Booking Fee Requirement for Select Tours
In response to consistent client feedback about securing space on our most popular and highly valued departures, Field Guides is implementing a new requirement for select tours, effective immediately. (See our FAQ section below for additional information.)
A non-refundable, non-transferable Booking Fee of $500 is required when requesting space on high-demand tours departing after January 1, 2027, as determined by management.
For your reference, the Booking Fee:
- is due within two weeks of requesting space for a departure that does not have a published itinerary;
- will be applied toward the tour fee;
- is separate from, and in addition to, our cancellation policy outlined in the tour itinerary;
- is non-refundable and non-transferable, regardless of the timing or reason for cancellation;
- and will be returned to you if Field Guides cancels the tour.
This policy will allow us to more effectively manage our bookings, and it will help to ensure departures for confirmed participants.
Once the itinerary is released, the tour deposit outlined in the itinerary along with the medical form and registration form must be submitted to our office within the usual two-week period.
TRAVEL INSURANCE REMINDER: If you plan to purchase travel insurance for a tour that requires a Booking Fee, please review policy requirements carefully prior to submitting payment, as some providers require early policy purchases for certain coverages to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Field Guides Booking Fee?
It’s an upfront, non-refundable payment of $500 to hold space on some of our more high-demand tours before the itinerary is published.
Where do I find if my tour requires a Booking Fee?
Please visit the tour webpage, then click on the second tab option labeled “Key Info.” Read the “Status” information for each departure, where you will find notice of a Booking Fee requirement if there is one.
When is the Booking Fee due?
The Booking Fee is due when signing up for the tour, and we allow two weeks to receive this payment before canceling the requested spot. If the itinerary is already published, the deposit payment would be due instead, but the cancellation policy will reflect the Booking Fee penalty should you cancel for any reason.
Is the Booking Fee refundable or transferable?
No. The Booking Fee is non-refundable and non-transferable, regardless of when or why you cancel your reservation.
Do I need to pay a Booking Fee to be on the waitlist?
No. The Booking Fee is only required if you are offered and accept a space on the tour from the waitlist.
What forms of payment are accepted?
Booking fees can be paid with the same methods as our standard tour fees. Please see our Payment Options page for more details.
How long does it take for a payment to process?
Typically, once a payment is received in our office, it is processed within 3 to 7 business days. Please allow additional time if a payment is sent in the mail to account for any delivery delays.
Is the Booking Fee applied to the total trip cost?
Yes. The $500 Booking Fee will be applied to your deposit. You will be billed for the remaining balance of your deposit when the itinerary is published.
What happens if Field Guides cancels the tour?
If Field Guides cancels the tour, your Booking Fee will be fully refunded.
Does a Booking Fee affect travel insurance?
Please check with your insurance provider regarding their trip protection and coverage. Pre-existing condition coverage may be excluded if the policy is not purchased at the time of deposit. Be sure to review your trip insurance policy carefully, and contact the provider with questions if you are unsure.