Your Tour Manager: All Mayflower Cruises & Tours’ Tour Managers have been carefully selected and specially trained in the skills that assure a carefree, enjoyable trip. They are knowledgeable, understanding and devoted to making this a relaxing and memorable tour. They supervise the handling of luggage, take care of check-in and departure from hotels, reconfirm included meals, and brief you on the daily events and timetables during the tour. They will assist with transportation logistics at the beginning and end of your tour. They are happy to assist in suggesting restaurants, ideas for free time, or simply look after reasonable special requests.

Tips on Tipping: When people go out of their way to do their best, providing extra service with a smile, you like to reward them for a job well done. Since most people would like to say a special “thank you” to their Tour Manager and Driver, may we suggest the following guidelines: A gratuity of $6 to $8 per traveler/per day for your Tour Manager; $3 to $4 per traveler/per day for your Driver. These individuals are with you throughout the entire tour, so please use your own judgment and tip according to services rendered. Please handle this on an individual basis – the best way to present this gratuity is in an envelope with your name on it. We request that group collections not be taken. You may also wish to reward a step-on or local guide for their contribution to the tour with a $2 per traveler gratuity or an amount you feel is appropriate for the services provided.

Gratuities for included meals and luggage handling at all hotels are included in your tour cost.  Not included in your tour cost are gratuities for luggage handling at all airports, housekeeping services, services of a personal nature, meals or drinks that are not included as part of the tour, and gratuities for the Tour Manager, all drivers, and step-on/local guides.

In the event your tour includes a cruise or rail journey, gratuities for onboard crew may be added to your on-board account. If you wish to adjust the amount, you should contact the ship/train’s guest services personnel while on board.  In some cases, gratuities are not automatically added and are suggested separately.  More specific Information will be included in the day-by-day itinerary enclosed in your documents.

Luggage Information: You are welcome to bring a normal-sized suitcase as well as a small carry-on bag. The handling of the normal-sized suitcase will be our responsibility, and the carry-on will be yours. Simply attach the included Mayflower Cruises & Tours luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home. We will see to it that your suitcase arrives where and when you do. Your Tour Manager or bellman will arrange for the suitcase to get to your room.  On travel days, your Tour Manager will give you the time your bag should be available for pick-up by the bellman.

Note: Due to Covid-19, there may be some hotels that do not offer baggage handling services. If this is the case, you will be responsible for taking your luggage between the coach and your hotel room. The driver will load and unload your bags on the coach.

The carry-on bag is allowed on the motorcoach. Carry-on storage is very limited and much smaller than those found on airplanes.  Bags with wheels will not fit inside the motorcoach.  The overhead compartments are suitable for coats, hats, small briefcase size bags or purses.

Prescription medications should be packed in your carry-on bag or carried with you.  We also suggest that while in the hotels, you keep prescriptions securely stored.

Note: Many airlines have a charge for the first checked bag. Rates vary for each airline. This fee is paid directly to the carrier at check in.

Airlines have strict regulations concerning luggage weight allowance. You may be asked to pay an additional fee at the airport if your checked luggage weight exceeds 50 pounds. Charges can vary by airline. In addition, your checked bag cannot exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + depth).  Please check with your airline to verify their weight and size restrictions.

Airlines are also restricting the size of carry-on luggage and the permitted contents.  For more details on what is permitted in your carry-on, please refer to the “AIRPORT SECURITY” section of these documents.  A carry-on bag must fit under your seat or in the overhead bin and cannot exceed 45 linear inches (length + width + depth).  Check with your airline to verify their weight and size restrictions for carry-on luggage.  The airline may also require that a carry-on item be checked if the item cannot be safely stowed on a particular flight.

If your luggage is not checked through to your final destination, you will need to claim your luggage at the intermediate connection city and re-check your luggage to the final destination.  Note that some airlines such as Southwest, do not have interline baggage agreements, so when connecting to or from these airlines, it will always be necessary to claim and re-check your luggage. For security reasons, all checked and carry-on bags are subject to X-ray and a physical search by TSA (Transportation Security Administration) personnel.

To minimize potential damage to your bags, we do not recommend that you lock your bags.  If you prefer to lock your checked luggage, we recommend that you purchase a lock from a manufacturer recognized by TSA. Travel Sentry and Safe Skies Locks are two such companies who have an arrangement with TSA and have provided screeners with the tools to open and re-lock baggage. Always check your luggage through to your final destination with the airline.  If you are traveling on two or more airlines to your final destination, show all your tickets to the first airline ticket agent and they will be able to process your request.

Prescriptions & Valuables: If you are taking prescription medication, bring an adequate supply along with a copy of the prescriptions. A digestive remedy is suggested as a precaution. Always keep necessary medicine, jewelry and travel documents in your handbag or carry-on luggage – never check these items with your luggage. Refer to the AIRPORT SECURITY section for details on liquid medications.  If you wear prescription glasses, we suggest bringing your backup pair. Many travelers keep a change of clothes and sleepwear in their carry-on bag in the unlikely event a suitcase goes astray or is late.

Health and Walking Tours: Some sites visited have limited motorcoach access and may involve considerable walking, stairs or inclines. Travelers should be in reasonably good health.  Some programs include destinations in higher elevations that may have varying effects on individual travelers. Tour Managers and coach drivers cannot lift or assist travelers into transportation vehicles and are not allowed to push travelers in wheelchairs. Mayflower Cruises & Tours requires that persons needing assistance be accompanied by a companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the assistance.

Use of Oxygen: Please notify Mayflower Cruises & Tours if you plan to bring oxygen or other equipment for your personal medical use.  Government regulations restrict both the quantity permitted as well as how it is to be transported so that it is handled safely on the motorcoach or train. Oxygen cylinders must be designed, constructed, filled, closed, secured and maintained so that under normal conditions, there will be no accidental release of gas.  Cylinders need to be transported in an upright position and secured against movement and leakage.  A cylinder that is dented, gouged or pitted cannot be accepted. Total weight of cylinders accepted should not exceed 50 pounds. Valves need to be sealed and protected against damage. Note that airlines have far more stringent regulations regarding oxygen use while on board the aircraft.  It is important that you contact the airline well in advance of departure for their specific regulations. 

Wheelchair Information: We need to know in advance if you will be using a wheelchair or scooter.  If you are using a wheelchair, you need to advise us as soon as possible so that we can be sure to arrange for a motorcoach that is equipped with a motorized lift and an area to accommodate the wheelchair inside the passenger compartment. Not all motorcoaches have these accommodations. The Tour Manager and the Driver are not responsible for the transport or storage of either the wheelchair or scooter including assembling or disassembling. A traveling companion will be required if you need assistance with any special needs equipment brought on tour. Requests for handicap accessible rooms should also be advised prior to departure but cannot be guaranteed.

Special Dietary Needs: Special dietary needs must be advised at least 30 days in advance and are not guaranteed.

Proof of Citizenship: PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP FOR TOURS TRAVELING TO MEXICO, CANADA OR BY CRUISE: Security between U.S., Canada, Mexico and all Caribbean destinations has tightened therefore everyone is required to carry proof of citizenship. Each U.S. citizen must carry with them a valid passport at each border crossing or during cruise embarkation. Expiration date of passports should be at least six months after the return date of the tour. Citizens of other countries should check with their consulate to verify the documents required for entry into Canada or Mexico.

Airport Security: Travelers are required to have an airline-issued boarding pass prior to clearing security checkpoints. Boarding passes can be issued either by airline personnel at the ticket counter or electronically, using the self-service kiosks located nearby. Beginning May 7, 2025, all travelers will be required by the TSA to have a “REAL ID” or passport to fly within the United States.  For more information, contact your local office that issues Driver’s Licenses and IDs, or visit https://www.tsa.gov/real-id.

Travelers may be required to remove their shoes so they may be X-rayed with their carry-on bags and are also subject to random searches at security checkpoints. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for all U.S. airport security screening procedures and the most current list of restricted items can be found on their web site, http://www.tsa.gov.

On the aircraft, you are permitted to bring on the aircraft travel-size toiletries (three ounces or less) that all fit comfortably in ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic zip-top bag.  At the checkpoint, travelers may be asked to remove the zip-top bag of liquids and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt to be X-rayed separately from the rest of the contents of the carry-on luggage. Beverages and other items purchased after clearing airport security checkpoints will be permitted on the aircraft.  In addition, larger amounts of prescription liquid medications, baby formula and diabetic glucose treatments must be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening. Liquids, gels and aerosols greater than three ounces and purchased prior to clearing airport security checkpoints, are not permitted and will be confiscated. Please pack these items in your checked luggage.

In-Flight Service: On U.S. domestic flights, most airlines no longer provide an included meal service on flights less than four hours in duration. Often there are snack items available for purchase on board but these may not meet your specific dietary requirements. We suggest having a meal either at home or at the airport prior to boarding your flight. The airline has complete control over the seats assigned.  If you have made a specific seating request, Mayflower Cruises & Tours does make the airline aware of this but we cannot guarantee that the airline will be able to accommodate the request.

Incidental Charges: While staying at your lodging, costs you incur for phone calls, room service, cable TV movie charges, in-room bar, laundry, and other special services are your responsibility. Please take care of these charges as soon as possible, either the night before or on the morning of departure, being mindful so that your tour’s departure is not delayed.

Guaranteed Share Travelers: Travelers who take advantage of Mayflower Cruises & Tours’ Guaranteed Share Program will be introduced by the Tour Manager on the first day of the tour. When using our Guaranteed Share Program, please expect to have a roommate. In those very few situations where we are unable to match you with another traveler, you will be informed on the first day of the tour. GUARANTEED SHARE TRAVELERS MUST BE NON-SMOKERS, which includes the use of e-cigarettes. Additionally, C-PAP machines may not be used by Guaranteed Share Travelers, and handicap accessible rooms may not be requested.

Cellular Telephone Usage: We understand the need to stay in touch with family and friends back home. However, we do request that you please refrain from using cellular telephones while on the coach.  This will enable you and your traveling companions to receive full enjoyment from the tour.

Transportation Information: No matter what tour you are traveling on, we do all we can to make your trip rewarding and enjoyable. To prevent injury, please remain seated while the motorcoach is in motion. If you find it necessary to move around, please do so carefully, holding on to the seatbacks of the coach. For the protection of all passengers please be extremely careful when removing your carry-on bag, or other stored items, from the overhead rack. Your driver maintains the temperature of the coach for the comfort of all passengers. Since individual thermostats vary, you may want to bring a sweater along while traveling.

Travelers Protection Plan (TPP): For travelers who have purchased Mayflower Cruises & Tours’ Traveler Protection Plan (TPP), please note that your insurance policy provides coverage for various incidents during your trip.  These include accidental death and dismemberment, trip delay, medical expense and emergency assistance, loss or damage of baggage and travel documents and baggage delay. While on tour, you can contact the Trip Mate Insurance Company for any claim-related questions at 1-833-297-2255. This number is answered 24 hours daily.

No Smoking or Alcohol Please: Mayflower Cruises & Tours has a no-smoking policy on the motorcoach including e-cigarettes. Additionally, Alcohol consumption is not allowed on the motorcoach. Frequent rest and meal stops are made, providing ample time for those who wish to smoke. Observance of this requirement helps assure the well being of all members of the tour.

Reusable Waterbottles: In an effort to reduce waste of single use plastic water bottles and be more environmentally conscious, Mayflower is proud to provide each traveler with a reusable water bottle. We have made it part of our mission to reduce our carbon footprint starting right here in our own backyard. You can expect your tour manager to provide you with a brand-new bottle on the first day of your tour and you will have the opportunity throughout each day to refill your bottle.

Seat Rotation Guideline: A seat rotation program is followed to allow each traveler an equal opportunity for viewing the sights from different perspectives. We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to this courtesy. No seats are reserved, with the exception of the seat behind the driver, which is reserved for the Tour Manager. We ask for your cooperation in adhering to our seat rotation guideline.  At least once a day the Tour Manager will rotate the seating in a clockwise manner.  This will give everyone the opportunity to become acquainted with your fellow travelers as you circulate through the motorcoach and to be closer to where you want to sit. Note: Due to Covid-19, and health concerns, there may be times when we do not rotate seats for tours.

Itinerary Changes: From time to time, circumstances require changes in the order of events or attractions visited.  Your Tour Manager will announce any changes.

Liability: Mayflower Cruises & Tours is unable to assume liability for loss or damage due to breakage, theft, hotel or carrier handling. We are not able to accept responsibility for any losses or damages to personal property or for injuries, illnesses, expenses or damages incurred by any tour member.

Emergency Contact: For almost all situations you should contact your Tour Manager for assistance with an emergency while on tour.  They are your best resource for help throughout the tour and will be able to get in touch with the Mayflower Cruises & Tours office if the need arises.  In the event you need to contact Mayflower Cruises & Tours during regular business hours, please call 630-435-8500.

A Final Word: So there you have it! Your next responsibility is simply to sit back, relax and have the time of your life. Enjoy yourself!