Important Information & Frequently Asked Questions

BOOKING

ORIENT ODYSSEY’s premium service begins right from the moment you inquire about our tours. Individual needs are personally addressed, questions answered. Destination specialists will provide detailed background information and knowledge from reading list to local costumes as well as suggestions on your itinerary- should you require a personalized private tailor designed package.

• When shall we book?
• Do you accept credit cards?
• Booking Procedure?
• Refund Policy?

OBTAIN A VISA

US citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter most Asian countries / destinations. In some cases you are allowed to get the visa upon arrival. In most scenarios, you will need to obtain a visa before you leave US.

ORIENT ODYSSEY will provide detailed step by step instruction for you to apply for a visa – we normally would suggest you to do it on your own to save cost and time. Should need arises, ORIENT ODYSSEY can also provide worry-free visa service for you at a service charge of $50 per person.

• China
• Tibet
• Thailand
• India
• Myanmar
• Laos
• Vietnam
• Cambodia
• Bhutan

EN ROUTE

Our program does not include international airfare between USA and Asia.  It however includes all domestic and intra-country flight within Asia as per specified.  Our in house consolidator will provide recommendations and comparison for your international / transpacific flight from the US.  Let us know your preferred gateway (the city you want to depart from), and we will provide you with the quote and options.  There is no obligation to purchase the international flight from us.  There are times when we find it is cheaper for clients to purchase own web fare directly from the airlines, we suggest you to do so accordingly. 

• Any shots required for my destination?
• What shall I pack?
• Luggage Allowance?
• Money Exchange?
• Seat Selection?
• Non Smoking Rooms?

ENJOY THE CULTURE EXTRAVAGANZA

Professional English speaking guides and escorts will accompany you throughout the journey. Many of them are carefully chosen by our local offices and are among the best guides available locally. Their extensive knowledge and know how, their enthusiastic attitude and the love to share their culture & history, will secure the very success of your odyssey to the Orient. Our programs are focused on history, culture and people to people interaction. Our guests enjoy exclusive behind the scene visits.  We customize each departure according to your input.  Even for the same tour, no two departures are the same!

• How do I call / e-mail home?
• Shopping or not?
• Tipping suggestions?
• In case of emergency?

• How much is the duty free allowance to take home?

When shall we book?

We recommend you to secure your booking as soon as you have sorted out the holiday arrangements. Some tours sold out faster than the other. In some popular season, hotels and international air space sold out fast.  We thus recommend travelers to secure the booking as soon as possible or at least half a year in advance to avoid disappointment.

All our programs will be closed for booking 60 days before departure. Last minute bookings will be subject to rush handling fees if spaces are still available.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes we accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover for both deposit and the final payment.  We of course, also accept payment by personal check or money order. 

Booking Procedure?

Please complete the Tour Reservation Form (available from the web site or via email us at info@orientodyssey.com)  and forward with a proper deposit ($350 for regular listed tours, or $500 – 1000 for tailor designed program) as well as the premiums of the Optional Cancellation Protection Plan if so choose the coverage. 

You are also required to submit a clear photo copy of your passport (either email us a scanned copy, or mail us a zerox copy). 

A confirmation package will be sent to you within 10 days after receiving your deposit. Final tour balance will due 60 days before departure. Tour documents – including air tickets, name tags & luggage tags will be forwarded to you at least 2.5 weeks before departure.

Refund Policy?

Your deposit is non refundable once all tour arrangements are confirmed.  Please refer to General Terms & Conditions for cancellation / refund penalties.  We highly recommend the optional Cancellation Protection Plan to protect your payment. 

Any shots required for my destination?

No shots are mandatory to travel on any of our carefully planned tours. We still suggest tour participants to contact family doctor for personalized advices as every one’s health condition are unique and different.

What to pack?

Pack lightly. Our programs do not require formal wear. Be casual and comfortable. Bring cotton wear, comfortable walking shoes. For Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand, use conservative clothing and avoid shorts and unveiling tops.

Luggage Allowance?

Domestic flights within Asia allows one piece of check in luggage per person with maximum weight 44 lbs. You can bring an additional carry on bag with you – which must fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. Most airlines in Asia are very friendly towards western tourists and they try to be flexible. We however still recommend you to travel light. Traveler will be responsible for charges for overweight or oversized luggage. 

Money Exchange?

There are no need to exchange for local currency before the journey. In most cases, you can exchange the money at the hotel you stay upon arrival, or you can bring some US cash in smaller denomination – which are always welcome when shopping for souvenirs. Most of our programs are all inclusive so there is little needs for local currencies. We always recommend clients to rely on credit cards for major shopping as it can provide you with extra protection.

Seat Selection?

For international / transpacific flight we can input special seat selection for you. For some airlines we cannot obtain exact seat number before checking-in but we can always send message to require an “Aisle” or a “Window” seat.  We normally will not be able to guarantee an “exit row” or a “bulkhead” seat due to airline regulations.  These seats are usually assigned on the date of departure per discretion of the airline supervisors. They are beyond any means of request.

Non Smoking Rooms?

We can certain request non smoking rooms for you throughout the journey. In some Asian countries they do not have designated non smoking floor, however, the hotel will observe extra effort to ensure the rooms are smoking free before our guest checking in.

How do I call / e-mail home?

All our hotel rooms feature IDD direct dial phone. You can also access e-mail communication at hotel business center or local internet café to keep in touch with your family at home.

Tipping suggestions?

General tipping suggestions is at $9-10 per day per passenger, including tips to the guide, the driver and porters. Above is just a suggestion – ORIENT ODYSSEY understands tipping as a personal matter and we recommend clients to make your own decision accordingly.

In case of emergency?

Please make sure you are covered by overseas medical insurance before you leave home. All our escort & guides have 24 hour mobile phones and will assist you to contact home if emergencies arises. Should your family in USA need to contact you for emergency, they can always call ORIENT ODYSSEY at 1-800-637-5778 and we can pass the message to you within 24-48 hours.

How much is the duty free allowance to take home?