Whether you’re already booked or just browsing future trips, understanding your tour’s arrival and departure dates is key, especially if you’re booking your own flights. This article will walk through how to read your itinerary and confirm the right travel dates.
Understanding arrival dates
When you select a tour date, that date corresponds to Day 1 of your itinerary. This is typically the day you leave home to begin your journey, unless you’ve added extra plans before tour.
Here’s how arrival works based on your destination:
- North America: You’ll likely depart and arrive on the same day
- Europe, South America, Africa, Asia: You’ll depart on Day 1 and arrive on Day 2
- Australia & New Zealand: You’ll depart on Day 1 and arrive on Day 3 due to longer travel time and time zone differences
Your itinerary will clearly label your arrival day, such as:
“Day 2: Arrival in London”
This is the day you’ll meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. Your first hotel night will be the night of your arrival.
Understanding departure dates
Your hotel accommodations end on the day labeled “Departure” in your itinerary. If you’re not extending your trip or traveling independently afterward, this is the day you’ll fly home.
Depending on your flight routing and location, you may:
- Arrive home the same day you depart
- Arrive home one day later
If you’ve added a tour extension, make sure you’re looking at the correct departure date in your itinerary.
Booking your own airfare?
If you’re arranging your own flights, it’s especially important to confirm your travel dates.
Here’s what to do:
- Review your itinerary in your online account (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers)
- Double-check your arrival and departure days
- Contact our Traveler Support Team before booking to confirm flight timing and tour dates
- Plan your airport transfers – transfers are only included with a Go Ahead Flights Package
- If you booked your tour after the Tour Finalization Date, or have otherwise not yet been confirmed on your tour, do not book your flights until your spot has been confirmed.
For some tours, there are arrival and departure times to adhere to in order to ensure you do not miss any scheduled activities. We’re happy to help make sure everything lines up perfectly.
Next steps:
- Review your itinerary to confirm travel dates.
- Contact Traveler Support before booking your own flights to confirm your tour schedule.