FAQs
Frequently Asked Qestions
General Questions
What services does Destinations by Sylvia, LLC offer?
- Personalized Travel Itineraries: Tailored to the client’s preferences, ensuring a journey that is as unique as they are.
- Group travel planning
- Four star and Luxury Accommodations: From boutique hotels to lavish resorts, every stay will be an experience in itself.
- Experiential Tours: Designed to immerse clients in the culture, heritage, history, and beauty of their chosen destination.
- Concierge Services: To handle every detail, from restaurant reservations to group or private transfers.
- Destination Weddings and Special Events: Making dream celebrations a reality in the most stunning locales.
- Spa and wellness retreats
How can I contact you for more information or to book a trip?
- 833-DBS-0611
- destinationsbysylvia@gmail.com
What are your business hours
- Monday – Friday: 9:00 am. – 6:00 pm; Saturday: 12:00 -4:00pm
What are the benefits of group bookings?
Group bookings get exclusive discounts, better stateroom locations, special amenities, and sometimes exclusive events.
How do non-refundable deposits work?
Booking independently may require strict non-refundable deposits. Booking through us often allows for more flexible cancellation policies.
Why book through your service?
We offer personalized support, exclusive perks, and stress-free planning, which independent bookings can’t match.
Trip Planning
How do I start planning my trip with you?
- To start planning your trip with our travel agency, simply follow these steps:
- Contact Us: Reach out via phone, email, or visit our office. Our travel consultants are ready to assist you.
- Consultation: We’ll schedule a consultation to understand your travel preferences, interests, and budget.
- Proposal: Based on your input, we’ll create a customized travel plan and itinerary for you.
- Review and Finalize: Review the proposed plan, make any necessary adjustments, and finalize your booking.
Can you help me choose a destination based on my interests and budget?
- Interest Assessment: We’ll discuss your hobbies, preferred activities (e.g., adventure, relaxation, cultural experiences), and any specific destinations you have in mind.
- Budget Planning: We’ll consider your budget to recommend destinations that offer the best value for your money.
- Destination Suggestions: Based on your interests and budget, we’ll suggest a range of destinations and provide detailed information about each, including activities, accommodations, and local attractions.
What is the best time to book a trip to get the best deals?
- Book Early: Generally, booking your trip 6-12 months in advance can help you secure lower prices and better availability.
- Travel Off-Peak: Traveling during the off-peak season (outside of major holidays and school vacations) often results in lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Flexible Dates: Being flexible with your travel dates can help you take advantage of special promotions and discounts.
- Monitor Deals: Follow us on social media to stay updated on the latest travel deals and promotions.
Carnival Vacation Protection
What happens if I need to cancel my trip?
If you cancel for a covered reason—such as illness or severe weather—you’ll receive 100% of your trip cost back in cash. If you cancel for a reason not listed in the plan, you’ll receive 75% back as a Future Cruise Credit Certificate.
Is this cancellation coverage considered insurance?
No. The Cancellation Fee Waiver Program is a non-insurance feature provided by Carnival Cruise Line. It’s designed to offer flexibility and peace of mind before your trip begins.
What does the travel insurance cover?
The insurance portion, underwritten by Nationwide®, includes:
- Trip Interruption: Reimbursement up to the full trip cost if you start late or return early due to illness, injury, or other covered reasons
- Baggage Protection: Up to $1,500 if your belongings are lost, stolen, or damaged; up to $500 for essentials if your bags are delayed 24+ hours
- Medical Coverage: Up to $10,000 for illness or injury during your trip
- Emergency Evacuation: Up to $30,000 for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
Is travel assistance available during my trip?
Yes. Carnival Vacation Protection includes 24/7 worldwide travel assistance provided by CareFree Travel Assistance™. Help is available anytime, anywhere.
Are there any restrictions on who can purchase this protection?
Carnival Vacation Protection is not available to residents of British Columbia, Quebec, New York, or Puerto Rico.
How do I know if this coverage is right for me?
You may already have similar coverage through your life, health, home, or auto insurance. It’s a good idea to compare benefits and restrictions. If you’re unsure, contact your insurance provider or broker.
How can I purchase Carnival Vacation Protection?
You can purchase it through your travel advisor, by calling 1-888-CARNIVAL, or by contacting a Personal Vacation Planner.
Booking and Payments
What forms of payment do you accept?
- We accept VISA, MasterCard, and American Express for payments.
Do you offer payment plans or financing options?
- Yes, we do offer payment plans to make it easier for you to manage your expenses.
Are there any booking fees or hidden charges?
- As for booking fees or hidden charges, there are no hidden charges. Any applicable fees will be clearly communicated upfront during the booking process.
Payment Security FAQs
How is my payment information collected?
- We use secure, encrypted authorization forms to collect your payment details. We never request or accept credit card information via email or unsecured methods.
Who actually charges my credit card?
Your card is charged directly by the travel supplier—such as a cruise line, hotel, or tour operator—not by DBS Travel. This ensures transparency and minimizes risk.
Does DBS Travel store my credit card information?
No. We do not store your card data. Once submitted securely, it’s used only for the authorized transaction and then discarded.
We have met all the requirements of the PCI Guidelines for storing the credit card information.
You can see the privacy policy here, https://portal.mytravelcrm.com/policy
Is this process compliant with industry standards?
Yes. As part of the KHM Travel Group network, we follow strict compliance protocols, including fraud prevention training and support from a dedicated Compliance & Resolution team.
Destinations by Sylvia is committed to protecting your personal and payment information. We fully comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) for storing and handling credit card data. Sensitive information is encrypted and safeguarded using industry-standard protocols, and we never store CVV codes or PIN data.
Your privacy matters to us. You can review our full privacy policy here. https://portal.mytravelcrm.com/policy
How do you protect my information from hacking or misuse?
We protect your information using encrypted systems, strict access controls, and processes that fully comply with government data protection standards and with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).
Your privacy matters to us. You can review our full privacy policy here. https://portal.mytravelcrm.com/policy
Travel Documentation
What documents do I need for international travel?
For international travel, you typically need the following documents:
- Passport: Ensure it is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
- Visa: Depending on your destination, you may need a visa. Check the specific requirements for each country.
- Travel Insurance: Proof of travel insurance is often required and highly recommended.
- Flight Tickets: Keep a copy of your flight itinerary.
- Accommodation Details: Proof of where you will be staying.
- Vaccination Certificates: Some countries require proof of vaccinations, such as yellow fever or COVID-19.
- Driver’s License/International Driving Permit: If you plan to drive abroad.
- Emergency Contact Information: Details of someone to contact in case of an emergency.
- Financial Proof: Some countries require proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
- Copies of Important Documents: Keep copies of your passport, visa, and other important documents separate from the originals.
Can you assist with visa applications and travel insurance?
- Yes, we can assist you with both
- Visa Applications: We provide referrals for the visa application process.
- Travel Insurance: Though optional, we highly recommend trip protection
insurance for your peace of mind with medical emergencies, trip cancellations,
lost luggage, and more.
What happens if I lose my passport while traveling?
If you lose your passport while traveling, follow these steps:
- Report the Loss: Immediately report the loss to the local police and get a police report.
- Contact Your Embassy: Visit the nearest embassy or consulate of your home country. They can issue an emergency travel document or a replacement passport.
- Provide Documentation: You will need to provide identification and proof of citizenship. Having copies of your passport and other important documents will be helpful.
- Fill Out Forms: Complete the necessary forms provided by the embassy or consulate.
- Pay Fees: There may be fees associated with issuing a new passport or travel document.
- Follow Up: Keep in touch with the embassy or consulate for updates on your application.
What happens if I refuse trip protection insurance?
If you choose to opt out of travel insurance, you’ll need to complete an Insurance Waiver Form
Customization and Special Requests
Can you create a customized itinerary for my trip?
Absolutely! We specialize in creating customized itineraries tailored to your preferences and interests. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, cultural experiences, or a mix of everything, we’ll design a trip that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
Do you accommodate special requests, such as dietary needs or accessibility requirements?
- Yes, we do! We understand the importance of accommodating special requests. Whether you have dietary restrictions, accessibility needs, or any other specific requirements, we will ensure that your travel arrangements are tailored to meet them. Just let us know your needs, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Can you arrange special events like destination weddings or honeymoons?
- Certainly! We can help you plan and arrange special events such as destination weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries, and more. Our team will work with you to create a memorable and seamless experience, handling all the details so you can focus on enjoying your special occasion.
Leading Up to the Trip
What kind of support do you offer while I’m traveling?
- We offer 24/7 support to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable trip. Whether you need assistance with last-minute changes, recommendations, or any issues that arise, our team is just a phone call or message away.
What should I do if my flight is delayed or canceled?
- Contact Us Immediately: Reach out to our support team as soon as you are informed about the delay or cancellation.
- Rebooking Assistance: We will assist you in rebooking your flight and making any necessary adjustments to your itinerary.
- Alternative Arrangements: If needed, we can help arrange alternative transportation or accommodations to minimize disruptions to your travel plans.
How can I contact you in case of an emergency during my trip?
- If you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, here’s what you should do:
- Contact us Immediately: Inform us as soon as possible about the situation.
- Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, check your policy to see if it covers cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances. We can assist you in filing a claim.
- Refunds and Credits: We will work with the service providers to secure any possible refunds or credits for future travel. The availability of refunds or credits will depend on the specific circumstances and the policies of the service providers.
Cancellations and Refunds
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
- Our general cancellation and refund policy is as follows:
- Cancellation Fees: Depending on the timing of your cancellation, there may be fees involved. These fees vary based on the service providers (airlines, hotels, resorts, cruiseline, etc.) and the terms of your booking.
- Refunds: Refunds are processed according to the policies of the service providers. We will assist you in obtaining any eligible refunds, but please note that non-refundable bookings may not be eligible for a refund.
Can I make changes to my booking after it has been confirmed?
- Yes, you can make changes to your booking after it has been confirmed. Here’s how it works:
- Change Fees: Changes may incur fees, which depend on the policies of the service providers involved.
- Process: Contact us as soon as possible to make any changes. We will work with the service providers to accommodate your new plans and inform you of any additional costs or requirements.
What happens if I need to cancel my trip due to unforeseen circumstances? Notify your agent immediately
- If you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, here’s what you should do:
- Contact us Immediately: Inform us as soon as possible about the situation.
- Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, check your policy to see if it covers cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances. We can assist you in filing a claim.
- Refunds and Credits: We will work with the service providers to secure any possible refunds or credits for future travel. The availability of refunds or credits will depend on the specific circumstances and the policies of the service providers.