Tempo Holidays

OUR 10 MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1:	How much do I owe on a booking? If you have a username and password to use our online system, simply log-in and select My Bookings. This will display a search screen. Search for the booking you're after. In the results screen, it will show the records of all the bookings you've searched for, the total amount (in dollars) due and the total amount received.
2:	When is my deposit/balance due? A deposit of $110 per person, within 7 days of making the booking, is required to secure your reservation, irrespective of the status of the booking. Failure to pay the deposit on time may result in your booking being cancelled. The balance is then due 45 days prior to departure (or commencement of the first service booked). If the booking is made within 45 days of departure then full payment is required immediately upon confirmation of all services and accommodation. Some services are subject to special payment conditions - please refer to our terms and conditions.
3:	Do you accept credit cards? Yes, we do! In Australia we accept VISA, Mastercard, Amex and Diners Club. In New Zealand we accept Visa and MasterCard only.
4:	Can I make an amendment? To make an amendment, please select the Amend Booking link located on the booking details page (found via the My Bookings link) on the Tempo Holidays website. Only one amendment per booking will be made free of charge. Second and subsequent amendments incur a fee of $33 per booking.
5:	Has documentation been issued? If the status of your booking online shows as Vouchered then documentation has been issued. You can check this by logging into our online system and clicking on "My Bookings".
6:	Is my booking confirmed? If the status of your booking online shows as Confirmed, awaiting payment then the booking is confirmed and we require payment to secure the booking.
7:	What is the cost of..? You can now check all the current prices online. Using the top navigation, select from Flights, Accommodation, Packages, Activities, Sightseeing, Car Rental, Cruises and Services and search for the items you require prices for. You'll find that all prices are correct for the current season.
8:	What do I do if I lose my password? Once you have received confirmation of your username and password you can log on and by ticking the remember me box you will remain logged into the site, even when you close your browser and return on another occasion, until you click the sign out link. If you forget your user name or password you can complete the form under the login prompt and we will replace it for you.
9:	What is your Smart Money and Money Direct EFT code? For Australian travel agents, our Smart Money code is TEMPO and our Money Direct code is AAYT. For New Zealand travel agents, our Money Direct code is TEMPO.
10:	Can I receive a brochure? Yes, you can. Simply follow the brochure link. Select the brochures you would like, then click on brochures button. You'll then be taken to a second page where you can enter your postal details.

OTHER COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why should I book before I leave home?
By booking through a licensed tour operator you are protected by consumer laws in Australia. Tour operators are able through their buying power to negotiate many special rates for different holiday packages as well as to organise for you to be met on arrival, have your accommodation secured and your orientation tours booked. No waiting and hassle free.

Is it cheaper to book through Tempo Holidays?
Tour operators are able through their buying power to negotiate many special rates for different holiday packages. Many prices for services pre-purchased through Tempo Holidays represent great savings on the walk-up price if purchased overseas, and car rental is a good example of this. Our prices are inclusive of the cost of research of our travel products, consultation with travel agent, communication costs incurred in confirming travel services with overseas providers, providing documentation, brochure production, marketing and advertising. No representation is made by us to imply that the same, or similar products, may, or may not, be obtained at a lower price.

When is the best time to travel?
This is very dependent on the destination to which you are travelling and your personal preferences. While most people opt for the popular times of May to October in Europe and October to April for South America, those who are prepared to travel in low seasons such as the European winter will find some great bargains. In Egypt and Dubai the high summer of May to September is the low season, and again if the heat does not bother you, this can be an attractive option. Refer also to destinations for specific information.

Why should I book transfers before I go?
A transfer service may not be the cheapest way to get to your hotel on arrival but it is the most stress-free. Normally you will be met in the arrivals hall by your driver (or a transfer representative), escorted to your vehicle and driven directly to your hotel; without the need to wait in queues for taxis, worry about whether you will be taken "the long way" to your hotel, or whether you have enough local currency. Some transfer services include assistance with your luggage (porterage) and most include a waiting time of up to one hour in the event that your flight is delayed. Trains are fabulous but not many have been designed so that you do not have to negotiate steps or lift suitcases, and of course you still have to make your own way from the station to your hotel. You will be pleasantly surprised by how reasonably priced many transfer services actually are.

What happens if I cancel my trip or part of my trip?
All cancellations should be advised in writing (e-mail is fine) to Tempo Holidays, preferably through your travel agent, as soon as is practicable. If a full cancellation is received more than 45 days prior to the commencement of services a full refund less the $110 deposit per person will be made. After this we have a standard schedule of cancellation fees which is spelled out in our terms and conditions.

What happens if you do not use services that you have pre paid for?
Normally prepaid services are not able to be refunded once travel has commenced. We recommend you contact your travel insurance and make a claim for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred for services that you were unable to use due to illness or other circumstance once travel has commenced.

Who do I contact in an emergency whilst travelling?
Once you're travelling, your first point of contact will always be the service provider shown on your voucher. If they're unable to help you, your next point of contact should be your travel agent. Failing that Tempo Holidays Australia is open Mon-Fri 9.00am to 8.00pm (AEST), and Saturday mornings 9.30am to 1.00pm, (AEST). During office hours Monday to Friday the appropriate contact number is +61 (03) 9646 0277. If you need to contact us urgently after hours or on a weekend the best way is to make contact with your service provider as shown on your voucher. All our overseas representatives have the mobile number of the relevant product managers and can attempt to make contact if necessary.

Whose responsibility is it to organise Visas?
Many governments require travellers to have an appropriate visa endorsed in their passport before entry into that country is permitted. Travellers are advised to ensure that they obtain all appropriate visas, including transit visas where these are required, prior to their departure from home. Information on visas or other travel authorisations required to visit foreign countries may be obtained from the diplomatic mission of the country concerned, or through your local travel agent. You are always responsible for your own travel documents and having an up to date passport. Generally your travel agent will advise you on the need for different visas, and can assist you to obtain them where necessary.

Is my existing passport OK?
All travellers should be aware that many countries require travellers to have at least six months validity remaining on their passports. Immigration authorities may refuse entry to travellers arriving with less than this. Travellers should either renew their passport before they travel or check with the diplomatic mission of the country concerned, or your local travel agent, whether this rule applies to them.

How will I know what to tip and when to tip?
We give some guidelines in our Destination Information which is available via the My Destination link when logged in. Our prices do not include tips, and although some clients have suggested that we do this we prefer to leave it to individuals to decide on whether and how much to tip. Tipping, and tipping of guides, drivers, hotel porters etc. is normal practice in the destinations we sell. Please try not to feel too harassed by the need to tip many people, albeit relatively small amounts. In retrospect you will find that tips constitute a relatively small amount of your touring budget.

Do guides receive a commission from the shops they take you to on organised tours?
In many instances the answer is yes. Coach tour operators often have arrangements with various shops offering goods usually typical of the area. There is no obligation on you to purchase anything at these stops and many tourists choose not to do so.