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Where is Explore Tours located? |
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Explore Tours is proud to call Alaska home!
You can reach us at the following address:
999 East Tudor Road, Suite 200
Anchorage, Alaska 99503 USA
Toll Free Phone: 800-523-7405
Main Phone: 907-786-0192
Fax: 907-563-8159
Email: info@exploretours.com
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2
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What are your business hours of operation? |
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Summer Hours (May 15 and September 15):
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturdays and Sundays 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Winter Hours:
Monday Friday from 8:00 AM 5:30 PM
Alaska Standard Time (4 hours behind Eastern Standard Time). |
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3
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Do your tour packages include airfare? |
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| Some packages include airfare within Alaska, but only where specified. Should you need assistance with airfare to, from, or within Alaska, please contact us for a quote. Explore Tours works with a number of air carriers and is also affiliated with a travel agency, so we can provide you with an airfare quote upon request. |
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4
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Can you change tour components or extend the duration of the tour? |
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| Yes, most of the tours (with the exception of escorted tours) we offer can be tailored to meet your needs. Explore Tours specializes in customizing tour itineraries, so simply send us a request with your anticipated travel dates and the tours you are interested in and we can prepare a proposal for you. |
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5
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What are your payment terms? |
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6
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Should we purchase travel insurance? |
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| Explore Tours does recommend the purchase of travel insurance in the event of any unforeseen circumstances (medical emergencies, etc.) that could impact your trip. Explore Tours offers travel insurance, so ask your reservation specialist for more information. |
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7
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When do we receive our travel documents? |
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| Unless otherwise noted, travel documents are mailed after final payment is received. If you are receiving meet and assist services, final documents may be distributed upon arrival. |
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8
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What do your meet and assist services include? |
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| The majority of our land tour packages include meet and assist services. An Explore Tours representative will greet you upon arrival, go over your travel documents with you, and answer any questions you may have. A Milepost Guidebook and travel brochures are added to the documentation packet, providing you with additional tools to ensure your Alaska travels go smoothly. |
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9
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Can we contact Explore Tours if we encounter any problems during our travels? |
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| Explore Tours is one of the few Alaskan tour companies to provide our clients with an after hours contact phone. The telephone number is included in your travel documents so that we can assist you during your stay in Alaska if necessary. |
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10
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Your prices are very competitive! How does Explore Tours make money? |
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| Like many other travel companies, Explore Tours receives commissions from the tour suppliers we work with. As the commissions are typically off of the published brochure rates, this ensures that you are typically not paying more than you would buy purchasing the components on your own. You receive the convenience of having knowledgeable reservation specialists assemble your itinerary with one phone call! |
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11
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What should we pack? |
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| While traveling in Alaska, we recommend dressing in layers regardless of the season. See our suggested packing list for more details. |
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12
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Do you have a brochure you can mail to me? |
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| Yes, simply fill out our brochure request form and we will be happy to mail you our brochure. Click Here |
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13
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When is the best time to visit? |
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| Depending on your interests, Alaska has something to offer visitors throughout the year. The majority of summer travel businesses are open May 15 September 15 with everything from glacier cruises to fishing and wildlife viewing available. Many travelers flock to Alaska during other times of the year to witness the magical aurora borealis (northern lights), enjoy winter festivals, watch dog sledding races, go skiing, soak in hot springs, or relax at a luxurious resort. Year-round activities include flightseeing, wildlife cruises, wilderness lodge stays, and trips above the Arctic Circle.
For fishing, runs vary throughout Alaska based on species and location. See our fishing section for more details.
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14
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How should I travel to Alaska? |
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| If traveling by air, most visitors to Alaska fly into Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau.
Travelers arriving by cruise ship typically depart from Vancouver, BC.
Travelers arriving by ferry typically depart from Bellingham, Washington.
Those driving to Alaska by car or motorhome arrive via the Alaska Highway.
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15
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How far in advance should I book my reservation? |
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| We suggest booking your reservation as soon as you have finalized your flight or arrival arrangements. Some services in Alaska have limited availability, so booking in a timely manner helps to ensure that you receive all of your requested tour components. |
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16
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Do you offer any discounts? |
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| Explore Tours offers group discounts. If you have a group of 10 or more people traveling, contact us for a group proposal. See our Group Services page for more details. |
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17
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Does Explore Tours work with other travel professionals? |
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| Yes, Explore Tours works with both domestic and international travel agencies and tour operators. Recognized as a 'local expert,' many other companies contact Explore Tours to take care of the logistical details involved with planning a trip to Alaska. If you are a travel professional and would like more information on working with Explore Tours, please contact us. |
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18
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We are leery of doing business over the Internet, can you provide us with more information about your company? |
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| Absolutely! Explore Tours is a member in good standing with a number of travel organizations, including the Travel Industry Association of America, the National Tour Association, the Alaska Travel Industry Association, and Convention & Visitors Bureaus in Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks, and the Mat-Su Valley. Explore Tours is also a member of the Better Business Bureau. Please see the About Us page for more information, guest testimonials, and references. |
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19
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Do you offer any specials? |
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| Yes, we do offer specials on select packages or travel dates. When they are available, you will see our Specials in the right-hand column on each page. Click on the title you are interested in for more information. |
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I am interested in traveling to Alaska, but not this year. How can I stay informed about tour options that become available? |
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| Explore Tours is in the process of developing a travel newsletter that includes information on new Alaska tour options and specials. Click here to send an e-mail letting us know you are interested in periodic travel updates to keep you informed on all there is to see and do in Alaska! |
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