FAQ - Beatrice Bradley

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

everything you need to know before you pack your bag

1. About Beatrice Bradley

What is Beatrice Bradley Experience Travel?

Beatrice Bradley is an experience travel company for women. We create a curated calendar of group trips to wonderful destinations, both across the USA and around the world, and we take care of every detail so travelers can simply show up and enjoy. Our trips are rooted in friendship, camaraderie, and a love of country.

Who are the trips for? Are they only for women?

Our women’s trips are for women only. Many travelers join us solo, and a good number are first-timers. You come on your own, but you are never on your own. From the moment you arrive, you are welcomed into a warm group of like-minded women. We also have a full Beatrice Bradley Couples program for those who would like to travel as a couple, described below.

What do you mean by “conservative”? Is this a political group?

This is not a political group; it is a travel community of like-minded women who love the USA and its history. Our travelers are patriotic and proud of this country, and they come together to be fabulous, fearless, and to embrace adventure side by side.

Is there an age requirement?

Our trips are for women 45 and older, and many of our travelers are in their 60s. There is no upper age limit. What our travelers share most is a love of country, a sense of adventure, and a desire for warm company.

Do you offer trips for couples?

Yes. Alongside our women’s trips, we have a full Beatrice Bradley Couples program for like-minded conservative couples, where men and women travel together and form friendships with other couples. Couples trips follow the same all-inclusive approach and have their own calendar at bbgage.com/couples-calendar.

I have never traveled solo before. Is that okay?

Absolutely. Many of our travelers are new to solo travel or have simply been waiting for the right group to come along. You will meet women in the same season of life. Some have lost their husbands, some have husbands who prefer not to travel, and some are taking their very first trip on their own. Friendships tend to form quickly.

How big are the groups?

Our groups are small, usually 10 to 18 women, with one or two dedicated Beatrice Bradley hostesses alongside the group throughout the trip.

How experienced is Beatrice Bradley?

We have hosted more than 200 trips to date, both across the USA and around the world, so you are in well-practiced hands from your first inquiry through your return home.

Who runs Beatrice Bradley, and who hosts the trips?

Beatrice Bradley was founded by Kim Kalan and is part of Gage Outdoors. Every trip travels with one or two dedicated Beatrice Bradley hostesses from start to finish. You can meet the team at bbgage.com/meet-our-hosts.

Where can I see all the trips, and how do I stay informed?

The best place to browse destinations, dates, and details is our trip calendar at bbgage.com/events-calendar. You can also join our Women’s Travel Club to be among the first to hear about new trips at bbgage.com/womens-travel-club-form, and connect with our community in our private Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/beatricebradley, which has more than 34,000 members.

2. Pricing and What Is Included

What is included in the trip price?

Our trips are all-inclusive once you arrive at the destination. That covers your accommodations, all meals, activities and local guides, transportation, airport transfers, gratuities, and your Beatrice Bradley hostesses.

What is not included?

Airfare is the one main piece that is not included, since our trips begin and end at the destination. A gratuity for your hostess is also not included; it is never expected, but it is always appreciated. Trip insurance is optional and arranged on your own.

What is not included?

Airfare is the one main piece that is not included, since our trips begin and end at the destination. A gratuity for your hostess is also not included; it is never expected, but it is always appreciated. Trip insurance is optional and arranged on your own.

What is the difference between single and double occupancy?

Single occupancy is a private room. Double occupancy is a shared room with separate beds, and we are glad to match you with a roommate. Most trips offer both, so you can travel the way that suits you best. For couples trips, pricing is per person based on double occupancy.

How much do trips cost?

Pricing varies by trip and is listed on each trip’s page on our website, under the Pricing tab just below the trip highlights. Each trip shows both single and double occupancy rates.

Are gratuities included?

Yes, gratuities are included in your trip price. A separate gratuity for your hostess is not expected, but it is always appreciated.

How much spending money should I bring?

Because our trips are all-inclusive once you arrive, you will not need much beyond personal extras such as souvenirs, optional purchases, or a tip for your hostess if you choose. On international trips, credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, museums, and larger shops, and we suggest carrying a small amount of local currency for markets and smaller purchases. Destination-specific guidance is included in your pre-trip materials.

Can I apply a current promotion to my existing booking?

Promotional offers apply only to new bookings made during the promotion, and we are not able to apply them retroactively to an existing booking.

3. Booking, Reservations, and Roommates

How do I book a trip?

When you are ready, complete the booking form at bbgage.com/booking-form.

What is not included?

Airfare is the one main piece that is not included, since our trips begin and end at the destination. A gratuity for your hostess is also not included; it is never expected, but it is always appreciated. Trip insurance is optional and arranged on your own.

What deposit is required, and when am I officially booked?

A deposit of $250 for domestic trips or $500 for international trips secures your spot, and full payment is also welcome. You are not officially on the trip list until we receive your completed booking form along with your deposit or full payment.

Can I travel with a friend and share a room?

Absolutely. You and your friend each complete your own booking form, select double occupancy, and enter the other’s name as your preferred roommate. If you are traveling solo and choose double occupancy, we are glad to match you with a roommate.

Will my roommate be a woman?

Yes. Unless a trip is specifically designated as a couples trip, all of our travelers are women, so your roommate will be a woman.

Can I request a specific kind of roommate, such as a non-smoker?

We do not use a roommate questionnaire, so we are not able to match on specific preferences or to confirm details such as whether a roommate is a non-smoker. In practice this has very rarely been an issue across our 200-plus trips. If a particular preference is important to you, the surest options are to choose single occupancy or to travel with someone you already know and room together.

What if the trip I want is full?

Often the trip is not entirely full. If single occupancy is sold out, double occupancy may still be available. If you prefer single occupancy only, we are happy to add you to the waitlist in case a spot opens.

I was told a waitlist spot opened. How do I claim it?

On the booking form, when you reach the question “Which year would you like to travel?”, select “I received a call about a waitlist spot!” That option routes you straight to your opened spot. Opened spots can typically be held for 24 hours, so it is best to complete the form as soon as you are able.

4. Payments

How do I make a payment?

You can pay directly from your invoice using the View and Pay button. Open your invoice, click Review and Pay, and select Edit Amount to enter your payment. You do not need a separate link.

Can I pay in installments?

Yes. Our Flex-Pay setup lets you pay any amount you choose, as often as you like, right up until the balance due date. Many travelers spread their payments out over several months.

What payment methods can I use, and are there any fees?

You are welcome to use any card you would like. Payments by credit card include a 3% convenience fee, while payments by ACH, or bank transfer, have no fee. The choice is entirely yours.

When is my balance due, and what happens if I have not paid it?

Your balance is due in full 60 days before domestic trips and 90 days before international trips. If a balance still remains at that point, the remaining amount is charged automatically to the card on file. Your specific due date is also shown on your invoice.

Will I receive payment reminders?

Yes. Reminder emails begin approximately 120 days before domestic trips and 150 days before international trips.

5. Flights, Arrival, and Departure

Do you book my flights?

No, travelers arrange their own flights, since our trips begin and end at the destination. This lets you choose the flights and routing that work best for you.

When should I plan to arrive and depart?

Each trip has specific arrival and departure parameters. For example, you may be asked to arrive before a certain time on the first day and to book your departure no earlier than a certain time on the last day. These are listed on the trip page under the Flight Details tab. Booking within these windows lets you take advantage of our included airport transportation.

There is a time note on my trip. Does that apply to the bus or to my flight?

Those notes refer to your flight, not ground transportation. For example, a 10:00 AM note means you should book your departing flight for no earlier than 10:00 AM on the last day. We will get you to the airport in plenty of time.

Will I be picked up at the airport?

Yes. We provide group transportation from the arrival airport to our hotel on the first day, and we handle your airport drop-off at the end. Airport transfers are included.

What if I cannot find a flight that fits the arrival window?

Let our team know as soon as possible. In some cases we can accommodate it, or there may be a hotel shuttle or taxi available, though some airports are too far for that. Another option is to arrive a day early; we are happy to suggest area hotels with airport transportation, though you would be responsible for your own hotel and transportation during that extra time.

What if I cannot find a flight that fits the arrival window?

If the final day has scheduled itinerary items, we usually recommend staying an extra night. Please note that if your departure falls outside the designated window, you are responsible for your own ground transportation to the airport.

Can I add extra nights before or after the trip?

You are welcome to add nights of your own before or after the trip, and many of our travelers love to do exactly that. A few things to keep in mind: any extra nights are booked and paid for on your own, as we are not able to book them or bill them through the payment portal. Plan your arrival so you remain positioned to join the group on arrival day, and for staying later, book around the departure parameters on the Flight Details tab.

Can you share the hotel’s nightly rate or extend your group rate to my personal reservation?

We are not able to share a per-night rate or extend our group rate to personal reservations, as we book through a corporate booking system.

6. Activity Level and Special Needs

How physically demanding are the trips, and how much walking is involved?

It varies by trip, and we are always happy to give you an honest picture of any specific itinerary. On many trips, a good portion of the sightseeing is enjoyed while seated, by trolley, tram, riverboat, or coach, which keeps walking to a minimum. Where there are walking tours, they are at a relaxed, leisurely pace, usually with opportunities to sit and rest along the way.

I cannot do a lot of walking. Can a trip still work for me?

Often, yes. You are never required to do every activity, so you are always welcome to take a break or sit one out whenever you need to, and our hosts are happy to accommodate the best they can. The best approach is to reach out about the specific trip so we can give you an honest picture and help you decide whether it is a comfortable fit.

I have dietary restrictions or food allergies. Can you accommodate them?

Yes. Please share your dietary needs and allergies in advance, and our Trip Coordinator will keep them in mind while planning. Restaurant selections are typically finalized closer to departure, and about a month before the trip we do our best to share a list of anticipated restaurants so you can review menus and feel comfortable. Many restaurants are accustomed to dietary restrictions and can accommodate requests when they are communicated clearly.

Can you accommodate a mobility scooter or wheelchair?

Travelers who use a cane or have light mobility needs often do well on our trips, since much of the sightseeing is seated and no activity is required. However, our trips often include transportation and venues that may not be fully accessible for mobility scooters or wheelchairs, such as smaller vehicles or locations with limited accessibility. If you rely on a scooter or wheelchair, we may not be the best fit, and we would gently recommend a provider that specializes in accessible travel. We are always glad to talk through a specific trip with you so you can decide.

7. Before Your Trip

What is the registration form, and when will I receive it?

After you book, a registration form is emailed to you 50 to 60 days before domestic trips and 90 to 120 days before international trips. This is where you provide your flight information, emergency contact, a photo of yourself, and your passport information for international trips.

Do I need a passport?

For international trips, yes, and you will provide your passport information on your registration form. Domestic trips do not require a passport.

Do I need a visa or any other travel documents?

Some international destinations require a visa or additional documents. Where that applies, such as our Cuba trip, we send you the required information and forms ahead of time so you know exactly what to complete. Domestic trips do not require these documents.

When will I receive my full trip details?

Your pre-trip email is sent approximately 2 weeks before domestic trips and 3 to 4 weeks before international trips, once every registration form from your group has been received. It includes everything you need to feel fully prepared:

  • A Traveler Sheet with photos and contact information for your fellow travelers
  • The finalized itinerary
  • Airport pickup and drop-off instructions
  • Details about your group conference call and trip text group
  • Packing suggestions tailored to your destination and activities
  • Any final notes or helpful reminders

 

Will I be able to connect with the group beforehand?

Yes. The trip text group is set up 1 to 2 weeks before arrival, so you can begin chatting with your hostesses and fellow travelers. It is a wonderful way to feel connected before the trip even begins.

What should I pack?

You will receive packing and clothing suggestions tailored to your specific destination and activities as part of your pre-trip email.

8. Cancellations, Changes, and Insurance

What is the cancellation policy?

The refund or credit you receive depends on how far ahead of the trip you cancel, and the timeframes differ for domestic and international trips.

Domestic trips

If you cancel What happens
60 or more days before Full refund, or your payment held as a credit toward a future trip
30 to 59 days before 50% fee; the remaining balance is held as a credit toward a future trip
Fewer than 30 days before Entire payment is forfeited

 

International trips

If you cancel What happens
90 or more days before Full refund, or your payment held as a credit toward a future trip
61 to 89 days before 50% fee; the remaining balance is held as a credit toward a future trip
60 days or fewer before Entire payment is forfeited

 

How do I cancel or make a change to my trip?

All changes and cancellations are handled through our change and cancellation form. Once we receive it, we process the request and send a revised invoice if needed.

What happens to my funds if I cancel?

Depending on timing, funds are often held as a credit on file for your future travel with us. When you are ready to use a credit, simply enter the amount in the “trip credit” section of the booking form.

Do you offer travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance, but many travelers choose to purchase it. Allianz and Travel Guard are two providers commonly used.

Still Have Questions?

Questions are always welcome. Our Guest Manager, Lindsay Rue, reads every message and is happy to help you find the trip that feels right for you. You can reach us by phone or email, or use the live chat on our website during business hours.

Phone: 763-784-8291
Email: Lindsay@bbgage.com
Web: www.bbgage.com