Second Trip Travel — Frequently Asked Questions
Second Trip Travel is a modern travel agency based in Sioux City, IA, serving travelers across the U.S. We specialize in Disney destinations, Universal Orlando (including Epic Universe), ocean cruises, river cruises, and European tours.
Working With a Travel Advisor
Q: Why book with a travel advisor instead of a DIY website?
A: You get a dedicated human advocate who compares options, monitors prices, and fixes hiccups—often at no extra cost versus booking direct. We tailor your trip to your style, timeline, and budget.
Q: Do you charge planning fees?
A: Most packages (Disney, Universal, cruises, escorted tours) are paid by the supplier, so your price is the same as booking direct. Complex, customized, or air-only projects may carry a transparent planning fee we quote up front.
Q: How is Second Trip Travel paid?
A: Approved suppliers (Disney, cruise lines, tour operators, hotels) pay us after you travel. It does not increase your price.
Q: Can you match or beat prices I find online?
A: Usually, yes. Send the quote or screenshot. If we can’t match, we’ll explain the differences (cabin category, room view, cancellation rules) and still handle the booking and support.
Q: What happens if flights are delayed, a room is oversold, or plans change?
A: Message us. We work the phones and chat lines for you—rerouting flights, adjusting rooms, or pursuing refunds/credits where eligible.
Q: Do I lose control if I book through you?
A: No. You approve every decision. We do the research, booking, and troubleshooting.
Q: How do I start a trip with you?
A: Complete our quick Website Lead Form or schedule a consult. You’ll receive a tailored proposal within 1–2 business days.
Q: What payments do you accept and when are they due?
A: Major credit/debit cards (and ACH for select suppliers). Deposits vary by supplier; final balances are typically due 60–120 days before departure. We send reminders.
Q: Do you recommend travel insurance?
A: Yes. We’ll quote plans that cover trip cancellation/interruption, medical, evacuation, and optional Cancel For Any Reason.
Q: Can you book flights with points or miles?
A: We can advise routing strategies and book cash fares. For award tickets, we’ll coordinate your schedule and provide best-practice guidance.
Q: Where are you located and who do you serve?
A: We’re in Sioux City, Iowa, and work with clients nationwide via phone, email, and video.
Disney Destinations (Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney)
Q: Are you certified Disney specialists?
A: Yes. We’ve completed College of Disney Knowledge training and maintain active Disney partner status.
Q: What do you handle for a Disney vacation?
A: Resort selection, tickets and park reservations, dining and character meals, stroller/scooter rentals, VIP Tours, and Lightning Lane strategy, promotion monitoring (even after booking), and practical day-by-day touring tips.
Q: Do your Disney planning services cost extra?
A: No—Disney compensates us. You pay what you’d pay direct, with added expertise and support.
Q: Can you help me master Lightning Lanes?
A: Yes. We provide a custom, step-by-step plan (what to book first, when to tap, and time-saving park flow).
Q: When should I book Disney?
A: Peak periods (holidays, fall breaks, spring break) book 9–18 months ahead; most other dates 6–9 months out is ideal.
Q: Do you handle Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, dessert parties, and Enchanting Extras?
A: Absolutely—we’ll monitor availability and book as windows open.
Universal Orlando Resort (including Epic Universe)
Q: Why book Universal with a travel advisor?
A: We optimize resort choice (to unlock Early Park Admission and Express benefits), build efficient touring plans for Epic Universe, and secure event add-ons (HHN, VIP tours) with the right timing. We also have a Best Price Guarantee with Universal Orlando Resort, so you will always get the best deal.
Q: Can you secure Early Park Admission or Express Pass?
A: Yes. We’ll recommend hotels that include these perks or add them à la carte.
Q: Is your Universal planning free?
A: Yes—packages are supplier-paid.
Q: Do you handle Halloween Horror Nights, VIP experiences, and special events?
A: Yes. We’ll ticket, calendar, and plan them into your itinerary.
Ocean Cruises
Q: Which cruise lines do you book?
A: Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, MSC, Virgin Voyages, Disney Cruise Line, plus premium/luxury lines like Oceania, Viking Ocean, Regent, Seabourn, and more.
Q: Will you watch for price drops or promos after I book?
A: Yes. If your fare qualifies for a reprice or added perks, we’ll request them.
Q: Can you arrange group benefits?
A: Groups often receive onboard credit, private events, or free berths. We’ll build a group offer for your dates.
Q: What’s included on most cruises?
A: Accommodation, dining, shows, kids’ clubs, and many activities. Extras can include gratuities, Wi-Fi, drinks, specialty dining, and excursions—varies by line.
Q: Do I need a passport?
A: A valid passport is best. Some closed-loop U.S. cruises allow a birth certificate plus government ID; we’ll confirm requirements for your itinerary.
River Cruises (Danube, Rhine, and beyond)
Q: How is a river cruise different from an ocean cruise?
A: River ships carry ~120–190 guests, dock in city centers, and include daily guided excursions—more culture, less “at sea.”
Q: Which river cruise brands do you recommend?
A: We love Avalon Waterways (Active & Discovery), AmaWaterways, Viking, and others depending on style (active, culinary, luxury, value).
Q: What’s typically included?
A: Daily tours, Wi-Fi, beer/wine with lunch and dinner, many transfers—line-specific details vary.
Q: Best time to book Danube or Rhine?
A: 12–18 months ahead for peak summer/holiday markets. Great promos often appear in “wave season” (Jan–Mar).
Q: I’m active—are there biking or hiking options?
A: Yes. We’ll match you to itineraries with guided biking, hikes, or kayaking, plus e-bikes on some ships.
European Tours (Escorted, Small Group, and Custom)
Q: Which tour partners do you use?
A: Trafalgar, Globus/Insight, CIE Tours, Collette, Intrepid, and custom FITs via Europe Express and vetted local guides.
Q: Can I add pre/post nights or customize the route?
A: Definitely—add rail passes, boutique hotels, day tours, or private transfers for seamless start/finish.
Q: Are flights included?
A: Sometimes. We usually price air separately to get the best schedules and let you use points if desired. Air bookings may require an additional fee.
Q: Small-group vs private—what’s right for me?
A: Small-group keeps costs down and adds social fun; private maximizes flexibility and pace. We’ll price both.
Q: Do tours work for multi-generational families?
A: Yes. We design pacing, rooming, and activities so grandparents, parents, and kids all enjoy the trip.
Trip Support, Accessibility, and Special Requests
Q: Who do I contact during travel?
A: Message us directly (email/text/phone/WhatsApp). You’ll also receive supplier emergency numbers and app logins for instant help.
Q: Will I earn loyalty points and status perks?
A: Yes—your frequent-flyer, cruise line, and hotel numbers are added to the booking when available.
Q: Can you help with visas and entry requirements?
A: We provide current entry rules and official links; optional concierge visa services are available.
Q: Do you accommodate accessibility needs and dietary restrictions?
A: Yes. We coordinate ADA requests, accessible rooms, mobility devices, medical notes, and dietary flags (gluten-free, kosher, vegetarian, etc.) with suppliers.
Q: What happens after I return?
A: We debrief, handle any post-trip issues, and track future offers that match your travel style.
Booking & Next Steps
Q: How do I request a quote?
A: Complete our Trip Design Form with dates, budget, and wish-list. We’ll reply with curated options.
Q: Can you plan last-minute travel?
A: Often, yes—availability and pricing vary. Contact us and we’ll prioritize urgent itineraries.
Q: How do I stay in the loop on deals?
A: Join our email list and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube for weekly tips and promotions.