In the USA, there are no standard grading systems. Indeed, some of the grading awards require the hotels to pay subscriptions! One factor to take into account is the way that Americans actually describe their hotels. They call them 'Inns', 'Lodges', 'Resorts', 'Motels' and even 'Hotels'. 'Motels' can include some of the nicest possible properties. Please note that facilities and standards can vary between hotels of the same rating throughout the world. For example, city hotels can have higher overall standards than a beach resort. If you compare the single-supplement charges shown on the individual hotel price panels, you can get a general idea of how hotels, of the same rating or country, compare.

Some of our featured destinations are occasionally affected by adverse weather conditions, eg. hurricanes. Due to their unpredictability, they are a force majeure event and we shall not be liable for any changes to your holiday arrangements, either before departure or during the holiday, which in our judgement are necessary to protect your interest and/or safety.

Please note where free WiFi is advertised, it doesn't necessarily mean this will be available in your hotel room. It could be available in a specific public area and there may also be time constraints on the service.

We will consider special requests such as a high floor, pool view, vegetarian meals, seating requests etc. - if we are advised at the time of booking. However, this can be confirmed by your accommodation provider directly. Whilst we will do our best to meet any requests, no guarantee is given as this does not form part of your holiday contract.

We will book your accommodation for you with the number of bedrooms requested. However, accommodation can vary in the amount of equipment and bedding provided and this will be allocated in accordance with the number of people shown on your invoice. If additional people join you while utilising the accommodation booked, we accept no responsibility or liability for any shortfall in equipment or facilities.

It is standard practice worldwide for a hotel to ask for a credit card imprint to cover incidentals like room service, telephone calls or other hotel services being charged to your room. Most hotels will obtain authorisation on the required amount, which can range from $50 to $500 per room per night, subject to the range of chargeable activities offered. Also, be aware of where you authorise transactions as some vendors engage in fraudulent malpractices.
Tipping is essential to most American restaurants and hotels and is a more important part of US culture than in Europe. It is usual to leave a 15% tip at most bars and restaurants and with taxis, while airport porters expect $1 per bag and hotel chambermaids $1 per person per day. Some restaurants do add an automatic service charge for groups of 6 or more, so check your bill carefully before tipping.

Please note that height, weight and health restrictions may apply for some excursions. Be sure to check prior to attendance.

Please be aware that some hotels may charge a small fee per room per day for some services, where available, e.g. daily phone charge, city tax, parking or safety deposit box. You should be given these details at check-in.

Most rooms in American hotels in the USA have two double beds and can therefore sleep 4. Ideal for a family with 2 children but not so ideal for four adults who don't know each other that well!
Rooms can also come with one large double bed - ideal for a couple. Rollaway beds can usually be supplied by the hotel but this depends on the room size. Some hotels charge locally for these. Most hotel descriptions detail the bed arrangement.

Liquor Laws are strict in the USA. If you are under 21 or even look under 21 (lucky you) you'll not be able to buy alcohol unless you provide some form of identity to prove your age!
You're also not allowed to carry booze in your car unless it is safely locked up in the trunk (boot). Need we say - do not drink and drive - you know it makes sense!

We take the safety and security of our clients extremely seriously. Sadly, crimes against both people and their property are a fact of life the world over and when in a foreign country it is very important to be extra vigilant and avoid drawing attention to yourself. We recommend that you seek advice from the Foreign Office regarding your holiday destination(s) before you book your holiday. You can easily contact them:

- telephone 0845 850 2829
- Internet https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk /
- or by email to consular.fco@gtnet.gov.uk
Alternatively, you can contact the ABTA Information Department on 0901 2015050 (calls are charged at 50p/minute).

Travellers have the same responsibility for their own safety and that of their possessions as they do at home.

We send clients to many parts of the world, some of which don't conform to British health and safety standards. We request that all hotels/operators comply with the local regulations, but we cannot guarantee that these meet British standards and therefore urge you to undertake reasonable precaution whilst on holiday or travelling.

Sometimes redecoration work or building work can commence at or near a hotel. These circumstances are beyond our control and we do not always receive advance notification. We will notify you as soon as possible, if we consider that building work will have a significant effect on the enjoyment of your holiday.

Some islands in the Caribbean and African mainland prohibit camouflage print material. This can be extended to items of clothing and baggage. To avoid any inconvenience we would advise all passengers to refrain from packing/carrying such items.

The standard international practice is to let rooms from 12 noon to 12 noon, Check-in times are usually between 2.00pm and 3.00pm, check-out times between 11.00am and 12 noon on the day of departure, however, times do vary. Therefore, if your flight arrives early in the morning, you may not be able to check in to your hotel room right away. Similarly, if your return flight is at night, you will normally be required to vacate your room at 12 noon. Day rooms are subject to availability and cost and can usually be arranged locally.

Please note that we do NOT refund unused services. Any voluntary changes made by you while on holiday will incur additional charges.

Unless you’ve signed up for boot camp, a holiday shouldn't feel like an endurance test. Always fess up to fears, phobias and dislikes, there are usually very simple solutions. And whatever you do, don’t try to tough it out – revealing a horror of heights half-way up the Eiffel Tower isn’t one of those good holiday surprises.

Loose structure and a few activities organised in advance are great on holiday. Control freak insanity always ends in tears. Work with the mood, know when to give in and if everyone else wants a day on the beach and you want to visit the local cathedral, go do and enjoy the moment.

Baking on the beach until you look like beef jerky isn’t good. But nothing makes you feel more relaxed and happy than the sun, in small doses. Wear SPF even in shade, go for forest walks in the too-hot afternoon and don’t miss the at-one-with-the-world magic joy of sunrises and sunsets.

Switch phones off as much as you can, check emails once a day only (if you must), disable all non-essential apps and don’t answer any calls or messages from work – you’re on holiday, enough said. Use for camera, content & videos only. Reduce social media usage to maximise your engagement and immersion into the holiday.