F.A.Q.'S
STILL NEED ANSWERS
TRAVELING SOMEWHERE NEW SHOULD FEEL EXCITING… NOT CONFUSING.
This page covers the details that help you feel prepared, from what’s included to what to expect once you arrive. Take a look around, and know that every part of these trips is designed to help you see more of the world with ease. If you still have questions, please email us at nicole@SoloByDesignTravels.com.
GENERAL
Is SOLO BY DESIGN ONLY for women?
Yes! All of our trips are curated exclusively for women and intentionally kept small (7-10 travelers), so you feel safe, supported and genuinely connected. Creating a women-only environment allows us to deliver the kind of ease, freedom, and peace you deserve while traveling.
Is SOLO BY DESIGN ONLY FOR SOLO TRAVELERS OR CAN I BOOK WITH A FRIEND?
Come solo, bring your bestie or roll deep with your travel trio! You’re welcome either way. These trips are designed for women who are ready to explore. Maybe you’re ready to go but don’t have anyone to go with. Maybe you have a group but planning isn’t your thing, and you just want the ease and safety of a curated group experience. Either way, you’re in the right place!
DO I NEED A PASSPORT?
If the destination isn’t your country of citizenship, you’ll need a passport to enter. Since most of our trips take place outside the U.S., you’ll need a valid passport to join. Double check that yours is up to date and not expiring soon, as most countries require 6 months’ validity beyond your date of travel.
Note: Securing a passport, and all related fees, are your responsibility. If a traveler must cancel a reservation or entry is denied because a passport isn’t granted, not obtained in time or is expired, refunds will follow our cancellation policy. Be sure to plan ahead!
DO I NEED A VISA?
Visa requirements vary by destination and your country of citizenship. For each trip, you’ll receive info on whether a visa is needed and how to apply. SOLO BY DESIGN cannot apply for a visa on your behalf for any reason.
Note: Securing a visa and all related fees are your responsibility. If a traveler must cancel a reservation or entry is denied because a visa isn’t granted or not obtained in time, refunds will follow our cancellation policy. Be sure to plan ahead!
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Delays, cancellations, lost luggage… These things happen. Having coverage gives you peace of mind. If something comes up and you can no longer make the trip, we unfortunately cannot offer refunds since our partners don’t refund us for cancellations. But your travel insurance may reimburse you depending on your coverage. For specific details, reach out to your insurance provider.
Most U.S. health insurance plans don’t cover you abroad, so we also suggest adding medical coverage to your policy. If proof of insurance is required for travel, you’ll be informed ahead of time. Travel insurance is the best way to protect your investment.
RESERVATIONS
I RESERVED MY SPOT... WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
First things first… Welcome! After you reserve, you’ll get an email confirming your spot and outlining the next steps. This will include your payment schedule and deadlines. Then, we’ll have a group call before the trip so you can meet everyone and ask questions. This way, you show up on Day 1 already feeling like you’re traveling with your people, not strangers!
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN MY TRIP?
We want you to land, exhale, and enjoy… Without constantly reaching for your wallet. Once you touch down, we’ve taken care of most of the details so you can focus on making memories, not managing logistics. Inclusions vary slightly by trip, but generally, here’s what’s covered:
– Airport transfers for arrival and departure during determined window
– Single-occupancy in a hotel, in situations where this cannot be accomodated, pricing will always be adjusted
– All itinerary activities, except any booked during “Free Time”
– Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, except during “Free Time”
– On-site tour host to provide service and support
– Group transportation throughout the trip, except any booked during “Free Time”
– Expert bilingual local guide
– Tips during the trip on your behalf
Specific inclusions can be viewed on each individual trip page.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN MY TRIP?
The following expenses are not included in the experience and are the responsibility of the traveler.
– All flights to and from the destination. If the trip includes travel within the country, it will be included in the trip.
– All fees associated with securing travel documents. I.e. passports, visas, and vaccinations.
– Any free time activities, transportation or meals purchased.
– Items of a personal nature, i.e. toiletries, shopping and souvenirs.
– Alcoholic beverages. Meals include non-alcoholic drinks.
CAN I SKIP EVENTS ON THE ITINERARY?
Absolutely. You’re free to opt out of any activity if you need some downtime or it’s not your thing.
But keep in mind, trips are sold as a package and the pricing we receive from vendors is based on a confirmed number of participants. Therefore, the package price cannot be adjusted for the removal of any activities. Your participation, however, is at your discretion.
WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS?
All trip pricing is based on single occupancy… Because we want connection, not crowding! After a day of exploring, you deserve space to unwind. Set the temp to your liking, take a long shower and call whoever you want, no airpods needed.
Note: Traveling with a friend? You can request a shared room. While not guaranteed, we’ll do our best based on hotel availability and apply the appropriate discount.
PAYMENTS
WHEN & HOW DO I PAY?
After your deposit, the remaining balance is split into equal monthly payments, making the trip easy to plan for without the financial stress. All payments must be completed 45 days prior to departure, and you can pay using any major credit card or PayPal. Simple, flexible and designed to keep your excitement high and your budgeting anxiety low.
DO YOU OFFER REFUNDS?
Once you reserve your spot, all payments are non-refundable. Every traveler is required to accept the Terms & Conditions prior to booking, which fully lays out the policies and can be read in its’ entirety here. This is because we secure accommodations, activities and transportation in advance based on group pricing. Once the price is locked in, we’ve committed on your behalf. For your protection, we highly recommend travel insurance.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL?
Life happens. If you need to cancel, we understand. All cancellations follow the policy shared prior to booking. You can review the full details here. Deposits are non-refundable, and any additional refunds depend on your cancellation date.
Note: Refunds for payments made directly to third parties, such as your airline tickets, are subject to their independent refund policies and any penalties are the traveler’s responsibility. No one likes to lose money. This is why travel insurance is so important. It protects your trip and your coins!
WHAT HAPPENS IF SOLO BY DESIGN CANCELS?
Life happens. If we need to cancel, we hope you understand. If a trip is canceled by SOLO BY DESIGN due to business-related or logistical reasons within our control, this will be fully communicated, and all monies paid, including your deposit, will be fully refunded.
If cancellation is due to circumstances outside of our control (such as a natural disaster, political unrest, government-imposed travel restrictions, or other force majeure events) this will be fully communicated and refunds will depend on what we’re able to recover from our travel partners (hotels, tour operators, etc). We’ll always advocate on your behalf and aim to secure the highest possible refund. In cases where a full refund isn’t possible, we may offer a partial refund or a travel credit toward a future trip to cover the difference. This approach allows us to continue supporting our travelers while being transparent about the financial realities of unforeseen global events. We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance that includes cancellation coverage for added protection.