Frequently Asked Questions

You may register online by selecting the tour you want and clicking “View Trip Details.” Registration instructions are provided on each tour page.

Some tours also offer printable mail-in registration forms. If you prefer not to register online, you may call our office and we will be happy to assist you.

Visit the tour page on our website and click the “View Trip Details” button located at the bottom of the tour package. You will be redirected to the individual Tour Landing Page for that departure.

The Tour Landing Page includes detailed information about the itinerary, pricing, inclusions, and important travel details.

On the right side of the page, you will find a gray “Download Brochure” button. This will generate a printable PDF that includes the full itinerary and a mailable registration form.

Prefer not to use the internet? Call our office at (903) 593-2300, and we will gladly mail the information to you.

To register for a tour, you will need to submit:

• Your completed registration information

• The required deposit (deposit amounts vary by tour)

Some tours may also require additional traveler details at registration, such as date of birth, emergency contact information, and special requests.

You are officially registered once we receive your registration information and deposit.

• Online registrations receive an email confirmation

• Mail-in registrations may call our office for confirmation

• Space is not held without a deposit

Final payment due dates vary by tour and are listed on each tour page and in your registration materials.

As a general guideline:

• Fly & Ride tours: Final payment is typically due 90 days prior to departure

• Motor-Coach tours: Final payment is typically due 45, 60, or 90 days prior to departure (depending on the tour)

If you have any questions about your final payment deadline, please contact American Tours.

American Tours accepts the following forms of payment:

• Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express)

• Bank draft / ACH (available online, by mail, or in person)

• Check payments (processed as bank draft)

Please note: Credit card payments may include processing fees. Bank draft payments do not have additional processing fees.

Yes. American Tours allows guests to make payments over time toward their tour.

Your registration begins with a deposit, and additional payments may be made at any time up to the final payment due date. If you would like to set up scheduled automatic payments, please call our office at (903) 593-2300 and we will be happy to assist you.

Motor-Coach tours follow American Tours cancellation guidelines. Cancellation penalties are based on the date your written cancellation is received and how close the tour is to departure.

Because cancellation policies vary by tour, we encourage guests to review the cancellation terms provided at registration and on the tour page.

Travel protection is strongly recommended.

Fly & Ride tours are operated through Collette Vacations or Premier World Discovery. Each tour operator has its own cancellation policy and travel protection plan.

Cancellation deadlines, penalties, and protection details are provided during registration and in your tour documents.

For Motor-Coach tours, American Tours offers an optional Pre-Trip Cancellation Protection (PTCP) plan at the time of registration.

PTCP allows you to cancel after final payment and receive a refund of your tour cost (minus the PTCP fee). Refunds are processed after the completion of the tour.

PTCP must be selected at registration and is non-refundable. Full details are available in the PTCP document.

📄 American Tours Pre-Trip Cancellation Plan (PTCP) — PDF

Fly & Ride tours offer travel protection plans through the tour operator at the time of registration.

Coverage options vary, but may include benefits such as:

• Trip cancellation and interruption

• Medical coverage

• Travel delays and baggage coverage

Travel protection for Fly & Ride tours is handled directly through the tour operator (or their insurance provider).

📄 Collette Vacations – Travel Protection Plan (CVTP) — PDF

📄 Premier World Discovery – Travel Protection Plan (TPP) — PDF

Yes — travel protection is strongly recommended.

• Motor-Coach tours offer PTCP through American Tours

• Fly & Ride tours offer protection through Collette Vacations or Premier World Discovery

Refund policies depend on the tour type and the timing of cancellation.

• Motor-Coach tours (with PTCP): Eligible refunds are processed after the completion of the tour, minus the PTCP fee

• Fly & Ride tours: Refund eligibility follows the tour operator’s policy and any travel protection plan selected

Refund timelines may vary, and American Tours will communicate applicable details for your specific tour.

American Tours reserves the right to cancel a tour due to insufficient participation or circumstances beyond our control.

If a tour is canceled by American Tours, all funds paid to American Tours for that departure will be fully refunded, including any travel protection purchased through American Tours.

Travelers will be notified as early as possible in the event of a cancellation.

Name change policies vary by tour type and departure.

• Motor-Coach tours: Name substitutions may be allowed prior to departure, subject to availability and administrative guidelines

• Fly & Ride tours: Airline and tour operator policies may restrict name changes once tickets have been issued

If a name change is needed, please contact American Tours as soon as possible so we can review the options for your specific tour.

Motor-Coach tours depart from Tyler, Texas and return to Tyler at the conclusion of the trip.

Your designated departure location and reporting time will be provided in your confirmation materials prior to departure.

• Motor-Coach tours: Complimentary long-term parking is available at our designated departure location in Tyler during the tour.

• Fly & Ride tours: Airport transportation is included for guests residing within approximately 100 miles of their selected major Texas airport. Pickup arrangements are confirmed prior to departure.

American Tours includes round-trip transportation to and from your selected major Texas airport for guests residing within approximately 100 miles of that airport.

Depending on the number and location of registered travelers, transportation may be arranged from a central meeting location or directly from your home address. Final details are confirmed prior to departure to ensure a smooth and convenient start to your journey.

Fly & Ride tours depart from major Texas airports. Specific airport options are listed on each individual tour page.

Common departure airports may include:

• Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)

• Houston (IAH or HOU)

• Austin (AUS)

If your preferred airport is not listed, please contact our office at (903) 593-2300 for assistance.

Domestic Air Travel (within the United States)

Travelers must present either:

• A REAL ID–compliant driver’s license

• A valid U.S. Passport

The name on your airline ticket must match exactly the name shown on your identification.

International Travel

A valid passport is required for all international travel.

• The name on your airline ticket must match your passport exactly

• Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond your return date

• Some destinations require advance electronic travel authorization

Travelers are responsible for ensuring all required documents are obtained prior to departure.

For domestic tours within the United States, a REAL ID–compliant driver’s license or valid U.S. Passport is required for air travel.

For international tours, a valid passport is required. Specific documentation requirements are listed on each tour page.

• Motor-Coach tours: Please arrive 15–30 minutes prior to the scheduled 6:00am departure time.

• Fly & Ride tours: Airport arrival times follow airline and tour operator guidelines. Your confirmed itinerary will provide specific check-in instructions.

Yes. All American Tours trips are guided.

• Motor-Coach tours are guided by an American Tours Tour Guide who travels with the group throughout the journey.

• Fly & Ride tours are professionally escorted by a Tour Director provided by the tour operator at the destination, with guided sightseeing included as part of the itinerary.

American Tours tours are designed for active senior adults and require a moderate level of physical activity.

Travelers should be in good general health and able to:

• Walk reasonable distances

• Climb stairs

• Stand for periods of time

• Navigate uneven surfaces (sidewalks, historic sites, attractions)

Each tour includes an Activity Level Rating, which should be reviewed carefully before registering.

If you have questions about mobility or physical requirements, we encourage you to contact American Tours prior to registering.

American Tours tours are designed for active senior adults who are fully mobile and able to keep pace with a group travel environment.

Guests must be able to:

• Walk independently without assistance

• Climb stairs

• Stand for extended periods

• Navigate uneven terrain

Motorized scooters and wheelchairs are not permitted due to safety and storage limitations.

While fold-up walkers may be physically accommodated on some Motor-Coach tours, our itineraries are not designed for travelers who require mobility assistance. Guests who rely on walkers or have mobility limitations may find the pace and activity level challenging.

All travelers must be capable of managing their own mobility throughout the tour without assistance from staff or fellow passengers.

If you have any questions about whether a tour is appropriate for you, we strongly encourage you to contact American Tours prior to registering.

All Fly & Ride tours are professionally escorted at the destination by an experienced Tour Director from the tour operator (such as Collette or Premier World Discovery).

On select Fly & Ride departures, an American Tours Host may also join the tour once minimum participation is reached. This added presence provides familiar support, clear communication, and on-site advocacy alongside your professional Tour Director.

Hosting details are listed on each individual tour page.

On select Fly & Ride departures, an American Tours Host will accompany the group once a minimum number of travelers is registered for that departure.

Specific participation requirements and hosting details are listed on each individual tour page.

Meal inclusions vary by tour.

Many tours include a combination of breakfasts and select lunches or dinners. The exact meal plan is listed on each individual tour page.

Most tours include double-occupancy rooms with either:

• Two separate beds, or

• One shared bed (when available)

Additional options may include:

• Single-occupancy rooms (available on most tours for an additional single supplement)

• Triple or quad accommodations (available on select tours; room types vary by hotel)

If you require an ADA-accessible room or have special accommodation needs, requests must be made at the time of registration.

While every effort is made to honor requests, room features cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability.

Inclusions vary by tour, but most packages include:

• Lodging in quality hotels

• Admissions and sightseeing listed in the itinerary

• Included meals listed on the tour page

• Taxes and tour-related fees

Please note: gratuities for your Motor-Coach Tour Guide and driver are typically not included unless otherwise stated.

Yes. Most tours include a balance of guided sightseeing and free time.

Free time varies by destination and itinerary. Your tour itinerary will outline included activities and approximate timing.

No. Participation is always optional.

Guests are welcome to rest, explore independently during free time, or skip an activity when needed. We encourage travelers to pace themselves and enjoy the tour in a way that feels comfortable.

If you choose to separate from the group, please keep your Tour Guide or Tour Director informed so we can ensure everyone’s safety and coordination.

All tours are sold as complete group packages. Individual refunds, credits, or discounts are not provided for missed meals, sightseeing, or included activities. The group itinerary cannot be altered to accommodate individual preferences.

American Tours is committed to supporting our travelers.

• Motor-Coach tours: Your American Tours Tour Guide is with the group throughout the journey

• Fly & Ride tours: Your Tour Director is your primary on-site contact

• On select departures, an American Tours Host may also be present once minimum participation is reached

Guests will always receive clear instructions on who to contact during the tour if assistance is needed.

Yes. Guests should be in reasonably good health and able to travel independently without continuous medical supervision.

Travel may involve walking, standing, climbing stairs, boarding transportation, and managing personal luggage. Travelers are responsible for ensuring they are physically able to participate in the tour they select.

If you have concerns about your ability to travel comfortably, we recommend discussing them with your physician prior to registering.

American Tours tours are designed for active senior adults and are not fully wheelchair accessible.

Due to itinerary design, transportation configuration, and destination limitations:

• Motorized scooters and wheelchairs are not permitted

• Accessibility may vary by destination and facility

• Guests must be able to navigate steps, terrain, and transportation independently

If you have questions about whether a specific tour is appropriate for you, please contact American Tours prior to registering.

Travelers requiring daily medical care, oxygen support, or specialized assistance should contact American Tours prior to booking.

American Tours Tour Guides and Hosts are not medical professionals and cannot provide medical care during the tour.

Guests are responsible for managing their own medications and personal health needs while traveling.

Many tours can accommodate common dietary needs with advance notice, though accommodations may vary depending on destination and provider.

Guests should notify American Tours at the time of registration regarding dietary restrictions or special needs so appropriate requests can be submitted.

Seats on Motor-Coach tours are assigned at the start of the trip and remain the same for the duration of the tour.

Seating is assigned based on registration order. While we make every effort to seat friends and family together, specific seat requests are subject to availability.

Seat rotation does not occur.

Guests may request a seating preference at the time of registration. While we do our best to accommodate requests, specific seat assignments cannot be guaranteed.

Gratuity policies vary by tour type.

• Motor-Coach tours: Recommended gratuity guidance for your Tour Guide and driver will be provided prior to departure.

• Fly & Ride tours: Gratuities follow the tour operator’s policies and are outlined in your tour documents.

Smoking and e-cigarettes are not permitted at any time on American Tours packages while around fellow passengers.

Guests may enjoy alcoholic beverages responsibly where appropriate; however, intoxication or disruptive behavior is not permitted.

American Tours reserves the right to address behavior that impacts the safety, comfort, or enjoyment of the group.

Luggage allowances vary by tour type.

• Motor-Coach tours: Typically one standard suitcase and one smaller carry-on item per guest.

• Fly & Ride tours: Airline baggage policies apply, including size and weight restrictions. Guests are responsible for any airline baggage fees.

Specific luggage guidelines are provided in your tour information materials.

Yes. Many guests travel independently and enjoy the welcoming group atmosphere of American Tours.

Single accommodations are available on most tours for an additional single supplement.

American Tours specializes in group travel for active senior adults. Our itineraries, pacing, and accommodations are designed with this audience in mind.

While children are not prohibited, most multi-day tours are not designed for young travelers.

Children are best suited for:

• One-Day Tours

• Designated Grandparent / Grandchild Tours (when offered)

All travelers — regardless of age — must be capable of participating in the tour’s activity level and adhering to group travel expectations.

For international travel with minors, additional documentation may be required.

American Tours reserves the right to cancel a tour if minimum participation is not reached.

In such cases, guests will be notified and offered alternative options (if available) or a full refund of payments made for that departure.

The best way to stay informed is to:

• Visit our website — all current tours are listed online

• Sign up for our Email Newsletter for new tour announcements

• Request our Printed Travel Brochure (mailed several times per year)

Guests are responsible for their personal belongings during the tour. While we strive to ensure careful handling of luggage and property, American Tours and its travel partners cannot assume responsibility for lost, stolen, or unattended items.

American Tours (Tyler, Texas) acts as a travel and tour organizer, arranging transportation, lodging, sightseeing, and related services through independent providers.

Scope of Responsibility
American Tours is not responsible for delays, cancellations, or changes resulting from weather, traffic conditions, airline disruptions, government actions, or other circumstances beyond our control.

Tour Changes
We reserve the right to modify itineraries, accommodations, or services when necessary. Any adjustments are made with the best interest and overall experience of the group in mind.

Luggage & Personal Belongings
Guests are responsible for their personal belongings during the tour. While we strive to ensure careful handling of luggage, American Tours cannot assume responsibility for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

Tour Cancellation by American Tours
If a tour is canceled due to insufficient participation, all payments made for that departure will be fully refunded.

Right to Refuse Service
American Tours reserves the right to refuse service when necessary to maintain the safety, comfort, and overall experience of the group.