Passenger FAQ

  How do I access “My Account”? | What should I pack? | How much spending money will I need? | Where will we perform? | May I extend my stay after my group returns? | Is it possible to purchase a land-only package? | What airline do we fly? | Where will we stay? | What meals will we have? | Do I have travel insurance?

I’m signed up for an Encore tour. How do I access my account?

You can get your latest account information online—any time, any day. To view your most up-to-date itinerary and account status, simply log into My Account with your Account ID and password, which can be found in the upper-right hand corner of your invoice. If you have forgotten your password or have additional questions about your account, contact Client Services at 877-795-0813 or questions@encoretours.com.

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What should I pack?

Our advice is to pack light—you won’t regret it! You’ll be responsible for carrying your own luggage on and off the bus, in and out of your hotel, and onto trains. Bring comfortable, practical clothes that you can wear more than once, with a few nice pieces thrown in.

Remember to pack clothes that you can layer, and never bring new shoes! Our sample packing list provides excellent guidelines.

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How much spending money will I need?

Spending needs vary depending on personal habits, but a typical allowance is $50 per day. This allows for lunch, snacks, soft drinks, postage, souvenirs, local transportation during free time, free-time activities, and optional excursions not already included in your itinerary. Most Encore Tours participants carry ATM cards and credit cards. We’ve compiled all the information you need to know in the Money Matters section of “My Account.” You can also check out our Money Matters blog post for some quick pointers.

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Where will we perform?

Encore Tours specializes in matching ensembles with venues that are specific to each group’s size, abilities and repertoires. Right from the beginning, we audition your ensemble at requested venues that we feel will be most appropriate and rewarding for you! Please contact your Group Leader or Client Services to learn more.

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May I extend my stay after my group returns?

Participants who wish to extend their stay and return independently from the group may request in writing a specific alternate return date and Western European city. Encore Tours will bill participants a $200 Alternate Return Fee plus any additional airline charges if this option is selected. Full flight and date details (along with a parental permission letter for participants under 21 years of age) must be received by Encore Tours AT LEAST 90 days prior to departure. Travelers can fill out the Alternate Return Request Form, or visit our website to learn more about our Alternate Return Process.

We strongly encourage you to make these arrangements as soon as possible, since flights do fill up and become more expensive as departure date draws closer. See the Terms and Conditions within the Encore Registration Booklet for additional details. Read and print the Terms and Conditions at the Download Center.

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Is it possible to purchase a land-only package?

Yes, it is possible to book a land-only package (please get permission from your group leader if you are under 21 years of age). Travelers may choose to purchase the land portion of a program and thus make their own round trip travel arrangements and join the program at the first hotel accommodation. Neither Encore Tours nor the group leader is responsible for the participant in any way when the participant is flying on their own.

Please notify ACIS/Encore Tours prior to 90 days of departure if you are traveling “No Air Fare.” This option is not available on our Australia, Africa, China, Japan, and Russia programs. See the Terms and Conditions within the Encore Registration Booklet for additional details. Read and print the Terms and Conditions at the Download Center.

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What airline do we fly?

Encore Tours primarily uses regularly scheduled flights. Encore Tours are booked aboard Aer Lingus, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aero Mexico, Air Europa, Air France, Air India, Air New Zealand, Alitalia, American, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, British Midland Airways, Continental, CSA, Delta, Finnair, Icelandair, Iberia, KLM, Lasca, Lan Chile, Lufthansa, Northwest, Olympic, Qantas, Taca, SAS, Spanair, Swiss, United, US Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and other regularly scheduled airlines. You’ll receive flight information as your departure date approaches.

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Where do we stay?

Encore Tour groups stay in three- and four-star conveniently located hotels. We place a priority on booking hotels in good locations and safe areas, with convenient access to both local attractions and public transportation.

Check-in time at most hotels is early to mid-afternoon. If you arrive overseas early in the morning, you’ll likely have time to change money and do some exploring before you check in.

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What will we have to eat?

You will enjoy a variety of meals en route, mixing both local and familiar cuisines depending on your area of travel. Keep an open mind and be willing to sample everything—that’s what travel is all about!

Most days you will be served a continental breakfast that includes a variety of fresh rolls, cereal, pastry, butter and jam, coffee, tea or hot chocolate. In Australia and China, you will be served an American-style hot buffet breakfast. On trips to the Americas you may be served the traditional rice and beans. In some hotels in Britain, eggs or other items may be included. In Europe, the larger hotels sometimes serve eggs and other American-style breakfast items for an extra charge.

On most Encore Tour trips, you will enjoy lunch on your own. Be adventurous and experiment. Many travelers do what the locals do; instead of having an expensive restaurant meal, they buy fresh ingredients at a local market, then put together a sandwich and have a picnic lunch in a city park.

On most tours, beverages at dinner are not included. They are included on tours to China, Costa Rica, Peru, and occasionally other destinations. Sometimes your waiter may put soda or mineral water down on the table without being asked. Be aware that you will be charged for any beverages you consume. Although Encore Tours will try to accommodate special-needs meals including kosher, vegetarian and low salt, we cannot guarantee all requests.

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Do I have travel insurance?

Yes. Your Encore Tours Deposit includes Basic Protection coverage. For your peace of mind, we offer a range of enhanced protection plans. Encore Tours recommends that you purchase the Ultimate Protection Plan designed specifically for your needs. With the Ultimate Protection Plan, you may cancel for any reason up to the day of departure and receive a cash refund. You will also receive expanded travel protection while on tour. Read more about our Protection Plans here.

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