WANDERTOURS TRAVEL DETAILS
1. GETTING TO SEATTLE
Q. How do you recommend I get from Sea-Tac Airport to the hotel in Seattle?
A. You have several options. When you depart the airport, follow the signs for ground transportation. From there, you can either take a taxi (approximately $40) or take the Shuttle Express (starting at $19.99/person).
Another option is to follow the signs for the Light Rail when you depart the airport. Purchase your ticket (approximately $2.75) before boarding the train. Take the Light Rail to downtown and the Westlake Center stop. We will provide specific walking directions to the hotel (approximately 5-10 minutes) about two weeks prior to the tour start.
Q. What time should I plan to arrive and depart when booking my flights for the tour?
A. We start in the afternoon with a tour of Seattle followed by dinner. However, if you are able to arrive earlier in the day, we can provide you with some suggestions on what to do with your free time.
Breakfast is included on the last morning of the tour, so if you want to eat with people and have some time to say goodbye, you could plan to leave for the airport in the late morning.
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 SEATTLE
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. Most (if not all) of our activities are within the downtown corridor where it’s very possible to walk to our meals and activities (wear comfortable shoes!). However, if you prefer, we can make arrangements for a taxi to take you to our destinations.
Q. Will water be readily available?
A. We do not provide bottled water on this tour as 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.
Q. What will the weather be like in June?
A. Typically June is just on the cusp of the nice weather. Seattleites joke that summer doesn’t start until July 5th. Having said that, it could be in the 50’s and cloudy or it could be in the 70’s with clear skies.
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 for specific amenities (linked to from the tour itinerary page).There may be some time for exercise in the early mornings or during a break in the late afternoons.
Q. Are there hair dryers at the hotels?
A. Yes, there will be hair dryers at our hotel.
4. PACKING INFORMATION
Q. How should I pack for the weather?
A. Pack for a variety of weather – some warm days and perhaps cooler evenings with potential light rain. We will provide you with a full packing list once you’ve registered for the tour. 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. We will be having dinner at a couple of Seattle’s nicer restaurants. However, it’s a pretty low-key city in that people generally really dress up for dinner at only a few of the very finest restaurants. For our dinners out, you can dress in anything from jeans and a nice top to a dress.
Q. What tricks do you use to fit all that stuff into a carry-on 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 Seattle?
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 downtown.
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 or 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.