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 $40 per person.

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

EN ROUTE

Our program features award winning in flight meals and services, and in some tours, special contract rate for upgrade to premium economy or  business class for  affordable luxury & comfort.  With our exclusive group contract, you are guaranteed to the most competitive contract rate!

• 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 through out 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.  The signature of our programs are emphasis on people to people contact & culture interaction.  Clients enjoy exclusive  opportunity to go behind the scene to explore rarely visited back quarters of a monastery, chat with senior abbot or a living Buddha, visit local farmers’ house or even a home of a Rampoche (living Buddha)……  Every journey is a trip of a life time and a culture extravaganza.  

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

RETURNING HOME

A journey never ends with your home bound flight.  It is merely the beginning – there will be quiet nights when you savor the spectacular trip, the culture and history you have just experienced, the friends you have just made in the most impossible farer reach of the globe, the unforgettable moment of  laughter you shared and treasured with fellow travelers……

• 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 are fully booked while int’l air still have space available.  Thus we always recommend our clients to secure the booking as soon as possible or at least half a year in advance to avoid disappointment.

All tours will be closed by 45 days before departure.  Last minute bookings will be subject to rush handling fees if space are still available.

Do you accept credit cards?

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

Booking Procedure?

Complete the Tour Reservation Form online or by mail, forward with proper deposit & premiums of Optional Cancellation Protection Plan.  A confirmation package will be sent to you.  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?

If the tour is guaranteed (with min. of 10 passengers booked) your deposit will be non refundable.  Please refer to General Terms & Conditions.  If at the time when you book the tour is not a guaranteed departure yet, your deposit is fully refundable / transferable at any time.  It just hold you a space in that particular program.  No penalty to change minds! 

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 to get personalized advice 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 normally only allows 44 lbs of check in luggage per person.  You can bring an additional carry on bag with you – which must be able to fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you.  For longer journeys, a little over-weight is probably unavoidable.  Most airlines in Asia are very friendly towards western tourists.  We still recommend you to travel light.  It will be ideal if you can bring one check in luggage and one carry on piece.

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 packages 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 can not obtain exact seat number before checking in but we can always send message to require “Aisle” or “Window” seats.  Be aware we will not be able to guarantee “exit row” or “bulkhead” seating as per airline rules, these seats are always assigned on the date of departure on the discretion of airline supervisors.  They are beyond any means of request.

Non Smoking Rooms?

We can certain request non smoking rooms for you through out 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 $6-7 per day per passenger, it includes tips to the escorts, guides, drivers 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?

US citizen traveling to overseas for over 7 days are allowed to bring home duty free up items worth up to $800 per person.  Please contact US customs for more updated info.