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Got Questions? Weā€™ve Got Answers.

Whether itā€™s your first Cosmos tour, or youā€™re joining us again, we're thrilled you've chosen to travel with us! Either way, youā€™re sure to have a few questions about what to expect on your vacation. From accommodations to travel tips, weā€™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 itā€™s a breathtaking view, a spontaneous adventure, or a memory that makes your journey truly special, we want to see it! Go aheadā€”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.

Booking a Vacation FAQs

How do I find a vacation?
Choose a destination from our Explore Tours page. Click on a specific tour to be linked to a page that provides a tour overview and links to detailed information about the Itinerary, Highlights, Maps, Hotels, Dates, Prices, and more!

How do I make a reservation?
Once you have found a vacation that interests you, you can use the "Book It" button located on the tour page. You can also contact a travel advisor or call us at 1.866.755.8581 with any questions and to book your exciting Cosmos experience.

Why should I choose Cosmos?

  • With 100+ vacation to 60 countries on six continents, Cosmos gives you a variety of ways to truly see the world the way you want.
  • A variety of travel styles and specialty travel to meet the desires of todayā€™s traveler, including Small-Groups, Faith-based travel, and many more.
  • Sightseeing included in the vacation price.
  • A selection of Undiscovered tours to explore the lesser-known spots and surprises like a local. 
  • Well-appointed, hand-selected hotels located in the center of your destination.   
  • Expert Tour Directors who share their unique stories and knowledge.
 

What is the Travel Protection Plan?

The Travel Protection Plan offers important services to help protect your vacation purchase. Under the Trip Cancellation Waiver, you can cancel your trip any time up to departure for several eligible reasons as listed in the plan and receive a refund of the normally non-refundable Cosmos cancellation penalty amount, less the cost of your Travel Protection. If your reason for cancellation does not qualify for a cash refund, you would instead receive a Cancel for Any Reason travel certificate equal to the cancellation penalty amount, less the cost of your Travel Protection. The travel certificate is valid for travel within two years from the original canceled vacation start date, is non-transferable, non-refundable and may not be redeemed for cash.

In addition, the plan offers Travel Insurance benefits, including Trip Cancellation for independent air arrangements, Trip Interruption, Trip Delay, medical expense, emergency medical transportation, baggage loss, theft, damage or delay coverage, 24-hour emergency assistance services, and more.

Learn more about the Travel Protection Plan

Why am I asked to give my passport name, gender, and date of birth when booking air?
Due to increased travel security around the world, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires airlines to collect this information in accordance with the Secure Flight Program enacted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. If the name on the airline reservation does not match the name exactly as it appears on your passport or other government-issued ID being used at the time of travel, you may not be allowed to board the plane. It is also important that this information be provided correctly at the time of booking, as any changes to your air booking, which includes spelling, could be subject to a change fee, penalties, higher fares, new schedule, and/or cancellation. TSA information is required within 10 days of booking air with Cosmos.

How does Cosmos support sustainable travel and protect the environment?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

Are Cosmos tours disability accessible?
Cosmos makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility-impaired travelers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travelers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details and contact us to learn more.

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 your vacation. These include, but are not limited to, severe weather conditions, acts of nature, and government travel advisories. Under such circumstances, it is critical that Cosmos be able to contact you immediately and effectively - including nights, weekends, and holidays - to make sure weā€™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 .

Preparing for Your Vacation FAQs

 

Do I need a passport and a visa?
When traveling outside the United States, a passport is required for U.S. citizens and many countries require that the passport be valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. Some countries also require a visa. We know that navigating visa applications and requirements can be confusing. We can help. Cosmos is pleased to offer its customers the expertise and experience of iVisa, with fast and easy ways to obtain visas, passports, and/or other documents required for travel. You can check visa requirements for your vacation by visiting the iVisa Web site at www.ivisa.com. Simply select your country of travel to obtain any necessary visa forms.

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.

Some airlines are also charging fees for checked baggage, and these fees are not included in the vacation or airfare package price. Please check with your airline directly for baggage information and regulations. Cosmos is not responsible for any additional fees imposed by air carriers regarding baggage.

How many bags am I allowed to bring?

Hotel porterage (where available) for one bag per participant is included in the price on Globus and Avalon. Additional bags, if space is available, are charged extra and payable to the Tour or Cruise Director. If no space is available, you are responsible for arrangements for your extra bag(s) from location to location at your expense.

Porterage is not included at train stations or at airports. Additionally, porterage is not included at hotel on Cosmos; exceptions exist on select tours based on hotel facilities and operational necessity.

For specific vacation restrictions and information, please refer to the Terms and Conditions as well as your Travel Documents.  Each vacation may have slight modifications to the above.

Your air carrier may have stricter weight/dimension limitations than Cosmos. Size and weight limitations for carry on and checked baggage vary from airline to airline and even according to destination. Up-to-date information on carrier specific standard checked baggage allowance (including size and weight limitations), the standard allowance (and fee, if applicable) for carry-on baggage, and the standard fee for the first and second checked bag, along with information that additional discounts may apply depending on flyer-specific factors (e.g. frequent flyer status, military, credit card used for purchase or early purchase online, etc.) can be found by accessing www.iflybags.com. Cosmos is not responsible for additional fees imposed by air carriers regarding baggage. Regulations within most airports require that passengers handle their own luggage through customs. No responsibility is accepted for loss of or damage to baggage or any of the traveler's belongings throughout the duration of the vacation. Baggage insurance is recommended. Review our comprehensive Travel Protection Plan for available coverage options.  

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 guests.

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.

When are final hotel accommodations confirmed?
The hotels and accommodations listed are provisional and subject to change and may be substituted with properties of similar standard. Hotels are confirmed approximately 30 days prior to departure and can be found in your travel documents, but are not guaranteed until check-in.

When will I receive my travel documents?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

Where can I find information on currency rates?
If you are in the process of planning your vacation and need information on currency exchange rates, access our currency converter tool.

Can I pre-pay my gratuities before my trip?
Cosmos offers passengers the ability to pre-pay their Tour Director and Driver gratuities before departure in select destinations. A per-person base rate is offered for your specific vacation to conveniently provide gratuities for your Tour Director and Driver (excluding Local Guides and other personnel). You can pre-purchase gratuities at the time of booking online or over the phone, or they can be added after booking. NOTE: Tips to Local Guides are included in pre-paid gratuities in South America. Europe and South Pacific tours are excluded from pre-paid gratuities, but you are welcome to offer tips directly on tour. 

When On Vacation FAQs

When can I purchase optional excursions? 

You can view and pre-purchase optional excursions 90 days before your vacation starts, which will also be available while you're on vacation. A list of optional excursions will be included in your documents for review prior to departure. By purchasing excursions and activities beforehand, you have the opportunity to craft a more personal touring experience and plan your time and budget in advance. To purchase excursions for your Cosmos tour, log in to the MyCosmos site (you will need your invoice/reservation number).


How is seating determined on the coach? 
We offer daily rotation of seating, which gives everyone a variety of views.

 

Committed to Your Health & Safety

Our Global Health & Safety Team has established a worldwide Assurance program, with enhanced on-trip protocols and procedures, to ensure the health and happiness of our guests. Learn more about Cosmos' On-Trip Assurance.