Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we have to go to specific pickup locations to get picked up?

Free Spirit Vacations and Events services the entire Phoenix Valley - from Gold Canyon to Florence to Buckeye to Casa Grande to Goodyear and everywhere in between. So we have selected 6 pickups that are close to a freeway and can accommodate cars left overnight. We then use anywhere from 1-3 vehicles to pick everyone up - depending on how many of the specified pickup locations have guests boarding there. These regularly scheduled pickups are:

1. Fiesta Grande in Casa Grande
2. Sun Lakes - TBA (we see how many guests sign up from all Sun Lakes properties and choose the one with the most signups for that trip as the designated pickup.
3. Mesa Hilton
4. LaQuinta in Scottsdale
5. Cracker Barrel at I-10 and Litchfield Park
6. Denny's at I-17 and Bell
7. Bell Recreation Center
8. Sun City Grand Sonoran Plaza

What if I want to get picked up at my location?

1. If we have 10 or more guests, we will pick up at your community
2. For an extra $50 roundtrip, we will pick you up at your community and bring you to the bus, regardless of the number of guests being picked up at your location.

What is the difference between cancellation protection and cancellation insurance?

Cancellation protection is not insurance, and only covers the money that you paid for the trip in case of illness. Free Spirit Vacations offers Cancellation Protection at 7.11% of the cost of your tour. This is offered for trips operated by motorcoach only and packaged by Free Spirit Vacations and Events. If you become ill and are physically unable to travel you will receive a refund. If your spouse cancels; he or she will be given a refund as well.

Cancellation insurance is much more inclusive than cancellation protection and is purchased through a licensed insurance company. In additional to protecting the money you paid for the trip, the following are also included: lost luggage, air flight delay, missed connections, emergency medical or dental service and emergency transportation.

Why would I need Travel Insurance?

Unfortunately there are times when we have no control of what may happen in our life. Some of the reasons you may use travel insurance would be for cancellation due to a medical or unforeseen reason with you or an immediate family member, lost luggage, air flight delay, missed connections, emergency medical or dental service and emergency transportation. We offer several levels of travel insurance to protect the money you have invested in your travel arrangements. To receive the full benefit from your policy it is best that you purchase the insurance at the time of deposit.

What is the deposit amount and when is it due?

A $100.00 per person deposit is due at the time of reservation for multi-day motorcoach trips. Full payment is due at the time of reservation for day trips or any trip under $200 per person. It can be paid either by mailing in a check or by calling a credit card to our office. The final payment is due 45 days prior to departure and can be paid in the same manner. Please note: deposits for cruises and trips involving air will vary and you will be advised of these when making the reservation.

Upon making the deposit, you will receive a confirmation via e-mail showing you have booked this trip and paid the deposit. The final documents which include your detailed itinerary and pick up time and location are mailed to you 21 days prior to departure.

What is the cancellation policy and other terms and conditions?

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly process of letters, toll calls, adjustments, refunds, etc., plus additional loss if time does not permit resale. To offset these costs, the following fees will apply unless otherwise stated. In fairness to all, we cannot make exceptions. Money is fully refundable if cancelled forty-five (45) days prior to departure. Under 45 days prior to departure, the following penalties will apply. If cancellation occurs 45 - 31 days, there will be a 50% charge. Money is not refundable if cancelled within 30 days.

Refunds for airfare may be in the form of an airline credit. Cruises and extended tours not packaged by Free Spirit Vacations and Events may have different cancellation penalties. You will be notified of any revised policies at time of booking.

We believe that your upcoming trip is a significant investment which you should cover. For this reason, we strongly recommend the purchase of Travel Insured Travel Insurance. If you choose to decline or not respond to us, you are assuming the financial loss associated with your travel arrangement. To purchase this insurance please call Free Spirit Vacations within 21 days of making your reservation and pre-existing medical conditions will be waived (must be medically able to travel at the time of purchase). The receipt for your insurance will be forwarded to you after purchase. The cost of your insurance will be determined by the cost of your trip and your age. Please call us with those details for the price. The plan covers: Accident and Sickness Medical Expense is excess (pays for covered expenses not already covered by your primary insurance plan); Accident and Sickness Medical Expense is upgradable to primary; Medical Evacuation and Repatriation; Pre-existing Medical - you are eligible for Pre-existing Medical Conditions coverage if you purchase the policy within 21 days after your initial trip deposit, are medically able to travel at the time of purchase and insure the full non-refundable cost of your trip; Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage; Travel Delay and Missed Connection; Baggage Protection and Travel Accident Protection; 24/7 Customer Care and Travel Assistance; Family Friendly - children 17 and under are insured at no extra charge when traveling with an insured related adult; Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company

Cancellation protection is also available for all tours packaged by Free Spirit Vacations and Events. This is not insurance, but will allow for a refund should you have to cancel for a medical purpose. Reasons include illness of yourself or another person living in your household OR death of a family member. The cost is 7.11% the price of the tour. Should you have to cancel, your payment (minus the protection cost) will be refunded. This must be purchased within 7 days of making your reservation. This is not available on tours involving air, or tours not packaged by Free Spirit Vacations.

Free Spirit Vacations acts only in the capacity as agent for the owners and contractors providing means of transportation, hotel or other services that are offered or provided. Tickets are subject to any and all terms and conditions under which such means of transportation, hotel or other services are offered or provided. Free Spirit Vacations shall not be or become liable for or responsible in any way whatsoever for any loss, injury or damage from sickness, weather, strikes, war or quarantine howsoever cause or arising. Free Spirit Vacations reserves the right to cancel any tour prior to departure in which case, full refund on monies received will constitute full settlement to passengers. Free Spirit Vacations also reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any passenger as member of a tour. The acceptance of any service or the purchase of any ticket shall be deemed acceptance of and consent by the tour member to these conditions. Free Spirit Vacations reserves the right to substitute comparable hotels if necessary.

Why are deposits non-refundable?

Group reservations and payment schedules are different and much stricter than individual reservations. In most instances, Free Spirit has to pay our hotels, attractions and other vendors 30 days in advance and in most cases, this money is non-refundable to us. For that reason, we must abide by the cancellation policies above.

What is the guaranteed share program?

On tours packaged by Free Spirit Vacations and Events, we will honor a guaranteed share. This means that if you are single and would like a roommate of the same sex, we guarantee we will find you a roommate. If we don’t, you can travel at the double price. IF we do find you a roommate, you must agree to share a room with that person. If we find someone for you and you do not want to share with that person, then you will have to pay the single price.

If the tour is not packaged by Free Spirit OR if it is a cruise, we have no control over the single supplement and will not be able to offer this incentive.

Do you provide drinking water/snacks on the tour?

Free Spirit Vacations provides a complimentary sport water bottle for your tour so that you can refill them at rest stops, hotels and attractions during your journey. We also suggest bringing your own snacks, particularly if you have any dietary restrictions.

What about luggage tags?

Free Spirit Vacations provides 1 luggage tag, per person, with your mailed itinerary for your checked baggage. However, we highly suggest putting your own luggage tags with your name, address and telephone number both on the outside AND inside of your checked baggage and carry-on's. Sometimes, luggage tags come loose on the outside.

Will there be rest stops along the way?

Absolutely! While each tour bus is equipped with a small restroom, they are not easily maneuverable. They are the size of an airplane restroom. Therefore, we generally make rest stops about every 2-3 hours in order to give our guests the chance to stretch their legs and use a more comfortable lavatory. It also gives our guests the chance to grab a snack at a fast food outlet!

What if I have a problem with my hotel room once I get to my destination?

By all means, inform your Tour Manager AND the hotel Front Desk right away! (i.e. you requested a wheelchair accessible room, but did not get one. The room isn't cleaned to your liking, etc.). At Free Spirit Vacations, we want you to have the most enjoyable experience possible! If you encounter a problem, it's better to solve it right away before it turns into a complaint.

Can I request a particular Tour Manager and/or Bus Driver?

You are more than welcome to do so, but please note that the Manager or driver you request may not be doing that particular tour. A better question might be to ask which tours a particular Manager/driver are leading. And this is always subject to change.

Gratuities

Since most people would like to say a special "thank you" to their Tour Manager and driver. Suggested amounts are between $3-$5 per person per day for the driver and the same for the tour director. These individuals are with you throughout the entire tour, so please use your own judgment and tip according to services rendered. Please handle this on an individual basis. We request that group collections not be taken. You may also wish to reward a step-on Manager with a $1 per person gratuity for their contribution to the tour. Gratuities for all included meals are included.

Travelers needing special assistance

You must report any disability requiring special attention to Free Spirit Vacations at the time the reservation is made.*FSV will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants.

Do you book individual travel OR just group travel?

Free Spirit specializes in group travel. However, we do have a retail department within the company that would be happy to assist you in your individual travel needs.

Does Free Spirit Vacations plan private small group travel?

Yes, we can customize a vacation for your small group to the destination of your choice.