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GENERAL INFORMATION
Tour Pacing
Some of our travel experiences are more strenuous or physically demanding than others. To help you decide which opportunities are most appropriate for you, we’ve added an activity level for each trip, as described below.
LEVEL 1 (Leisurely): A very leisurely pace with minimal physical activity, which might consist of climbing some stairs, boarding a motor coach, and/or walking to and from activities.
LEVEL 2 (Average Physical Activity): Recommended only if you’re in good health and able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground.
LEVEL 3 (Moderate Physical Activity): Involves longer periods of average activity; could include walking tours, walking longer distances, using stairs, and/or walking on uneven surfaces.
LEVEL 4 (Extended Physical Activity): Participants should be able to endure longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs, and periods of standing. Some tours may be longer and could take place later in the evening.
LEVEL 5 (Very Active): Participants should be physically fit to fully enjoy all activities. The itinerary may include more strenuous activities, as well as other factors like high altitudes, early morning departures, late night activities, uneven or dusty terrain, and/ or extreme temperatures. Tours in this category are likely not appropriate for individuals who use either walkers or wheelchairs.
Please note that the same conditions may not apply to every activity on an overnight trip, so please read the itinerary carefully and speak to one of our coordinators if you need more information. If a particular trip is not suited for you, a travel coordinator can help you select one that is.
Departure Locations
Departure points may vary according to the number of guests leaving from a certain area and may include locations in Davidson, DeKalb, Rutherford, Sumner, Smith, Putman, Williamson, and/or Trousdale counties in addition to the Wilson County departure points in Lebanon and Mt. Juliet.
Tour Guide Company
Sonshine Tours, Inc., owned and operated by Jimmy & Geanie Smith, conducts our overnight trips.
Worship and Devotional Activities
Each Day we have a nondenominational devotion and prayer on the motor coach, usually while in transit. Prayers are also said at some meals.
Planning for Trips
Overnight Trips
For cruises and longer trips, a planning meeting will be scheduled ahead of time to review important information such as airfare, hotel info, excursions, etc. For shorter trips, a packet of information will be mailed out two to three weeks before departure that contains information such as luggage tags, specific departure locations and times, daily itineraries, hotel/motel contact numbers, and suggestions for items to pack.
Day Trips
Information will be sent with the day’s itinerary along with pickup times and locations. Pickup locations will be determined by the number of travelers from different areas.
Luggage
Due to limited motor coach capacity, each passenger is limited to one large, sturdy bag (not to exceed 50 lbs.). Luggage will be stored in the luggage bay of the coach. A small (overnight) bag can be carried by the passenger and stored in either the overhead bins or the luggage bay of the coach. Valuables, important documents, and medications should be carried in your overnight bag, purse, or on your person. For trips that involve flying, luggage limitations may vary according to the specifications of the air carrier. Wilson Bank & Trust is not responsible for additional fees imposed by air carriers regarding baggage.
Motor Coach
All the motor coaches we use are operated by experienced drivers. The 56-seat coaches are fully equipped with air conditioning; a toilet/ washroom; video screens; overhead reading lights; clean, comfortable seating with arm and footrests; overhead bins for small carry-on bags; and tinted panoramic viewing windows. Depending on participation, some shorter trips may require the use of a smaller passenger bus/van without an onboard restroom.
Seating on the Motor Coach
On day trips, seating on the motor coach is open. On all overnight trips, daily rotation of seating provides you with a variety of views and an opportunity to meet different people along the way. We reserve the first two seats for the tour director and bank guide. People paying a single price will share a double seat with another passenger when the motor coach is filled.
Coach Courtesies
Punctuality is extremely important when traveling with a group. Each person must be seated before the coach can proceed. We request that you remain seated during city driving for your personal safety. Our motor coaches are equipped with toilets. These are typically for emergency use, because frequent stops will allow you the opportunity to use public restrooms and/or to stretch your legs.
Special Assistance
Please report any disability that requires special attention at the time the reservation is made. Wilson Bank & Trust will make every effort to meet the special needs of a disabled traveler but is not responsible for any failure to do so. We regret that our motor coaches are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. We strongly recommend that travelers who require assistance be accompanied by a physically able companion who will assume responsibility for their well-being. Some of our accommodations do not have elevators. If you need a first floor room, please let us know at the time of reservation.
Booking Airfare
Due to increased travel security, it is important that the name on your airline ticket exactly matches the name on either your driver’s license or passport. When you book a trip with us, please be sure to give us this information so we can avoid delays at the airport. Additionally, any changes to your air booking (including those caused by spelling discrepancies) could result in a change fee, penalties, or cancellation for which the bank is not responsible.
Items Not Covered in the Tour Price
Gratuity to the Tour Director
A gratuity is appreciated but should be extended on an individual basis, not as a group. The amount is always at your discretion.
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses include room service, telephone calls, and all other items of a personal nature. Also falling into this category are any additional expenses incurred due to flight delay or cancellation, weather conditions, political closures, technical faults, etc.
Personal Conduct
For the benefit of everyone on your trip, Wilson Bank & Trust reserves the right to accept or reject any participant and to remove any participant whose conduct is deemed incompatible with the interests of the other participants. No payments or incurred expenses will be refunded in the event that your vacation arrangements are terminated due to unacceptable behavior.
Smoking
In accordance with the law, no smoking is allowed on the coach. We have planned photo stops, restroom breaks, and lunch stops that allow opportunities for smoking. Many hotels in North America have imposed a 100% nonsmoking policy, and many cities have imposed nonsmoking regulations in public areas. As a standard rule, we confirm nonsmoking rooms. If you require a smoking room, please request when making reservations, but we cannot guarantee availability.
Trip Cancellation Policy
If cancellation is necessary, every effort will be made to provide either a partial or a full refund. If you cancel a trip after final payment date, no refund will be issued unless we have a waiting list. If we have a waiting list, we will do all we can to fill your space and provide a refund. Waiting lists are always available, so be sure to add your name to any trip(s) that interest you. You may get a call to join us!
Tour Cancellation and Interruption Insurance
If your dream vacation might be put on hold before departure due to sickness or a family emergency, insurance might come in handy. Insurance can be purchased to cover the following: cancellation and interruption, delays and missed connections, emergency and medical, evacuation, and baggage theft. If you elect to purchase insurance, you can go online and purchase with Allianz Travel at allianztravelinsurance.com. If you need assistance you may also reach out to Brandi Goodall. A credit or debit card will have to be used to process the payment.
Explanation of Symbols
Throughout our travel guide, you’ll notice letters at the end of each day’s agenda. These represent meals that are included in the cost of a trip, as described below: