What is my assurance that I get a fantastic travel experience when I work with 42 South Travel?
When you work with 42 South Travel, you are collaborating with the knowledge, expertise, and connections of Departure Lounge. You gain insight and leveraged access to insider experiences worldwide from a very well-traveled and helpful professional. We provide clients with the best current options for accommodations (hotels or homes), experiences and transportation, while often providing complimentary VIP perks and upgrades that cannot be secured when booking your own travel.
How is this possible?
First, Departure Lounge is a member of the prestigious multi-billion-dollar travel agency network Virtuoso, and through that partnership, our contracted client perks with the top travel providers in the world are industry-best. Second, Departure Lounge’s sales volume and relationships have earned it membership in the top travel brands’ preferred agency programs, such as Four Seasons Preferred, Ritz-Carlton & Marriott Luxury Stars, Belmond Bellini Club, Rosewood Elite, and more than a dozen other comparable programs. All of these programs provide our clients with special added values, perks and upgrades. When it comes to access, Departure Lounge travel advisors have personal contact at the best travel provider companies and properties, and we make a considerable effort to facilitate and nurture those personal connections. These relationships lead to truly outstanding travel experiences.
Are there fees involved?
If you’ve already decided on the travel provider you want (i.e., the hotel, cruise or tour company), we’ll reserve your desired travel for you and charge no travel planning fees. If you want a collaborative exploration of options with 42 South Travel for a custom experience, we request a planning fee of $350. For that fee, we work with you to get to know you and your criteria for the trip, and deliver options for you to consider, reserves the options you choose, checks in with you during the trip to make sure it’s going well and follows up with you after the trip to learn what was ideal and what could have been improved . . . so we can make the next journey even more spectacular. For a five-star traveler, the upgrades and perks we deliver typically far outweigh this planning fee. Also, our planning fee is covered by travel insurance, so if you decide to purchase travel insurance, the fee is counted as one of the non-refundable travel expenses that are covered. While we charge a fee for the time we spend researching and planning your trip, our relationships with our suppliers and partners, that gives us buying power and gives you an advantage. Our memberships allow us to offer our clients exclusive opportunities that are not available online. Often, clients find that they more than make up the planning fee in the discounts, food and beverage credits, extra amenities, and value-added services.
What are the benefits of working with 42 South Travel?
Personalized service and customized itineraries. Attention to detail - If there is a problem when you are traveling I am a text, phone call, or email away. Great value, even on a quick hotel booking I offer you perks, amenities, and upgrades that are only available through an advisor. We help you make good buying decisions. Our connections provide expertise and on the ground info to ensure a seamless experience.
Should 42 South Travel reserve your air travel or private aviation?
Yes, for two reasons. First, if we don’t reserve your air travel, we are legally not allowed to assist with any flight changes or interruptions that may occur during your trip. Our clients avoid being on hold for long periods or standing in long lines if we’ve booked their flights. Second, 42 South Travel has access to special air contracts globally that often deliver considerable savings to our clients for international front-of-the-plane flights or private jet trips. Depending on the desired flights, there may be a ticketing fee required. For clients using miles or points to reserve air, we will happily arrange the rest of your trip, but we will not be able to access your flight records to assist you with any flight changes during your travel.
Why do we recommend travel insurance?
We always recommend the purchase of travel protection coverage right at the time travel is booked. A layer of protection. Save hundreds or thousands of dollars. Your trip is an investment.
When should I expect to receive my travel documents?
You will receive your document package within 2-3 weeks before departure complete with all the necessary papers and information about your trip.
Will I need a passport or visa?
To travel outside the United States, you need a passport valid for 6 months after your ticketed return date. (Avoid waiting until the last minute to apply or renew your passport as processing times can vary.) To be in compliance with the Real ID act, residents of some states may need to use their passports to also board domestic flights, so check to see if this applies to you. As for a Visa, some countries require American travelers to have a tourist visa. I’ll advise if you’re traveling somewhere a tourist visa is needed and can assist you in obtaining one.