FAQs

What type of hotels does Harbinger Tours usually use?

We select quality 5-star hotels for our accommodations. We commonly use Ritz Carltons and Four Seasons and hotels such as the Hotel Sacher Wien, The Randolph Hotel Oxford, and The Merchant Hotel, Belfast. Each published itinerary lists the hotels we’ll be in. On rare occasions there may be no 5 star hotels available due to an exotic location and we will book the best one available. An example is The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

As you get ready for your journey with us, we encourage you to think about travel insurance to protect your trip. We’re happy to recommend a company if you’d like, but it’s important to make sure their coverage fits your needs. If not, feel free to explore other options to find what works best for you.

  1. Wheelchair & mobility requirements: For those requiring mobility assisted devices, including wheelchairs, canes, and walkers, the following guidelines apply:
    1. Mobility: Participants must have the ability to navigate stairs and walk short distances without assistance.
    2. Companion Requirement: A companion must accompany you to assist throughout the journey, including pushing your wheelchair if needed, as Tour staff cannot provide this support.
    3. Personal Wheelchair: Participants are required to bring their own wheelchair, as rentals are not guaranteed. Most hotels do have a wheelchair to rent but it is on a first come first serve basis so cannot be guaranteed.
    4. Mobility Devices: Only manual (non-electric, non-motorized) wheelchairs are permitted. Other mobility devices such as canes and walkers are allowed; however, electric scooters and motorized wheelchairs may not be permitted due to accessibility limitations.
  2. Wheelchair accessible? Our journeys offer meaningful experiences exploring all kinds of sites, but they also include plenty of walking and some physical activity. You can expect to walk, stand, and navigate various terrains, including uphill paths and uneven surfaces. To help you feel fully prepared, we’ve outlined the physical fitness and accessibility details below.
  3. Physical Fitness Requirements: A moderate level of physical fitness will help you enjoy all the activities we have planned. You can expect to spend 3-5 hours walking and standing each day, though this may vary with the itinerary. If needed, there may be ways to skip or adjust parts of the activities—don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. We’re here to help!
  4. Maintaining Pace – We kindly ask participants to be able to maintain a leisurely but steady walking pace to ensure the group stays on schedule. Our itineraries allow for time to explore and relax, though the timing of breaks may vary depending on the day’s plans. If you have any concerns, please feel free to let your tour leader know—they’ll be happy to assist in finding the best times for rest whenever possible!
  5. Each country has its own specific requirements. For instance, if a tour is conducted within the United States, all applicable ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) regulations will be adhered to.
  6. We suggest if you have mobility limitations to contact us and see how we can help as any particular itinerary may be able to be adjusted.

Harbinger Tours plans its tours during the most pleasant times of the year as possible when the weather tends to be milder—avoiding the extremes of winter’s chill and summer’s heat. These seasons are perfect for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Of course, weather can be unpredictable, so for the most accurate information, we suggest checking the weather forecast a week before your trip to get a clearer picture of what to expect!  We want you to feel prepared and excited for your adventure! Exceptions apply such as our Christmas Markets Tours do take place in the winter.

At Harbinger Tours, we understand that sometimes unexpected events can pop up and affect your travel plans. Our top priority is always your safety and well-being, and we’re here to ensure that your trip remains as smooth and enjoyable as possible, no matter what. While the guidelines outlined below are our general policy, we’re always ready to handle each situation individually with care and consideration. We’re committed to keeping you informed and ensuring your journey is as safe and enjoyable as possible. If you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

  1. Here’s how we handle these situations:
    1. Keeping an Eye on Things – We’ll closely monitor the situation and any travel advisories up until 45 days before your departure.If a Level 3 Travel Advisory (recommending reconsideration of travel) from the U.S. Department of State is still in effect at that point, we’ll look into postponing the trip. While we typically use the 45-day mark to assess things, we understand that each situation is unique, and the decision to delay or change plans may happen sooner or later, depending on the circumstances and input from our land and flight suppliers.
    2. Long-term vs. Short-term Events – For long-term disruptions like wars, pandemics, or severe natural disasters, we’ll follow the timelines mentioned above. For events that are more short-term, like a terrorist incident, we’ll keep monitoring the situation closely before making any decisions.
    3. Focusing on Specific Regions – When it comes to travel advisories, we consider them on a regional level based on your itinerary, rather than applying a broad approach to an entire country or global event. For instance, a Level 3 advisory for Gaza might not apply to other areas in Israel or the West Bank. If a travel advisory affects a portion of your trip that’s not essential, we’ll work to adjust the itinerary to keep you safe and avoid those areas.
  2. What if I prefer not to wait for Harbinger Tours’ postponement decision? You may choose to cancel your reservation in accordance with our standard cancellation policy.
  3. What happens if my tour gets postponed? 
  4. In Case You Accept the Postponement: If you choose to accept the new dates, our team will work closely with our suppliers to find suitable alternatives and help transfer your reservation. We’ll do our best to secure the best terms for you, but please note that any extra fees from our suppliers will be the client’s responsibility.
  5. In Case You Decide Not to Accept the Postponement: If you decide not to go with the new tour dates, cancellation fees will apply. To make sure you’re not penalized for waiting on a decision about the postponement, we will base the cancellation penalties on the date of the unforeseen event that caused the change, not the date the decision is made. You can click here to view our Cancellation Policy. We aim to be as fair as possible to our clients while also keeping our commitments with our suppliers. Our cancellation policy helps us maintain high-quality travel services and ensures we can offer flexibility for clients who choose to reschedule. If you have any questions, we’re happy to help!
  6. Can Harbinger Tours Postpone My Trip Even If Conditions Improve? Yes, while conditions may improve, there are still times when we might need to postpone a trip due to factors beyond our control. Please know that a postponement is not the same as a cancellation—it simply happens because of circumstances that we can’t predict or control. Some reasons we might decide to postpone a tour include:
    1. A smaller-than-expected group size, due to cancellations related to unforeseen events.
    2. Higher flight costs from limited flight availability, caused by the unforeseen situation.
    3. Challenges in securing reliable services from hotels, transport providers, or tour guides at the destination due to the impacts of the event, which may require rescheduling the trip.
    4. If needed, we may also choose to combine tour groups with similar departure dates to make sure everyone has a great experience. We’re always here to help and ensure your travel plans are as smooth as possible!
  7. Should I Keep Making Payments if There Are Unforeseen Events Affecting My Tour? Yes, we recommend continuing with your scheduled payments, even if unforeseen events affect your tour. Your payment schedule won’t impact how we handle any cancellations or postponements. By sticking to your payment plan, your reservation will remain active and in good standing. We manage all bookings based on our standard cancellation policy and make decisions about tour postponements with careful consideration of the situation. If you have any concerns or questions along the way, we’re here to help and ensure everything stays on track!

By registering for a tour with Harbinger Tours, you’re agreeing to the terms outlined in this travel waiver. This document includes important details about your travel responsibilities and the risks that may come with your journey. We encourage you to read it carefully so you’re fully aware of what’s involved in your tour with us.

  1. Voluntary Participation and Risk Acceptance: I understand that participating in this tour is entirely my choice. I accept responsibility for any risks that may arise, which could include health concerns (like exposure to contagious diseases), financial impacts, itinerary changes, accidents, or other unforeseen events that might lead to illness, injury, or other challenges during my trip.
  2. Compliance with Travel Restrictions and Safety Mandates: I recognize that travel restrictions and health requirements may change, depending on government regulations, airlines, and travel providers. I agree to follow all necessary guidelines to be part of the tour.
  3. Itinerary Flexibility: I understand that my tour itinerary might change due to factors like new travel restrictions or unexpected situations. These changes are made with everyone’s safety and best interests in mind, to ensure an enjoyable experience for all.
  4. Tour Postponement for Group Size Considerations: Harbinger Tours may need to postpone or adjust the tour if there are significant changes in group size or unforeseen events that affect the number of participants, which could impact the viability of the tour.
  5. Contagious Disease Risks: I understand that there is a risk of encountering contagious diseases before, during, or after my trip. If I’m unable to board, participate in the tour, or face other consequences (like quarantine or extra costs for travel changes, accommodations, or tests), I accept responsibility for those expenses, and Harbinger Tours is not liable.
  6. Travel Insurance: While we recommend considering travel insurance for your peace of mind, it’s your responsibility to choose the right provider and ensure that the coverage meets your needs. We encourage you to explore your options to make sure you’re protected in case of unexpected events. Please note, Harbinger Tours is not responsible for the effectiveness of your chosen policy.
  7. Personal Responsibility for Travel Requirements: I understand it’s my responsibility to check and secure all necessary travel documents, like passports, visas, proof of vaccination, and test results. Harbinger Tours is not responsible for any outdated or incorrect information about these requirements.
  8. Health-Related Responsibilities and Testing Requirements: I acknowledge that I may need to follow health-related guidelines, such as pre-tour testing or providing proof of vaccination. Any costs associated with testing or health mandates are my responsibility, and I’ll make sure to comply with all necessary requirements during the tour.
  9. Assumption of Unlisted Risks and Liability Release: I realize that not all potential risks are listed in this waiver. I accept all risks, whether listed or not, and release Harbinger Tours and its team from any liability related to my participation in the tour.
  10. Waiver Subject to Change: I understand that the terms of this travel waiver may change, and I’ll be informed if any updates occur. We want you to feel confident and comfortable about your tour with us, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Cancellations must be submitted in writing and will take effect upon receipt by Harbinger Tours. For cancellations made 180 days or more before departure, you will receive a full refund minus a $200 handling fee. Cancellations made between 179-160 days before departure incur a $1,000 fee; 159-120 days incur a $2,000 fee; 119-30 days results in the forfeiture of 50% of the tour price, and cancellations within 29 days are non-refundable. Any applicable airfare or overseas operational cancellation fees will be added to the above charges.