Frequently Asked Questions . . .

Why gay groups?

Is this luxury travel?

Why isn't airfare included? Can you book my flight for me?

I can't travel on your scheduled dates.  Can you help me?

How do I pay for my trip?

I'm single.  Do I have to pay a supplement?

What's the name and address of the hotel?

What's the mix of men and women on your trips? Singles and couples? What ages are your guests? 

My partner and I want time alone together.  We're not sure about traveling with a group. 

Have you ever thought of going to . . . ?

Why gay groups?

We think it's more fun to travel with a group of like-minded people.  As gay men and lesbians we have a lot in common to start with, and that makes sharing a new adventure even more enjoyable.  With our tours, you don't need to worry about being with a group of people who have nothing in common with you.  What's more, when you travel with Journey Out, we take care of what could turn into awkward moments . . . like two men asking for one bed in a hotel. 

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Is this luxury travel?

No. It's down-to-earth, authentic travel with a little luxury sprinkled in. Journey Out takes you to family-run hotels, small local restaurants, and gives you a chance to meet people who specialize in their craft – artists, cheese makers, costumers, chefs, singers, photographers, winemakers – amazing people you wouldn't meet on any other kind of tour. We'll splurge sometimes and take in an elegant restaurant or an opera, even take Samba lessons. We'll also walk from one end of town to another and explore places overlooked by most travelers. We'll carry our own luggage. We'll move from train to Métro station to B&B to château as a group on a journey.

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Why isn't airfare included? Can you book my flight for me?

We've found that these days guests prefer to book their own flights online. Plus, many are using frequent flyer mileage for their flight. But maybe most important, we find that guests often like to arrive before the trip begins, or continue on their own after the trip ends. We don't want to shoe-horn you into our flight schedule. That said, if you would like us to arrange your flight, just let us know. We'll research the options for you and let you take your choice, all for a low hourly rate.

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I can't travel on your scheduled dates.  Can you help me?

Yes, we can.  If there is somewhere you would like to go, or some time you would like to go, give us a call. We can work a little magic and perhaps create a whole party around the seed of your idea!

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I'm not gay – will I fit in?

Of course. We at Journey Out think of our tours as adventures for gays, lesbians, their friends, family and loved ones.  If you are comfortable with that, you'll fit in just fine! 

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How do I pay for my trip?

We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express. On some trips we offer a discount or free excursion if you pay by check (ask when booking your trip). A nonrefundable deposit of $300 per person guarantees your space on the trip. The balance is due 90 days before departure. Deposit and payment arrangements for our cruises vary by cruise line. We also offer a free payment plan; ask for details when you make your booking.

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I'm single.  Do I have to pay a supplement?

Not necessarily. If you're traveling solo, we will match you up with another solo traveler of the same sex, matching non-smokers with non-smokers. If you prefer to room by yourself, just let us know, and we'll be glad to arrange a single room, subject to availability. Just check the "I am traveling solo" box on our booking form.   By the way, we think our tours offer an excellent opportunity for solo travelers -- you are traveling with a built-in set of friends you can dine with, go sightseeing with, laugh and joke with. 

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What's the name and address of the hotel?

Some tour operators publish the name and address of their hotels, but Journey Out does not. Why? To protect the great properties we use from becoming too popular. We do personal research to find the very best places to stay, and they're often smaller, family-run, and a great find. We don't want to let the general public in on the secret, so we provide hotel details only to booked guests. Call us at (800) 804-9016 and we'll be happy to answer your questions about location, quality and amenities.

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What does "three-star" hotel mean?  What is a "Michelin-rated" restaurant?

Hotel stars.  In most European countries, one to four stars are awarded using the national rating system, depending on the amenities offered by the hotel.  In higher-starred hotels, you're more likely to find such amenities as elevators, mini-bars, 24-hour receptionists, even a concierge.   

Michelin-rated restaurants.  No, we're not talking about tires here.  Ever run across the Michelin red guide?  (We like to carry the latest edition in our Palm Pilot.)  It lists Michelin-rated restaurants and hotels.  To rank even one Michelin star, a restaurant must be outstanding.  Michelin stars are truly coveted; careers are made and destroyed when Michelin issues a new rating for a restaurant.  Here's the breakdown:

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What's the mix of men and women on your trips? Singles and couples? What ages are your guests? 

While we never can predict what the mix will be on your trip, in general we find our groups are about two-thirds men, one-third women. About half of our guests are single, the other half couples. (The exception is OktoBEARfest, which is targeted toward men.) About half our guests are under 50, the other half 50 to 65 or so. No matter what the age, we tend to attract travelers who are sophisticated and adventuresome.

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My partner and I want time alone together.  We're not sure about traveling with a group. 

Our tours are designed with maximum flexibility in mind.  That means, if you two want to go off on your own, you are welcome to, and no one will bat an eye.  We are happy to give you suggestions about sites to see together.  And because our groups are small, if you want to dine with just the two of you, just let your guide know.  In restaurants everywhere we are comfortable requesting one table for six, another for four, and your table for two . . . 

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Why don't you offer more tours, like the bigger companies do?

We at Journey Out believe quality is much more important than quantity.  We offer fewer tours so we can focus all our energy on providing you the best travel experience possible.  Do remember, though – because our offerings are limited, they often sell out early.  We suggest you book early to avoid disappointment.   

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Have you ever thought of going to . . . ?

Have an idea for a trip? Great! Tell us about it. We think the best way to expand our offerings is to create new tours based on your ideas. Contact us!

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