Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Won't I just feel like a number in such a large group?
A. Our private jet accommodates a maximum of 72 travelers on a plane
designed to hold 180 passengers. Travelers are divided into two groups, each with its own Travel Guild tour leader. Travelers stay with this group & leader for the entire tour & get to know each other quite well, providing a small group experience within the larger tour. When we're touring by motorcoach, each group typically will have its own coach & local guide & may visit sites in a different order. Having only 30 or so people on a full-size coach offers an added level of comfort.
Q. What are the tour leaders like?
A. Our tours are hosted and escorted by experienced and dedicated leaders who love what they do. Although they work hard to avoid problems and making sure we get the most out of our holiday, they enjoy their esponsibilities not as a job, but as a part of the group. They recognize that every trip is one of discovery and of making new friends; their reward is to see that we have the best time of our life.
Q.
What are the hotels like?
A. We stay in 4 and 5 star hotels wherever available. In a few locations, we stay in the best locally available hotels.
Q. What is the crew like?
A. The same crew stays with us for the whole trip. Typically, we'll have three pilots, six flight attendants and an engineer.
Q. When do we fly?
A. We fly during the day generally departing at 10:30 or 11 am. Lunch and drinks onboard. Overnights are always at a hotel.
Q. What is the food like (on the plane and off)?
A. Hot meals and open bar on the aircraft, a wide variety of foods at hotels and restaurants, often buffet style so you can pick and choose and sample foreign fare.
Q. What if I have special dietary needs?
A. Most dietary concerns can be accommodated on the aircraft and dining venues.
Q. What immunizations and entry visas will I need?
A. Please refer to the brochure for specific requirements. A few of our
destinations require an entry visa.
Q. How much physical activity is required?
A. Due to the nature of this tour, we request that passengers be healthy and mobile. In fairness to the other travellers, preferential consideration cannot be extended. We cannot guarantee that special need facilities will be available.
Q. What are the aircraft seats like?
A. On some aircraft there are a few “big seats” available at a premium. Where there are three seats across, only two are used per couple. There are no seat assignments, seats are chosen upon boarding and you will have an equal opportunity to have first choice in rotation order by group.
Q. Is there an opportunity to go off on my own?
A. Some free time is included in each itinerary. You can opt out of any day's tour if you'd like to do something different (or just sleep in).
Q. How is your tour different from other private jet tours?
A. Our tour offer more value for the price than any similar tour. We stay at destinations longer and include sightseeing and evening events, virtually everything is included!
Q. What do I need to bring, e.g., what types of clothes?
A. In general, dress for our tours is casual. You will receive further detailed information regarding - itinerary - hotels - health - passport and visa requirements - “what to wear?”, etc.
Q. What do we do with our winter coats?
A. A soft-sided nylon bag will be given to you to put your winter coat, hat, and gloves in. This will be stored in the aircraft until needed again.
Q. What is the history of Travel Guild?
A. Travel Guild Inc. (TGI) was incorporated in 1975. Since then, the company has organized and operated all-inclusive style escorted holidays and tours of good quality, primarily for the Retired Teachers of Ontario and the IODE. TGI is licensed by the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO), is a member of the international Air Transport Association (IATA), the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The concept of a world tour by private aircraft was first introduced by the founder of the company, Ben Nierop, Sr., in 1954 for the Austin Motor Company in the UK. Since that time TGI has operated world tours in the nineteen-eighties, nineties and most recently in 2004, 2005, 2006 (2) and 2007.
Q. How much luggage may I bring?
A. Baggage allowance is limited to one (large) suitcase and one carry-on bag with wheels (supplied) per person, for expediency in handling. Gratuities are included for only one suitcase per person.
Q. What if I become ill?
A. Medical facilities are available at all our destinations. Medical insurance is highly recommended. If you cannot continue your journey, our local agents will look after your needs until you can return home.
Q. What will the temperatures be like?
Phone: 905-760-9229 Toll Free: 1-800-268-4284
Fax: 905-760-8550
e-mail: tgimail@idirect.ca