Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the people who sign up for these tours?
Vibrant Travelers welcomes women with a passion for life, a spirit of adventure, and a love for wine. However, you don’t have to drink to enjoy my tours! Our main objective: having a great time! Whether you're a solo traveler, a woman, transgender, or nonbinary, this tour is for you. Past participants have been anywhere from 21 into their 70’s!
Can I join the trip solo?
Yes! Feel free to come solo and leave with new friends- or invite friends or family to join!
Do I have to be physically fit to join the tour?
Specific health and safety requirements may apply to certain activities. If you can't participate in a particular activity for health and safety reasons, I will help you figure out how you will spend your time until you can rejoin the group. Please note: by signing up for a tour, you understand that there is walking involved, sometimes uphill/downhill, possibly on cobblestone and other uneven surfaces. You also understand that there are 3 hour walking tours, which may or may not allow for sitting down.
Do I have to buy Travel Insurance?
Yes, by signing up for a tour, you agree to purchase travel insurance. Flight delays, luggage issues, unexpected health concerns… these are all good reasons to purchase coverage. There are many options out there, but one I recommend is TravelEx, underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway. See link here to my info page. You are also welcome to purchase from the provider of your choice.
Do I have to participate in all of the activities? What if I want to do my own thing?
This is guided independent travel, so you can rest assured that there will be fun group activities as well as plenty of time to be on your own if you choose. There will be a set daily itinerary we follow. You can always opt out of a day’s activity, just be sure you are in communication with the tour host. Please note: the cost for any missed activities will not be reimbursed.
Who is the tour host & what is her role?
Sarah Covey is your new wine BFF! As a wine professional, I’m the Chief Wine Nerd of the group. I am also a certified tour director; I’ve guided groups as small as 8 and as large as 53, so I am used to all of the ins and outs that come with it. I’ll be your tour planner, organizer, daily coordinator, cheerleader, friend and wine lover!
What will the meals be like on my tour?
Breakfast is included daily, and when we have a meal together, the cost will be covered. You’ll have plenty of time to find your own special places, too. While on tour, you'll eat like a local. The cuisine is typical of the region and can vary widely from day to day and season to season.
Can I get special meals to meet my dietary restrictions?
If you require a vegetarian diet, are gluten or dairy free, or have any food allergies or other dietary needs, please be sure to add the specifics to your booking notes so that I can make arrangements for your upcoming meals. While our partners will do what they can to accommodate your needs, we can’t guarantee they will be met. Beyond notifying our partners, we cannot take responsibility for tour members with special dietary needs or allergies. Guests with dietary restrictions usually manage fine with a little flexibility and willingness to supplement meals as needed at their own expense.
Will I need to know everything about wine?
Not at all! This tour is for novices as well as experts. All are welcome, no matter your wine knowledge.
Do I have to drink to take this tour?
No! As long as you understand and are comfortable that you will be in situations where alcohol is served, you will be just fine. I have had past guests who do not drink, and they had a blast!
Is there a minimum/maximum age to participate?
Yes, you must be at least 21 years of age to participate.
Will I be sharing a room?
You will not share a room unless you bring someone you wish to share a room with and you book a double room. Trips are maxed at 12 people.
What should I pack?
I will send you a suggested packing list in the weeks leading up to departure. Ensure you can carry and/or roll your luggage over uneven pavement (several blocks possible) and up stairways. Packing light is packing right! Be sure your kindness, patience, appetite and adventurous spirit are packed, too!
I’d like to arrive early for the tour / stay later. Can you help me organize my extended trip?
Absolutely! Pending availability, I have many options to help you make your vacation the time of your life! I can even help you unlock super fab bonuses along the way. Let me know how I can help.
When do I have to make my final payment?
Payment plans will be available for each tour. Final payments are due in full no later than 45 days before the first day of the tour.
I have extenuating circumstances. Can I get my deposit back?
No, your deposit is non-refundable. The reason why we have to be strict here is because (aside from being a small business myself) I work with many small businesses. In order to support their livelihood, I always honor my deposits with them.
Travel insurance is mandatory on Vibrant Travelers tours and I recommend ensuring you are covered for trip cancellation. This might be your only recourse to recoup your expenses in this scenario.
What if I have to cancel? What’s your refund policy?
We understand that circumstances change though we’d be disappointed not to welcome you on tour! Should you cancel your reservations, return of any payments made by you to Vibrant Travelers will be refundable as provided in the cancellation table below, less any non-refundable payments/deposits made by Vibrant Travelers to secure hotel accommodations, meals, show tickets, admission tickets to attractions, transportation, etc. NO REFUNDS, for any reason, will be paid for individual cancellations received 60 days or less from the departure date.
120 days 100% refunded, less $250 administration fee
119 - 60 days 50% refunded
Less than 60 days no refund
Air Travel is not included in the price of the Tour and cancellation charges for Air Travel will be governed by the terms and conditions of the airline. Tour participants must NOT purchase air travel tickets to or from the destination until notified by Vibrant Travelers. If participants purchase air travel before confirmation is received and the trip is then cancelled either by the guest or by Vibrant Travelers, Vibrant Travelers will not be responsible for the expense of the ticket.