Why did kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
Why do they put Braille dots on drive-in cash points? We can't answer these, but lots of other more useful questions and answers are below. Or perhaps you want to do one of these:
- if you're looking for a price quote, please check prices online
- if you're already a customer, contact us and we'll try to help
- if you want to amend your reservation, please email your Account Manager
FLIGHTS & TRANSFERS
Are flights included in the packages?
No, we don't book flights. The reason is that if you book them direct with the airline then you'll save yourself money (tour operators do the same and they allegedly charge you +20% for a few minutes work!). For a guide to the cheapest flights to Riga, have a look in the flight info section.
What happens if our group flies in and out of Riga at various times?
Our suppliers only organise one airport transfer in each direction per group. If some members of your group are arriving/departing at different times, we recommend that you use either the airport taxi service (that stands directly outside the arrival hall) or ask us to arrange a taxi for you. It is not very expensive.
Do I need transport from the airport?
There's one difficult public transport link to the centre and there are lots of taxis. Unfortunately stories are well-publicised about them ripping-off tourists. To avoid the hassle, we recommend you either fix transfers with us (it comes free as part of all package holidays) or if you're organising your own hotel then ask them to send a taxi for you.
PAYMENT & RESERVATIONS
What credit cards do you accept?
We accept Visa, UK Maestro, Electron, Mastercard, JCB/JCL and Solo. We do not accept American Express. If you want to pay in Euros, your payment will be converted at current exchange rates into GBP in order to be accepted through Barclays bank (Britain's biggest online payment services).
How do I know it's safe to pay online?
We use Barclays to process payments, which is one of the world's largest payment services. Payment information is encrypted on our website and processed by their secure server for maximum security. As an added guarantee, you're also likely to be insured by your card provider against any losses.
How soon after making a reservation do I have to pay my deposit?
After you make your reservation online, you'll receive a confirmation of your hotel/activites, and an option deadline on the reservation (usually it's for around 15-21 days from the date of your reservation). If you are happy with your offer, you can go ahead and pay your deposit during this time to confirm your booking. If you don't have your deposit ready in time, then you can ask for an extension to your option and we will try to arrange it (though we can't guarantee that this will possible in peak seasons).
How much deposit do I have to pay?
To confirm your reservation, you have to pay 25% of the total price of your holiday as a deposit. You can pay the balance, or any part of the balance, anytime before arrival, or when you are met by your group's Rep.
What happens if we cancel after paying our deposit?
The deposit you pay is transferred to your suppliers and if you cancel they will keep it as their cancellation fee. If you cancel within 3 days of arrival, the full cost of your holiday is payable as a cancellation fee. For more details, please refer to our terms and conditions.
How long does it take to clear my payment?
If you want to pay by credit card, then please login to your booking form and you’ll find the instructions and link to pay there. Your payment will clear instantaneously and we will normally update your account and issue your holiday voucher within 48 hours. Payment by bank transfer to our accounts at Barclays Bank in the U.K. is easier for larger sums. Bank transfers clear in 1 to 3 working days, depending on the transfer method chosen.
What happens if I need to amend our reservation?
Anytime before you come, you can amend your group numbers, dates etc. (and 99% of the time we will get any extra people in the same hotel as you). There is no administration charge for amendments.
Do I have any financial protection?
As is common in the travel industry, we use a system of 'bonding' that ensures your advance payments are held on deposit until after your holiday is complete. How this 'bonding' occurs varies according to your country of residence and laws eg UK Package Holidays and Tour Regulations 1992 or the DTGF rules in Denmark. Generally, this means you are either covered by our fixed deposit fund or by your money being held by Barclays bank for a fixed period of time. We also include free 'Travel Protection Insurance' up to GBP 11,000 per person (or currency equivalent) in the event that we or any of our suppliers are unable to fulfil our obligations.
Can I pay for my holiday over the phone?
No, for security purposes all Credit/Debit card payments must be made through your client login page using the Barclays Secure Server provided.
ABOUT OUR HOLIDAYS
Can I just book activities with you instead of a whole package?
Yes, you can still book activities with us even if you booked all other arrangements through another travel agent. In this case though, the prices of the activities are higher.
Are the activities held at fixed times?
No, they can be at anytime that suits you. When you book the activities, the reservation form will ask you to let us know when you'd like to do each activity - and we'll fix it up as close as we can.
Can you send me a brochure?
No, we don't send out brochures anymore because of the high cost. The money we've saved has been put into having this website made instead!
Is holiday insurance included in the price?
We offer insurance cover, but you are still recommended to take additional travel insurance.
This is the cover you get from us:
1. All our holidays include free 'Travel Protection Insurance' up to GBP 11,000 per person (or currency equivalent) in the event that we or any of our suppliers are unable to fulfil our obligations.
2. We ensure that all our suppliers have accident insurance, as required by local laws, to cover costs incurred in case of negligence.
3. We assist all EU citizens in receiving free basic health care. If you have private health insurance rather than state health insurance, then you must check their terms to see if you are covered. From 1 January 2006 you will need to bring a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) instead of an E111 form to receive this cover. Apply online at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers and you should receive the form in 7 days.
What is not covered:
1. Compensation above the cost of health care [eg. loss of earnings for time off work or repatriation costs] is low by Western European standards and we recommend that you contact a reputable insurance agent in your country to discuss the risk and costs involved with insurance against these costs.
2. Compensation if you can’t make it because of illness and have to cancel your holiday. If you want to get cover for this, then first look to your credit card terms because they often cover this, or if not then search on the internet and you’ll find lots of cheap options to cover this.
Are your holidays covered by ATOL or ABTA?
ATOL protection only covers you if you buy flights as part of your package. You can take advantage of this coverage by booking through our partner http://www.charterflights.co.uk/pissup/. If you only book a package with us then ATOL membership would not give you any further protection beyond the 'Travel Protection Insurance' up to GBP 11,000 per person (or currency equivalent) payable in the event that we or any of our suppliers are unable to fulfil our obligations. All our suppliers are also vetted to ensure that they have their own insurance, legal certificates and local approvals as appropriate. We are also a member of ASTA - the largest travel industry organisation in the world - and follow their practice and guidelines to ensure you receive the best service possible.
HOTELS
Will you tell us which hotel we'll be staying in before we pay our deposit?
Yes. We have a large pool of hotels (that all have been vetted by us) and when you make an online reservation, we send your details out to all of them. After we have collected some offers, we reserve rooms for your group at the best available hotel.. You'll then receive a confirmation with all the details of your hotel (including photos, rooming and location but not the name) and you'll get an option deadline (approx. 15 days or more from the date of your reservation) to pay your deposit and confirm your booking, or if you don't want to go ahead then you can cancel your reservation with no-obligation. Once you pay your deposit, we'll also give you the name, address and telephone number of the hotel.
What is the normal rooming with package holidays?
Some travel companies cut corners by putting three or four of you in a room - but where possible we will put you in twin rooms. In certain situations, you may be put in triples if there is a better hotel available with these type of rooms free. It's also possible to request single rooms, if for example you have smelly feet, but there a supplemental charge of 35% added to the price for this. You'll be told your rooming before you have to pay anything.
Will I have to pay a bond to the hotel on arrival?
It's normal practice for the hotels to require bonds against damages when they receive large groups, and there unfortunately have been incidents where unscrupulous hotel managers have used various excuses to keep these bonds as an extra 'tax'. However, all our 3-5 star hotels have contracts with us where we pay them a bond on your behalf. You'll still have to pay for damages though, only we'll make sure that any problems are dealt with fairly. The only exception to this is if you choose a 1-star package staying in apartments. There is no reception to check the rooms when you leave so your group will have to leave credit card details as security. The apartments require one credit card for each apartment so if you're staying in 3 apartments you'll need 3 credit cards.
MONEY & COSTS
What's the best way to get local currency?
We recommend you bring a small amount of local currency for your first night. We can put you in touch with an exchange company and, if you want, they can organise to get you a little bit better rate than standard. You can also take money from cash tills as you need it, which helps avoid the chances of being left with a lot of unspent local currency at the end of the weekend. There are lots of them in the city centre and they take Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus and Plus cards. Read more about money and get the latest exchange rates here
How much should I budget for a holiday?
A lot of the essentials in life are very cheap in Riga. There are lots of cash tills in the centre that take international bank cards so it's no problem to use these if you blow your wad on lapdancers.
OTHERS
What is the dress code in clubs?
There’s no real dress codes in Riga clubs and bars so anything is acceptable. However, we recommend that lads from Britain don’t wear football shirts or tour shirts because bouncers assume football fans are trouble. For the same reason, it’s also best to split into smaller groups of 4 or 5 and go in separately. It's better to wear shirts than T-shirts and jeans, but some places have a problem with trainers.
Do you cater for groups from Ireland or other countries?
No problem, we've had groups from Norway, Germany, Belgium, Australia, USA and lots of other countries. You can pay in Euros or UK pounds.
Where can I find out about Passport and Visa requirements?
You should always check with your airline about Visa requirements. Most tourists don't need a VISA to visit Riga, and after 1 May 2004 it is part of the European Union and subject to the same rules as other EU countries. However, there are rules about the validity of your passport, especially the length of time that it is still valid.
Some other tips for a night out?
Are the Riga women choosy about who they talk too? (ie. Will you get a sniff at talking to girls?)
They can be. They do NOT like loud lad behaviour. It can be easier in some bars than others.
Are kebab vans open after night clubs close?
Kebab vans? You are coming to Riga not Blackpool!!! There are places to get food late.
Plenty of lap dancing venues?
No, not all are safe. There are some guaranteed safe ones we can advise you about!
What's the cost of a lap dance? (touchy touchy - or strictly looky looky?)
Pretty much all dances are touching. GBP 20 a time.
What? Can a lap dance be more than just looky looky?
Yes. Always.
