I could save money if I organised it myself. Why should I book through you?

If you require us to tailor-make a holiday then you will be using our expert knowledge and service. Although this will cost you more than if you were to try and book all these arrangements yourself, you will be getting the following benefits:

Our expert knowledge – not only do we know each area personally, we also regularly visit and experience the accommodation and tours we sell to ensure the highest standards are maintained.

• Reservations – we take all the administration out of your hands – a task which can often take a lot of time and energy, especially with language barriers.

• Financial Protection – by booking with us your money is protected by our ATOL licence.

• Service – throughout your holiday we provide you with contacts at hotels and our local ground agents, so that should you have a problem or a question then you will always have someone locally who can help you.

By making your own arrangements you may save some money but you will have no guarantee of quality, no reassurance that your money is safe and no peace of mind that there is someone close at hand throughout your trip just in case. Not to mention the time you will save by only dealing with one person for all arrangements.

Is there a best time of year to travel?

Luckily you can travel to Latin America and the Alternative Caribbean all year round. The best time to go varies according to the destination. We can let you know when the rainy season is and when there is a possibility of hurricanes. Remember to think well ahead for peak seasons as accommodation is in heavy demand and prices tend to be at their highest.

What flights can you book?

Our independent status allows us to use any airline to help you reach your destination.

British Airways has direct flights to, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Caracas, Bogota and Mexico City. Iberia flies to most destinations via Madrid. Continental Airlines fly via Houston to most Latin American countries. KLM flies from most regional UK airports via Amsterdam and Iberia operates from Manchester and Birmingham via Madrid. We can find the most suitable flights to fit in with your itinerary.

We have good economy fares and can also give advice on World Traveller Plus (BA) and business and first class for all airlines. Call us for information on seat pitch size and other benefits of upgrading.

Most airlines will allow 'open jaw tickets' (flying into one country and out of another) on their own services. For local flights within your destination country or countries we also have competitive fares using different air passes.

What sort of transport do you use within the country?

Private transfer - for speed and reliability this is most people's top option. Private, pre-booked taxi transfers, organised for you before you leave home. We can arrange for you to be accompanied by specialist guides who'll help to turn each transfer into your own exciting, fact-filled private tour.

Flights and private charters - go by air if your time is limited. Scheduled flights are available in all countries and private charters can be arranged in most. Nervous flyers should note that eight-seaters are often used on the more remote routes.

Are the hotels you book locally owned?

Wherever possible we recommend locally owned hotels with good standards over international chains, however they are not available everywhere so sometimes we have no choice.

If I am visiting a Spanish speaking country will I need to speak Spanish?

It is always flattering for the local people and helpful to yourselves if you try and learn a few words of Spanish, however most people in the tourist industry will speak some English. Most excursions arranged by Trips will be accompanied by an English speaking guide (this cannot be guaranteed in remote areas).

How safe are the areas you promote?

A difficult question to answer. We can only say that in 11 years of organising holidays the only reported problems have been a few minor thefts of personal belongings. You always take a risk travelling in more remote areas of the world but when you travel with us your trip will have been pre-planned in conjunction with local tour operators who are fully up-to-date with local situations.

Do I need injections?

Definitely - for some areas. We strongly recommend that you consult your GP well in advance of your departure to get the latest advice.

Are there facilities for disabled visitors?

Unfortunately not everywhere – however, let us know your requirements and we will try and tailor a trip around your needs.

Do you have any age or health restrictions on your trips?

No, our only requirement is that you travel with a comprehensive travel insurance. We do need to know if you are restricted in any way by your age and health so we can design an itinerary which will be comfortable for you.

What about travel insurance?

We sell a very comprehensive insurance cover – ask about our policies.

What about passports and visas?

Everyone travelling on our holidays requires an international passport with a minimum of six month’s validity from the date of their arrival. British passport holders do not require visas in any of our destinations, (with the exception of Venezuela where you must have a tourist card to gain entry overland). We can assist you in obtaining this. All other nationalities should check with the relevant embassies for visa requirements.

Are you bonded? How safe is our money?

We are bonded by the following organisations:-
Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL 3150)

Consumer Protection
The air holidays and flights in this brochure are ATOL Protected, since we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 3150. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for advance booking. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk.

Federation of Tour Operators
Trips Worldwide is a member of the Federation of Tour Operators (formerly Tour Operators' Study Group) - founded in 1967 - who provide some 90% of all overseas package holidays sold in the UK. They have provided effective financial protection to customers since 1970, and work to promote holidaymakers' interests to the government, hotels, airport authorities and others who have a part to play in ensuring high standards of customer satisfaction and environmentally sustainable tourism.

Travel Organisers Failure Cover
In compliance with the UK Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations of 1992 an insurance policy has been arranged with Travel and General Insurance Plc to protect the monies paid in respect of the travel arrangements offered in this brochure and to cater, where necessary (and subject to the terms of the insurance policy), for a refund of such monies and/or your repatriation to the UK in the unlikely event of our financial failure.

Responsible tourism – what are your ethics?

We believe we have a huge responsibility for our host countries acting as a tour operator in overseas destinations and we take this responsibility very seriously. Click here for more details.