Faqs

All you need to know

How to book

Booking through our website

To book your place on a tour via our website, simply navigate to the relevant tour page, and click on the orange " Book" button. This will take you through to our booking system where you will be asked to fill in a booking form. Once filled in, you will be asked to pay a deposit online. Before you book, please ensure you have read through our Booking Terms and Conditions, particularly the cancellation terms. Please note all deposits are non-refudable.

Booking by post in the United Kingdom

To book a place on to one of our tours offline, please contact Jon Baines Tours and request a booking form to be sent to you. We can email this over, or post one to you. Once you have received the form, fill it in, making sure that you clearly specify the name of the tour on the form. Complete and sign the booking form and return it with a non-refundable deposit of £350.00 per traveller per tour, or £450 per traveller per cruise. Deposits can also be paid by bank transfer, or by online payment link.

You can return your form my post, addressing it to:

Jon Baines Tours Ltd
Hyde Park House
5 Manfred Road
London SW15 2RS
United Kingdom

Or by email: info@jonbainestours.com

Upon receipt of the booking form and deposit, we will send you a confirmation letter and invoice.

Please make sure you that carefully read our Booking Terms and Conditions.

Booking by post in Australia or New Zealand

To book a place on to one of our tours offline, please contact Jon Baines Tours and request a booking form to be sent to you. We can email this over, or post one to you. Once you have received the form, fill it in, making sure that you clearly specify the name of the tour on the form. Complete and sign the booking form and return it with a non-refundable deposit of AUD $550.00 per traveller per tour, or AUD $800 per traveller per cruise. Deposits can also be paid by bank transfer, or by online payment link.

You can return your form my post, addressing it to:

Jon Baines Tours Pty Ltd
PO Box 68
South Brunswick
Victoria 3055
Australia

Or by email: info@jonbainestours.com

Upon receipt of the booking form and deposit, we will send you a confirmation letter and invoice.

Please make sure you that carefully read our Booking Terms and Conditions.

Booking by post in the European Union

To book a place on to one of our tours offline, please contact Jon Baines Tours and request a booking form to be sent to you. We can email this over, or post one to you. Once you have received the form, fill it in, making sure that you clearly specify the name of the tour on the form. Complete and sign the booking form and return it with a non-refundable deposit of €350.00 per traveller per tour, or €450 per traveller per cruise. Deposits can also be paid by bank transfer, or by online payment link.

You can return your form my post, addressing it to:

Jon Baines Tours Ltd
Hyde Park House
5 Manfred Road
London SW15 2RS
United Kingdom

Or by email: info@jonbainestours.com

Upon receipt of the booking form and deposit, we will send you a confirmation letter and invoice.

Please make sure you that carefully read our Booking Terms and Conditions.

Booking by post in the United States of America

To book a place on to one of our tours offline, please contact Jon Baines Tours and request a booking form to be sent to you. We can email this over, or post one to you. Once you have received the form, fill it in, making sure that you clearly specify the name of the tour on the form. Complete and sign the booking form and return it with a non-refundable deposit of USD $550.00 per traveller per tour, or USD $800 per traveller per cruise. Deposits can also be paid by bank transfer, or by online payment link.

You can return your form my post, addressing it to:

Jon Baines Tours Ltd
Hyde Park House
5 Manfred Road
London SW15 2RS
United Kingdom

Or by email: info@jonbainestours.com

Upon receipt of the booking form and deposit, we will send you a confirmation letter and invoice.

Please make sure you that carefully read our Booking Terms and Conditions.

Paying your deposit by cheque

For payments by cheque, please make your cheque payable to Jon Baines Tours Ltd.

Paying your deposit by bank transfer in GBP (£)

Please ensure you use the booking reference provided when making your online bank transfer.

Bank Transfer Payments in GBP (£)

Bank: HSBC
Account name: Jon Baines Tours
Account number: 5207 4168
Sort code: 40-15-05
Payment reference: Tourcode-Surname

For international payments, you will need the following additonal details:

IBAN NO: GB91HBUK40150552074168
BIC Code: HBUKGB4103E

Bank address: HSBC Bank, 184 Bromley High Street, Bromley BR1 1HE, United Kingdom

Paying your deposit by bank transfer in AUD ($)

Please ensure you use the booking reference provided when making your online bank transfer.

Bank Transfer Payments in AUD ($)

Bank: National Australia Bank (NAB)
Account name: Jon Baines Tours Pty Ltd
Account number: 289217031
BSB: 083-004
Payment reference: Tourcode-Surname

Paying your deposit by bank transfer in EUR (€)

Please ensure you use the booking reference provided when making your online bank transfer.

Bank Transfer Payments in EUR (€)

The below is a UK EURO account, not an account in the Euro-zone. People paying into this account from the Euro zone will need the full international payment details, including the IBAN and BIC.

Bank: HSBC
Account name: Jon Baines Tours Limited
Account number: 77455491
Sort code: 40-12-76
Payment reference: Tourcode-Surname

IBAN: GB 70 HBUK 401276 77455491
BIC: HBUK GB 4B
Address: HSBC, 184 High Street, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1HE

Paying your deposit by bank transfer in USD ($)

Please ensure you use the booking reference provided when making your online bank transfer.

Bank Transfer Payments in USD ($)

The below is a UK US dollar account, not an account in the USA. People paying into this account from the USA will need the full international payment details, including the IBAN and BIC.

Bank: HSBC
Account name: Jon Baines Tours Limited
Account number: 68682003
Sort code: 40-12-76
Payment reference: Tourcode-Surname

IBAN: GB 61 HBUK 401276 68682003
BIC: HBUK GB 4B
Address: HSBC, 184 High Street, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1HE

Be ready on time

Flights

Are international flights included in my tour cost?

No. For the majority of tours we organise, international flights from your home country are not included in the package cost. We do sometimes organise a group flight package, but this is rare, and where this is the case, it will be clearly stated on the tour page.

You are responsible for organising your own international flights. Please ensure you are able to arrive at the start of the tour on the right date and in time for the first activities scheduled, which is usually a welcome dinner or talk on the first day. If you are uncertain or need advice, please call your local Jon Baines Tours office.

Can you help me book my flights?

Yes. We work with Flight Centre in the UK and Travel Associates in Australia who can help organise your flights. Please get in touch with us and we can send you their contact details.

For help booking flights in UK/EU/USA:
Our client manager is Phil Burdekin and he can be contacted on 020 8605 9806 or via email at phil.burdekin@flightcentre.co.uk

For help booking flights in Australia:
Our client manager is Melinda Spain and she can be contacted on 02 9388 2900 or via email at melinda_spain@travelassociates.com

Please always ensure you make it clear you are booked on a tour with Jon Baines Tours.

What to expect

Tour grades

How do I know which tour is right for me?

Our tours are generally built to accommodate most levels of physical ability. However, as some itineraries can be tougher on the body than others, we have put together a rating scale to help you understand the physical demands of each tour. Browse through the levels below for a better understanding of what each rating means.

Relaxed

Level 1

A gentle pace involving minimal walking and exertion. The duration of travel and daily activities will be relaxed.

Gentle

Level 2

Easy walking at a mostly leisurely pace. Slightly more sightseeing and travel.

Moderate

Level 3

Some walking between destinations, more time spent standing, and increased travel distances. Requires a reasonable level of fitness.

Active

Level 4

Longer and fuller days. More walking and longer distances require more energy, good fitness, and mobility.

Challenging

Level 5

Requires a high level of physical fitness. It may involve extended drives, hikes, and multiple visits, making days lengthy and/or tiring.

Packing list

What to bring on tour

What to pack

You should bring your own prescribed medicines and you may wish to take some other non-prescribed medication for things like headaches, upset stomachs, or general cold/flu symptoms.

You may wish to be self-sufficient in your toiletries, and bring toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant etc.

For any hot destinations, the sun can be strong, so we recommend packing a sun hat, sun glasses, sun screen lotion and lip balm with SPF factor. A small umbrella as a parasol can also be helpful, and a supply of insect repellent is also advisable.

Some other items to consider bringing along on tour include earplugs, binoculars, a small backpack for day trips, a walking stick if required, and a refillable water bottle.

We recommend bringing a good supply of memory cards and spare batteries for digital cameras, and a portable charger for your phone, if using it for videos and photos.

What to wear for sight seeing

Generally, we recomend dressing in layers. For warmer destinations, loose, lightweight cottons and linens are recommended for day time use, with light jumpers and/or a casual jacket for cooler evenings. A hat with good shade protection and sunglasses are recommended - remembering you may have to take hats off when entering religious sites. For cold destinations, ensure you pack thermals, gloves, scarves, a warm jacket and warm boots.

For sightseeing, we recommend comfortable walking shoes with strong soles and support. Avoid shoes with high heels. As some tours will include entry into religious sites, you may be required to remove your shoes, so good socks are also recommended.

What to wear at professional visits

We recommend smart-casual wear for professional visits. Some people may prefer to dress in formal wear, and it is perfectly fine to do so.

What to wear at dinners

Unless there is a particuarly formal dinner organised involving dignitories or formal ceremonies, dress wear at dinners is smart-casual or casual. You may wish to dress up for your welcome and farewell dinners, and it is perfectly fine to do so.

When and what do I pay?

Payments

Instalments

Payments on our tours are split into three segments. You pay a non-refundable deposit to confirm your booking. Your remaining balance is then split into two remaining instalments. For regular tours, the two instalments are due 90 and 60 days prior to departure. For cruises, the two instalments are due 180 and 90 days prior to departure.

Will I get an invoice?

Yes. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be issued with an invoice detailing the total cost of your booking and the instalment amounts and due dates.

How do I pay my instalments?

You can pay online via our website, by bank transfer, or by cheque.

Can I pay by card over the phone?

No. Unfortunately, we do not take payments over the phone. This is to protect you inline with current consumer protection laws. We accept payment by card via online payment link, or bank transfers, or cheques - only.

Will I get reminders when my payments are due?

Yes, however, we trust you will make a note of your payment dates and ensure these are made in a timely manner - for which we are very grateful.

What happens if I am late with my payment?

We endeavour to be as understanding as possible and will send over payment reminders. But if you ignore these, failure to pay your instalmens by the specified time can result in the cancellation of your holiday, and we may charge you the relevant cancellation charge as set out in our Booking Terms and Conditions.

Protecting yourself

Travel insurance

Do I need to get travel insurance?

Yes. For all international tours, it is compulsory to have travel insurance when travelling on our tours. This is for your own benefit in the unlikely event that something happens to you whilst abroad.

For some destinations, it is compulsory to provide a travel insurance certificate to obtain a visa, or to present it to the immigration officers at the airport.

Can you organise travel insurance for me?

No. We do not organise travel insurance for our clients.

Where will we stay?

Accommodation

What type of accommodation do you typically use?

We like charm, comfort, convenience in location, and of course, excellent service. Where possible, we stay in places of local significance – like the Heritance Kandalama Hotel in Sri Lanka, designed by renowned local architect, Geoffrey Bawa. Sometimes, however, period charm means cold rooms, intermittent plumbing and unresponsive staff - in which case we will book that reliable, architecturally uninspiring, modern hotel. We like to include a variety of types of accommodation, ranging from the city centre grande dame, to the contemporary boutique hotel, to something unusual like a fort hotel or a rice barge.

Can I request a room upgrade?

Yes - however, this depends on availability. Please speak to a member of the team and we will see what we can organise.

Can I share a room with someone else travelling on the tour?

Yes. If you are happy to share a room, we can pair you up - subject to there being someone else booked on who also wants to share. If there is no one else on the tour that wants to share, you will have to pay the normal rate of having a room to yourself.

Do single occupancy rooms have a single or double bed?

Depending on the destination, single occupancy rooms typically come with a double bed. Some room types may have a single bed at a lower price, but this will be communicated in the tour brochure. If you have any concerns, please contact your local Jon Baines Tours office and we will help.

Can I book my own accommodation?

For any pre or post tour nights, you are most welcome to organise your own accommodation. We do not recommend doing so for the main tour as this complicates tour management and restricts group cohesion. If you want to book your own accommodation on the main tour, contact a member of the team to discuss this.

How do we travel on tour?

Transportation

What modes of transport do you typically use?

For most tours, we use a private coach as the main mode of transport. However, with some destinations, like Denmark or Japan, the public transport system is excellent and much quicker to use. We like to use a variety of modes of transport on our tours. Whilst internal flights are often necessary to save time, to get a meaningful feel for a destination, travelling by land is best. We like to include a rail journey or a boat ride where possible. For exploring towns and cities up close, nothing beats walking. Wandering the streets on foot allows for time to browse, listen and muse. You get the chance to stop for a spontaneous drink, an unusual snack, an interesting purchase, and of course, many, many photo opportunities. To add depth and flavour to some of our tours, we like to include rides on rickshaws, ox carts, jeeps, ferries, cable cars and rice barges, depending on what a destination has to offer.

Is wifi available on the coach?

Typically there is no wifi available on our coaches.

What happens if I lose my issued travel pass whilst on tour?

We will help you organise a new pass but unfortunately you will have to pay for it youself.

What do we eat on tour?

Meals

What type of food do you typically go for?

Authentic, local cuisine and drink is a must on all our tours. Meal times add to your cultural experience of a destination. We sometimes arrange cooking experiences, too. Our groups enjoy meals at the Koto charity in Hanoi; sample gin made with local juniper in Albania; sip on delicate cups of chá in the teahouses of Sichuan; try Kobe beef in Japan; and taste local Turkish delicacies in Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar. You might enjoy a homemade lunch on a spice smallholding in Periyar, India, experience locavore in Crete, savour wine from medieval wine windows in Florence, sample mustard in Dijon, or Vranec wine in Macedonia.

How many meals are included each day?

Our tours are typically half board, which means we include breakfast and one main meal during the day. One some itineraries, however, we include all three meals.

Where do we eat when meals are not included?

Where meals are not included in the tour package, we always provide you with options for where to eat. This might involve stopping at a food market or an area with restaurants where you can get food. If it is dinner, then the hotel is always a good option, or the national guide can recommend some nearby restaurants.

Are alcoholic drinks included with meals?

Typically, alcoholic beverages are not included with meals, unless specifically stated on the brochure, or part of an experience such as a wine tasting. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages must be paid for by each individual.

Do you cater for vegan / vegetarian diets?

Absolutely - however, this can sometimes be limited based on the destination of the tour. For example, India is generally excellent for vegetarians and vegans, whilst Cuba may not offer much variety. Please do get in touch with your local Jon Baines Tours office to discuss any dietary requirements you have and we will do our best to assist.

Claiming my holiday as an expense?

Tax deductability

Can I claim my holiday as an expense?

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to claim a personal tax deduction for parts of your trip on professional or healthcare study tours. We recommend speaking to your accountant for specific details.

Can you provide me with an invoice for claiming my holiday as an expense?

Yes. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be issued with an invoice detailing the total cost of your booking and the instalment amounts and due dates.

Cancelling my booking

Cancellation terms

Cancelling or altering your booking

If you wish to make any change to your booking, we will do our best to accommodate you. Any change is subject to availability, and there may be an additional cost imposed by our suppliers. You should note that airlines in particular may treat a change to a booking as a cancellation and new booking, and can therefore charge a 100% cancellation fee.

Please note, particularly after payment of the final balance, that it may be difficult to amend your booking. Should you wish to cancel your holiday, you may do so by writing to us. No cancellation will be effective until such written notice is received by us. Written notice includes notice by letter or email.

If you cancel your booking, you will be liable to pay the following cancellation charges:

> 120 days: deposit only
120 - 90 days inclusive: 30%
90 - 31 days inclusive: 50%
< 31 days inclusive: 100%

Can I transfer my booking to someone else?

Yes. You may change your booking up to 60 days before departure by transferring it to another person if you are unavoidably prevented from travelling. The transferee must meet any conditions which may apply to the booking. There may be an administration fee for transferring a booking depending upon the circumstances e.g. issuing a new visa, or costs involved in issuing a new domestic flight.

Cancellations by Jon Baines Tours

In the unlikely event that we have to cancel the tour you are booked on, you will be entitled to a full refund of all money paid to us by you. If you wish to transfer over to another tour, we can happily assist.

How to book

Flights

Tour grades

What to bring on tour

Payments

Travel insurance

Accommodation

Transportation

Meals

Tax deductability

Cancellation terms

Illness

Get in touch

FAQs

How to book

Flights

Tour grades

What to bring on tour

Payments

Travel insurance

Accommodation

Transportation

Meals

Tax deductability

Cancellation terms

Illness

Get in touch

Stay in touch