WANDERTOURS TRAVEL DETAILS
1. GETTING TO SANTA FE
Q. What airport should I fly into for the tour?
A. Either the Albuquerque or the Santa Fe airport will work for this tour. You may want to check costs flying from your destination to each airport, but Albuquerque tends to be a bit cheaper. The Albuquerque airport is about one hour away and the Santa Fe airport is about 20 minutes away from the city.
Q. What shuttle do you recommend getting from Albuquerque Airport to Santa Fe?
A. The best option is Groome Transportation. They have hourly departures from the airport and it takes about 1 to 1 1/2 hours to get to Santa Fe. You can book in advance or make arrangements at the airport. When you make a reservation online, they will suggest available pick up times, which may be further out than you’d hoped, so perhaps check that before you book your flights. For example, for a 1:55pm arrival, you may leave the airport at 2:45pm and arrive to the hotel around 4:20pm depending on checked or carry-on bags and traffic. There are also taxis available.
Q. What shuttle do you recommend getting from the Santa Fe Airport to Santa Fe?
A. If you’re flying into the Santa Fe airport there are taxis available or you can go to the desk for Roadrunner Shuttle Service. Upon check-in at the desk, they will reconfirm with the hotel that you are a guest and then take you to the hotel free-of-charge. For a return shuttle to the Santa Fe airport you will need to reserve 24 hours in advance through the hotel’s front desk.
Q. What time should I plan to arrive and depart when booking my flights for the tour?
A. Our first activity is a blessing ceremony with a local tribal elder which will be held at the hotel. While the time will be confirmed closer to the start of the tour, expect this to be around 3 pm. If possible, you’ll want to give yourself time to get settled into the hotel after landing and getting transport from the airport. If you land around noon in Albuquerque, you will have three hours to get your shuttle or car, drive for an hour and freshen up in the hotel before the guided tour.
Breakfast is offered on the last morning of the tour, so if you want to eat with people and have some time to say goodbye, plan to leave the hotel late morning. Or, if you’d like more time to wander the plaza and shop, book a flight home in the early evening.
Note on occasions early check-ins are not possible so it will be subject to room availability.
Q. If I want to arrive earlier (or stay extra days) can you make hotel arrangements for me?
A. Absolutely! As soon as you book your flights, let us know which nights you’ll need additional accommodations and we’ll handle that (based on availability, of course). We can also book additional nights after the tour if you’d like to relax and sightsee before heading home.
2. WHILE VISITING SANTA FE
Q. Should I rent a car?
A. There’s no need to rent a car during the tour but if you plan to tour around prior to or after the actual itinerary dates, you might consider it. It is certainly not needed.
Q. How much walking will there be on the tour?
A. Although we do generally walk to many of the activities in the itinerary, there is a free hotel shuttle that can be used to get to and from destinations in town, including where our activities take place. You are welcome to walk with Beth and others who want to walk (wear comfortable shoes!) but may also choose to take the shuttle (which some definitely opt for).
Q. Is bottled water provided on this tour?
A. While we do recommend you drink plenty of water due to the altitude and dryness of this high desert town, we don’t provide bottled water. We strongly urge our tour participants to carry their own reusable water bottle and fill it up at the hotel so as to cut down on the number of plastic water bottles that get thrown out/recycled. Our hotel often has a large container of ice water in the lobby from which you can fill up your bottle as often as you like.
Q. Should I be concerned about the high altitude?
A. For most people, Santa Fe’s high altitude (7,000 feet) isn’t a problem though you will likely notice shortness of breath walking up stairs.
Q. What will the weather be like in June?
A. Typically the weather in June is in the high 70’s to low 80’s during the daytime but can get down to the 40’s at night.
3. HOTEL INFORMATION
Q. Do you know the name of the hotel where we will be staying?
A. Hotel information is listed on the tour itinerary but we usually don’t have this confirmed until right before the tour (in case there are any last-minute changes). We will send you the name and contact information of the hotel a couple of weeks before the tour start date and we encourage you to leave this with family and/or friends in case of emergency.
Q. Does the hotel have a fitness center and/or will there be time to get some exercise?
A. It’s best to check the hotel’s website (linked to from the tour itinerary page) for specific amenities such as a pool and fitness center. There will be free time during the tour for your own activities if you’d like to work out or fit in a walk around Santa Fe.
Q. Are there hair dryers at the hotel?
A. Yes, there will be hair dryers at our hotel.
4. PACKING INFORMATION
Q. How should I pack for the weather?
A. You will receive a packing list that will help guide you. Be prepared for warm days and cooler evenings. Keep an eye on the forecast just prior to departure so you’ll know how to pack.
Q. Do I need to bring dressy clothes?
A. Casual dress is acceptable most everywhere in Santa Fe though locals do tend to dress quite nicely.
Q. Will I need a swimsuit?
A. There will likely be a pool at our hotel, so you might consider bringing a swimsuit.
Q. What tricks do you use to fit all your items into one carry-on bag and still have room somewhere for souvenirs?
A. Check out this article on secrets to packing light.
5. MONEY, GIFTS, TIPS
Q. Should I be prepared to tip any of our guides in Santa Fe?
A. Nope, it’s all taken care of on this trip.
Q. Will I need cash for anything on the tour?
A. You may want some small bills to tip at the hotel or at restaurants, but ATMs are readily available.
6. WANDERTOURS TRAVEL DETAILS
Q. Do I need insurance for this tour?
A. Until the pandemic has been declared over, we ask that all tour participants acquire travel insurance. We have now partnered with Travel Insured International so that you have ability to purchase “cancel for any reason” insurance. We HIGHLY recommend travel insurance (no matter who your provider is) to protect your travel investment from any future issues. Although we are technically not requiring it, you will be asked to sign additional paperwork acknowledging the risk of traveling without insurance.
Q. Is there a schedule for installment payments?
A. We don’t have anything formal set up but you can definitely send in payments on your own schedule. Some people send in monthly payments while other people send in payments when it’s convenient.
Q. Will you be sending an updated itinerary with our overnight accommodations so we can leave it with folks at home?
A. Yes, you’ll receive the hotel information as well as emergency contact information one to two weeks before departure.
Q. What’s the emergency contact info that I can give my family?
A. Along with the hotel contact information, you will be given a cell phone number for your tour escort shortly before departure.
Q. Will I receive a refund if I have to cancel my participation in this tour?
A. Once you have paid a deposit, there is a cancellation fee if you cannot join us. The cancellation fee depends on the tour and how far in advance of the tour you cancel. Our refund policy is covered in our Booking Terms and Conditions and is also outlined on the Registration Form that you’ll receive within 24 hours of registering with a deposit.
Any refunds will be sent by check within two weeks of our receiving written notification of your cancellation (email notification is fine). We will respond via email and ask for confirmation of your mailing address for any refunds. Address must be confirmed within six months, otherwise expect forfeiture of refund as we close out our books at that time.