At TourCompass, we know that a tour requires good preparation. That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to find answers to everything – from passports and visas to booking, payment, and support while on your destination.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our travel specialists are, of course, always ready to help you by phone or email. You can also find answers to practical questions regarding specific destinations here.
Happy travels!
Quickly find answers here:
- Tour planning
- Booking process
- Passport, visa & health
- Customising your tour
- Help and contact during the tour
- Reviews and complaints
1. Tour planning
How far in advance should I book a tour?
Book your tour 4–8 months before departure, as this often gives you better flight prices and greater availability at our scheduled hotels.
When you book well in advance, you’ll usually have more options when it comes to flight departures, hotels, and travel routes. This is especially true during the high season and for popular destinations, where demand can be high.
If you’re planning to travel during holidays or school breaks, or on a tour where spots are limited (for example, the Inca Trail in Peru), it’s best to book even earlier.
When is the best time to travel to different destinations?
The best time to travel varies greatly from one destination to another – there’s no single answer, as it depends on the climate and the type of experiences you’re after.
Weather and climate differ widely across our destinations. Many of our African destinations are influenced by dry and rainy seasons, while Asia is affected by monsoons. In Latin America, climatic conditions can vary dramatically between the north and south at the same time of year. We’ve created detailed guides on the best times to visit all our destinations to help you choose the ideal season, whether you’re after wildlife encounters or perfect beach weather. Read more here.
What should I consider when planning a tour with children?
When travelling with children, it’s important to prioritise shorter travel distances, age-appropriate activities, and a mild climate during the tour period.
You and your family will enjoy a variety of experiences and activities tailored to your children’s ages. Also, consider the time of year at your chosen destination, as some places can be extremely hot or rainy during certain seasons.
Many families prefer tours that include nature and wildlife experiences. At TourCompass, we offer a wide range of tours that are ideal for families, including family-friendly tours specifically designed with children in mind.
Why choose a tour operator instead of planning the tour yourself?
A tour operator saves you hours of research and gives you access to expert advice, competitive prices, and our confidence guarantee if anything goes wrong along the way.
When you book through a tour operator, you often get a complete package where flights, hotels, transport, and excursions are all arranged in advance. It saves time and makes planning much easier.
When you book a package holiday, you’re protected by the ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence), which guarantees your right to compensation for your holiday as well as a re-booking – or assistance if you are already on your holiday – should the company you booked with go bankrupt. With TourCompass, you’re also covered by the ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents), which is a voluntary scheme, of which TourCompass is a member, that safeguards your money in the unlikely event that we should go bankrupt, entitling you to a refund or replacement of your package holiday including hotel and transport costs. Additionally, ABTA members are governed by a Code of Conduct, meaning that if we don’t follow the guidelines listed in the code, including various standards for package holidays, you are entitled to raise a dispute through the ABTA. Please note that the ATOL and ABTA are not substitutes for travel insurance, as they only provide assistance and coverage in the event of bankruptcy. You can read more about both schemes here.
At TourCompass, we’re with you all the way – from the moment you book until you return home. Along the way, you can always reach us on our 24/7 emergency hotline.
What’s included in the price of a tour with TourCompass?
As a rule, our package holidays include flights, accommodation in carefully selected hotels, planned excursions, and transport between destinations.
When you book a tour with us, the key elements are always taken care of. This means that flights, airport transfers, and accommodation are included in the price you see. Often, selected meals and guided excursions are also part of the package, depending on the specific tour description. You’ll always find a detailed list of what is and isn’t included (for example, tipping and visas) under each individual tour on our website.
Are your tours group tours or individual tours?
TourCompass offers exclusively individual package holidays with fixed itineraries, where you travel with your own companions (for example family or a partner) and not as part of a set group tour with a dedicated tour leader.
You’ll enjoy the freedom of travelling independently while having the confidence that your flights, hotels, and itinerary are all pre-arranged. Although the tour itself is individual, you may meet other travellers on certain excursions in small, international groups – often other TourCompass guests – but the tour is not a traditional group tour.
2. Booking process
How do I book a tour with TourCompass?
To book your tour, first request a free, personalised quote. Once you’re ready, you can complete your booking online directly from the quote.
On our website, simply choose the tour that interests you, along with your departure date and airport. You’ll then receive a non-binding quote including a detailed itinerary.
When you’re ready to book, complete your booking using the link provided in your quote and pay the deposit or the full price of the tour. After booking, you’ll gain access to the TourCompass app, where all your travel details are gathered in one convenient place.
When do I need to pay for my tour, and what payment options are available?
When booking, you’ll pay a deposit of 300 GBP per person. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 60 days before your scheduled departure.
You can pay by credit or debit card or a bank transfer. By splitting the payment into a deposit and final balance, you secure your spot and flight price right away while giving yourself more time to plan your finances before your tour begins. You’ll receive a confirmation email as soon as your payment has been processed.
Please note that on special occasions, other terms and conditions may apply.
What happens after I’ve completed my booking?
Once you’ve booked, you’ll immediately receive an invoice and confirmation of your order. Our team will then start confirming all parts of your tour with our local partners.
As we coordinate many elements with our local partners, the final confirmation process usually takes around 2–3 weeks. Once everything is in place, you’ll receive your final order confirmation.
Information about your flights: If you book your tour well in advance (typically more than 10 months before departure), we may not be able to provide your exact flight details straight away, as airlines release their schedules later on. You’ll receive your flight details as soon as your reservations have been fully confirmed by the airline.
Shortly after your initial booking (usually within 1–3 working days), you’ll receive your login details for the TourCompass app. Through the app, you can follow your tour step by step, and as your departure date approaches, your travel documents and tickets will become available directly in the app.
Am I financially protected if the tour operator goes bankrupt?
Yes, as a member of the ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents), member number Y6104, you’re fully financially protected in the unlikely event that we go bankrupt.
When you purchase a package tour with TourCompass, your holiday is protected by both the ABTA and the ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence), member number 10558. This means that you’re entitled to a refund of any payments if the company is unable to complete your tour due to bankruptcy. This legal protection is one of the major advantages of choosing an established tour operator instead of booking flights and hotels separately, as you are generally far better protected as a traveller.
What happens if I need to cancel or change my tour?
If there are more than 60 days before your departure, you can rebook your tour free of charge under our confidence guarantee. In the event of cancellation, your deposit will not be refunded, and if there are fewer than 60 days before departure, the amount is generally non-refundable.
Detailed rules:
- More than 60 days before departure:
- Rebooking: Use the confidence guarantee to change the date or destination once without any fee (you only pay any price difference on the actual tour).
- Cancellation: You can cancel your tour, but your paid deposit will not be refunded.
- Less than 60 days before departure:
- Cancellation/Change: At this stage, it is not possible to receive a refund for the tour cost or make any changes.
- Special conditions:
- Flight upgrades: These can never be refunded or transferred to a new tour, as they are tied to a specific booking.
- Insurance: We always recommend purchasing a cancellation insurance policy when booking, which covers your expenses in the event of sudden illness or accident.
3. Passport, visa & health
Do I need a visa for my destination?
Visa requirements depend on your destination and nationality. When you book with TourCompass, you will automatically receive a link to the “Practical Information” page, which outlines the specific entry rules for UK citizens on your tour, including any requirements for an e-visa or travel authorisation (e.g. ESTA/eTA).
Visa regulations vary greatly depending on your destination and the purpose of your visit. For many of our destinations, a traditional visa, an e-visa, or an electronic travel authorisation is required. It is always your responsibility as a traveller to ensure that your passport is valid and that you have the correct permits before departure. Please also bear in mind that you may need a transit authorisation for countries such as the USA or Canada, even if you are only transiting.
If you hold a nationality other than the UK, please contact the relevant local embassy for advice on the current regulations.
How long must my passport be valid when travelling?
As a general rule, many countries require that your passport is valid for at least six months after your return home.
The requirements differ from one country to another, and some destinations also demand a certain number of blank pages in your passport. We therefore always recommend checking the latest regulations for your specific destination well in advance of departure. It is your own responsibility to comply with these requirements.
You can find the information in our Practical info section or on the website of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Do I need vaccinations before travelling abroad?
Vaccination requirements depend on your destination and previous medical history. We recommend seeking professional advice from a doctor or vaccination clinic at least 6–8 weeks before departure.
For many destinations, vaccinations such as tetanus/diphtheria and hepatitis A and B are recommended. If you’re travelling to certain regions, particularly in Africa or specific parts of Asia and Latin America, preventive treatment for malaria or proof of yellow fever vaccination may also be required.
As recommendations can change over time, it’s important to get an up-to-date assessment from a healthcare professional who can review your specific travel plans.
Which travel insurance do you recommend, and what should it cover?
We always recommend taking out both private travel insurance and cancellation insurance. Since neither the NHS nor the blue European health insurance cards provide cover outside Europe, your insurance should at the very least cover medical treatment, emergency illness, and repatriation.
A good travel insurance policy generally also covers accidents, baggage delays, and personal liability during your stay. Cancellation insurance is equally important, as it protects you financially if you need to cancel your tour before departure due to acute illness or unforeseen circumstances. As the terms vary between providers, we always recommend that you review your policy carefully or contact your insurance company to make sure the coverage matches your specific type of tour.
How can I stay informed about the safety situation at my destination?
You can stay informed through the travel advice provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, which offers up-to-date recommendations for your destination.
At TourCompass, we closely monitor the security situation at all our destinations in collaboration with our local partners and relevant authorities. If the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against travel to a destination you have booked, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss your options. Naturally, we never send guests to areas where the authorities deem safety to be inadequate.
How does TourCompass’ confidence guarantee work?
Our confidence guarantee gives you the flexibility to rebook your tour once, free of charge, up to 60 days before your planned departure.
We know that plans can change. With the confidence guarantee, you can freely change your departure date or choose a completely different destination within the 60‑day timeframe before departure. If your new tour is more expensive than the original one, you’ll simply pay the difference. The guarantee is designed to give you complete peace of mind when booking well in advance. Read the full terms and conditions of the confidence guarantee.
Where can I find my tickets and travel documents after booking?
You’ll find all your tickets, travel details, and documents conveniently gathered in one place in the TourCompass app, which you’ll gain access to shortly after booking.
Once you’ve booked your tour, you’ll receive your login details for the app by email. As your departure date approaches, your flight tickets, vouchers, and other travel documents will continuously be uploaded and made available directly in the app. This ensures you always have the most up‑to‑date information at your fingertips, whether you’re at home or on the move. The app also works offline, so you can access your important documents even if you don’t have an internet connection at your destination.
4. Customising your tour
Can I tailor my tour or make changes to the routes?
Our tours are individual package holidays with well-planned itineraries, but there are great opportunities to customise your tour with optional additions and upgrades.
We don’t offer fully tailor-made tours from scratch, as our itineraries are carefully designed to ensure you experience the destination’s top highlights at the right pace. However, you can personalise your tour by adding extra excursions, upgrading your hotels, or extending your stay with, for example, a beach holiday.
Is it possible to upgrade hotels or flights?
Yes, on most of our tours you can upgrade both your hotel category and flight class.
We have carefully selected the hotels included in our standard programmes, but we often offer a range of optional upgrades for those seeking extra comfort or a truly special location. In addition, when booking, you can choose to upgrade your flight to, e.g., Premium Economy or Business Class, provided the airline offers this on your chosen route. Please note that flight upgrades must be confirmed at the time of booking.
Can I extend my tour or combine multiple destinations?
Yes, we offer plenty of opportunities to extend your tour with a beach holiday, as well as combination tours where you can visit several countries on the same journey.
If you wish to end your tour with some relaxation by the water, many of our destinations offer the option of adding a beach holiday extension. We also specialise in combination tours featuring routes that cross borders – for example, tours through several countries in Central America or a combination of safari in one country and beach stays in another. See all our multi-country holidays.
Can I travel alone, and are your tours suitable for families?
Yes, we welcome solo travellers, couples, and families alike. Our tours are not group tours, which makes them highly flexible for every type of traveller.
When you travel with TourCompass, you enjoy the freedom of travelling independently while still benefiting from the reassurance of a planned programme. Families appreciate our carefully thought-out logistics, while solo travellers find comfort in the arranged transfers and local guides. As you’re not tied to a fixed travel group, you can enjoy your adventure at your own pace – either with your travel companions or entirely on your own.
Can you accommodate special dietary requirements or allergies?
Yes, we can handle most special dietary requirements and allergies, as long as you let us know when booking your tour.
Once we receive your information, we’ll notify both the airlines and our local partners so they can make the necessary preparations. Although we always do our utmost to meet all needs, we recommend that you also remind your local guide or the hotel staff about your allergies during the tour, as awareness and understanding of allergies can vary from country to country.
5. Help and contact during the tour
How can I get help during my tour, and do you have an emergency hotline?
You can always get assistance from our local partners at your destination or via our 24/7 emergency hotline if any urgent issues arise.
Your safety is our top priority. We’ll send you the phone number for our 24/7 emergency hotline once your booking is confirmed. Around 2–3 weeks after your booking, you’ll also receive the contact details of our local partners and guides along with your final booking confirmation. They’ll be your main points of contact throughout your tour, as they have excellent local knowledge and can quickly handle most practical matters.
Around three days before your departure, we will email you the information again, including the telephone number for our own emergency hotline, staffed 24/7 throughout your tour. You can use this number in case of emergencies that occur outside local office hours.
How will I be picked up at the airport upon arrival?
As a rule, you will be greeted in the arrivals hall by a TourCompass representative, unless otherwise stated in your specific tour itinerary.
On most of our tours, a driver or representative will be waiting for you with a TourCompass sign or a sign displaying your name once you’ve passed through customs. For certain types of tours, such as self-drive tours, you will need to collect your hire car yourself or make your own way to the first hotel. It’s therefore important to check your personal tour itinerary, where the exact procedure for your arrival is described. If you have difficulty finding your driver or meeting point, you can always contact us or our local partners at your destination using the contact details provided.
What should I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
In the event of flight delays or cancellations while you’re travelling, you should first contact the airline and then inform either our local partner or us directly.
Our drivers and local partners generally monitor flight times so they can account for minor delays. However, if you experience a significant delay that affects your arrival, or if you are rebooked onto a different flight number, please do the following:
- Contact the airline: It is their responsibility to get you to your destination and to provide any necessary meals or accommodation during the waiting period.
- Notify us: Contact either our local partner at your destination (you can find the number in your confirmation and in the app) or call us on our main number or emergency hotline. We will then update your transfer details and ensure that our partners know when to expect you.
In the event of major changes to your arrival, we will, together with our partners, do everything possible to adjust your programme so that you can make the most of your stay, even if your tour has been disrupted.
What should I do if I fall ill or need medical assistance during my tour?
If you become unwell, first contact your local guide or the hotel reception. They can help you get in touch with a doctor or direct you to the nearest hospital.
Our local partners are your main point of contact at the destination and can provide quick, practical assistance in such situations. In the event of a serious illness, we at TourCompass would also like to be informed directly via our main number or emergency hotline, so we can follow up and support you in the best possible way throughout your tour.
It’s also vital that you contact your travel insurance emergency assistance centre. They provide professional medical advice and must approve coverage for treatment, medication, or any necessary changes to your travel plans. Always remember to obtain a medical certificate and keep all receipts, as these documents will be needed for your insurance claim once you return home.
6. Reviews and complaints
How is TourCompass rated by previous guests?
TourCompass is generally rated very highly by past guests, as you can see on our Trustpilot profile, where we have a score of 4.9 out of 5.
We place great importance on the feedback we receive from our guests and actively use it to continuously evaluate and improve our tours. Around five days after returning home, our guests receive an email inviting them to share their feedback on their tour experience. We go through every response carefully and use them to adjust our programmes if there are areas that can be improved.
How do I submit a complaint after my tour?
If your tour did not live up to your expectations, please contact us in writing as soon as possible after returning home.
A complaint must always be submitted to us in writing by email as soon as possible after returning home at info@tourcompass.co.uk. It is a prerequisite that you notified us of the problem during the tour, either through our local partners or by contacting us directly via email or phone, so that we had the opportunity to resolve the issue on the spot. We review all cases carefully, in consultation with our partners at the destination.
Do you have any further questions?
Did you not find the answers to your questions here on the site?
Then contact us at info@tourcompass.co.uk or by phone at 01279 704 135.
TourCompass – From tourist to traveller
