Frequently asked
questions
If I can just book my own travel, why use a travel agency?
Yes, anyone can book their own vacation. Anyone can also cut their own hair–but let’s be honest, it’s better when you leave it to the pros. With Cloud 9 Travel’s extensive industry knowledge and established connections, you'll gain access to special privileges and offers that aren't available elsewhere. This includes category upgrades, gifts, free amenities, etc. Plus, our 24/7 In-Travel Emergency Hotline ensures you have a dedicated advocate on hand, should any unexpected situations arise.
Do I need a passport to travel to most destinations? What about a cruise?
If you’re traveling to a destination that’s outside the United States or isn’t a U.S. Territory, you’ll need a passport. But if you’re going to be cruising, you won’t need a passport as long as the cruise starts and finishes at the same U.S. port and you are a U.S. citizen. In this case, your birth certificate and government-issued ID will suffice. This said, we still advise you to bring a passport in the rare case that you end up stranded outside of the U.S borders. Always better to be safe!
Is there a difference between a passport card and a passport book?
Yes, a passport card grants access to cross a country's border by land, while a passport book grants access to fly into another country.
My passport expires shortly after I’m scheduled to return home. Should I still be okay to travel?
To ensure a smooth travel experience, it's crucial to be aware that most countries require your passport to be valid for 3-6 months after your return date. To avoid any issues and to safeguard your dream vacation, we highly recommend initiating the passport renewal process at least one year before its expiration. At Cloud 9 Travel, we're dedicated to making sure you don't miss out on the vacation of a lifetime. So, take action early, and we'll help you soar into your adventure worry-free!
Am I required to get travel insurance before my trip?
Travel insurance isn’t obligatory, but we highly recommend it for your peace of mind. In many cases, your existing health insurance may not extend coverage to international destinations. This means that if you require medical attention during your trip, you could be left with significant out-of-pocket expenses or a delayed departure due to medical bills that have yet to be paid off.
Also, travel insurance offers a range of additional coverages such as reimbursement for trip delays or interruptions, compensation for lost luggage, and protection against missed flights. And if reading through different travel insurance plans sounds overwhelming to you–don’t start sweating just yet! Our dedicated team at Cloud 9 Travel will guide you through the options and help you choose the right coverage during the planning process.
The cost of my trip was based on double occupancy, but my travel companion canceled on me. What should I do?
Your travel companion may bail on you, but we never will! We’ll make sure you’re equipped with options should your companion cancel during the planning process. We always recommend that you have one or two backup travel buddies in mind, or that you’re financially prepared in the case that you need to pay for a single occupancy reservation.
What do AI, EP, and AO mean?
Do cruise ships permit you to bring your own drinks?
Many cruise lines allow you to bring one case of water, a 12-pack of canned soda and up to two bottles of wine. You can always check with the cruise line as to what their policies are and prepare accordingly. But don’t worry, we’ll find this information out for you so you won’t have to lift a finger!
What if I don’t speak the native language of the country I want to visit?
This is where translating apps become your best friend. We love Google Translate, which is a fantastic app that allows you to easily say what you want in English and have it instantly translated like magic into the language of whatever country you’re visiting.
Can I still use my credit or debit card while I’m in another country?
Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted around the globe. To be safe, notify your bank of your travel plans ahead of time so your spending privileges don’t get suspended should your bank suspect fraud.
Can I put points/miles toward my vacation?
Absolutely! We’re a big fan of using points/miles too.
We’ll talk about this at our first consultation with you so we can determine the best way for you to use your points and what parts of your vacation are the most logical for us to handle the planning. This will usually be the arrangements such as hotels and activities, as we can leverage our knowledge and industry connections.
Who can I count on to make restaurant reservations for the vacation?
Typically, we link our clients directly with the hotel concierge as they possess intimate local knowledge of the destination, making them the best resource for restaurant reservations and recommendations. But if you prefer the convenience of having Cloud 9 Travel handle these arrangements, we’re more than happy to do so for a small concierge fee. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we're here to tailor our services to suit your preferences.
Can I customize my plans and make changes to your proposal?
Of course! We understand that there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all vacation. While we do our best to tailor our proposal to your preferences, we welcome any client suggestions to make the itinerary perfectly suited to your wish list.
Will my itinerary be itemized?
We don't provide itemized itineraries and pricing because many of our trusted wholesaler partners have proprietary contracts with local hotels, tour companies, and drivers, making it challenging to offer such detailed breakdowns. This said, we believe that booking a vacation isn't about purchasing a mere spreadsheet of individual items. It's about investing in a complete and immersive experience, from the beginning to the end of your journey–which is exactly what we’ll give you.