, evacuation, and repatriation. Explorient will not be responsible for loss or damage to personal possessions, and we recommend supplemental travel insurance to cover Trip Cancellation, Baggage Delay/Loss, Accidental Benefits, Travel Delays and Emergency Assistance. Travel insurance by Travel Guard can be arranged through Explorient. Click here for coverage and pricing information.

▲Top of page

Once confirmed, are all departures Guaranteed?

Yes, once full payment is received . Please refer to our Terms & Conditions section for more information.

When do I receive my final trip documentation?

Your final trip documents will be sent to you upon receipt of your final payment. The documentation includes confirmed itinerary with flight details, airline tickets, hotel and ground services vouchers, a complete list of local contact persons and numbers, hotel addresses with telephone/fax numbers, airport transfers information, etc.

What Visas are required for my tours?

Different policies apply with regards to VISA for each country you wish to enter. It also depends which country's passport you are holding. For U.S. Citizens, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Vietnam require VISA for entry. For more information about a specific country, please visit our Destination Guides section.

How do we get the visa for our trip?

We can assist you with obtaining Visas for China. For countries requiring Visas besides China, you will need to apply for these Visas yourself. Country specific Visa application information can be found under our Destination Guides section.

Are there any immunizations requirements for my trip?

Most countries do not require immunizations for entry unless the traveler is coming from a yellow fever infected area. For traveling into the countryside, immune globulin is also recommended to combat hepatitis A, as is typhoid immunization. You may visit our Destination Guides for additional health information specific to each country. For the most updated information, please contact CDC in Atlanta or visit their web site at http://www.cdc.gov

▲Top of page

What is the baggage allowance on the flights?

Baggage allowance on transpacific flights is two pieces of checked baggage totaling 106 inches (sum of the three dimensions). For domestic flights within China, there is a 1 piece check-in allowance at 20kgs/44lbs. Carry-on is limited to one piece and can not exceed 20x40x55cm or weigh more than 5kgs/11lbs.

Can I upgrade my flight or hotel reservations, or make other special requests for my package?

Yes. All of our tours are completely customizable. We can arrange upgrades for flights and hotels at additional costs. Unfortunately, upgrades using frequent flyer miles/points are not permitted since our Air & Land packages are based on special contracted rates.

Will we receive frequent flyer/traveler credit for flights and hotel stays?

Frequent flyer/travel credit for hotels is not available on our tours. However, some airlines do offer frequent flyer credit. Please contact us to find out if the flights you’re booked on offer these credits.

How do I meet with my guide upon arrival?

Arrival transfer will be provided for all of our tour packages, even if you arranged your own international flight. After you have cleared customs formalities and claimed your baggage, please proceed to the exit. Your guide (except in Japan) will be waiting for you there and holding a sign with your name.

Do your travel guides speak English?

Yes. All of our travel guides are English speaking.

How do I tip on the trip?

Tipping to the guide /driver is a common practice. The average is about $5-10 per person / day to the guide and $2-$3 per person / day to the driver. Tipping for bell service is also expected at all hotels. Tipping in restaurants and other services varies by destination. Please visit our Destination Guides for country specific information related to tipping.

What kind of lodging can I expect from the package?

Our programs furnish Western-style first-class and deluxe accommodations, ranging from 3 to 5 stars, where available. You may visit the Hotels section under each tour for specific information about the hotel(s) included in the package.

What is a Single Supplement?

All of our programs are priced based on double occupancy. If you wish to occupy a room by yourself, a single supplement will be applied to cover the additional hotel room costs.

Can I make changes to my itinerary once the trip is confirmed?

You may change your itinerary prior to departure. However, a change fee may apply depending on the type and timing of change. Changes during your trip are not permitted. If these changes must be made due to personal reasons, you will be responsible for making these arrangements with the airlines and/or ground operator(s). Additional fees may apply.

▲Top of page

Questions or comments about the site? Email the Webmaster