Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions

Why plan a trip with Changes in Latitude?

You leverage our experience, contacts, and insights to plan extraordinary itineraries based your interests and travel style. We know the terrain after numerous visits and carefully arrange every detail to maximize your enjoyment, including:

• the lowest rates on international and in-country flights and insider tips on transfers;
  
• luxurious accommodations we’ve personally enjoyed (villas, boutique hotels, eco-resorts and spas);
  
• local transportation (airport transfers, cars with drivers, trains, charter planes, and boats);
  
• the best native and English speaking guides, as often as you’d like or for selected activities only;
  
• activity’s providers we’ve tested (boats, dive/snorkel charters, rafting/trekking operators, birding experts, vineyard & coffee plantation owners, archaeologists, etc.);
  
• reconfirmation of all reservations as you travel – we stay one step ahead of you; and
  
• we are on-call for last-minute changes to your itinerary, as needed.

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What types of customers does Changes in Latitude serve?

1. People with high expectations from their vacations
   
2. First-time visitors to Latin America
   
3. People who are too busy to plan their vacation
   
4. Those who prefer upscale travel
   
5. Families seeking a balance between time together & time when children-only activities leave Mom & Dad time to themselves.*
   
6. Groups planning retreats and special celebrations in exotic locations (weddings, reunions)
   
7. People giving the gift of travel to family and friends
   
8. Businesses planning executive meetings, award or incentive travel for staff
   

* Note: Childcare requires special arrangements.

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How often will I be escorted, and what type of transport is utilized in-country?

You can be escorted as often as you wish.  We have guides that can escort you for all or part of your journeys.  If you prefer more time at your destinations, flights will be arranged.  If you prefer to see the countryside between destinations, we have private cars & drivers available to you.  Our bilingual drivers are available to escort you during activities where translation is desired.  Any combination of transport is possible, depending on your schedule & interests.

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How early should I schedule my trip with Changes in Latitude?

We encourage you to plan your trip at least 3 months in advance;
6 months in advance is better for peak season travel to many destinations.

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What type of hotels should we expect?

Lodging can vary depending on your budget. We typically favor private villas or luxurious small-to-medium sized boutique hotels with character, great location, and a high quality of service. We often include an eco-lodge in a majestic off-the-beaten-path setting. Your comfort is never sacrificed.

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How is payment handled?

We book your trip using your credit card.  We accept personal checks for our fees.  We do not accept booking commissions; We make reservations as your travel consultant (not your travel agent) and get you the best rates, direct-booking rates.  After everything is planned to your satisfaction, you pay Changes In Latitude as agreed in advance.

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Are all in-country activities planned as private tours?

Our tours are almost always on a private basis. You will rarely be sharing your local guides with people outside of your group. In some areas it makes sense to join regular trips organized by local guides, but these are the exception to the rule.

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What do I pack?

This is the toughest question of all. Every guest, itinerary, and season is different.  Here is a helpful suggestion: Review your itinerary and imagine your days in detail from the moment you'll wake up to the moment your head will hit the pillow. What will you need at each point? This imaginary walk-through can help bring important items to mind.

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What if I’d rather participate in daily life shoulder-to-shoulder with “the locals”? 

We recommend these travel networks:

• Take turns hosting one another (guest swap) – Servas
  
• Work in the community you visit (cultural exchange) – HelpX
  
• Sleep over like the local’s brother (nomadic collective) – Couch Surfing Project
  

Do you recommend travel insurance?

Yes. The primary purpose is to cover emergency medical care in your destination country and/or medical evacuation in the event of serious illness or injury. The secondary purpose is to cover you in case of airline default. Additional coverage is provided, but these are the two main reasons for our recommendation. Medical evacuation can cost more than a new car and most health insurance does not cover this expense.  Airline default has become all too common. A minor investment in travel insurance buy major peace of mind. 

We recommend two plans from reputable companies: TravelEx "Travel Select" or Travel Guard "Protect Assist"  Enter "0" under the trip cost for the most economical coverage (unless you want to be reimbursed the trip cost if you cancel your trip). Click above to learn more or ask us about options.  If you book your journey with Changes In Latitude, we'll arrange your coverage for you.  If you booked your own trip, you can still purchase coverage with the links above!

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