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Frequently Asked Questions

Answer Your Questions With Our FAQ's

Please see our below frequently asked questions. Contact us for further information, included booking processes and trip information. We are always happy and here to help!

Our aim is to have all your questions answered so that you’ll have the confidence to proceed forward and embark on your dream vacation. If you can't find the answer you are looking for, please contact one of our agents and we will be able to assist you further.

General Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I select my seat?

Many airlines are charging their early seat selection requirements to a nominal charge. If requested, we will pre-assign your seat on your behalf. We are not responsible for seat changes done by the airline. All pre-assigned seats are subject to change without notice by the airline.

What is the difference between Economy and Premium Economy Class?

Premium Economy is a class of service on long-haul flights between the west coast of North America to the South Pacific. Premium Economy offers a spacious, comfortable experience with many of the luxuries of Business Class, without paying the full Business Class price. Extra seat width, legroom and recline, video and audio on demand and in-seat power for your laptop, are some of the features offered in Premium Economy. Some airlines will provide Business Class meals in the Premium Economy cabin.

Why book with a Travel Agent or Destination Specialist?

Our level of experience.  We make it our business to know all airline and operator options as well as the best time of year to go for what will suit your interests and budget.  With endless amounts of information online, it is easy to get lost in the sea of options and online reviews.

Something can go wrong.  Of course you don’t want to think about something going wrong on your trip but the reality is, misadventures can occur.  Having an agent readily available to help you navigate a cancellation, process a refund on a particular excursion, and so on, is not only convenient but time-saving as we can be the main contact point of all aspects of your vacation.  Plus, we can help inform you which insurance plan can best suit you to help cover various costs associated with cancellations and interruptions.

Planning a trip takes a lot of time. Why waste time searching for the best deals, reviews, airfares, hotels, tours, train reservations and travel insurance? We’re happy to take a load of off your shoulders and do the dirty work for you! We’ll keep you in the loop during the entire process and ensure that the options we send your way meet all of your needs.

We work for you, not the travel companies. Our specialists do not sell you anything you don’t need. We are here to assist you in booking your dream holiday and will go to great lengths to ensure your trip is as memorable as can be. Nothing is more satisfying for us than having a happy client who has nothing but good things to say about their trip and their specialist!

Destination Specialists have the inside scoop on the deals within the travel industry. If you’re looking to get the best bang for your buck, we are the way to go. We work within the parameters of your budget and will be on the lookout for savings in any way possible for you. We can inform you when the best time to travel is – because sometimes switching your dates by one day can save you hundreds of dollars!

Travelling to Australia from Canada

Travel Australia FAQs

Travelling to New Zealand from Canada FAQs

Travelling to Fiji from Canada FAQs

Pre-Travel FAQs

When is the Best Time to Travel?

Best time to travel to Australia

Australia has many regions that are best at different times of the year.

The Northern regions such as the Top End (Darwin, Kakadu), Tropical Queensland, Broome, and the Red Centre (Ayers Rock, Alice Springs) are most pleasant to visit between April through September when daytime temperatures are on average between 19°C-31°C and it rarely rains. June, July, and August are the busiest months in these parts; book accommodations and tours well in advance.

Australia’s summer (December through February) is a good time to visit the southern states of New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and southern parts of Western Australia. Even in winter, these areas rarely fall below zero degrees and snow can only be found in the ski fields of the Snowy Mountains, NSW, Mount Feathertop, Victoria, Mount Hotham, Victoria, and perhaps the mountainous areas of Tasmania.

If you wish to see all the regions of Australia in one trip, the shoulder months of September, October, March and April are best as it’s still warm enough to visit the beach in the southern states, cool enough to tour the Ayers Rock and avoid the humidity and rains of the Top End and Tropical North Queensland. Wildflowers are in bloom in Western Australia during September to October as well.

Best time to travel to Tahiti

Tahiti is warm year round. July, August and September are the best times to visit Tahiti as the temperature is in the mid-20s and there’s little rain.

Best time to travel to Fiji

The best time to visit is during the 'Fijian winter' or 'dry season', from May to October. This time of year is more pleasant with lower rainfall and humidity, milder temperatures and less risk of meteorological hazards such as cyclones.

Best time to travel to the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands is a great destination all year round; seasonal variations are slight, with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 28°C in the winter months (May to October) and 21°C and 29°C during the summer (November to April).

Travelling to Tahiti from Canada FAQs

Christmas in Thailand FAQs

More frequently asked questions…

Is there departure tax?

For most South Pacific countries, the departure tax is included in your airline ticket. There is no need to pay for this when leaving the country. For the most up to date information, please ask one of our Destination Specialists.

When do I get my tickets?

Tickets are normally sent two weeks prior to departure through standard postal delivery.  If your departure date is very last minute there is the option to have your travel documents sent electronically.

Why do I need to give the ages of my children whilst booking?

Each hotel has its own pricing according to the ages of the children.  When the ages are put into the system, we will get the correct price and policy for the holiday.

How long should my passport be valid for?

If traveling through Asia or any country without Canadian Passport Office Representation, on a Canadian passport, your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after your return date to Canada.

Should you be traveling on anything other than a Canadian passport, please make sure you talk to one of our Destination Specialists well in advance of your departure date.

All passports must be machine readable if traveling through the USA.

Passengers traveling to South Africa must have at least one clear page in their passport for stamping purposes. If you do not have this, you will not be allowed entry to South Africa. A new passport will be required before departure to adhere to this rule.

How do I apply for an ESTA US Transit Authority?

For non-U.S. and Canadian travellers, you can apply for your US Travel Authority from the following link: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

Where Do I Need a Travel Visa?

All Canadian and U.S. passport holders require a tourist entry visa to visit Australia, New Zealand, Asia and most African countries. Discuss with one of our Destination Specialists if you have a passport from another country as the visa requirements may differ.

Canadian and U.S. passport holders do not require a tourist entry visa to enter New Zealand, French Polynesia, Fiji, Samoa or the Cook Islands.

However, if you plan to work or stay longer than 3 months in any of these countries, a different visa may be required.

What currency should I use and will they accept US dollars?

Each country has their own currency and generally won’t accept U.S. dollars. To avoid exchanging your money too many times, it's best to exchange directly from your home country's dollars directly to the currency of the destination you plan to visit.

For travel to some African countries, U.S. Dollars are more widely accepted, along with local currency.

Why do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is optional but strongly recommended.

Illness or accidents can happen anywhere without warning. Unexpected emergency travel expenses can be very expensive and government health plans may cover very little, if anything. Having the proper coverage will save you a lot of money and provide assistance with possible hassles. If traveling to a destination where there is a language difference, emergency travel staff will be there to translate and communicate with overseas hospital staff.

Some insurance policies will even cover lost or delayed luggage.

Travel insurance will relieve the stress to get you home safe or back on track with your onward travels.

Talk to one of our knowledgable travel advisors to ensure you are properly covered for your trip.

What if I have coverage with my credit card?

Not all credit cards offer sufficient coverage or any coverage at all. If unsure, check your card's policy and discuss with one of our travel specialists.

Do I need any medical shots before traveling?

It is important to seek medical advice with regards to vaccinations and malaria medications with your General Practitioner.

We recommend the MEDISYS Travel Health Clinic. You will need to call a few weeks in advance of your departure to schedule an appointment. http://www.medisys.ca

What if I need to change my ticket?

Each airline ticket comes with its own specific rules and policies. Airline change fees, fare increases and an agency change fee will apply.

Should you have any questions about the policies for your airline ticket(s), our Destination Specialists are able to go over any rules associated with your ticket.

Why do I need to reconfirm my flights and tours?

Arrangement s can change between purchasing your flight or tour and when you actually travel. Reconfirming your arrangements will help ensure that everything runs according to plan.

Please confirm your arrangements 24-48 hours prior to departure or on arrival if your stopover is less than 24 hours.

How early do I need to be at the airport when travelling to Australia or New Zealand?

Normal check in time is 1.5 hours for domestic connecting flights and 2 hours for international connecting flights. Arriving early is always best in the event of unexpected airport delays.

What is my luggage allowance?

Most airlines have now switched to one piece of checked luggage per person. Should you need to take two or more pieces of checked luggage, please discuss with one of our agents before tickets are purchased so you are aware of your best options.

Please note that some domestic flights within North America as well as Australia and New Zealand, charge for any number of checked luggage. Please ask us if you have any specific requirements.

In today's ever changing airline world, it is important you are aware of the most up to date information. We recommend you look at the following website shortly prior to departure to ensure you have followed the correct protocol with your packing. http://www.catsa.gc.ca/

Cancellation Fees

The following cancellation fees will apply on land arrangements based on time before departure that Downunder Travel Ltd receives actual notice of the cancellation:

45 days or more – Loss of full deposit
Between 44-21 days – 60% of total price
Between 20-7 days – 80% of total price
7 Days Prior to Day of Departure – 100% of total price

Land arrangements such as but not limited to Blue Lagoon Cruises of Fiji, Captain Cook Cruises of Fiji and Australia, Coral Expeditions of Australia; Coach Tours; Deluxe Lodges; Treks; Biking and Special Packages, Rail journeys, and any charters or private touring: For cancellations within 60 days of use, penalty is assessed by supplier and may be up to 100% of total price. Additional cancellation fees will apply for travel during special events and over the Christmas/New Year period.

Once final payments are made to Downunder Travel, all earnings / commissions are realized. All realized earnings / commissions are considered non refundable. Also any exchange rate losses from time of payment to time of refund will be withheld. Any exchange rate gains will be refunded to our clients.

Downunder Travel Ltd. acts as an agent/broker between retail customers and tourism suppliers.

Downunder Travel Ltd. is not responsible for the actions of suppliers in any way, nor responsible for the services being supplied to our customers.

These tourism suppliers are all trusted businesses independent from Downunder Travel Ltd. and for which we have no control over their financial solvency and/or possible default.

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