FAQs

A: As Vacation Express continues to monitor the information coming from the CDC about the novel coronavirus [COVID-19], we want to keep our travelers' best interest in mind and ensure everyone is well informed concerning their bookings with us. We recognize that there is uncertainty about traveling abroad, so we have an updated final payment due dates along with new cancellation policies for those scheduled for travel in the near future. Further information and details can be found on our Vouchers, Rebooking & Extending page.

A: In response to COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] requires a negative COVID-19 viral test [NAAT or antigen] for all air travelers entering the U.S. regardless of vaccination status. Effective December 6, 2021, travelers are required to provide a negative test result [paper or electronic copy], taken within 1 day of return flight to the U.S., to the airline or they will be denied boarding for their return flight. We highly recommend taking a printed copy of the test result with you to the airport. More details and in-destination testing locations can be found on our Hotel Testing page.

A: Find the latest destination entry requirement updates on our Entry Requirements page.

A: There are always lots of fun and exciting things to do! Horseback and ATV riding, sight-seeing tours and ziplining, snorkeling and scuba diving, sunset sailing and dinner shows, even swimming with dolphins and sharks! All of our destinations have many unique activities to experience. Each of our destination pages [these can be found within the "Destinations" drop-down menu way up top] feature our favorite things to do, plus links to everything we offer. As an added bonus, many of the tours offer special perks only for Vacation Express travelers.

A: All U.S. citizens are required to have a valid passport to enter and/or re-enter the United States via air transportation. Air travel to and from U.S. territories, such as the U.S. Virgin Islands [St. Thomas] is considered domestic travel and does not require a passport, however, it will soon require a REAL ID. Also, your passport should not expire within six [6] months after you've returned from your vacation. Additional travel requirement information regarding passports, how to obtain one and approximate pricing can be found here. Applying or renewing a passport should be done months in advance of your trip to account for lengthy processing times. Expedited passport services incur additional fees.

A: None of the destinations Vacation Express offers require visas for American citizens if staying for a short period of time [which can be up to 30, 60, 90, or even 180 days, depending on the country]. However, some countries, such as Mexico, require tourists to purchase a tourist card for each person upon arrival at the airport. Other countries, such as the Dominican Republic, include their tourist entry fees in the purchased airfare.

A: Beginning May 7, 2025, every U.S. citizen 18 years of age and older will be required to carry a REAL ID license or identification card to fly domestically within the United States. For international travel, a passport is an acceptible form of identification, and therefore a REAL ID is not required, but still a good idea to carry. A REAL ID is identified by a star shape in one of the top corners of the card. If you do not have a REAL ID, you can and will be denied boarding unless you can show an alternative form of acceptable identification, such as a passport. More information on what a REAL ID is, how to obtain one, and answers to other questions regarding REAL IDs can be found here and here.*

A: TSA PreCheck is a government program that provides expedited security screening at many U.S. airports by offering you the ability to bypass the standard security checkpoint when you're on your way to your departure gate. It requires filling out an online application followed by in-person interview and fingerprinting. At time of publishing, it costs USD $85, lasts 5 years, and can take up to three [3] weeks for the sign-up/approval process to complete before you can use the service when traveling. More information about TSA PreCheck can be found here and here.*

A: Global Entry is a government program that provides expedited reentry into the United States by offering you the ability to bypass the standard Customs and Border Protection checkpoint upon your return trip home. Instead of waiting in line to speak to an agent, you check-in at a kiosk and then present your receipt to an agent. At time of publishing, it costs USD $100, lasts 5 years, and can take up to five [5] weeks to complete the sign-up/approval process before you can use the service when traveling. Signing up for Global Entry also includes the benefit of automatic enrollment to TSA PreCheck. More information about Global Entry can be found here and here.*

A: Information for foreign/permanent residents can be found here, under "General Information & Web Links".

A: We accept payments via Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover credit cards, debit cards, PayPal and Flex Pay Monthly Payments.

A: Yes, we offer a monthly payment plan through Flex Pay Monthly Payments. More information can be found here.

A: Our system does not allow our air-only flights or air/land packages to be purchased using 3rd party Frequent Flier miles or points. However, you can earn 3rd party Frequent Flier miles/points by applying your purchased air-only travel or air+hotel packages with us to your account. If you are purchasing a flight or package with us by using an airline-issued credit card or a credit card that has a free baggage allowance program, we must be notified at time of purchase so we can make sure you receive the appropriate benefits.

A: Yes, we offer three different types of trip protection which cover cancellations, missed connections, lost baggage and more, all of which are explained in detail here.

A: You can find baggage information for all the major airlines we currently offer on our Airline Baggage Information page. For information on baggage, possible fees, weight allotments, amenities and upgrades for Vacation Express Exclusive, Non-Stop Flights, click here.

A: Our easy-to-use booking box at the top left of the page allows you to book up to six [6] rooms. If you need more than that, please see our Groups Services page for information on how we can help you organize a group vacation, as well as great perks that we offer. Or, you can email [email protected]. Please keep in mind that hotels have a maximum occupancy limit per room for both children and adults. This information can be found on each of our hotel pages.

A: During the booking process, there will be an area where you can input any additional notes, requests, or information that you feel we may need regarding your trip. Please let us know of any special assistance you may need so we can notify and prepare your air carrier, ground transportation, and hotel services. Although we do our best to assist you in every way we can, these services may vary depending on circumstance and availability, and therefore we cannot guarantee the availability of wheelchairs at airports or within your destination.

Keep in mind that not all hotels offer wheelchair accessible rooms, and at those that do, these rooms can be requested but not guaranteed. Also, standards and regulations vary by country according to their own law, which may not be consistent with those required by the Americans With Disabilities Act within the U.S. Feel free to contact us at 1-800-309-4717 with any additional questions or concerns concerning traveling with disabilities.

A: During the booking process, there will be an area where you can write any additional requests that you feel you may need, such as cribs, car seats or joining or ground floor rooms. These requests will then be passed on with your booking. We will do everything we can to make sure you're provided with what you need, however, we cannot guarantee their availability.

A: All of our pricing and hotel information goes through rigorous checking and double-checking to ensure accuracy at the time of publishing. However, you may occasionally see that prices or hotel amenities have changed. Unfortunately, due to the constant change in the travel industry, pricing and options can fluctuate, and sometimes quite often, especially during peak travel seasons. Therefore, all prices and descriptions listed in our ads, email campaigns, and on our website are correct at time of publishing, but are subject to change without notice.

A: When you book a package with Vacation Express, you are paying Vacation Express, not the airline or hotel so your benefits may not apply to your booking. Please check with your credit card to find out when your benefits are applicable.

A: Great! Just sit tight and we'll send you a confirmation email with a summary of your booking. Review it as soon as you can, and make sure all the information and spelling of names is correct! If not, let us know immediately; airlines have strict policies regarding the correct spelling of names. We will also send occasional reminders in the months or weeks leading up to your vacation to remind you to choose your seat, pre-pay extra baggage or for anything else you may need to make your vacation easier. Then, your travel documents will arrive via email twenty-one [21] days before your departure date.

For security reasons, we never mail or ship airline tickets. Most major airlines allow you to log onto the airline's website to check in and print your boarding passes, or you can check in at the airport ticket counter at least three hours prior to your flight to receive your boarding passes then.

A: Simply log into your account via the Sign In link at the top of the page. Here, you can view and print your eDocs/travel documents, choose/upgrade your plane seat, add special requests to your booking, purchase trip insurance, excursions, transportation and more.

A: Directions on how to log into your account to apply a payment are located at the bottom of your invoice. You can also to contact our Contact Center at 1-800-309-4717, Monday-Sunday between 5:00am-12:00am ET.

A: VE has limited control over schedule changes and both minor and major change information can be found below. For questions about your schedule change, you may email us at [email protected].

• For a Minor Schedule Change: Most schedule changes are considered �minor� changes by the airline. In the event of a minor schedule change, whether flight time or flight number change, our system will send you an automated email with the new, updated schedule. In the event of a flight time change, which may not be as good as the original time, the airline made the change because the original flight no longer operates as planned and no other options are available. There is no need to reach out to Vacation Express regarding this change and our Contact Center cannot assist you with these minor changes. Since airlines frequently make minor changes, we highly recommend that you sign up for flight alerts with the airline directly so flight schedule changes may also be sent to you directly.
• For a Major Schedule Change: In the event of a major schedule change, we will contact you to let you know of the change. This change was made automatically by the airline and is out of the control of Vacation Express. When these schedule changes occur, the airline automatically rebooks your reservation on their next best option. Even though this new schedule may not be as good as your original flight, other of better options may simply not be available for the specific dates you are planning to travel. Note that our Contact Center cannot assist you with these major schedule changes.
  
  If you are not satisfied with the new flights offered, we suggest that you take a moment to check the airline�s website or reach out to the airline directly to inquire if other options are available. If you do contact the airline, you may be asked for your record locator or confirmation number, which can be found on your invoice.
  
  Airlines are not obligated to rebook on any available flights at no charge. However, if you send any suggested schedules to [email protected], we will gladly review them and see how we can best assist you and whether any fees apply.
  
  Any changes after your ticket is reissued will incur change fees.
  
  To monitor future changes, we highly recommend you sign up for flight alerts with the airline directly in the even there are additional schedule changes.

A: Unfortunately, there was a schedule change that affected your booking and we have not completed processing your schedule change. You are currently seeing both your old flights and the new flights your airline has rebooked you on. Please email our Air Department at [email protected]with your departure date in the subject line so that we may assist you. It is important that you review the schedule change section above for additional information.

A: Any name correction, whether one letter or more, will require that your ticket be reissued and regular VE change fees will apply. You can email your name correction to [email protected].

A: For general scheduled air related questions not related to schedule changes, you may email [email protected]. Did you know your airline record locator or confirmation number is located on your invoice? You can also add a frequent flyer number or TSA number by going to the airlines website and adding your ticket information to your account there. Seat assignments, whether free or at a cost, can also be made directly on the airline�s website.

A: Of course! Just log into your account via the Sign In link at the top of the page to access your account. There, you can view all the tours and excursions we offer to select what you like best.

A: Almost all hotels, resorts, and commercial/retail stores accept credit and/or debit cards or even U.S. dollars. However, it is best to use local cash currency for tipping waitstaff, housekeeping, tour guides and other services, or for purchasing merchandise and souvenirs from smaller markets or vendors. Most airports have currency exchange locations, and ATMs can be found on property for many hotels, as well as within tourist districts. ATM transaction fees can occasionally be expensive, and not use the most current exchange rates.

A: While the majority of your vacation will be covered if you book an all-inclusive resort, here are a few additional expenses you could expect:

• Some airlines charge for checked baggage or additional carry-on luggage.
• Some destinations require visitors to purchase a Tourist Card upon arrival.
• Ground transportation to transfer from the airport to your hotel and back again if they were not part of your package.
• Hotels that have Breakfast Plan or European Plan dining options require the purchase of additional meals and drinks.
• Tips for housekeeping, restaurant waitstaff, bartenders, bellmen, tour guides, taxi drivers, etc.
• Some hotels have a small charge for top shelf alcohol and premium meals if you want to partake in them.
• Most hotels charge for premium amenities, such as spa treatments, rounds of golf, wine tastings or other offerings, but these are optional.
• Many hotels also charge for motorized watersports, such as jet skiing, parasailing, etc.; these also are optional.
• Most hotels have free Wi-Fi somewhere on property, but there may be a charge if you want it in your room or faster speeds.
• Car rentals or bus and taxi fares if you desire to leave the resort property and see the local sights.
• Tours and excursions are extra, but worth it! If you're visiting a foreign country, you'll want to experience their culture, sample their food and see the sights!
• Some excursions don't include transportation to the pick-up/drop-off site if it's not at your hotel, so you'll need to take a taxi or bus to get there.
• Some excursions don't include meals, so food and drinks will also have to be purchased, if you don't eat at your hotel beforehand.
• Also, water excursions can incur small dock fees/environmental fees or equipment rentals, especially if you want to SCUBA dive.
• Shopping or souvenirs.

A: Each of our destination pages, which can be found under the "Destinations" drop-down menu at the top of this page, has a "Travel Tips" link near the bottom. This links to a page that has tons of useful information, such as the time zone the country is in, the currency used, its electricity voltage, transportation assistance, climate and more.

A: The Center for Disease Control [CDC] provides comprehensive health information for specific destinations, required vaccinations, information for travelers with special needs and updates about other health news. You can also visit the U.S. Department of State's travel website and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection [CBP] website for additional travel information.*

A: If a child under the age of 18 is traveling with only one parent/guardian, or with someone who is not a parent or legal guardian, U.S. Customs and Border Protection [CBP] requires that the accompanying adult have notarized documentation from the non-traveling parent[s] stating their approval for their specific travel dates and destination.

If there is no second parent with legal custody of the child [e.g., the second parent is deceased, one parent has sole custody, etc.], relevant paperwork such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, "sole custody" or "Father Unknown" documents, etc., would need to be presented.

Please see additional information for single parents traveling with minors here, under "General Information & Web Links".

A: Unfortunately, very few hotels are pet friendly, however, certified service dogs are accepted by many hotels with certain restrictions. Information on whether a hotel does or does not allow pets/service dogs is found on our hotel pages. Please keep in mind that many airlines are also beginning to restrict and even ban the travel of pets, including undocumented emotional support animals [this does not include certified service animals].

Also, while there are no duties on entering the U.S. with pets, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection [CBP] has more information on their website regarding the requirements of entering the U.S. with cats, dogs and other animals, even if they originally came from the U.S.*

A: Checklist: For your convenience, we've compiled a comprehensive checklist for your all-inclusive vacation.

Clothing: Planning on what to wear depends on your destination, the season, and what you plan on doing. Additionally, some hotels and resorts have dress codes for restaurants or public areas. Along with a bathing suit for the beach and comfortable clothing for walking around hotel property, you definitely don't want to forget to bring sunglasses and a hat — the sun is more intense the closer you get to the equator. Most people bring at least one dressier outfit for elegant dining and nightlife. If you are traveling during the winter, you may want to bring a light sweater or shawl because it can sometimes get cool at night. For your convenience, each of our destination's Travel Tips pages states its climate information.

As far as shoes go, sandals/flip-flops are ideal for the beach and around hotel property, but if you plan on doing a lot of shopping, exercising or active tours and excursions, make sure to bring comfortable, closed-toe shoes [these are a requirement for many outdoor excursions] along with clothes that can get dirty and/or muddy. Also, tours and excursions that involve water activities often require water shoes. Many people also bring dress shoes and heels for their eveningwear outfits.

Toiletries & Medicines: Other than your standard "of-course-I'm-bringing-that" items such as shampoo and conditioner, shaving cream and razor, a comb and/or brush, hairspray and/or gel, and a toothbrush and toothpaste, you'll want to remember to bring insect repellent, bio-degradable sunscreen [another requirement for water excursions], lip balm with a good SPF rating, dental floss, baby powder, skin moisturizer, hair bands/scrunchies/bobby pins, safety pins, rubber bands, tissues, a small washcloth or hand towel, an eyeglasses repair kit and a small sewing repair kit.

Be sure to pack a small first aid kit in your checked luggage with wet wipes, hand sanitizer, tweezers, small scissors, eye drops, cotton balls, cotton swabs, moleskin, adhesive bandages of various sizes, polysporin, various medicines for mild illnesses [such as headaches, muscle pain, indigestion, heartburn, fevers, and allergies] and especially sunburn ointments. Many people also bring motion sickness medication and ear drops.

Land Gear: Although not necessary, many people like to bring these things with them when on vacation: waist pack/money belt, small backpack for day trips, travel towel, GPS device, portable clock, mini flashlight, handheld fan, small mirror, raincoat/poncho, sleeping mask, travel pillow, earplugs, translator and/or language dictionary, binoculars, clothes pins, stain remover stick, playing cards, extra luggage locks, a portable USB external battery charger and a good book.

Also, it is a good idea to bring a laundry bag or small trash/grocery bags for dirty shoes and wet clothing, and a few smaller resealable plastic storage bags or a waterproof phone pouch for things you don't want to get sand and water in. And don't forget to bring enough power chargers and converters/adapters [if necessary] for all of your electronics!

Water Gear: Some people like to also bring their own beach and water items, such as an underwater camera, snorkeling or SCUBA equipment, swimming goggles and fins, and toys and games for the pool and beach, like sandcastle building toys, frisbees, beach balls, etc. However, beach toys can potentially take up a lot of luggage space, and since these items can be relatively inexpensive, many people purchase these kinds of items at local stores in their destination, and then leave them for other children at the hotel to play with when they return home.

Miscellaneous: Some people, especially those traveling with children, like to bring chewing gum with them on the plane to help their ears pop when the air pressure in the cabin changes due to altitude differences. Also, depending on the amount of shopping you plan on doing, many people bring an empty collapsible suitcase or duffel bag with them so they can have more luggage space for their trip back home. And don't forget to bring a pen on your carry-on luggage to fill out any forms.

A: Every country has their own laws and regulations regarding the flying of drones, or radio-/remote-/app-operated [RC] vehicles. Several countries have changed and/or updated their laws recently. In many countries, you need to apply and pay for licenses, permits and/or registration for each drone before you arrive, with all required paperwork completed upon arrival. You will want to research these laws to the best of your ability or risk having your drones seized at customs and/or have to pay a heavy fine.^† If you do decide to bring a drone, it is a good idea to bring documentation or proof that you purchased it before your arrival to that country, so that you are not charged a duty fee on imported products as you re-enter the U.S., as Customs might think that you purchased it abroad.

Keep in mind that many airlines have strict restrictions and regulations on how you bring your drone onto their plane and how it's packaged, especially when it comes to transporting lithium-ion batteries. Also, many hotels have their own additional rules about flying drones for the safety and privacy of their guests. It is a good idea to inquire with both your airline and hotel about how, and if, you are even allowed to bring your drone with you on vacation.

At time of this publishing, Mexico prohibits foreign citizens from flying drones weighing more than .55 lbs., and prohibits flying over people and historical sites, among many other restrictions. In the Dominican Republic, drones weighing over 4.4 lbs. requires a permit, but they still strongly suggest you obtain a permit before your arrival even with smaller drones; additional regulations apply. Recreational drone flying in Aruba, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and The Bahamas is legal, and require a permit and registration prior to arrival for all drone use; additional regulations apply. Commercial drone use has its own rules, regulations, and licensing that vary from country to country.^†

A: The Transportation Security Administration [TSA] lists items that are prohibited from being packed in carry-on and checked luggage here.*

A: When you land at the start of your vacation, your transportation to your hotel will be waiting for you outside of the airport, after you have gone through Customs if you have purchased transfers with Vacation Express. They will be holding signs or standing behind kiosks that say "Vacation Express" as well as the name of the ground transportation company. Your travel documents will have specific details. From there, they will guide you to the transfer vehicle. If you have booked only your hotel and transportation with us, then you will need to notify us with your flight information, so we can let them know when to expect you to arrive.

At the end of your vacation, the ground transportation company will usually be waiting outside your hotel sometime after you check-out to take you back to the airport. Be sure to meet with our local representative before you leave to verify your pick-up time and location.

Please note, when flying into Cancun, there may be additional costs for ferry rides if you are staying on the islands of Cozumel and Holbox if you have not purchased them in advance through Vacation Express.

A: Your Local Representative is there to help you with anything you may need during your stay. Their available hours on hotel property may vary daily and by location. Information on how to contact your Local Representative is included in your travel documents.

A: Tours and excursions can be purchased from your Local Representative. Their available hours on hotel property may vary daily and by location. Information on how to contact your local representative is included in your travel documents.

A: Just like any other service provided to you elsewhere, tipping is optional, but often expected and highly appreciated.

A: At time of printing, there is no U.S. federally imposed limit on the amount of alcohol you may bring back with you for personal use, however, there are laws and regulations that vary from state to state. Generally, about one liter of alcohol per person [who are age 21 or older] may enter into the U.S. duty-free. Up-to-date information can be found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection [CBP] website here, here and here.*

A: Information on duty-free exemptions can be found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection [CBP] website, here and here.*

A: Information on bringing back personal use items, such as food, fruits and vegetables, meats, plants and seeds, tobacco and blades, is found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection [CBP] website.*

A: There are far too many banned items to bring back with you to list here. Thankfully, U.S. Customs and Border Protection [CBP] lists restricted and prohibited items here.*

A: Customer satisfaction is one of our best and most important hallmarks. If you would like to share your positive experience with us, or if you have any concerns regarding your trip, please visit our Customer Care page for assistance.