How to Book Your Tripwith Downunder Travel

Planning a big trip should feel exciting, not overwhelming. At Downunder Travel, we make the process straightforward by guiding you from the first conversation through to your final travel documents and safe return home.

Whether you’re planning a tailor-made holiday to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Islands, Samoa, Tahiti, Africa, India, Thailand, Bali & Asia, or Costa Rica – our Destination Specialists are here to help you put the right trip together with expert advice, trusted local partners, and support every step of the way.

We like to keep the booking process as simple as possible, but also highly personalized. Here is a step-by-step guide of what you can expect when booking with Downunder Travel:

Step 1: Connect & Share Your Vision

The Complimentary Consultation

Every trip starts with a conversation. Tell us where you’d like to go, when you’d like to travel, your approximate budget, and the style of trip you have in mind. Whether you already know exactly what you want, or you’re still working through the details, we’ll use your ideas to begin shaping the right itinerary.

You start by sharing your ideas through our online Trip Builder or by jumping on a call with one of our Destination Specialists. Come with whatever you have; your rough dates, destination lists (like seeing the Great Barrier Reef or going on a Serengeti safari), and an idea of your travel style, preferences and budget. Consultations with us are completely free of charge.

Step 2: We Customize Your Trip

We Customize Your Itinerary - How to Book with Downunder Travel

Tailoring the Itinerary

Your specialist applies first hand knowledge to engineer a comprehensive, day-by-day draft itinerary. We don’t just book hotels; we coordinate private transfers, hidden-gem excursions, and complex logistics so your trip transitions seamlessly.

We line up optimal flight routes, vetted accommodations, and local experiences. Your Destination Specialist applies their firsthand local knowledge to craft a detailed, day-to-day itinerary proposal. At this time, we may require a non-refundable C$250 planning fee which will be deducted from the overall cost of your trip (this depends on the complexity of your trip.

Once your proposal is ready, we’ll send it through for review. From there, we can make adjustments as needed until it is perfect for you.

Step 3: Confirm Your Booking

Confirm Your Booking - How to Book with Downunder Travel

Secure with a Deposit

Once you give the final itinerary a thumbs-up, it is time to secure your bookings. Downunder Travel requires a minimum deposit of 20% on the land package (or a minimum of $500 per person, whichever is higher).

In some cases there are higher deposits required to lock in your arrangements. In addition, airfare and travel insurance are required to be paid in full at time of booking.

Step 4: Final Preparation & Countdown

Final Preparation Countdown - How to Book with Downunder Travel

Pre-Departure Essentials

Your final balance is typically due 30-60 days prior to departure (though certain special offers, cruises, rail journeys and luxury lodges may require 90 to 120 days). We will provide you with all the necessary documentation required for your trip 3-4 weeks prior to departure during a Pre-Departure meeting. At this time your Destination Specialist will discuss all aspects of your trip including our people on the ground who will look after you while in destination.

You head to the airport knowing your entire trip has been meticulously handled by an expert, leaving you to just relax and take it all in.