Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
Whether it’s your first Cosmos tour, or you’re joining us again, we're thrilled you've chosen to travel with us! Either way, you’re sure to have a few questions about what to expect on your vacation. From accommodations to travel tips, we’re here to make preparing for your tour simple, easy, and affordable!
On tour with Cosmos? Get online too!
As you explore the world with Cosmos, share your most unforgettable travel moments using #CosmosMadePossible on Instagram and Facebook. Whether it’s a breathtaking view, a spontaneous adventure, or a memory that makes your journey truly special, we want to see it! Go ahead—tag and brag about those moments that capture the essence of your trip. Your journey is more than just a vacation; it's an experience made possible by Cosmos.
WHAT YOU MAY LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR VACATION BEFORE YOU GO
- What exactly is included in my vacation?
- Are prices published on the brochure/website is guaranteed?
- Why is it important that I give my name as it appears on my passport at the time of booking?
- Is it mandatory that I give my passport details for booking?
- Why is my contact information collected when I book ?
- Does Cosmos provide visa assistance?
- When will I receive my travel documents?
- What is the policy if I have to cancel? How can I protect against cancellation?
- Does Cosmos offer a Travel Protection/Insurance plan for purchase? Is a plan included in the vacation price?
- Are arrival & departure transfers arranged for all vacations?
- What is the difference between a twin-bedded room and a double-bedded room?
- What size is a triple room?
- How Hectic is my vacation going to be?
- How long will we be on the road each day? How often does the motorcoach stop en route?
- How early will I have to wake up on the vacations?
- What meals are included in my vacation? Can I request Indian/vegetarian/special cuisine while on tour?
- When can I purchase optional excursions?
- What size can my suitcase be?
- How is seating determined on the motorcoach or safari vehicles?
- Why is my contact information collected when I book?
What exactly is included in my vacation?
The true value of your vacation is in the accurate detailed vacation description on the Web site and in the brochures, which is unusually specific about accommodation, touring in deluxe motor coaches, sightseeing, and included meals. The agenda for each day is spelled out with exactly what is included in the price. Sightseeing with Local Guides is clearly listed.
Are prices published on the brochure/website is guaranteed?
Vacation prices mentioned are per person, based on double occupancy, and do not include airfare, except as noted on the itinerary pages. These costs are as per rates and taxes – including all-important foreign exchange rates – known at the time of costing. Single-room supplements and triple-room reductions are listed where applicable; not all accommodation types are available on all vacations. We encourage full deposit early to secure your space and to protect the price of your vacation. Prices are subject to increase without notice, subject to the guarantees set forth below.
Once Cosmos has received your full non-refundable deposit, your vacation price is guaranteed, and you are protected against any base land price increase due to a currency surcharge. Any subsequent cost increases are at our expense, not including energy cost increases and/or any government tax increases.
Vacation departures in 2025 are subject to price and itinerary modifications. Full details will be available in September 2024. Passengers have the right to cancel their reservation without penalty within 7 days of notification in the event of price increases for 2024 departures.
Why is it important that I give my name as it appears on my passport at the time of booking?
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. We do not allow a change in the names of passengers at any time after the booking is made.
Is it mandatory that I give my passport details for booking?
Yes, it is mandatory that you give us the passport information including the name as per the passport, passport number, date of issue, date of expiry, nationality, gender, date of birth, and place of the issue at the time of booking. Due to increased travel security around the world, it is now more important than ever that your bookings match your first and last name exactly as it reads on your passport. Additionally, any changes to your booking – land and/or air – which include spelling, could be subject to a change fee, penalties, or cancellation. We do not allow a change in the names of passengers at any time after the booking is made.
Why is my contact information collected when I book ?
There may be times when unforeseen events beyond our control impact travel schedules and potentially disrupt cruises, tours, or packages. These include, but are not limited to, severe weather conditions, acts of nature, and government travel advisories. Under such circumstances, it is critical that the Globus family of brands be able to contact you immediately and reliably—including nights, weekends, and holidays—to make sure we’ve informed you of any possible changes to your travel.
Does Cosmos provide visa assistance?
All travelers are required to check the current visa and entry/exit requirements with the local consulates before their travel and the responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the travelers. Please ensure all your documents are in order when applying for the visas as per the checklist provided by the consulates. Due to the constant changes in the consulates’ document requirements, Cosmos is unable to offer visa assistance nor does it take any responsibility for obtaining or notifying travelers about visas required for any vacation. Full cancellation as applicable is payable for guaranteed tours if the visa is denied by consulates. We recommend that you apply for visas well in advance and get them in order before guaranteeing. Please consider TRIP PROTECTION to help protect yourself against cancellation penalties arising out of visa rejection or delay (subject to conditions; please see website for details). Please note that certain tours may need more than one visa-such as Schengen visas and UK visas or US and Canada visas. Click here for more information on visas..
When will I receive my travel documents?
Travel documents, including any eTicket receipts, itineraries, and other information, are available two to three weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received. You will get e-documents on your GlobusGo Travel App, Click here for more information about the Travel App – GlobusGo
What is the policy if I have to cancel? How can I protect against cancellation?
The cancellation policy differs based on the tour and the time of cancellation. Guidelines of our cancellation policy are available on the Web site and from your travel consultant. You can protect yourself against your Cosmos tour’s cancellation charges by purchasing Trip Protection, in case you are canceling due to a covered reason.
In certain countries and regions, Cosmos offers Trip Protection / Insurance that protects against trip cancellation, delay, and interruption. This is not comprehensive travel protection and only provides coverage on Cosmos and other Globus family of brands trips, in case you have to cancel or leave early due to covered reasons. If covered with Trip Protection,which is optional for you to purchase, you will receive a travel credit that is good for a period of 12 months and enables you to take another vacation with us, rather than losing your funds against cancellation. It is optional for you to purchase and is not included in the standard vacation price. It cannot be added after the tour is guaranteed for payment. We are unable to waive cancellation charges for any reason due to our commitments to suppliers. For more details on Trip Protection, please Click here
Are arrival & departure transfers arranged for all vacations?
Airport transfers may be purchased on all land-only reservations (except North America) provided the arrival and departure timings are within the scheduled airport transfer times as specified for the particular vacation. The timings can be checked by your travel agent. Transfers are not available for non-brochure dates but can be arranged if purchased with pre/post nights. Transfers cannot be provided if joining late or leaving early. Flight information is MANDATORY for booking the transfers. Transfers will be provided only if confirmed by the Globus family of brands.
What is the difference between a twin-bedded room and a double-bedded room?
A double-bedded 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. We usually reserve twin-bedded rooms for our travelers. All requests for double-bedded rooms are subject to availability at the time of check-in.
A triple room is the same size as a twin or double 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 bed may be requested but also cannot be guaranteed. Triple rooms are not available on some of our tours and river cruises.
How Hectic is my vacation going to be?
The Globus family of brands offers over 500 vacations and while some are very leisurely paced, others are more of a medium pace. Typically, Panorama vacations covering more countries/cities in a short duration make a vacation quick-paced; Regional Discoveries are at a medium to leisurely pace.
How long will we be on the road each day? How often does the motorcoach stop en route?
Driving time varies for each vacation. It depends on the itinerary, and the driving distance is mentioned in the travel documents, if available. When driving between cities, the motorcoach stops after every 1.5-2 hours at places where you can pick up a snack/meal and use restrooms. Most vacations do not include drives from one city to another every day.
How early will I have to wake up on the vacations?
The wake-up call differs based on the type of vacation, the season when you are traveling, the city that you are in, and even the weather. Wake-up times are not the same each day, and the Tour Director will advise you of these once the tour begins. Early starts offer the advantage of reaching sightseeing spots before the rush, leaving you free the rest of the day to enjoy the destination and to do as you please. It is imperative that all participants maintain punctuality to ensure that no compromises are made on the inclusions.
The exact number of meals included on your tour is clearly specified on the itinerary and is different for each vacation. Breakfast is included daily on all vacations. Our vacations strive to introduce you to authentic flavors, so you can enjoy the destination in a deeper way. Therefore, included meals are usually local or continental and are never Indian or other specialties Asian cuisine. Please request vegetarian meals at the time of booking, and also with the Tour Director when on tour; this can usually be accommodated when requested in advance, but cannot be guaranteed. In certain countries and regions, such as North America’s national parks and South America’s Amazon, it may be difficult to find Indian or vegetarian meals. When meals are not included, you may choose an Indian restaurant in the city you are touring.
When can I purchase optional excursions?
You can learn about the Activities & Excursions available on your Cosmos vacation by visiting Cosmos.com/MyCOSMOS. These are designed to enhance your experience and are scheduled perfectly within your itinerary. A complete listing will also be available on the Web Site and your travel documents. You may choose to purchase these Activities & Excursions starting 90 days from the start date up to and including 4 days prior to the tour start date; some may be available to purchase only from your Tour Director while on vacation. If the pre-booked optional excursion does not operate due to some reason, the money will be refunded the same way the payment was received. Some optional tours may not operate due to weather, minimum participation, or other operational reasons.
NOTE:Activities and Excursions are subject to change and may not be available as described; please visit our website for up-to-date information including Terms & Conditions and details regarding payments.
Due to limited motorcoach capacity, your bag should have dimensions not exceeding 30”x 21”x 11” and a weight not exceeding 22 kg. Carry-on luggage should not exceed the dimensions of 12”x 11”x 6”. We regret that we are unable to accept a second suitcase or any luggage exceeding these limits. Trolley bags are not allowed on the motorcoach. 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. Some airlines also charge for checked baggage. Cosmos is not responsible for any additional fees imposed by airlines on baggage.
How is seating determined on the motorcoach or safari vehicles?
We offer a daily rotation of seating, which gives everyone a variety of views. The rotation is mandatory and is adhered to by everyone, without exception.
Why is my contact information collected when I book?
There may be times when unforeseen events beyond our control impact travel schedules and potentially disrupt cruises, tours, or packages. These include, but are not limited to, severe weather conditions, acts of nature, and government travel advisories. Under such circumstances, it is critical that the Globus family of brands be able to contact you immediately and reliably—including nights, weekends, and holidays—to make sure we’ve informed you of any possible changes to your travel. Additionally, the care and safety of our guests have always been our highest priority. There may be a need to contact you while on the trip or to contact someone back home due to an unforeseen event that happens while on the trip. Therefore, in addition to pre-trip contact information, we also require an emergency contact name and number, as well as an on-trip phone number for all travelers.
It’s in your interest to book early.
Book your vacation as soon as possible to ensure you find space on the vacation of your choice. Many Cosmos vacations sell out months before departure.
It is likely that you may have more questions than those listed above. Please feel free to contact us at Mobile: +91.97391.75333
TRAVEL ETIQUETTES
Prior to your journey, it’s important that you read your travel documents and the brochure thoroughly, so you know exactly what to expect on your vacation, what you are paying for, and so that you can look forward to it with a big smile. We urge you to also familiarize yourself with the following expected travel etiquette:
- Why it’s Important to Follow Etiquette
- Punctuality
- Your Travel Companions
- On-Tour Behaviour
- Traveling With Children
- Your Touring Motorcoach
- Bags
- Your Tour Director & Driver
- Tour Director & Driver Gratuities
- On-Tour Assistance
- In Rome, Do As Romans Do
- It All Depends on You
Why it’s Important to Follow Etiquette
Every citizen is their home country’s ambassador, especially when traveling overseas! Our vacations are of international standards and quality and include travel companions from around the world. Showing respect for cultural differences often gains you respect in return. Being friendly and a part of the group makes it more enjoyable for everyone.
It is imperative that you maintain punctuality at all times—for departure times, optional tours, and meeting times—so that you do not get left behind and so that all participants can enjoy the tour. It is rude and unfair if your travel companions have to waste time waiting for you when they could be enjoying the destination. Moreover, your itinerary has been planned to maximize the touring experience, and on-time operation is necessary to ensure the planned itinerary can be followed.We are not liable for any losses you may incur because of poor timekeeping on your part. We urge you to read our Terms & Conditions to familiarise yourself with our liability in such situations.
Our vacations are very popular worldwide, and the demographic profile of our travelers is varied. Passengers are usually of varied ages and professional backgrounds and will include many nationalities, including American, British, Canadian, Australian, New Zealanders, Japanese, Thai, Indian, and many others, providing a wonderful opportunity to make friends from around the world. Introduce yourself and try to mix with your fellow travelers. It is good manners and more fun for you than being on your own.
Showing respect and courtesy to fellow travelers during the journey will likely earn you the same in return and will result in a positive experience for everyone. Speaking to others or on a mobile phone when the Tour Director is giving commentary disturbs others on the motor-coach. Ensure also to be clean and well-groomed while on tour. It will make the tour a pleasant experience and you will look great in your vacation pictures!
If you are a parent traveling with children, it is your responsibility to take care of them and tend to their safety. Most of your travel companions will have a real interest in learning about the cultures of the countries they are touring and want to enjoy uninterrupted commentary from the Tour Director. It is also a great way for children to learn about other places and respect other cultures.
Eating and smoking on our motorcoaches are strictly prohibited, so you can enjoy your scenic drives in a clean, hygienic, and state-of-the-art environment.
For your own comfort, please travel light (baggage dimensions and weight limitations are given in your travel documents). On the motorcoach, carry only essential items in a small backpack to ensure it fits in the luggage rack or under the seat in front of you, rather than on your or your neighbor’s lap! Trolley bags that are used as carry-on luggage on airlines are too large for motorcoaches and are strictly prohibited on the motorcoach.
Every Cosmos vacation is special because of the experienced, knowledgeable, and motivated Tour Directors who escort each tour. These friendly professionals are highly respected, are trained in dealing with people from different cultures and backgrounds, and work hard to provide you with an enjoyable and hassle-free vacation. They will tell you delightful stories, give local insights, and work behind the scenes so that operational details are taken care of for the next day of the journey. Many hold professional degrees and are highly qualified. They justifiably expect to be treated and respected as professionals.
Your drivers ensure that you have a comfortable and safe journey as you discover new places on your vacation. They navigate through heavy traffic and ensure your motorcoach is neat and tidy for your next day of travel. They, too, expect to be treated with courtesy.
Tour Director & Driver Gratuities
Globus and Cosmos Tour Directors and drivers are key reasons why our tours are among the highest rated in the industry. Tipping of these Tour Directors and drivers is customary and greatly appreciated. Tips for these Tour Directors and drivers can be paid on-trip. Amounts are based on our guests’ level of satisfaction, and we provide guidelines in our pre-trip communications to help our advisors and guests plan. Note that we offer an option to pre-pay these tips for Avalon and our Globus and Cosmos tours in non-European destinations.
If you have an issue or concern, please approach your Tour Director immediately. It is not recommended that you wait for the situation to escalate or until the end of the tour to bring it up, not bring it up at all, or just discuss it with other passengers. The only person who can help resolve any situation that arises is your Tour Director. At the same time, be reasonable and understand that s/he is managing a large group. Everyone wants a wonderful travel experience—including your Tour Director!
People everywhere love to welcome visitors to their part of the world. They appreciate those who take an interest in their culture, so having an open mind will help you take away some great experiences. The best way to embrace the local culture is to do what the locals do—and on our vacations, you will have ample opportunity to do so!.
We live in a wonderfully diverse world. One of the greatest benefits of travel is the opportunity to return with different experiences and new points of view. Consideration for others goes a long way toward making your own vacation experience an unforgettable one!