Company Features Continued...
Your funds are fully protected. Financial accountability is one of our strengths. We maintain a Bank Escrow Trust Account. Licensed in the state of California. Far Fung Places is a registered travel company within the state of California; our California Seller of Travel license number is CST 2053195-40. Per the state's requirement all deposits and payments are held in an Escrow Trust Account for client protection.
Protection against tour operator default. Since 1996 we have protected all clients' monies and payments with this type of liability insurance. Knowing that your funds are secure even if an overseas operator files for bankruptcy gives you peace of mind. This is especially important in Bhutan, where there are over 1200 tour operators doing business now, many operating with just an e-mail account.
Value pricing. We strive to offer our clients the best possible travel experience for a price that reflects our expertise and client service, yet still provides a value. Naturally, there are lower priced programs in the marketplace that might appeal to a frugal traveler. However, a lower priced product does not necessarily mean value.
In the case of Bhutan we adhere to the government pricing structures and do not "work under the table" to reduce costs, which would drastically affect your travel experience and be against the policies set forth by the Tourism Council of Bhutan to protect the culture and environment.
Small group size. We aim for a maximum of 10 people on all our Bhutan-only programs and exploratory cruises. A small group size allows for a more intimate and eco-friendly experience in the host country. Other programs like Japan or West Africa have a maximum of 14 people.
Lecturers. Our speaker program is the best in the industry. Every trip is enhanced with special lectures from experts like renowned author Kunzang Choden (Chili and Cheese, Tales of the Yeti), who will increase your understanding of Bhutan. Experts are renowned in their fields and have a deep knowledge of their topics.
We are accessible. Owners Kathleen Fung and Dennis Keser are available to discuss the journeys with you, plus provide a wealth of pre-trip information to assist you in preparing for your trip.
Bhutan by Karchung® and Bhutan Guides of Distinction™. Far Fung Places works with the highest caliber guides in the kingdom who have scored in the top 15 percent of the rigorous certification exams that Kathleen Fung helped to design. For our other destinations Africa, Asia, etc. our national guides are the top in their field and have longstanding relationships with Far Fung Places.
What's included in our land price and scheduled group departures? This website gives an excellent overview of each program, but comprehensive daily itineraries are available upon request. Select the program that fulfills some secret yearning, and then call or e-mail our office for an itinerary. + 1. 415. 386. 8306 or info@farfungplaces.com
Meals. With all of our regularly scheduled programs we have a comprehensive meal program for the safety of our clients. In international gateway cities at the start or end of the program we include only breakfast. In Bhutan, all meals are included. Please refer to your individual itinerary for meal inclusions.
Gratuities. On our scheduled programs gratuities are included for guides, drivers and their helpers, hotel reception and airport staff, ground staff, restaurants, and airport and hotel porters. The only exception is the end of the trip gratuity for the tour manager, which is at your discretion. Exceptions: Our Bhutan Unfurling™ and Western To Eastern Bhutan™ programs do not include gratuities for the tour guides, tour directors, or drivers but do include tips to hotel, reception, and restaurant staff. Our custom-designed programs and Africa safaris do not include gratuities unless otherwise stated. Neither Kathleen Fung nor Dennis Keser accept gratuities.
Accommodations. In some countries standards of luxury may be lower than we are accustomed to on well-trodden tourist paths. In remote regions, we endeavor to offer the best, most comfortable available. In Bhutan on our scheduled programs, we use the highest standard local hotels, some newly built heritage properties, and resorts.
Transfers. These are included if arriving and departing with the group.
Travel Prep Letter™. This intimate letter helps you prepare for the trip: recommendations for attire, health tips including inoculations and medications, dos and don'ts, shopping, and a recommended reading list.
Final documents. A comprehensive final itinerary, baggage tags, hotel list with telephone and fax numbers if available, and a list of fellow travelers is sent 30 days prior to departure.
Visa support. We work with Pinnacle Travel Documents™ for all visas and passport requirements. Exception: Bhutan visas, which we provide as part of the service.
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