Frequently Asked Questions
What does Avant-Garde Travel do?
Avant-Garde Travel is a boutique travel company that specializes in group travel, custom vacation planning, honeymoons & destination weddings, escorted tours, river and ocean cruising and luxury hotels. Avant-Garde Travel designs once in a lifetime experiences for our clients based on their individual needs and interests. We look forward to planning your next adventure!
Why work with a travel advisor?
- Personalized Planning
Whether you’re the do-it-yourself type or are looking for someone to completely take the reins, when you collaborate with a travel advisor your trips will be tailored to your needs, interests and budget. - Global Expertise And Connections
Not only do our travel advisors have extensive personal knowledge of destinations around the world, they have relationships with people in those areas who can arrange experiences that make a trip truly extraordinary. - Value For The Money
A travel advisor has access to the same (and usually better) pricing than you can find online and can secure special perks like free room upgrades, daily breakfast, and other benefits you can’t get on your own. - VIP Treatment
A travel advisor can get you exclusive access to events, private tours and other extras, from a private, after-hours opera performance at the Sistine Chapel to a one-on-one professional photography lesson during an expedition to see the Northern Lights. - Peace Of Mind
In addition to saving you time, stress and money, your travel advisor is available 24/7 before, during and after your trip – so you can truly relax and enjoy yourself.
Do you charge fees?
Yes. Our advisors charge trip planning service fees. These fees cover all the upfront work we do in preparing and researching your trip and making recommendations tailored to your personal style and price range – including destination selection, air and land segments, private transfer arrangements, recommending and organizing daily activities/touring, itinerary and document preparation.
Our custom planning fees vary due to the length, complexity of the trip and components needed. The initial consultation is complimentary. We will advise upfront planning fees before any work is done for your trip.
Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance to protect your vacation investment. Travel Insurance offers protection against a wide-range of covered reasons on every continent around the globe. It can reimburse your prepaid expenses if you have to cancel your trip, provide emergency medical transportation if you need help, cover the cost of lost or damaged luggage and much more. Please contact your travel advisor for a personalized quote or click here.
What kind of identification do I need to travel?
Beginning October 1, 2021, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
For international travel, clients are required to have a valid passport that does not expire for 6 months beyond travel. For information on obtaining or renewing a passport, visit the State Departments’ website at www.travel.state.gov/passport.
Do I need vaccinations for my trip?
Vaccination requirements vary by country. Please consult with your personal physician, a local travel clinic, or visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website for current information about recommended and required vaccinations.
Do I need a visa for my trip and can you help me obtain one?
Avant-Garde Travel provides visa information and services for clients who have booked their travel through our agency.
Visa requirements vary by destination and are subject to change without notice. It is the sole responsibility of each guest to check with the appropriate consulates for your nationalities specific visa requirements.
US Citizens can visit www.travel.state.gov for more information.
How can I travel during COVID-19?
All air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States. Visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website for more information.
The list of domestic and international travel destinations that you can safely travel to is ever-changing, so all outbound passengers should check with the U.S. Embassy and your travel advisor before finalizing travel plans.
Avant-Garde has partnered with a COVID Testing company to offer our clients quick turnaround times and a discount on their next Rapid Antigen or RT-PCR Testing. Please contact your advisor for more details.
How do I connect with one of your advisors?
Please fill out our contact form or call us 619-446-6400 to set up your appointment.