Information for My Garden and Nature Tour Travelers

We have a great adventure ahead of us, delving into the cuisine, culture, gardens and landscapes of each city or country we visit. Whether you are returning to enjoy another tour or you are a first-time traveler, I know that you will enjoy touring with our compatible travelers and me. I look forward to welcoming you to your Garden and Nature Tour destination. I will meet you at the airport wherever feasible. If I cannot be there to personally welcome you, I will greet you at our hotel. My agents at Friendship Tours will send you a comprehensive informational packet in the weeks prior to departure. This will include your Itinerary, Hotels, Contact Information, Trip Particulars and everything you need for a smooth and pleasant journey.

Remember to bring your Airline Tickets and approved ID, or Passport if traveling internationally! Please take a photo of your passport with your phone, or make a color copy. Leave one at home and carry one with you at all times, just in case. Please affix one of the colorful nametags we provide to each piece of luggage - even your carryon bags. In addition, make a copy of important papers and be sure to leave your contact information at home. Below, please find a list of FAQs, some useful websites, and a Traveler’s Checklist. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact me.

See you on the road!

  • Who handles tour registration?

    Registration is handled by Friendship Tours or in some cases by the conservation organization that is cosponsoring the tour with me. Friendship Tours is my main cosponsor of Garden and Nature Tours. Each individual tour page provides a link to the registration form for that tour. Click on the button and complete the form online. Follow directions provided for payment methods and schedules.

  • Why are the tours land based?

    Tours are priced as land-based only to afford our travelers the greatest flexibility in booking tickets and choosing their preferred arrival and departure dates. Some travelers prefer to book using miles or credit card points, or may choose to use miles for upgrades. Many of our travelers arrive early to overcome jet lag, or to have extra free time. Others choose to extend after the tour to pursue opportunities or destinations not included in the tour.

  • What is not included in the tours?

    Individual exclusions vary by tour, so consult the brochure for tour particulars. In general, exclusions include international and domestic airfare, trip insurance, any meals not specified in the itinerary and items of a personal nature. Internal airfare may be included in some tours.

  • When do I book my Air?

    Each tour has a minimum number of travelers that must be registered before the tour is a go. Once this number is reached the Travel Agency will let you know right away so that you can book your airfare. Usually we know if the tour is fully booked at least three months in advance so there is plenty of time to get a reasonable fare. International tours are usually confirmed six months in advance.

  • Can I extend my tour?

    Yes! Many of our travelers extend to take advantage of opportunities beyond the scope of their tour. We will work with you to insure a smooth transition between your arrival and departure and our tour schedule.

  • What is the typical size of groups?

    Our average group size is 22 travelers and two escorts. For tours that share a focus between gardens and natural history, our limit is 14 to 16 travelers. Our tours usually fill quickly, so please send in your registration in a timely fashion.

  • Where do your tour guests come from?

    Our guests come from throughout the US as well as from England. My tours offer unparalleled opportunities to travel and converse with like-minded participants that come from different regions and hardiness zones.

  • What is the average age of your travelers?

    Our enthusiastic travelers vary in age. All travelers are welcome!

Traveller's Checklist

Useful Websites

TSA
Official website of the Department of Homeland Security with travel tips, ID requirements, and more.

Travel Alerts
Travel advisories and alerts from the U.S. Department of State

Global Entry Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.

Useful Travel Apps

XE Currency Converter
Live exchange rate updates and currency conversion.

Mobile Pass
The Mobile Passport app speeds you through U.S. Customs and Border Protection at 1 cruise port and 24 airports. Officially authorized by US Customs.

WhatsApp
Free, fast, simple, secure messaging and calling, available on phones all over the world. WhatsApp uses your phone's Internet connection for messaging, voice and video calls.

TunnelBear
A VPN for secure access on wifi.

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