Mexico and South America FAQ

Every Tour Website provides the Inclusions, Hotel Names, Itinerary, Dates, Pricing, and Terms and Conditions. 

The Button is readily available on the Main Website, each Tour Website, your Registration Confirmation, and within your Account.  

*These Terms are also listed on the Final Page of Registration – and are accepted upon Registration. 

The Website provides a button noting “Register” – which will then prompt you to enter in your Contact – Billing – Passenger Information.   

The sooner you register with your Deposit – the better! Since registrations can be made online at any hour, there is no way to know when a Trip will become Sold Out (especially when people can book individually or in larger numbers.)  

The Website will highlight if the trip has become Sold Out (or if a Wait List has been implemented.) Once a Trip becomes Sold Out – additional inquiries are pending confirmation.  

Yes – you can register for yourself and your Friend(s), Family, Roommate(s) etc.  

 The Registration Process will require you to select how many people in your Order. You will then enter in the info of each Passenger. Deposits are required for each person at the time of registration – so the amount noted on the final page of registration will reflect that of the total number of passengers. 

Absolutely – edits can be made by logging into your Account. 

You can edit your Contact Information, Billing Information, or Special Requests.  

You can add Passengers to your Registration (Pending availability – and – Deposits will be due.) 

Per Terms and Conditions: Change Fees apply if altering the Departure/Return Date or City, Passport Information, or Transferring to another Tour. Cancellation Fees apply if cancelling a Passenger. 

*Once Registered with a Deposit, the Name(s) listed are either “traveling” or “cancelling”. We cannot switch/swap/trade a name/space for another. 

Approximately 60 days prior to departure, we will mail you each person the following: 

• ‘Exclusive’ LetsTrav Touring Bag  

• LetsTrav Tour Laminate and Lanyard 

• LetsTrav Luggage Tags 

• Tip Envelopes 

The Laminates will reflect your First Name noted on your Registration. If you go by a different name, or a shortened version, you can reflect that in the box noted “Laminate Name”. 

All packages are mailed via Fed Ex Home Delivery – and delivered to the address noted in your Account. The Shipping Pouch will be adorned with our LetsTrav logo. 

 *P.O. Boxes are not accepted due to Fed Ex limitations. If such scenarios, we recommend applying an alternative Home Address that can accept Fed Ex deliveries. 

A Fed Ex Tracking Number will be uploaded to your Account that you can select. It will prompt you to the Fed Ex Website that will advise its progress, ETA of delivery, and a picture (once delivered). 

We recommend using this Bag as both your Carry-On Bag, and throughout your Tour. It is functional throughout your Tour (storing your jacket, water, phone charger etc.) It also helps your Escort to keep track of you in large crowds (Airport, Arrival’s Hall, Museums, Churches etc.) as well as keeping count of your group throughout to ensure nobody gets lost. 

 Tour Laminate: This must be worn daily to “access” your Bus, Tours, Restaurants etc. 

Luggage Tags: These must be applied to your Checked and Carry-On Luggages. This helps spot your luggage in Baggage Claim. It also helps Hotel Porters deliver your bag to the correct room and place it on the correct Bus/Transfers.  

Tip Envelopes: To organize and discretely provide your Escort/Driver. Further details are below under “Tips”. 

Absolutely – edits can be made by logging into your Account. 

You can edit your Contact Information, Billing Information, or Special Requests.  

You can add Passengers to your Registration (Pending availability – and – Deposits will be due.) 

Per Terms and Conditions: Change Fees apply if altering the Departure/Return Date or City, Passport Information, or Transferring to another Tour. Cancellation Fees apply if cancelling a Passenger. 

*Once Registered with a Deposit, the Name(s) listed are either “traveling” or “cancelling”. We cannot switch/swap/trade a name/space for another. 

No – this is due in part because the trips are shorter than the average trip. Some travelers may only need a Medium Checked Bag, or just a Carry-On. It is unfair to impose universal Fees for all, when they will not necessarily be utilized. For that reason, you can pack the size Bag that works for you – and you will be charged that Fee at the time of checking in at the Airport. 

For international Trips, you should pack one (1) Checked Luggage, and one (1) Carry-On Luggage.   

This refers to the Main Luggage that contains the bulk of your belongings. It is stored underneath the plane. Most Checked Bags are designed with a universal TSA measurement in mind. Your focus should be on the weight limit – 50 lbs. 

Your Travel Backpack (provided by LetsTrav) acts as your Carry-On that you bring on the plane with you. This can be stored under your seat, or in the overhead compartment. It must not exceed thirteen (13) pounds – or additional fees will be charged. 

It is completely optional – and at your discretion. TSA screens all baggage before it is permitted to be brought onboard – but some are randomly selected for additional screening. A letter is left in your Luggage if this has taken place.  

 You can purchase TSA Recognized Locks – which allow TSA Officials to use tools for opening and re-locking your baggage, instead of cutting them. You can also purchase Luggage that has Combination TSA Locks built into the Luggage already. 

Size for Checked Bags:
Length + Width + Height = 158cm./62 total linear inches. 

Weight = a maximum of 50 pounds per bag
Allotment Per Person: Economy Class is one (1) Checked Bag // Business Class is two (2) Checked Bags 

*Fees will apply if Bags exceed the limits at the discretion of the Airline. 

 Size for Carry-on Bags:
Length + Width + Height: 106cm./42in.
Weight = maximum of 25 pounds per bag. 

Allotment Per Person: one (1) Carry-On Bag per person.

In addition to your Carry-On Bag, each person is permitted to bring one (1) Personal Item on the plane. An item is defined as a Book, an i-Pad etc. It does not mean another Bag. 

You will not need any type of Formal clothing (Suits, Dresses, Dress Shoes etc) or fancy jewelry. Pack what you wear every day – and leave the rest at home. 

Take an honest look at the Itinerary (Days / Nights) and the Season (check your Weather APP or www.weather.com). The days are filled with touring that include a lot of walking, so comfortable clothing and sneakers are the best. While you may have the best intentions, time will not permit use of the Hotel Gym/Pool. 

 Accessories: 

No matter the season, we highly recommend Sunglasses for the touring during the Day. We would add Scarves/Gloves for the colder season, and Sunscreen/Hat for the warmer seasons. 

 Toiletries: 

This ranges from Deodorant, Toothbrush/Toothpaste, Cologne/Perfume, Nail Clippers, Plastic Bag for dirty laundry), and Medicine (Tylenol, Advil, Tums etc.) 

 Prescription Medication: 

If you are bringing Doctor-Prescribed Medication with you – we recommend: 

• Packing your medication in a clear plastic bag (so it is visible). 

• Save a photo of your Prescription(s) on your Phone and make copies (in with your Bag, on your person) 

Cell Phone, Charger (most Buses have USB Outlets), and a Back-Up Charger. Camera (optional). Multi-Country Travel Wall Adapter (see below for further details.)

It’s optional – but you can pack a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in case your checked bag is delayed or lost. For “peace of mind”, we recommend Air-Tags – which will assist with this scenario. 

We recommend comfortable and casual clothing (not pajamas). Depending on the arrival time of your group and check-in at the Hotel – your Escort may bring you to see a site or two. In this case, you will not be able to change and must be prepared to walk.  

Yes – just keep in mind the weight for the Carry-On/Checked Bag you choose to store it in when traveling. 

You will need to bring an Adapter in order to plug into the outlets. The voltage used is 220 volts AC, single phase 50 cycles (the U.S. uses 110/120 volts). The best option is bringing/purchasing a Universal Travel Adapter with Dual USB Ports. This way you have one Adapter that provides plug-ins for all countries, and the USB access will allow you to charge more than one device at a time. 

These are only necessary if you are bringing Hair Straighteners / Curling Iron etc. Most devices already have converters built into their technology (Mobile Phones, I-Pads etc). 

Warning: While optional to bring these items, keep in mind that the daily itineraries provide limited time to use them, and will add more weight/cost to your luggage. 

Smartphones are required while traveling – for Emergency purposes, Communication, Pictures, etc. 

All Hotels and Buses offer Free WiFi. You will be able to connect and contact via all Social Media platforms, as well as Communication Apps (Facetime. WhatsAPP etc). 

Make sure to contact your Service Provider and inform them that you will be traveling overseas. Most providers offer an “International Plan” known as “Passport” that you may sign up for. This will allow you to make calls to the United States, and accept calls, while abroad and not connected to WiFi.   

 The “Passport Program” is a Flat Fee – Per Day. It goes against your local Plan. No Roaming Fees, No Shutting Off Data etc. 

Dial “00” – followed by the country code (1 for the US and Canada) – then the local area code and phone number.  

Dial “011” – then the country code – then your local area code and phone number. 

You can expect to walk between 4 – 5 miles per day.  

This will not be all at once, but rather, broken up throughout the day. The Bus will be bringing you to most of the sites, and they will drop you off as close to the sites as traffic and local traffic laws permit. So there will be the time walking to/from the sites, within the sites/museums, and the standing time while you are touring.  

While the highways in Mexico and South America are identical to home – the roads within the towns are very different. Expect a lot of cobblestone and dirt roads that are made up of inclines/declines. Cobblestone or Tiling can be found inside the sites. Stairs are necessary to get to certain sites – and the availability of handrails vary.  

Touring will operate at a moderate pace – allowing your Guide to give you the background of the site, and for you to ask questions and take pictures. Just keep in mind that the group must keep a pace in order to see all the sites promised.  

You are permitted to bring a Cane or Walker on the Tour. We just recommend you review the itinerary to make sure you are able to complete the amount of walking per day. 

You are permitted to bring a Scooter so long as it is collapsible and light enough to store under the Bus. 

*Large Scooters or ones that require a Battery are NOT permitted. There is no space to store them on or underneath the Buses.  

We can request a manual Wheelchair that will be stored under the Bus, and accessible where needed. We can also request Handicap Accessible Rooms or Rooms on the Main Floor / or near Elevators. 

*Those requesting a Wheelchair MUST have someone with them to assist and push throughout. 

In this case – you would speak with your Tour Escort. They can arrange for a Car to pick you up and transfer you back to the Hotel. And vice versa – your Escort can arrange for a Car to pick you up at the Hotel and transfer you to meet the Group. 

*All Private Transfers are at the added expense of the client. 

Your Confirmed Flight Itinerary will be provided to you 60 days prior to departure. 

Once you receive Flight Itinerary, you can visit the Airline Website or download the Airline App. Both outlets offer you the option to log-in to your Reservation via your First Name, Last Name, and the Confirmation Number noted on your Flight Itinerary. Once logged in, a Seating Chart will be displayed that will allow you to select/purchase the Seat and Row you would like. You can also upgrade to Premium Economy or Economy Plus. 

All Airlines charge a Fee for Seat Selection on International/Domestic Flights. Our process allows you the freedom to see the full Seat Chart and have total control of your flight experience. Rates for Upgraded Seats range based on location (Row and Seat). They are in high demand, so this will allow you to confirm them instantly. 

From time to time, there are a few seats that are offered at no Fee. Just be advised these seats are often the less desired seats on the plane (towards the back of the plane – and center seats).  

Your spot is reserved at the time you register with your Deposit – in line with TSA Rules, Regulations and Route’s. We provide your Group with the most convenient flight schedule available – this includes the most direct routes, and the least amount of connection time. All participants will be traveling independently on all flights. 

Am I traveling with the Group? 

We book as much of the group together, on the same flight(s). In the event one plane is filled, we will book you on another Airline that is departing and arriving in/around the same time as the Group. To avoid this – we recommend booking sooner than later.  

Many airlines are under an “Umbrella” – meaning they have agreements to share physical Planes to accommodate passengers. While the physical plane may say “United Airlines”, it is being operated by “Lufthansa” Staff. Make sure to review your itinerary so that you check in for your flight at the correct carrier.   

Expect the security process to be thorough – lengthy – and detailed. In addition to the standard TSA Screening process between checking your luggage and entering the Terminal, there will be several other measures. This includes a “Question Screening” prior to checking your bags, to additional Security/Bag Check when entering the area to your Gate, and in the jet bridge (enclosed counter between the airport terminal and boarding your plane). You may also be subject to inspection of your passport while waiting on these lines. Also, random security checks may take place while waiting at your Gate (where you are approached by an Airport Official who will escort you to a room for further bag inspection.) All of this is in the name of “Security” – which should put you at ease. So long as you arrive at the Airport in a timely manner (as noted below), you are safe whether you are selected for some/all/or any variation of the steps. 

Check-in for your flight Online – 24 hours prior to departure. APP’s will send you a message to remind you once you are within that time period. 

Domestic Flight (connecting within US before International Flight): arrive three (3) hours prior to departure 

International Flight (direct or connecting to the Europe): arrive four (4) hours prior to departure  

All travelers must personally check in their own luggage by going to the Airline Kiosk. After entering in your Confirmation Number and scanning your Passport, your Luggage Tags will print out. Attach them to the respective Luggage – and keep the tab that pulls off (in the event it is lost. That tab notes all the tracking info for your bag. By noting the arrival city (start of your Tour), this will ensure that even if your bags are misplaced – the Airlines know where they are to end up.  

The Airlines determine the minimum connection time required to transfer from one gate to another. Tickets are issued with those times factored in. If there are any changes (delayed flight – misconnection) – speak with the Airlines and then inform your Tour Escort so that they may make arrangements for you on arrival.  

Once you exit the plane, you will make your way to Passport Control, then to Baggage Claim, and finally exit to the Arrival’s Hall. Your Escort will be there holding a Sign noting “LetsTrav”. From there, you will be transferred to your Hotel, or begin a brief Day Tour (as per your itinerary). 

There is a large “Missing Luggage Office” sign in the Baggage Claim Area to complete a “Missing Luggage Form”. Be sure to have your Luggage Tab (from when you attached the Tags), and include your Hotel Info, and Dates there. Save all paperwork and tracking information provided by the Airlines – and share with Escort to follow up. When found, they will deliver it to your Hotel. 

The Airlines will work DIRECTLY with you, and everyone on the plane, at the airport to arrange your alternate flights or protection. Once you have checked-in for your flights, we are no longer able to assist because your flights are now in the TSA System (Federal Government). This can ONLY be done by the Airlines. 

If your plane arrives late/re-routed, you may miss the group transfer, which is included in your package. Not to worry, just contact your Escort with the updated information and they will arrange a Transfer for you. 

If you would like to change your airline ticket, for any reason once the ticket has been issued and/or you have departed, you MUST work DIRECTLY with the Airlines. You should expect to incur additional costs (minimum of $600 per person) for such changes. 

Airlines offer Miles Programs in order to garner points each time you fly with them. The more you fly with them, the more points you obtain. They are then redeemable for Flights and Upgrades. You can register for these via the Website of the Airlines.  

If you have Sky Miles, you can select the Airline and enter your Number during Registration. If you are already registered, you can log-in to your Account and add them.   

These TSA Programs are a form of expedited security screening so that you can get to your gate quickly. Only low-risk flyers can qualify for this, and the process is rigorous. TSA Pre-Check reduces security time and is beneficial for those who travel often. Global Entry greatly reduces security time and is very beneficial for those who frequently travel internationally.  

*Global Entry is much more expensive and requires an in-person interview at a nearby TSA Office. If you do not fly internationally on a regular basis – we recommend TSA Pre-Check. 

If you have TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry (both Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler Programs) please enter your Member Numbers during the Registration Process under “Security Screening  Number”. If you are already registered, you can log-in to your Account and add them.