Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about travelling with Star Tours

Search questions

Preparing for your Tour

What currency do I need?

How much currency should I take?

Will I need travel insurance?

Will I need vaccinations?

What is the baggage allowance?

How many pieces of luggage can I take on a flight?

What should I carry in my hand luggage?

What should I pack for a Swiss Express or Swiss Alpine tour?

Should I take a travel adaptor?

Do hotels have free Wi-Fi?

How can I make phone calls home whilst on tour?

What type of clothing should I take?

Are towels provided in the hotels?

Will toiletries be provided?

Hotels

What star rating are the hotels?

What is a single supplement and when does it apply?

What should I expect from a triple room?

What are the room options for a family of four?

How are double beds configured in European hotels?

Where are the hotels located?

Are triple rooms larger than other room types?

What can I expect regarding room and bed sizes in Europe?

Will I be told the hotels in advance?

Do hotels have air conditioning?

What are typical check-in and check-out times?

Will there be extra charges for hotel facilities?

Is there a lift in the hotels?

Can you arrange pre and post-tour accommodation?

Why do Swiss, Austrian and German hotels often push two single beds together?

What if the hotel doesn't meet my expectations?

Making a Booking

How do I make a booking?

Do tours sell out?

What types of tours does Star Tours offer and how do they differ?

What is included and not included in the tour price?

Is this tour suitable for first-time international travellers?

Can Star Tours arrange a private or customised group tour?

What is a FIT (Fully Independent Travel) or customised faraway tour?

How long will you hold a provisional booking?

I do not have my passport number yet - can I still book?

How important is it to have names exactly as per passport for flight tours?

Can I book a particular seat on the coach?

What is a front seat supplement?

What do the different fare options mean?

What room type should I choose?

Is it possible for four or five people to share one room?

Is it possible for my friend and me to sit together on separate bookings?

Why do prices change?

When will my tour be confirmed?

Can I make changes to my booking?

Do I need travel insurance to book?

How far in advance should I book?

Payments

What payment methods do you accept?

What is dynamic pricing and how does it work?

Will prices drop if I wait?

What is the deposit amount and when is the balance due?

How do I know if my booking is confirmed?

What is a booking reference number?

Is there a surcharge on credit cards?

When is my outstanding balance due?

Is my money safe when booking with Star Tours?

Will you store my card details?

Can I pay in Dollars or Euros online?

I have made a bank transfer - can you update my account?

Who do I make cheques payable to?

Should I include card details in an email?

Cancellation

Will my tour definitely go ahead?

If Star Tours cancels, when will I receive a refund?

If I cancel, what charges apply?

Can I make a change to my booking?

What happens to money I have paid if a tour is cancelled?

Loyalty Stars

What are Loyalty Stars?

How do I earn Loyalty Stars?

How do I redeem Loyalty Stars?

How many Stars will I receive?

Travelling with a Child

Can I travel with a baby or infant?

Can a pregnant person travel on a Star Tours holiday?

Can I bring a pushchair?

Are car seats provided on the coach?

Is there entertainment for children on the coach?

Does my child need a passport?

What if my child has a food allergy?

Do hotels provide children's menus?

Can I get milk at the hotels for an infant?

Is infant milk available on flights?

What discounts apply for children?

Tour Managers

What does a Tour Manager do?

Who will be my Tour Manager?

How do I contact my Tour Manager?

Where do I meet the Tour Manager for a flight tour?

What language does the Tour Manager speak?

How experienced are Star Tours Tour Managers in European destinations?

Does the Tour Manager travel with the group for the whole tour?

Is the Tour Manager also the driver?

Food

What meal options are available?

What type of lunch is provided?

What is included at dinner?

What is included at breakfast?

Can I request Jain food?

Is Halal meat available?

Can I bring my own snacks on the coach?

Is water provided on the coach?

What happens to meals on a Swiss Express overnight tour?

Are meals provided on flights?

Can I request a special meal on a flight?

What if I have a food allergy?

Are soft drinks or alcohol included at restaurants?

What is typically in a buffet dinner?

Transportation

What type of coach do you use?

How much legroom is there on the coach?

Does the coach have Wi-Fi?

Are there charging sockets on the coach?

Does the coach have a toilet?

Are sleeper coaches used on overnight journeys?

Can I eat or drink alcohol on the coach?

How are seats allocated?

Can I request a specific seat number?

What is the front seat supplement?

Do any tours use ferries?

Do Channel crossings use the Eurotunnel or ferry?

Is parking available at pickup points?

On Tour

How much time do we spend at each excursion?

How much time is spent travelling each day?

What time do tours typically start and finish each day?

What happens if I lose my tour documents or entry tickets?

What happens if I get left behind during an excursion?

What happens if I lose belongings on tour?

Can I skip an excursion and explore independently?

Are optional tours available?

Can we visit the top floor of the Eiffel Tower?

What should I pack for hot weather tours?

When will I receive my flight e-tickets?

Reductions & Discounts

Is there a refund if a meal is missed through no fault of my own?

Is there a discount for an infant who does not need a seat?

Can I arrange my own travel to the tour departure point?

Is there a loyalty programme?

Are early booking discounts available?

What group or promotional discounts are available?

Is there a reduction for a fourth person in a triple room?

Schengen Visas

Do I need a Schengen visa for a European tour?

What supporting documents are required for a Schengen visa application?

What happens if my visa application is refused?

How long does Schengen visa processing take?

How long must my passport be valid?

Does a valid UK visa support a Schengen application?

Can I add Schengen visa charges when booking online?

What happens if my application documents are incomplete?

When should I attend my biometrics appointment?

Does the whole family need to attend biometrics in person?

Is travel insurance required for a Schengen visa application?

Will I receive a multiple-entry visa?

Can I post my visa documents to Star Tours?

How will I receive my documents back?

Can I re-apply after a previous Schengen visa rejection?

What is a visa support letter?

What is the benefit of applying through Star Tours?

Which consulate should I apply to?

Bonding

What does ABTA membership mean?

What does ATOL protection mean?

Why is it important to book with a bonded company?

Are all Star Tours holidays protected?

General Information

How can I request a brochure?

Why do some dates from the brochure not appear on the website?

What do "tour highlights" mean?

How can I make a complaint?

How can I escalate a complaint to an external organisation?