Frequently Asked Questions
Which Should I Choose? Australia or New Zealand?
Australia and New Zealand, while relatively close geographically, offer very different experiences in terms of culture, landscape and activities. They're both fantastic destinations, offering a rich experience for most all age groups and people with a wide variety of interests. We'd encourage you to visit both! If you don't feel you have sufficient time to see both countries on one trip, review the rest of our website or call/email us. We'll be happy to talk with you about your specific interests and make suggestions about the right travel experience for you.
Why Use a Travel Agent to Plan my Trip?
The two main reasons are cost and expertise. First, we want to dispel one common misperception. It costs you virtually nothing to use a travel agent. We charge you nothing for our planning and booking services. The only fees we charge are $20 for the issuance of international plane tickets, and $15 for the issuance of domestic plane tickets. Otherwise, our services to you are free.
Since our business centers on planning travel to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, we are able to leverage our regional relationships and buying power to provide lower rates for you on most airfares, hotels, tours, cruises, and the like. More importantly, Australia and New Zealand are diverse destinations with an overwhelming number of travel choices. It would take time most of our clients don't have to plan the intricacies of a trip Down Under, with no assurance along the way that you're really making good choices. We know Australia and New Zealand, having traveled Down Under many times, connected with the travel/tourism industry there, and obtained Specialist Status with the Australian and New Zealand tourism boards. Our expertise means you can count on us to handle all the details to create the most memorable travel for you. Our client-focused service results in a trip that will be tailored to your style, incorporating experiences unique to you.
I want to go to Australia/New Zealand/South Pacific, but I don't want to be part of a Tour Group. Can I Still Use Peak Travel Partners?
Absolutely. Many of our clients are what we call "FIT's" (Fully Independent Travelers), and we actually love planning complex itineraries for people who want to explore Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific on their own, with their family, or as part of their own small group. We respect your desire to "do it your own way", and we'll love working with you!
I Prefer to Travel in a Group - let someone take care of everything while I'm Away, so I can sit back, enjoy, and meet my fellow travelers. Do you arrange Groups, or find a Group for Me?
Yes to both! We work with some of the largest, most respected tour operators in the Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific markets, so we can find a number of tour options that will likely pique your interest, or plan a customized tour for your group. Another popular option in this part of the world is to enjoy a cruise. Many options are available.
What's the Best Time of Year to Go?
It depends entirely on what you want to do. Both Australia and New Zealand are great destinations for either summer or winter (remember, the seasons are reversed. Summer in North America is winter Down Under, and vice versa). Want to ski in July? Head to New Zealand's South Island. Snorkel in January? That's a perfect time to visit the Great Barrier Reef and Far North Queensland in Australia. The South Pacific is paradise any time of year, though a little sunnier in our summer. Feel free to contact us, and we'd be happy to discuss the best time of year for your trip, given your interests and timetable.
I Don't Live on the West Coast. How do I handle the North American Portion of my Trip?
Peak Travel Partners is happy to plan all of your arrangements, including any air or hotel reservations necessary to connect with your flight to Australia, New Zealand or the South Pacific. Alternatively, many clients prefer to make their own flight arrangements to their West Coast gateway, often using frequent flier miles.
We want to have our wedding/anniversary someplace special. Can you help?
In our opinion, there's no better place to celebrate your wedding or anniversary than in one of the many picture perfect tropical resorts in the South Pacific or Australia. Let us take care of the details for you and your party.
Do I Need a Visa?
Australia requires an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for stays up to three months. They're electronically recorded with your passport number, so there's nothing to carry or affix to your passport, and they're easy to obtain - we'll handle it for you. New Zealand and most South Pacific islands only require a valid passport prior to entry. New Zealand does require proof of an onward plane ticket for entry as a visitor, which we'll include in your travel documents.
Should I Carry Travel Insurance?
Absolutely. We actually require it for the trips we plan. The cost is nominal, and the benefits to you are enormous, particularly if something unexpected happens that requires you to postpone or interrupt your trip.
What Quality Assurance does Peak Travel Partners Provide Me?
In addition to our $1 million E&O coverage through the leading travel industry professional liability carrier, we only work with respected travel supplier partners, hotels, and tour operators that have earned excellent reputations in our field. And if you need assistance on your trip, we are always accessible via telephone and email.
How do I Pay for my Trip?
Peak Travel Partners requires a 20% deposit at the time of booking. This is refundable in whole or in part if cancelled up to 60 days prior to your departure date. Payment in full is required 30 days prior to your departure. Certain airfares and other travel arrangements with rate structures and rules beyond our control may dictate different payment and/or refund arrangements. Peak Travel Partners accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. We offer a 2% discount for payment by check.
Peak Travel Partners
Phone: (954) 527-5061
Toll Free: (888)980-PEAK
travel@downunderguru.com
Florida Seller of Travel # ST37099
