Frequently Asked Questions

Many airlines are charging their early seat selection requirements to a nominal charge. If requested, we will pre-assign your seat on your behalf. We are not responsible for seat changes done by the airline. All pre-assigned seats are subject to change without notice by the airline.

Premium Economy is a class of service on long-haul flights between the west coast of North America to the South Pacific. Premium Economy offers a spacious, comfortable experience with many of the luxuries of Business Class, without paying the full Business Class price. Extra seat width, legroom and recline, video and audio on demand and in-seat power for your laptop, are some of the features offered in Premium Economy. Some airlines will provide Business Class meals in the Premium Economy cabin.

Our level of experience.  We make it our business to know all airline and operator options as well as the best time of year to go for what will suit your interests and budget.  With endless amounts of information online, it is easy to get lost in the sea of options and online reviews.

Something can go wrong.  Of course you don’t want to think about something going wrong on your trip but the reality is, misadventures can occur.  Having an agent readily available to help you navigate a cancellation, process a refund on a particular excursion, and so on, is not only convenient but time-saving as we can be the main contact point of all aspects of your vacation.  Plus, we can help inform you which insurance plan can best suit you to help cover various costs associated with cancellations and interruptions.

Planning a trip takes a lot of time. Why waste time searching for the best deals, reviews, airfares, hotels, tours, train reservations and travel insurance? We’re happy to take a load of off your shoulders and do the dirty work for you! We’ll keep you in the loop during the entire process and ensure that the options we send your way meet all of your needs.

We work for you, not the travel companies. Our specialists do not sell you anything you don’t need. We are here to assist you in booking your dream holiday and will go to great lengths to ensure your trip is as memorable as can be. Nothing is more satisfying for us than having a happy client who has nothing but good things to say about their trip and their specialist!

Destination Specialists have the inside scoop on the deals within the travel industry. If you’re looking to get the best bang for your buck, we are the way to go. We work within the parameters of your budget and will be on the lookout for savings in any way possible for you. We can inform you when the best time to travel is – because sometimes switching your dates by one day can save you hundreds of dollars!

No. With the exception of New Zealand Travellers, all international tourists (including Canadians) must acquire a visa to travel to and enter Australia.

Australia is home to many tourist attractions. There is something for everybody in the Land Down Under; some of the best places in Australia include:

• Sydney: Visit the iconic Sydney Opera House, the many cultured theatres and museums, or the multitude of festivals.
• Melbourne: A contemporary city brimming with both modern and old-time architecture, Melbourne is a magical getaway offering an escape you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.
• Cairns: The perfect tropical vacation destination, Cairns is a paradise located on the Coral Sea, offering enchanted escapades to the Great Barrier Reef and stunning rainforests.

Some of the best Australia vacation packages include:

• Australian Icons: A 10-day, see-it-all Australia vacation package that boasts excursions through Sydney, Ayers Rock, and Cairns. Enjoy remarkable experiences at the Great Barrier Reef, the tropical north of Queensland, and the rugged mountain ranges of the Northern Territory.
• Australia Long Stay: Enjoy a 29-day winter escape with the Australia Long Stay package. The golden beaches, perfect temperatures, and endless options for fun activities make this package one of the best!
• Romantic Islands: The Romantic Islands package is a 17-day island-hopping Australian adventure. Perfect for a couple’s retreat, honeymoon, or anniversary, this Australian package is the ideal getaway for celebrating your significant other.

Australia offers an almost perfect climate year-round. This weather makes the country a great vacation destination regardless of the season. Visit any time of year for amazing sceneries and experiences to create memories that will last a lifetime.

AUD (Australian dollars) is the native currency of Australia. Consider using the XE Currency Converter to assist you with converting your money to Australian currency at the market exchange rate. You can also exchange your cash for AUD at airports, hotels, and banks.

Australia is renowned for its expansive outback territory, world-class beaches and surfing, unique wildlife, and abundant natural wonders (the Great Barrier Reef, Shark Bay, Twelve Apostles, Uluru, and much more).

Of course you can! You have the option of combining with New Zealand and the Fiji Islands.

Most of Australia has four distinct seasons. The north experiences a tropical climate consisting of wet and dry seasons. Summer goes from December to March (29 °C is the average temperature), autumn starts in March and goes to May, winter begins in June and goes to August (13 °C is the average), and spring is from September to November.

The best times to visit Australia are spring and autumn. Some reasons why these are the ideal visiting times include:

• More affordable international flights
• The weather is at a comfortable temperature (not too hot or too cold)
• Travel conditions are near perfect

Regions to the North, such as Tropical Queensland, the Top End (Darwin, Kakadu), Broome, and more, are most enjoyable to visit from April to September when temperatures during the day average between 19°C-31°C and it hardly ever rains. In contrast, June, July, and August are the bustling months in these regions; book your tours and accommodations ahead of time.

Summer in Australia (December to February) is a great time to tour the southern regions— Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, and other southern states of Western Australia. Even during winter, these parts seldom dip below zero degrees. Moreover, snow is only found in ski meadows or mountains.

Suppose you want to take one round trip to all of Australia’s regions. In that case, September to April is ideal. The reason being is the weather is warm enough to visit the southern states’ beaches and cool enough to avoid the rain and humidity.

You must possess a visa or a valid Canadian passport to enter Australia. Or you must have an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). The majority of U.S. passport owners visiting Australia for business or holiday purposes for less than 3 months (90 days) can get an (ETA).

Torres Strait and Aboriginal Island languages are used by less than 1% of the population. In contrast, the most common dialects (save English) are:

• Arabic
• Mandarin
• Vietnamese
• Cantonese
• Punjabi
• Greek
• Italian

The Australian Dollar (AUD or AU$) is the official currency of Australia and what you’ll use during your stay. A dollar equates to 100 cents. Australian currency comes in $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 banknotes. Also, both $1 and $2 dollars are available in coins.

• Essential Australia: This package provides life-changing experiences to Australia’s most iconic city, Sydney. The trip is accompanied by an excursion to the world-class city of Melbourne with its busy laneways and enthralling arts centres and museums.
• Australian Long stay: The Long Stay vacation package is a 29-Day getaway. Filled with stunning views and cultural experiences, this escape will create memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime!
• Australian City & Reef: Begin the trip in Sydney surrounded by iconic sights such as the Syndey Opera House and take your escape to the Great Barrier Reef (the world's largest coral reef system).
• Brisbane and Melbourne: Immaculate beaches greet you on arrival to an experience of peace and tranquillity. Experience Australia’s unique wildlife and modern urban developments on this 12-Day excursion.
• Melbourne and tassie self-drive: Imagine 14 days of fine dining and a whole day's trip to the stunning Great Ocean Road.
• Rail and Wildlife: Australia is home to some of the world’s more eccentric wildlife. And with this getaway package, you get to experience it all.
• 14-Day Country & Coast: Experience world-class wineries and white-sand beaches. Travelling the open roads allows for opportunities to experience unforgettable vistas and activities.

• Queensland: Known for its immaculate beaches and coastal scenery, Queensland is the perfect getaway package. Escape to a luxurious shoreside resort with stunning ocean views and accommodations that support your rich experience.
• New South Wales: This world-renown state is esteemed for its national parks and coastal towns. You can explore the many spotless beaches along the east coast, ideal if you’re seeking a panoramic self-drive getaway.
• Victoria: Experience the Great Ocean Road, incredible wildlife experiences, and the vibrant city life of Melbourne in Victoria. From cultural experience and sporting events to high-end rooftop restaurants and cafes with delectable food, Victoria is a state you’ll never forget.
• South Australia: South Australia boasts dramatic and unique areas to explore. From its celebrated wineries to the renowned outback, there is no shortage of things to do or places to see.
• Northern Territory: When you travel to the Northern Territory, you can enjoy cultural experiences, national parks, camping, stargazing, and more on an unforgettable excursion.
• Australia Capital Territory: ACT is home to Australia’s Capital, Canberra, and also holds the distinction of being Australia’s smallest Territory. The rich museums (all of which offer free entry) provide a wealth of enlightening experiences with displays and exhibits that can educate the whole family.
• Western Australia: Western Australia offers something for everyone. Its world-class beaches, wine, and food will make you feel as if you've landed in paradise. And the West Australian outback is unlike any other, offering rough and rugged coastal views that connect with the outback!
• Tasmania: Known for its rainforests and majestic coastlines, Tasmania is a natural oasis and is often considered to be one of the best-kept secrets of Australia vacation destinations!

It’s a simple process to exchange your native currency for Australian dollars. Numerous exchange shops are located at hotels and airports for your convenience. However, you should avoid performing a cash exchange at the airports due to their poor rates.

Australian electricity operates on 220-240 V and 50 Hz. Ensure your electronics are compatible with 220 – 240 volts (V).

No. You do not need travel insurance when visiting Australia; however, it is recommended. The reason being is Australian medical care is quite expensive for visitors. Therefore, travel insurance can save you money if something happens that requires medical attention during your visit to Australia.

Lifeguards and Surf Lifesavers make Australia’s beaches safe. But you should always research the beaches closest to you to see which ones are most secure.

Australia has jellyfish and stingers in their oceans year-round. But October to May is when they’re at their peak numbers.

Australian drivers operate on the left side of the road. Be sure to always use pedestrian crosswalks when possible and don’t forget to look both ways when crossing the street.

While you may be inclined to stuff your bags, it’s unnecessary. A few essentials are all you need. And these essentials include:

• Towels
• A power adapter
• A hat
• A water bottle
• Breathable clothes
• Sunscreen
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, etc

If a delayed or cancelled flight occurs, contact the airline when you’re notified of the delay. If you’re at the airport, speak with the ticket counter. If you are rerouted, call the direct number of the airline first, as there may be hold times.

Australia has many regions that are best at different times of the year.

The Northern regions such as the Top End (Darwin, Kakadu), Tropical Queensland, Broome, and the Red Centre (Ayers Rock, Alice Springs) are most pleasant to visit between April through September when daytime temperatures are on average between 19°C-31°C and it rarely rains. June, July, and August are the busiest months in these parts; book accommodations and tours well in advance.

Australia’s summer (December through February) is a good time to visit the southern states of New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and southern parts of Western Australia. Even in winter, these areas rarely fall below zero degrees and snow can only be found in the ski fields of the Snowy Mountains, NSW, Mount Feathertop, Victoria, Mount Hotham, Victoria, and perhaps the mountainous areas of Tasmania.

If you wish to see all the regions of Australia in one trip, the shoulder months of September, October, March and April are best as it’s still warm enough to visit the beach in the southern states, cool enough to tour the Ayers Rock and avoid the humidity and rains of the Top End and Tropical North Queensland. Wildflowers are in bloom in Western Australia during September to October as well.

Tahiti is warm year round. July, August and September are the best times to visit Tahiti as the temperature is in the mid-20s and there’s little rain.

The best time to visit is during the 'Fijian winter' or 'dry season', from May to October. This time of year is more pleasant with lower rainfall and humidity, milder temperatures and less risk of meteorological hazards such as cyclones.

The Cook Islands is a great destination all year round; seasonal variations are slight, with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 28°C in the winter months (May to October) and 21°C and 29°C during the summer (November to April).

For most South Pacific countries, the departure tax is included in your airline ticket. There is no need to pay for this when leaving the country. For the most up to date information, please ask one of our Destination Specialists.

Tickets are normally sent two weeks prior to departure through standard postal delivery.  If your departure date is very last minute there is the option to have your travel documents sent electronically.

Each hotel has its own pricing according to the ages of the children.  When the ages are put into the system, we will get the correct price and policy for the holiday.

If traveling through Asia or any country without Canadian Passport Office Representation, on a Canadian passport, your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after your return date to Canada.

Should you be traveling on anything other than a Canadian passport, please make sure you talk to one of our Destination Specialists well in advance of your departure date.

All passports must be machine readable if traveling through the USA.

Passengers traveling to South Africa must have at least one clear page in their passport for stamping purposes. If you do not have this, you will not be allowed entry to South Africa. A new passport will be required before departure to adhere to this rule.

For non-U.S. and Canadian travellers, you can apply for your US Travel Authority from the following link: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

All Canadian and U.S. passport holders require a tourist entry visa to visit Australia, New Zealand, Asia and most African countries. Discuss with one of our Destination Specialists if you have a passport from another country as the visa requirements may differ.

Canadian and U.S. passport holders do not require a tourist entry visa to enter New Zealand, French Polynesia, Fiji, Samoa or the Cook Islands.

However, if you plan to work or stay longer than 3 months in any of these countries, a different visa may be required.

Each country has their own currency and generally won’t accept U.S. dollars. To avoid exchanging your money too many times, it's best to exchange directly from your home country's dollars directly to the currency of the destination you plan to visit.

For travel to some African countries, U.S. Dollars are more widely accepted, along with local currency.

Travel insurance is optional but strongly recommended.

Illness or accidents can happen anywhere without warning. Unexpected emergency travel expenses can be very expensive and government health plans may cover very little, if anything. Having the proper coverage will save you a lot of money and provide assistance with possible hassles. If traveling to a destination where there is a language difference, emergency travel staff will be there to translate and communicate with overseas hospital staff.

Some insurance policies will even cover lost or delayed luggage.

Travel insurance will relieve the stress to get you home safe or back on track with your onward travels.

Talk to one of our knowledgable travel advisors to ensure you are properly covered for your trip.

Not all credit cards offer sufficient coverage or any coverage at all. If unsure, check your card's policy and discuss with one of our travel specialists.

It is important to seek medical advice with regards to vaccinations and malaria medications with your General Practitioner.

We recommend the MEDISYS Travel Health Clinic. You will need to call a few weeks in advance of your departure to schedule an appointment. http://www.medisys.ca

Each airline ticket comes with its own specific rules and policies. Airline change fees, fare increases and an agency change fee will apply.

Should you have any questions about the policies for your airline ticket(s), our Destination Specialists are able to go over any rules associated with your ticket.

Arrangement s can change between purchasing your flight or tour and when you actually travel. Reconfirming your arrangements will help ensure that everything runs according to plan.

Please confirm your arrangements 24-48 hours prior to departure or on arrival if your stopover is less than 24 hours.

Normal check in time is 1.5 hours for domestic connecting flights and 2 hours for international connecting flights. Arriving early is always best in the event of unexpected airport delays.

Most airlines have now switched to one piece of checked luggage per person. Should you need to take two or more pieces of checked luggage, please discuss with one of our agents before tickets are purchased so you are aware of your best options.

Please note that some domestic flights within North America as well as Australia and New Zealand, charge for any number of checked luggage. Please ask us if you have any specific requirements.

In today's ever changing airline world, it is important you are aware of the most up to date information. We recommend you look at the following website shortly prior to departure to ensure you have followed the correct protocol with your packing. http://www.catsa.gc.ca/