Travel in General

Why should I use a travel agent?

The internet provides a huge resource for travelers right at their fingertips. So, you may wonder, "Do I need a travel agent?" The real question to be asked is, "Why wouldn't I use a travel agent?" Travel agents usually don't charge fees to make reservations and often their product and destination knowledge and access to group or consortiums fares can save you money. So, for no additional cost the experienced and knowledgeable travel agent can offer you the best value (which isn't always the lowest price) while providing the maximum selection in travel choices and assistance in making choices that are best for you. Using a travel agent to customize travel arrangements, provide insight, answer questions, anticipate problems, and make sure that attention is given to the slightest details will make your trip less stressful and much more enjoyable. So..., "Why wouldn't you use a travel agent?"

What is an all inclusive vacation?

Various vacation packages can include transportation, hotel, meals, beverages, snacks, etc. There can be significant differences between vacation destinations when it comes to exactly what is meant by the term all-inclusive. Be sure to inquire about the details at each property you are considering. Generally, all-inclusive is used to describe properties that include hotel accommodations, meals, and both soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. Some destinations limit food quantity and beverage quantity and/or quality. Know before you go just what is included in your all-inclusive vacation.

Is a cruise vacation all inclusive?

Cruise vacations are one of the best vacation values and typically considered all-inclusive except for carbonated or alcoholic beverages which in some instances may be available at additional cost. It is common for just about all cruise lines to include in the pricing the stateroom; a variety of delicious meal options; coffee, tea, and fountain juice beverages; daily and nightly entertainment choices; and of course - stops in beautiful and often exotic ports of call. Some luxury cruise lines and river cruise lines will also include alcoholic beverages and possibly shore excursions in the basic pricing.

Will I need a passport?

Passports are required for all U.S. citizens while traveling abroad. On some "closed loop" cruises (those that leave from and return to the same U.S. port) it may be permitted to use a government issued photo ID along with an original or certified copy of a birth certificate. However, travel experts recommend that travelers ALWAYS have a passport when traveling outside of the country. In the event of an emergency that prevents your return home on the ship, you will need a passport to re-enter the U.S. Please consult the U.S. State website for detailed information about required travel documents at http://travel.state.gov/passport/.

Will I need a visa?

U.S. citizens do not need a U.S. visa for travel. However, when traveling abroad they may need a visa issued by the embassy of the country they wish to visit. Each country and destination is unique and documentation requirements change from time to time without prior notice. Passengers should become familiar with the documentation requirements of the country or countries they plan to visit by checking with the consulate of each country or a visa service to verify current regulations. It is the passenger's responsibility to have proper travel documentation. Visa requirements should be re-confirmed with the consulate 14-30 days prior to travel. Many cruise lines will require visa documentation upon boarding. To learn more about visa requirements for each country see the country specific requirements on the U.S. State Department's website at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_4965.html.

Do I need a passport?

Sure! Residence tours are offered regularly - you can find dates and times here. If you can, it is best to visit the residences when there are students living in them. It is hard to get a good impression of what a residence is really like when the students are not there.

Which residence is closest to my faculty?

Here is a map of the campus with faculty buildings and residences higlighted. Remember that your classes may not be in the actual faculty buildings. There are more lecture halls in the engineering buildings so it's not unusual for classes from other faculties to be held there.

Cruises

Is a cruise all-inclusive?

The University of Waterloo residence guarantee for first-year students is a collaborative effort between UW Residences and the 4 University College residences (Renison, St. Paul's, St. Jerome's and Conrad Grebel).

A place in residence is guaranteed to students admitted to first-year programs who receive an Offer of Admission dated no later than May 25, 2007, and who accept an offer of admission by May 28, 2007. In addition, a $500 non-refundable deposit for residence is required no later than June 11, 2007.

Will I get seasick on a cruise?

The housing guarantee only guarantees you a room in residence. Many students select the same room type (i.e. single) and/or residence community (i.e. Village 1) however, there are only so many single rooms and only so many spaces in each residence. Therefore it is impossible to guarantee every student their first choice. All of our residence facilities offer a great residence life program and every year we hear from students about how they love their residence community because of the people they meet and the friends they make, not the type of room they have.

Will I be bored on a cruise?

No. This is not a first-come, first-served process. As long as you submit your ranking form and your online preferences by the dates specified, you will have the same chance as anyone else to get your first choices.

River Cruises

What is streaming and how does it affect my residence preferences?

For the purposes of residence allocation, every first-year student is either a stream 4 or a stream 8 student.

You are a stream 4 student if you are in a co-op program and your first work term is in January 2007.

You are a stream 8 student if you are in a regular program or a co-op program and your first work term is in May 2007 or later. Only students in some Math and Engineering programs are stream 4. All other faculties are stream 8.

Streaming is an important part of the residence allocation process as it allows us to place students together in communities that will remain together for both terms of first year - whether it's fall and winter (stream 8) or fall and spring (stream 4).

Tours

I really don't want to have a roommate. What if it turns out to be a complete disaster?

Answer here

I have some friends from high school that I want to live with. Can I do that?

Answer here

If I'm a stream 4 student, can I ask for a roommate who's stream 8?

You can only request a roommate who is of the same gender and academic stream as you. For example, a stream 4 student can request to be roommates with another stream 4 student, but not a regular or stream 8 student. A regular or stream 8 student can request to be roommates with another regular or stream 8 student, but not a stream 4 student.

How does the allocation process work with roommates? Do we all have to be accepted to the same residence first?

Answer here

All-Inclusive Resorts

What if I have special dietary needs? (due to allergies or religious restrictions)

This is the answer

Where can I spend my meal plan allowance?

Answer here

What happens if I have money left over at the end of the term?

This is the answer.

Destination Weddings

What if I have special dietary needs? (due to allergies or religious restrictions)

This is the answer

Where can I spend my meal plan allowance?

Answer here

What happens if I have money left over at the end of the term?

This is the answer.

Honeymoon Travel

What if I have special dietary needs? (due to allergies or religious restrictions)

This is the answer

Where can I spend my meal plan allowance?

Answer here

What happens if I have money left over at the end of the term?

This is the answer.

Family Reunions

What if I have special dietary needs? (due to allergies or religious restrictions)

This is the answer

Where can I spend my meal plan allowance?

Answer here

What happens if I have money left over at the end of the term?

This is the answer.

Travel Insurance

What if I have special dietary needs? (due to allergies or religious restrictions)

This is the answer

Where can I spend my meal plan allowance?

Answer here

What happens if I have money left over at the end of the term?

This is the answer.