• Is there a fee to work with Bastian World Travel? Depending on the complexity of the trip, a nonrefundable fee may be applied for our expertise and time planning for you. We have the experience and expertise knowledge to save you hours of your valuable time. Our fees start at $375 per trip. We will put in many hours of our time to ensure you have the exact experience you are looking for, saving you time and avoiding 1,000's of pages of search results to sort through on your own. We are confident that you'll agree this service fee will give you back infinitely more value, far above the actual dollars and cents.

  • Can you get me a good “deal”? Our partners occasionally do offer stay longer promotions, but in general a good “deal” is often another way of saying bottom dollar and that’s not our focus at Bastian World Travel. All too often you get what you pay for - or don’t pay for - and we pride ourselves on elevating your experience!

  • What if I'm interested in only accommodation bookings? We are a hotel specialist with personal connections and preferred partnerships to properties around the US and around the globe. Many of our clients, need only a hotel and work with us to receive best published rates (or better) as well as hundred's of dollars in additional value added amenities like upgrades and complimentary breakfasts that you wouldn’t receive on booking direct. We have access to 1,000's of vetted 4 1/2 - 5 star properties; reputable names like Westin, Four Seasons, Belmond, Peninsula, Relais & Chateaux, Fairmont Hotels, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Ritz Carlton, Hyatt, and Kimpton, as well as unique boutique properties. We can also help with private villa and home research and reservations. You can’t VIP yourself, but we can!

  • If I’m only booking a hotel, is there still a fee? There is no fee for us to help research a single destination’s accommodations or maybe you already know the hotel you’re interested in and want to see if you can get some extras - ask us! We’ll be happy to make the reservation for you and you’ll receive extra value that you wouldn’t receive booking on your own.

  • What if I’m interested in booking a home or apartment with Airbnb or VRBO - Can you help? Maybe you have a larger family, looking for accommodations within a certain budget, or just want a bit more breathing space so a private home or apartment is a better fit for your vacation. We work with vetted private home partners that allow us to be sure that the home, villa or apartment you are reserving meets your preferences and our discerning standards for you. You’ve come to us for information you can trust. Unfortunately, when it comes to Airbnb and VRBO-type properties, this vetting process is not available to us. Although, it may look great online, there is a risk that once you arrive, it does not deliver what you were expecting.

  • I’ve booked a private home on my own, but need help with transfers and tours - Can you help? We have an amazing collection of private homes around the world that are vetted for location, quality of the home or villa and the house keeping, chef and local concierge services. We believe its best for you and your experience to help with your entire ground itinerary. This way, we can provide a seamless delivery and an elevated experience.

  • Can Bastian World Travel assist in booking hotels and flights with points? We understand how those points are of value and may be ready and accessible to use on your next trip. However, since these points are in your name, we’ll refer you to make these point reservations direct.

  • Can you help me with flight bookings? Please note at this time, we are not offering flight ticketing services and refer clients to book with the airlines direct. However, I’m happy to consult and offer advice on the best routes to your destination. Also, many of the tour suppliers we partner with can provide internal country flight reservations of all classes that would be included in your itinerary.

  • Can you help me book rail reservations? Yes, this is part of our full planning services, and we are happy to book rail tickets for you. We’ll do the research and let you know, the times that fit your itinerary and the cost options.

  • I’m interested in a cruise - Are there benefits booking through Bastian World Travel vs booking the cruise direct? We know these destinations inside and out and most often, have visited independently. When considering a cruise, the first thing we look for is: What is gained by visiting this destination with an organized tour or onboard a cruise? And what is lost? If you've never visited these destinations, this can be a difficult question to answer which is why we're here to guide you! Second, booking through us, you’ll receive a match with the cruise line’s best direct booking offer, plus, (depending on the sailing) added value through our partnerships such as additional onboard ship credit. Want to make your cruise more special or have a concern? We have personal contacts with our cruise partners’ executive teams to help with those special requests, questions, or concerns.

  • How long will it take to plan a customized travel holiday? We specialize in customized itineraries unique to your travel needs. Every trip is different, but we will be extremely timely in our responses to you and communicate frequently so you know what to expect.

  • Does Bastian World Travel recommend travel protection/insurance? No one anticipates things going wrong on their long awaited vacation, however, there are hundreds of circumstances that could cause you to cancel your trip, return home early or force you to seek emergency medical treatment while traveling. We care that your investment is protected and we can guide you to reputable vetted travel insurance providers to help you with travel insurance.

  • What if I have questions regarding visas and or passport requirements? The U.S. Passports and International Travel website provides up to date passport and visa travel information for U.S. citizens traveling abroad. We will consult the site for you and share the latest information. Well before your departure date, we will be sure to help guide you on the process if you are required to have a visa for your trip .

  • How will my travel documents be sent to me? Once we have completed your trip’s itinerary, an e-itinerary will be sent to you via email including all your booking confirmations, contact numbers, and pre-departure information. This itinerary will be available via a printable PDF document, as well as a downloadable APP accessible before and during your trip without Wi-Fi.

  • Can Bastian World Travel help answer questions regarding vaccination requirements to foreign countries? We recommend that you consult with your primary care physician regarding the countries you plan to visit and preventive care measures. In addition, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides up to date information regarding travelers' health. We will happily share with you CDC's latest information to help you prepare for your trip.

  • Can Bastian World Travel help with COVID entry requirements and testing: We understand many of you are ready for travel, but the first step of planning can be daunting with the ever changing landscape of entry requirements and COVID testing. We have up to date resources as well as trusted local partners on the ground around the world to help guide you in these extra steps.

  • Will Bastian World Travel assist with dining reservations during my trip? We understand that the local food is some of the best part of the trip! We will supply some dining recommendations for each destination you will be visiting on your final itinerary. Depending on your needs, we can assist with special occasion dining reservations, or we’ll make the suggestion that it is best to book direct with your restaurant of choice.

  • How do I get in touch with Bastian World Travel during my holiday if I need to? We understand that unpredictable circumstances can occur. Working with us, you’ll have a personal advocate - someone how cares and is in your corner. Keep in mind that it may be daylight hours where you're traveling but it's 2am at our home base. We will do everything we can to be available for you during your trip should questions or need for assistance arise. We are available via email, and text or WhatsApp during off hours and will be expeditious in our response if you need our help.