
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Travelers Who Need Special Assistance
You must report any disability requiring special attention to Cosmos at the time the reservation is made. Cosmos will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled travelers, but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so nor is it responsible for any denial of services by carriers, hotels, restaurants, or other independent suppliers. The Americans with Disabilities Act is only applicable within the United States and facilities for disabled individuals are limited outside its borders. Most transportation services, including the touring motorcoach, are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a vacation participant for walking, dining, getting on and off motorcoaches and other vehicles, or other personal needs. A qualified and physically able companion must accompany travelers who need such assistance and must assume full responsibility for their well being. With prior permission and waivers, we will attempt to accommodate motorized scooters on domestic tours as the itinerary permits. The passenger assumes the full risk of use and of any prohibitions imposed by vendors. Generally motorized scooters are not allowed on international tours.
Not Included in the Vacation Price
Federal Inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigration; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; any other taxes; security fees; airport taxes and fees; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour Director, Cruise Director, driver, Local Guides, and ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; mini bar; alcohol, beverages, and food not on the regular table d’hôte menu (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); optional excursions; porterage at airports and train stations; travel protection; excess baggage fees; and all other items of a personal nature.
What size can my suitcase be?
Due to limited coach capacity, your bag should have dimensions not exceeding 30"x21"x11" (62" linear dimensions) or weight exceeding 50 lbs. Carry-on bags should not exceed the dimensions of 12"x11"x6". Please note that air carriers, cruise lines and other forms of transportation may have other restrictions and requirements including weight, and we recommend that you contact the suppliers directly for additional information. We regret we are unable to accept a second suitcase or any luggage exceeding these limits.
What is the difference between a twin-bedded room and a double room?
A double room is a room designed to accommodate two people, though not necessarily with two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size; this is what we usually reserve for our travelers.
What size is a triple room?
A triple room is the same size as a twin-bedded room. It will have beds to accommodate three people; however, we cannot guarantee that there will be three separate beds. If there are only two beds, a rollaway may be requested but also cannot be guaranteed.
What is a "Guarantee Share"?
To provide an alternate to the single room supplement, we accept reservations on a "guarantee share" basis. We charge the basic twin price and match up singles of the same gender in twin-bedded rooms. If no other traveler has booked on a guarantee share basis, Cosmos will absorb the single room supplement, and that traveler will be accommodated in a single room at no extra charge. "Guarantee share" is only available on certain vacations.
How is seating determined on the coach?
We offer daily rotation of seating, which gives everyone a variety of views.
When will I receive my travel documents?
Travel documents, including any paper air tickets or e-ticket itineraries, are sent by regular ground delivery approximately two to three weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received. If available, a service charge per reservation is added for documents requested in advance and/or for two-day delivery. Please indicate at the time of reservation whether you prefer regular ground delivery or two-day delivery. (Two-day delivery with related charges is required for reservations made within 45 days of commencement of services.)
When can I purchase optional excursions?
Your Tour Director/Local Host will go through the optional excursions for purchase while you are on vacation. You may choose and purchase any optional excursions at that time. A list of optional excursions will be included in your documents for review prior to departure.
Why is it important that I give my name as it appears on my passport?
Due to increased travel security around the world, it is now more important than ever that your bookings with airlines, hotels, cruise liners etc. match your first and last name exactly as it reads on your passport. Additionally any changes to your air and cruise bookings, which include spelling, may be subject to a change fee, penalties or cancellation. We also recommend a minimum of three blank pages in your passport for stamps while traveling.
Do I need a passport and a visa?
For vacations requiring visas for U.S. citizens, detailed visa information will be mailed or faxed. You are responsible for obtaining and payment of all visas and entry documents prior to travel, and for meeting all health and other requirements and any documents required by laws, regulations, orders, and/or requirements of the countries to be visited. Non-U.S. citizens must consult with appropriate consulates to determine if any visas are needed and are responsible for obtaining all visas and entry documents independently. All passengers traveling internationally are required to have a passport. Most countries require that the passport be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the conclusion of your trip. It is recommended you have a minimum of six blank pages in your passport when traveling as many countries require blank pages. Multiple-entry visas are required for some vacations. You will need to check with your consulate to verify all requirements.
Why should I choose Cosmos?
More than four decades ago, Cosmos virtually invented the budget vacation. Since then we've refined the concept of low-cost travel packages for the practical consumer. Traveling with Cosmos is far easier than going it alone. Our experts have created itineraries to combine the must-see sights with free time in key cities for more flexibility. Because Cosmos specializes in packaged travel arrangements, you can visit fabulous national parks and exciting cities in Europe and North America at a remarkable price.