Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Good News Travels been in business?

Good News Travels has been organizing custom group travel tours around the United States since 1981. 

What is included in the tour package price?

Our group tours are customized to specifically meet the needs of your group.  However, most tour packages include airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end of trip gratuities for your tour manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship wait staff, and any incidental charges. 

Can Good News Travels make airline reservations?

GNT is happy to assist you in accommodating your flight needs, in fact we prefer to do this for you to guard against changes that are needed and any tour coordination aspects that may affect your flight. We are not responsible for air arrangements you have made on your own. On occasion, it is necessary to change tour dates. In this case, we can only protect air reservations booked through GNT. For all air reservations, it is strongly recommended to reconfirm flights before departure in the event that the airline has an unexpected schedule change. We cannot assume responsibility for schedule changes, route alterations or flight cancellations involving the airlines.

Is it true that residents in some states will require additional ID for domestic or international travel?

YES.  The Real ID Act was passed more than 10 years ago to crack down on fake ID’s and as a result, certain states will require additional ID’s such as passports or a REAL ID if they wish to embark on any type of air travel. For more information:  Homeland Security REAL ID FAQ’s

What are the new South Carolina state identification guidelines for air travel?

Due to a recent Homeland Security REAL ID extension, South Carolina drivers licenses are adequate for travel through October 10, 2018.

Do I need a Passport?

A valid Passport is required for trips outside the USA and will be required for certain states when those residents embark on domestic or international travel. Homeland Security REAL ID FAQ’s  We strongly recommend that you have a valid passport (with six month validity) for all travel outside the United States.

What does the Activity Level Rating on my flier mean?

Our Activity Level Ratings are a way of providing an understanding of the physical expectations for each tour, making it easier for you to find the journey that is right for you. Activity Levels are featured on our fliers on a scale ranging from 1 (least strenuous) to 5 (exceptionally strenuous). These levels help to summarize the ease or rigors of the tour’s collective activities. In assigning an Activity Level we take into account things such as the total time spent on the motorcoach each day, the length of walks, hikes, or treks, the amount of standing required, as well as other physical challenges like travel at altitude, airline travel requiring connecting flights, and train or boat travel.

In general, our itineraries tend to be full and active. Therefore, we recommend that your level of fitness, stamina, and overall mobility match the activity requirements for the tour/cruise you select, and that you travel with someone who is able to assist you should you have limitations. Please contact your sales representative for further detail regarding the Activity Level Rating in relation to your own personal tour.

Are airport and hotel transfers available?

Roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers are a part of the group travel package for all passengers who purchase airfare through GNT. These transfers are available on the first and last day of the tour and do not apply to pre and post night stays.

Do you rotate seats on tours?

Tours are under the direction of the tour manager and special needs for bus travel can be discussed prior to departure or during the tour if a need should arise.

Can I extend my tour to see more of an area?

Yes! You may enhance your tour with either an extension – offered on select tours – or by purchasing pre/post hotel stays. Arrangements to meet the group will need to be solidified prior to departure.

Would my Tour Date Ever Change?

GNT reserves the right to cancel any tour prior to departure for any reason. Should this happen, we will make every effort to put you on another departure date. If an alternate cannot be found, a full refund will be made. Air booked through GNT will be protected. We cannot be held responsible for other air arrangements.

What is your Cancellation Policy?

Should you decide to change your reservation status after initial booking, you have up to 45 days prior to departure to cancel for any reason. If your cancelation request is within the 45 day period and your elected to purchase Travel Protection, you will receive the travel benefit according to the protection policy purchased.  Air tickets are subject to the rules and regulations of the airline, and fare type purchased and rates vary.   

Do you offer Travel Protection?

Travelers can choose to enroll in a travel protection plan, which we offer through Travel Insured International.  Designed specifically with travelers in mind, this affordable plan provides protection should something unexpected happen before, en route to or during the tour. 

The standard adult Group Deluxe and for student groups, Student Deluxe, protection is available for all multi-day tours. Travelers can enroll at the time of online registration, by obtaining an enrollment form from their Group Leader, by downloading a form from our website, or by calling Customer Service at 800-288-5575. *Rates vary based on the Cost of Trip.  

 Where do I meet my tour manager? 

Unless you have extended your trip or are arriving from an alternate gateway, your GNT tour manager will travel with you from the beginning to the end of your tour. The hotel address and phone number will be included in your documents.

How can I be best prepared for the physical requirements of the Tour?

Tour activity varies by itinerary is unique.  Activity is often subject to personal interpretation,  we do include activity scheduling options to enhance your tour experience. Your complete itinerary will outline the schedule of activities and number of nights you will stay in each hotel during your tour. The day-by-day descriptions will provide additional detail about the number of activities included in each day. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend packing walking shoes so you fully enjoy every aspect of your vacation. If you have specific needs or restrictions, we ask that you communicate in advance so that we can add this to your travel profile and make necessary accommodations for the tour.