What do you want to know about travelling with Gravitate?
Frequently Asked Questions
You have travel questions. We have the answers.
Travel doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s why we work to make it simple, relaxing, and fun. That starts with answering all of the questions you have. Have one that isn’t here? Reach out and we’d be happy to answer it for you.
GENERAL
What are some of the most surprising luxury vacations you’ve arranged for clients?
Every luxury trip is defined by the travellers, so most of our vacations are personalized. One memorable trip-of-a-lifetime was one we arranged for a family of four who wanted to travel to Australia and New Zealand for three weeks, while their kids were in high school and still ready for a family adventure.
We arranged some amazing experiences, including a helicopter over the mountains, a private climb of the Sydney bridge, dinner at the top of the tower in Sydney overlooking the waterfront and even a Michelin 3-star meal! And the kids also went on the Hobbiton Movie set tour where they film Lord of the Rings.
What are your top recommendations on where to travel for adventure?
For many people, adventure is all about seeing landscapes that take your breath away, trying out unique experiences you can only get in that part of the world, and travelling to somewhere few humans have been. Great adventure destinations include Iceland, where you can check out awesome live geysers or visit the inside of a real volcano, or the Galapagos where boat tours can bring you closer to outstanding wildlife sightings. Visiting wild gorillas in Rwanda is also a trip of a lifetime. Antarctica and the Arctic are definitely places not everyone can say they’ve been. Nepal, Cambodia, Vietnam, India—all of these are destinations that many clients put on their adventurer bucket list.
What should I look for in an all-inclusive family vacation?
Family vacations should have something to satisfy every member of your family, while fitting your budget. Start by thinking about your goals for the vacation, whether it’s bonding as a family, to ensure fun times for both adults and kids as well as the family as a whole, or to celebrate a particular family member for a birthday or anniversary. At Gravitate, we’re familiar with all of the resort brands, so we can suggest which ones might have just the right amenities to suit your family.
Generally speaking, look for all-inclusive resorts where kids stay for free under a certain age. Also ask if resorts offer kids clubs for various ages of children, as well as babysitting services. Multiple restaurant options, adults-only pools for private time are other options you might look into. Some resorts also have cribs and strollers on hand so you don’t need to lug them on the plane, and even a daily diaper supply for that other bulky carry-on.
Next, rooms should be designed around the needs of the family: parents can get their own room with ensuite bathrooms, while kids can have an attached junior suite. With two connecting rooms, the children’s rooms should allow entry and exit only through the parents’ room.
COVID
What are some of the most surprising luxury vacations you’ve arranged for clients?
What are some of the most surprising luxury vacations you’ve arranged for clients?
What are some of the most surprising luxury vacations you’ve arranged for clients?
Romantic Getaways
What are some of the most surprising luxury vacations you’ve arranged for clients?
What’s romantic all depends on your definition of romance! For some couples, it’s going somewhere new, for others it’s recreating a first vacation together from the past. Romance can be found in many parts of the world, from Paris or Vienna into Hawaii, Bali, or Bora Bora. Some find it romantic to make memories by going to a significant destination like Antarctica, where the travel pushes the couple out of their comfort zone—together.
Also think about what you like to do—do you want to visit an island resort where the focus is on just the two of you? Do you want to get to know your own country better with a cozy shopping getaway to Montreal or to an adventure weekend amidst the wildlife of Vancouver Island? The ideas are endless, and we can make suggestions based on your goals for the celebration.
Any tips on how to plan a destination wedding?
In practical terms, knowing what your budget is and thinking about a little bit of research on your top destinations to get a sense of how far your budget will go. Your wedding should be as unique to you as a couple, and our team is eager to help inspire ideas to make your day as special and magical as you’ve always dreamed. In practical terms, knowing your budget is and thinking about a little bit of research on your top destinations to get a sense of how far your budget will go. Bring us your top handful of destinations and an idea of your guest list, and we can help guide you through some options—we have the expertise to get the right resort, inclusions, room rates. Final tip? Plan ahead. Ideally you will have the most options if you plan your destination wedding a year or two in advance.
I need advice on how to plan a romantic getaway for my anniversary. Help?
A momentous occasion calls for reflection! First, on the practical side: how many days do you have, where do you want to go? Then on the romantic side: why are you choosing your destination, is it somewhere memorable for both of you? Or maybe it will be special because it’s new.
Also, what’s your travel style? Do you want a relaxing all-inclusive resort or a heavily scheduled sightseeing holiday? Or maybe you just want to leave your cell phone behind. Think back to your most memorable trips as a couple to help you recall what works best for you as a couple. And don’t forget to consider building in a few memorable experiences into your itinerary: helicopter rides, dinner at the top of the Empire State building or front row seats to a Broadway show in New York City.
What is typically included in a destination wedding package?
Anything you want! Well, depending on the resort, but most packages include everything from the officiant to a tiered cake, basic appetizers, drinks, basic décor. The possibilities (and price) move up from there, it all depends on the resort and packages. Call us with a few options you’re considering and we can help you decide and book!
Any tips on how to choose a good honeymoon destination?
This will be such a memorable event for you as a couple, so it really depends on what you like as travellers. Again, think of the practical side: how many days do you have, where do you want to go? Then on the romantic side: what is romance to you? Is it going somewhere new or back to a familiar favourite? Do you want to learn and adventure together, or do you want to stay put and enjoy each other’s company, along with a few drinks overlooking the beach? The possibilities are endless, and we’re happy to talk through a few options with you.
I’m looking for a spa vacation. What can you recommend?
Spa vacations can range from a long weekend in a city close to home like Montreal or a week-long Caribbean vacation, so consider how far you want to go, how many days you can get away, and what your budget may be. Also, what is your goal for the trip, is it bonding with girlfriends over mani/pedis, or launching a new wellness habit with a week-long solo retreat? Or just getting away from technology (and onto a massage table)? We have a range of top wellness spa partners, and we can advise on the range of options available, from thermal baths to yoga to and healthy food cooked to your specifications.
ALL-INCLUSIVE
What should I look for when booking an all-inclusive?
Similar to an all-inclusive resort, bring what you need for the vacation you’ll be going on. Definitely include your bathing suit, passport, sunscreen, aloe or other moisturizers, and an assortment of light clothing. Again, in terms of travel practicalities, make sure you have your travel confirmation, the emergency contacts for your tour operators, your travel insurance policy number and the phone number to contact them from the country you’re in. Starting in 2021, you may also need proof of a COVID-19 vaccination, or that you’re COVID-free.
When is the best time to book an all-inclusive vacation?
As early as possible! Of course, would be our answer, but seriously, people think they can get a deal in November to go away for Christmas are often disappointed. We recommend booking December trips by March of the year before, and most other travel six months in advance. While you can book closer to the departure date, the downside is that you will have fewer options in terms of available dates, reasonable budgets and accommodation types (those king-sized beds and Oceanview rooms/suites go quickly!). As usual, call us with some ideas and we’re happy to give you a realistic timeline on bookings and more.
CRUISES
What are some things I should know before booking a cruise?
You may already have heard you should start early when booking a cruise, but whatever you’ve heard, our best advice is to book even earlier. We are here to start a conversation with you. Tell us a couple of destinations you have in mind, your budget, and timeline. We can let you know what your options are in terms of services and help you understand the differences between various cruise lines. We’ll also be able to advise you on how far in advance to book, and what cancellation policies are standard if plans change.
What should I consider when booking a cruise and how far ahead should I book?
Whether you choose an ocean cruise or a river cruise, this is the kind of vacation that you want to plan for and book ahead. For an ocean cruise, we recommend you book as far in advance as possible, ideally a year in advance and for some lines, 2 to 4 years. A small, non-refundable deposit can hold your booking until the final payment is due 90 – 120 to days before your departure.
You want to think about how you like to travel. Are you the kind of person who likes to leave your wallet behind and not worry about added expenses? Then an all-inclusive cruise might be for you. Or you may be the type to select your indulgences. So, choose a package with a little more daily control over your budget (do monitor your costs while you’re having fun, or they will add up!) We’d advise generally booking ahead for excursions that are unmissable, and then playing by ear any that you feel might be less concerned about.
As for which cruise to choose that’s up to your personality as well! With our years of experience advising on cruises, we can help you decide which of the range of cruise styles fits your personality—whether you’re the type that looks for a family friendly vacation, a cruise with lots of evening entertainment and fancy scheduled meals, or one that’s more relaxed. You’ll also want to think about the length of your vacation time, and where you’d like to travel. Once you have a handful of ideas, give us a call and we’ll advise on the rest!!
For additional information:
Speak with one of our personal travel professionals.