FAQ

Let's face it, women travel together differently than couples or families travel together. Our trips are designed with the solo woman traveler in mind. We offer opportunities to explore the culture of destinations through its food, drink, and unique activities while sharing these experiences with others like us. The conversations, laughs, and friendships formed are as memorable as the events we participate in. Whether we are shopping, relaxing at the spa, attending wine tastings or learning to cook a local dish, the connections we make with both the area and with those in our group are cherished long after the last sip of wine is finished. Safety and security are at the top of the list for why women prefer to travel in a group and not alone. Another reason is for the camaraderie experienced when traveling with others like us. And, of course, having someone take care of all the tiny details so we can be pampered and enjoy a stress-free break from reality really tops off the entire experience. After spending our lives taking care of everybody else, we are ready to sit back and have somebody take care of us for a change. Unique Journeys and Tours is able to fill each of these needs by not only offering a fabulous trips but having a Tour Leader accompany each trip to perform behind the scenes magic for smooth sailing and to add a few 'Oh WOW!' moments along the way.

Our relationships with the best Tour Operations in the industry ensure that you are getting some of the top experiences and values out there. While best value will not always be the cheapest, it will offer you more for your dollars. With our connections, we are able to grab tickets to prime events or skip-the-line attractions that you may be unable to get on your own. The combined years of experience between our Travel Consultants and Tour Operators along with the feedback from those that have traveled in the past, helps us create the itineraries and extra special touches that have you reliving the experience long after you are back home. Not only will you be escorted by one of our Tour leaders, but you will also have local Tour Guides to share the history of destinations that we travel to and showcase some of our more popular attractions. Discovering how life really is in each area and how it compares to life where we live, is always fascinating to me. Sure, you could soend countless hours trying to put together a plan, without the resources available to us or the special touches we add, but why would you when we can do it so easily for you?

All of our trips include a combinations of group time and free time. Everyone has their own style of travel and attractions that they don't want to miss. Having free time allows you the opportunity to visit those attractions that we are not able to cover in our itinerary. Don't worry if you are traveling solo. We will always offer suggestions of things to do, places to see or restaurants to try during your free time and an opportunity to do it with others. And for those that need some quiet time to recharge, this will be the perfect time to slip away on your own.

Unique Journeys and Tours specializes in group trips for women as well as group trips for companies that are looking to strengthen relationships with their clients while increasing their bottom line and adding to their client base. Some of the businesses that work with us are in the food and beverage industry (wine bars, vineyards, breweries, restaurants, chefs, authors) as well as women's organizations, country clubs, including golf and tennis groups and fundraising Organizations. We also try to offer a couple of group trips each year that include: -Mixed Solo Travelers: the guys want a chance to travel sometimes too! -Mixed Groups that include solo travelers and/or couples Check out the available or upcoming Tours to see the next Mixed Solo or Mixed Solo Group trips.

The majority of women in our groups arrive as solo travelers. There is a mix of single, divorced, widowed and married with husbands unable to travel or with no desire to travel. Some of our women travelers bring friends or Moms or sisters, which is always welcome. Most of our travelers are in their 40's to 70's with the average in their 50's to 60's. The background of our group is diverse. We have solo travelers that are experiencing their 1st group trip and those that are pros now. We have college-educated entrepreneurs running their own business along with professionals still in the work force. We also have stay at home momes that have spent their life taking care of everyone else and are now adjusting to their life as an empty nester and excited about the opportunity to pamper themselves on vacation while making choices just for themselves. No matter who you are or where you are coming from, just know you may be traveling solo but you are never traveling alone.

Most of our trips include Double Occupancy pricing with a limited number of Single Occupancy rooms/cabins available. It is best to book your reservation as soon as you can in order to secure a Single Occupancy room, where available, if that is your preferred choice since these are typically limited. Most Single Occupancy rooms will include a Single Supplement fee unless a single promotion is in effect.

For those that would like the option of sharing a room, we will offer an oportunity for you to meet others, in our private online group, that are also looking for someone else to share a room with.

Our group size can change depending upon the destination we are traveling to and mode of transportation. Our women's group sizes are generally between 10 and 24 travelers with the average 12 to 16 group travelers. We try to keep smaller group sizes, so you spend less time in lines and more time enjoying your vacation. Smaller groups also make getting to know each other a little easier. For cruising, the group may be larger. Group sizes limits will be listed with Itineraries of each trip.

A moderate level of activity is anticipated on most trips. Typically, there will be daily walking involved and often on uneven surfaces (especially in Europe). The activity level will be posted on each Tour listed. Please contact our office if you have any concerns or mobility issues.

We also try to offer a couple of group trips each year that include: -Mixed Solo Travelers- the guys want a chance to travel sometimes too! -Mixed Groups that include solo travelers and/or couples Check out the available or upcoming Tours to see the next Mixed Solo or Mixed Group Trips.

Unique Journeys and Tours is a full-service Travel Agency. We offer custom group travel planning in addition to our already set group tours. We will be glad to work with you to determine your best options, depending upon the size of your group, and plan the perfect trip for your group. Please contact our office for more information.

Many of our past travelers like help planning other family or friend trips that do not include group travel. Unique Journeys and Tours is a full-service Travel Agency and would love to take the stress away and plan that perfect getaway. Please contact our office to get started.

We plan our yearly itineraries based on current popular destinations and feedback from our clients. If you don’t see an itinerary or destination that you were hoping for, please contact us and let us know. We will let you know if it is in the works for the future or possibly add it to our list of future travel options. If you are interested in traveling to a destination that is not currently listed and already have a group that you would like to travel with, we will be glad to

If you are interested in traveling on a tour that we have listed, it is best to reserve your spot as soon as possible. This helps ensure the best availability and early pricing, if applicable. Our group sizes are smaller, offering a more intimate travel setting, so they do fill up quicker. If you are hoping for a Single Occupancy room, we typically have a limited number available so reserving your spot as early as possible increases your chances of securing the room that you prefer.

Pricing is listed as Double Occupancy. If Single Supplements are available, they will be listed with the tour information. Any Single Supplement Promotions will also be listed with the tour information.

Travelers come from various destinations to arrive at our departure city. Some pay for their airfare while others like to use points and rewards programs. Because of this, airfare is not included in the price of the tour. Unique Journeys and Tours is happy to help you with any air arrangements that you may need.

It is always recommended to arrive in your departure city at least 1 day prior to the departure of the tour. This helps in case you experience flight delays due to weather or mechanical issues. Unfortunately, this happens far too often. Pre and Post stays will be available for most tours. We try to stay in hotels located in central locations for easy access to attractions. Since these hotels often fill up, please let us know as soon as possible if you would like to arrive early or extend your vacation.

Certain exclusive attractions and events will be included as part of our group. Additional optional excursions will be available prior to your tour and/or offered while on the tour, depending upon the particular tour. Details will be listed with the tour information.

Some additional expenses that are not included in the tour price are: airfare, some transfers where not included in itinerary, meals and drinks not included in itinerary, travel insurance, airline baggage fees, passports and visas where needed. Personal expenses not included: souvenirs and gifts, spa service, laundry, phone calls, mini bar.

Tipping for local guides and your motor coach driver are included in the tour price. Tipping for your Tour Leader is not included but suggested general guidelines are offered prior to the trip to help you better prepare.

Once you indicate interest in a trip, a Credit Card Authorization Form will be emailed to you. The deposit required, based on the cost of the tour and any additional pre or post-nights and excursions will be included. Travel Insurance, which is optional but highly recommended, will also be included. You will need to fill out the form and return via our secure site, for the deposit to be made.

Payments can be made at any time prior to Final Payment.

Payments are typically due in full 90 days prior to departure date. You will receive a reminder email from Unique Journeys and Tours 3 weeks prior to this date. Please see your Tour Information for specific details.

Unfortunately, circumstances sometimes change requiring cancellation of a vacation. Cancellation fees will apply depending upon the number of days prior to departure that you need to cancel. Please see tour information for details. It is highly recommended that you have Travel Insurance in order to protect against loss. If you must cancel and do not have Travel Insurance, there is nothing that we can do to help alleviate cancellation or other fees that you will incur.

If you have additional questions, please contact info@UniqueJourneysAndTours.com or call our office at 832-761-0282. Our office hours are: Monday through Friday; 9:00am – 5:00pm CT Other times available by appointment only.

A Passport will be required for most travel with Unique Journeys and Tours. A copy of your Passport will be required before Final Documents can be issued. Please see details on your Tour for VISA requirements.

Names on your Passport/VISA must match exactly to the name on your Travel Documents. Any differences, even name misspelling or nicknames listed, can result in additional fines and penalties and the need to reissue tickets. Please confirm names on Passports/VISAS before giving the official name when booking your travel.

Documents are typically sent out 3 weeks prior to departure date. Additional Tips and Travel Information will also be included with your Travel Documents.

A private online group will be set up exclusively for our Tour Group. Once deposit is made, you will have access to this group. In this group, you will have an opportunity to ask questions and connect with others that will be traveling in our group.

Your Tour Leader will introduce herself to you in your exclusive online private group. Prior to travel, she will share tips, answer questions, and provide additional information on destinations you will be visiting and activities you will be participating in. She will help the group get acquainted before you even leave your house.