2022 Private Escapes Sale Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book my Private Escapes Sale journey now?

The sale begins on Monday, November 29 at 9 a.m. CT and ends on Friday, December 3 at 4 p.m. CT.

How much space is available on these journeys?

Space is limited, so if you prefer a specific journey and date, we suggest you book early. Once a journey is sold out, no additional rooms can be requested as these journeys include specially negotiated prices.

Are these group journeys?

No, all Private Escapes Sale journeys (including Private Escapes Canal Barge Charters) are private for just you and your travelling companions. All associated sightseeing is also private, except for shared excursions on ‘Sanctuary Sun Boat IV’ on Private Escapes Sale: Egypt and safari game drives on Private Escapes Sale: Botswana.

What are the deposit and final payment requirements?

Full payment is required at the time of booking for Private Escapes Sale journeys, except for Private Escapes Canal Barge Charters for which standard payment terms apply (25% deposit, final payment due 120 days prior to departure).

What are the cancellation fees?

All payments made to Abercrombie & Kent are non-refundable at the point of booking. For Private Escapes Canal Barge Charters, deposits are non-refundable, and cancellations received by A&K 120 days or less prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation charge of 100% of the program price.

What happens if I need to cancel due to COVID-19?

To provide peace of mind to travellers, A&K’s Book with Confidence policy applies to Private Escapes Sale journeys. For Private Escapes Sale journeys, you can change or cancel up to 15 days prior to departure in the event of a COVID-19-related reason. For Private Escapes Canal Barge Charters, you must rebook the same barge. Details on A&K’s Book with Confidence policy can be found here.

What are your health and safety standards?

A&K has established enhanced health and safety protocols that meet or exceed the latest global health and safety protocols recommended by “Safe Travels” from the World Travel & Tourism Council and “TourCare” from the United States Tour Operators Association, Canadian Association of Tour Operators and the European Tourism Association.

All guests must sign a COVID-19 Health & Safety Acknowledgement attesting to their fitness to travel and agreeing to comply with all health protocols as directed by A&K staff during their journey.

Can I book through a travel professional?

Yes, your travel professional can reserve a Private Escapes Sale journey on your behalf; however, space cannot be held without payment.

Can I book a Private Escapes Sale journey online or do I have to call your office?

Bookings cannot be made online. Please call 800 554 7016 to make your reservation.

Is there a limit on the number of rooms that can be booked at once?

No. Provided space is available, any number of rooms can be booked. Unfortunately, we will be unable to request additional rooms.

Can I apply my Marco Polo Club and/or re-booking discount?

No. These offers are not combinable with any other promotions or discounts.

I have a Future Travel Credit voucher with A&K. Can this be used for payment?

Yes. A Future Travel Credit voucher can be used as payment for a Private Escapes Sale journey.

I can't travel on the dates provided. Can these savings be offered on a customized trip?

No. The dates and itineraries offered are not changeable and hotel/camp/lodge substitutions are not allowed.

Is internal air included in the price?

Where applicable, internal air pricing is listed separately.

Is international air included in the price?

No, the cost of international flights is additional.

After I have confirmed my reservation, can I upgrade room/cabin categories?

Yes. Upgrades are available on request for an additional cost based on availability. Upgrade requests can only be made after the booking is confirmed and cannot be guaranteed.

Can I extend my stay?

Yes. Once you have a confirmed reservation, additional services may be added before or after the Private Escapes Sale journey at an additional cost.

Can I purchase travel insurance?

Yes. We offer A&K’s Guest Protection Program, which provides cancellation coverage, medical coverage and protection against lost or damaged luggage. The plan must be purchased within 48 hours of tour payment in order to waive the pre-existing medical condition exclusion. A Cancel for Any Reason upgrade is also available for an additional cost. More details can be found here: http://www.abercrombiekent.com/travel_store/travel_insurance/

Is triple occupancy pricing available?

Yes, triple occupancy pricing is available on many Private Escapes Sale journeys. Please call for details.

What's the difference between a solo traveller and single occupancy?

A solo traveller travels alone with no other travel companions on the trip. A single occupancy rate applies when you occupy a single room but have other travelling companions in your party.

Is there a minimum age for children?

Children are permitted on most Private Escapes Sale journeys. Please call for details.

Is child pricing available for any of the journeys listed?

Yes, due to the nature of the accommodations, child pricing is available on Private Escapes Sale: Kenya Ultimate Safari and Private Escapes Sale: Botswana Ultimate Safari & Cape Town.

Do I have to secure a tourist visa prior to arrival?

U.S. and Canadian passport holders are required to have a tourist visa for arrival into Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Turkey, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Visit A&K’s Visa page for further details. Citizens of other countries should contact the appropriate consular office for entry requirements pertaining to their journey.

Are there special COVID-19 related entry requirements for the country I want to travel to?

Many countries now require proof of COVID-19 vaccination and/or proof of a negative COVID-19 test for entry. Visit the U.S. Department of State or the Government of Canada for current entry requirements by country. Details will be provided in your Pre-travel information that are specific to your journey. All information is subject to change.

What other vaccine(s) do I need?

Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov/travel) or the World Health Organization (who.int/en) for the latest on required and recommended vaccines for your destination.

A yellow fever vaccination is required to enter Botswana, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa only if you are arriving from or have transited through a yellow-fever endemic area in South America or Africa. The CDC and WHO each provide a current list of all affected countries.

Do I have to wear a mask while travelling?

On all journeys, masks must be worn in accordance with local regulations. We encourage you to bring your own masks; a supply will be on hand where needed. Note all protocols are subject to change in accordance with relevant guidelines, local regulations and conditions.

Is a COVID-19 test required to return home from my journey?

Yes, testing is required for all travellers boarding a flight to the U.S. or Canada. A&K will facilitate required testing for returning home and information will be included in Essential Information in your Final Documents. Details are below.

Guests returning to the United States
Before boarding a flight to the United States, U.S. Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents are required to show printed or electronic proof of the following:

• If you are fully vaccinated: Proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or rapid antigen) result taken no more than three (3) days before your return flight.
• If you are not fully vaccinated: A negative COVID-19 test (PCR or rapid antigen) result taken no more than one (1) day before your return flight.

For complete details visit Frequently Asked Questions on COVID-19 Vaccinations and Testing for International Travel (state.gov). Be sure to check state COVID-19 entry requirements, as they may vary.

Guests returning to Canada
All travellers, including Canadian passport holders, must provide printed or electronic proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding their flight to Canada. Additional information can be found at travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.

Does A&K assist with COVID-19 testing if it is required during my journey and to return home?

A&K will facilitate required in-country testing during your journey including for travel between countries and for returning home. Costs for testing are payable directly to the testing provider at time of service by either credit card or cash depending on the destination. All requirements and testing information specific to your journey will be included in Essential Information in your Final Documents.