FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the questions we hear most. If you have a specific question that isn't answered here, feel free to reach out.
General
Why should I work with a travel agent when I can just book travel on my own?
Working with Ben's Luxury Journeys allows you to focus on taking a vacation, and not having to worry about planning every detail. We take care of the planning and have extensive travel experience. We can make specific flight, hotel, cruise, guide, and transfer suggestions for you. Our team helps handle schedule changes, works to resolve any issues during travel, and partners with local providers to help you in destination. By working with us, you can avoid the hassles of travel and spend more time enjoying your trip.
Will working with a travel agent save money?
The goal of working with Ben's Luxury Journeys is to help you plan the best vacation. We offer the same pricing that hotels, cruise lines, and airlines have directly. We frequently have exclusive promotions that you cannot find anywhere else. Our goal is to offer you a stress-free vacation.
Do I need travel insurance? Is it mandatory?
Travel insurance is a personal decision. We cannot force you to purchase insurance, but it is highly recommended. We have a full page detailing travel insurance.
What types of trips do you book?
We have experience booking a wide variety of vacations — from cruises to hotel and flight packages, guided tours and private guides. Feel free to give us a call or send us an email if you have specific questions.
Can I cancel a trip and get a full refund?
Each trip is unique and depending on the type of travel, your cancellation policy will vary. We disclose any cancellation fees and the refund policy at the time of booking. As always, contact us with any specific trip questions.
Do you charge fees?
Most guests do not pay us service fees. We typically charge a fee when extensive planning is required, when changes are requested, or when trips are cancelled.
Land Travel
Do you book air?
At Ben's Luxury Journeys we help guests with air as part of a land package. We do not generally book 'air only' unless we have an existing customer with a booked trip.
Do you help groups?
We have experience working with small and large groups. Contact us for more details.
Can you help me plan a custom trip?
We specialize in fully custom itineraries and can tailor a trip exactly as you desire. We also have sample itineraries available to help guide you.
When should we start planning a trip?
Hotel and air schedules are released about 11 months before a trip. We usually suggest waiting until 9–10 months prior to book, but we often meet with guests earlier and set up a sample proposal with pricing finalized 9–10 months prior to departure.
Can I book with miles or points?
We charge a service fee to help guests that want to use points. Please make sure this is discussed during your initial meeting with us.
Do you book Airbnb, VRBO, or similar properties?
Due to liability reasons and inconsistent experiences, we are unable to work with Airbnb-style properties. We always suggest reputable hotels in centrally located areas to ensure a pleasant trip.
Will I earn points and be able to use my hotel or airline status?
If you have a specific hotel or airline loyalty status or are interested in earning points, please tell us during your initial consultation. Often we can accommodate this. Many times we may package air and hotels which may not earn points — if points/miles are important to you, please tell us right away.
Cruise-Specific
Are all cruises crowded?
No — there are many luxury and ultra-luxury ships that provide ample space per passenger. On larger contemporary cruise lines, there are often suite-only areas that offer dedicated lounges, outdoor spaces, private pools, and dedicated restaurants.
How do I find the best cruise for me?
At Ben's Luxury Journeys, we offer expert guidance to select the best cruise vacation for you. There are thousands of cruises available, and we work to match you with the perfect itinerary and ship.
Do I need a passport to cruise?
We always suggest using a passport. The official answer is 'it depends' — some closed-loop itineraries that depart and return to the US may only require a driver's license and birth certificate. However, if you run into any issues or get diverted to a foreign country, it is much harder to get home without a passport.
Will I get seasick?
Modern cruise ships have stabilizers to reduce some of the motion at sea, and larger ships generally feel less motion. There is never a way to guarantee you will not feel motion sickness. Guests prone to motion sickness are encouraged to work with their doctor to discuss medications.
When is the best time to book a cruise?
Generally the further out, the better. Experienced cruisers often book at the time a sailing is first announced, as prices typically rise as time goes on.
Still have questions?
Let's talk it through
Every trip is different. Reach out and we'll answer anything we didn't cover above.