Debating an ABD

[Freezing Cold B]

I've wanted to do an ABD for a while, but haven't found a location that sparked my interest. But, with the announcement of Norway... I'm interested in doing an ABD. I do know the basics of international travel, as I have traveled internationally before. But, I'm wondering what types of things I should consider before booking (since many of you are pros at this ABD experience). I don't have children, and I'm in my late 20's. It would likely be a trip with my mom and me.

 

[sayhello]

I've wanted to do an ABD for a while, but haven't found a location that sparked my interest. But, with the announcement of Norway... I'm interested in doing an ABD. I do know the basics of international travel, as I have traveled internationally before. But, I'm wondering what types of things I should consider before booking (since many of you are pros at this ABD experience). I don't have children, and I'm in my late 20's. It would likely be a trip with my mom and me.

Here's what I consider once I know which itinerary I want to take:

a) Weather. What is the weather going to be like during the different months this trip is offered? I don't like really hot weather, nor do I care for a lot of rain. So I'll research that, and see what date has the best chance of having the best weather for me. It helps that I travel solo, so school schedules, etc, don't limit the options.

b) Is there an Adults Only departure? Does it coincide with any of the dates that I identified in point a)? While I love kids, I don't particularly care to travel with them. I *have*, but I find I like the atmosphere and dynamics on an Adults Only trip better. Plus, the Adults Only trips tend to be during the "shoulder season" (before or after Summer). They also tend to not have a full 44 people on them.

c) Which departures are priced less? That means they are less full, and, of course, cost less!

d) How much are the pre-days/post-days? I always arrive at least a day or two before a European ABD to get over the jetlag, and also to not have to worry about last-minute travel issues. If the pre-/post- days are too expensive, do I feel comfortable arranging the pre-/post- days on my own, and getting my own transfers to/from the airport?

e) Should I buy trip insurance through ABD or an independent insurance company? I usually use www.insuremytrip.com to price out the insurance, and then compare it to ABD's offering. Depending on your Mom's age, the ABD insurance can be a good deal.

f) Since I'm flying all the way to Europe, do I want to visit somewhere else close on my own either before or after the ABD?

Those are the ones that came to mind. I'll update if I think of anything more.

Sayhello

 

[Freezing Cold B]

The price goes up as more people book? I don't like that idea.

Well I suppose we will have to do some thinking. After reading the website, it is my understanding that we pay a $300 deposit, but if we change our minds we have 14 days to get a full refund. After that point, we have until 90 days out to change our minds and we only lose the deposit. After that point we will have to still pay parts of the trip, progressively more and more. Correct?

 

[sayhello]

The price goes up as more people book? I don't like that idea.

Well I suppose we will have to do some thinking. After reading the website, it is my understanding that we pay a $300 deposit, but if we change our minds we have 14 days to get a full refund. After that point, we have until 90 days out to change our minds and we only lose the deposit. After that point we will have to still pay parts of the trip, progressively more and more. Correct?

Nobody really likes the idea that the price goes up as more people book. It's their way to get people to book early without giving an actual early booking discount like they used to a few years back.

You've got parts of the policy right. You're correct about the $300 (per person) deposit that is fully refundable up until 14 days after you book. After that, you don't have to pay anything more until your Paid in Full date, which is 90 days prior to your trip. At that point, you have to pay the full balance. (You can make incremental payments before that if you want, but it's not necessary). If you cancel after 14 days, and up to 90 days prior to your trip, you lose the $300 per person deposit. After your Paid in Full date, cancellations go like this: 89 - 60 days - you lose 25% of the land package price. 59 - 30 days - you lose 50% of the land package price. 29 - 0 days, you lose 100% of the land package price.

Let me know if you have any other questions! Many people on this board will warn you that ABD's are *highly* addictive!

ETA: Oh, actually, after I re-read your post, I think you had it right, I just mis-read it. I took "we will have to still pay parts of the trip" as meaning you thought you paid off the trip in parts as you went, rather than "they keep part of your payments after that point". Sorry about that.

Sayhello

 

[Freezing Cold B]

ETA: Oh, actually, after I re-read your post, I think you had it right, I just mis-read it. I took "we will have to still pay parts of the trip" as meaning you thought you paid off the trip in parts as you went, rather than "they keep part of your payments after that point". Sorry about that.

Sayhello

Nope you read it correctly the first time . I wasn't understanding it. Thanks for the explanation.

I hope they are addicting. I love traveling, but hate flying (like terrified , gripping the seat , crying ). So, it has to be something I really want to see for me to get on a plane.

 

[sayhello]

Nope you read it correctly the first time . I wasn't understanding it. Thanks for the explanation.

I hope they are addicting. I love traveling, but hate flying (like terrified , gripping the seat , crying ). So, it has to be something I really want to see for me to get on a plane.

You're welcome.

I hate to fly, but it's because it's such a horrid, crowded, uncomfortable thing more than being scared. So I have to really want to go in order to fly, too. Every single ABD I've done had been more than worth the flight!

Sayhello

 

[Condor One]

I've wanted to do an ABD for a while, but haven't found a location that sparked my interest. But, with the announcement of Norway... I'm interested in doing an ABD. I do know the basics of international travel, as I have traveled internationally before. But, I'm wondering what types of things I should consider before booking (since many of you are pros at this ABD experience). I don't have children, and I'm in my late 20's. It would likely be a trip with my mom and me.

Just returned from my first "adult only" ABD to Peru. It was awesome to say the least. Best guides and made 42 new friends. Have booked Norway for September 2014 and very excited.
Been on 17 Disney Cruises and going for 18th next year but now after this abd we will be canceling cruise and hoping on board the ABD boat.

also DVC member since 1992. Y my name is Condor One is because our white water rafting group thought it was a great name

 

[carpenta]

Just returned from my first "adult only" ABD to Peru. It was awesome to say the least. Best guides and made 42 new friends. Have booked Norway for September 2014 and very excited.
Been on 17 Disney Cruises and going for 18th next year but now after this abd we will be canceling cruise and hoping on board the ABD boat.

also DVC member since 1992. Y my name is Condor One is because our white water rafting group thought it was a great name

Welcome aboard! Glad to hear you had such a great time.


P.s. Mike wasn't one of your guides was he? He loves condors.......

 

[sayhello]

Just returned from my first "adult only" ABD to Peru. It was awesome to say the least. Best guides and made 42 new friends. Have booked Norway for September 2014 and very excited.
Been on 17 Disney Cruises and going for 18th next year but now after this abd we will be canceling cruise and hoping on board the ABD boat.

also DVC member since 1992. Y my name is Condor One is because our white water rafting group thought it was a great name

Welcome to the ABD Forum! Glad you had such a great time on your first ABD. I keep saying it, but it's true; ABDs can be highly addictive!

I've created the Meets thread for the Norway trip, and added you to the Roll Call. If you let me know who is in your traveling party, I'll update the Roll Call with that information.

Congrats! Be sure and come back and tell us all about the Norway trip! We're all anxiously awaiting your observations!

Sayhello

 

[Freezing Cold B]

Just returned from my first "adult only" ABD to Peru. It was awesome to say the least. Best guides and made 42 new friends. Have booked Norway for September 2014 and very excited.
Been on 17 Disney Cruises and going for 18th next year but now after this abd we will be canceling cruise and hoping on board the ABD boat.

also DVC member since 1992. Y my name is Condor One is because our white water rafting group thought it was a great name

We are thinking about doing the September 2014 trip ourselves. We are still deciding. It's hard to make plans for the school year, because I'm a grad student and I don't know what I will be doing next fall... in theory... I should be starting my dissertation, but... you never know.

 

[distravel]

Just returned from my first "adult only" ABD to Peru. It was awesome to say the least. Best guides and made 42 new friends. Have booked Norway for September 2014 and very excited.
Been on 17 Disney Cruises and going for 18th next year but now after this abd we will be canceling cruise and hoping on board the ABD boat.

also DVC member since 1992. Y my name is Condor One is because our white water rafting group thought it was a great name

Hi Condor One,

I am glad you had such a great time in Peru. How was the white water rafting? I have steered clear of any adventures with rafting as my husband and I are not good swimmers. The most physical activity of our two ABDs (Australia 2011 & Germany 2013) have been bike riding which we enjoyed. Rafting seems a little scary. Did everyone do it or was there another activity at that time? Thanks.

Kathy

 

[abbyjt]

Just returned from my first "adult only" ABD to Peru. It was awesome to say the least. Best guides and made 42 new friends. Have booked Norway for September 2014 and very excited.
Been on 17 Disney Cruises and going for 18th next year but now after this abd we will be canceling cruise and hoping on board the ABD boat.

also DVC member since 1992. Y my name is Condor One is because our white water rafting group thought it was a great name

Condor 1 OH OH OH !!!!!!!
Hi Condor 1, We had a great time in Peru too. It was our first Adult's Only trip, but our 9th adventure. We loved meeting everyone. I know you will love that Norway trip. We already have next summer's adventure booked, so we will be looking at the Norway trip as a family trip after that. Glad to see you on the Disboards.
Abby

 

[DisneyKevin]

Keep in mind that Dreams Unlimited Travel offers a booking discount for each Adventure.

If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know.

Kevin@DreamsUnlimitedTravel.com

 

[chats9195]

I too just returned from the Peru trip (Hi Condor I and Abby!). It was my first ABD trip and definitely will not be my last! I am now a convert! Every facet of the trip was perfect! You will not be disappointed with ABD.