Welcome to our FAQs page. Here you will find answers to some of our most commonly asked questions. If you still have a question that the FAQs did not address, please feel free to contact us and one of our staff will be happy to assist you.
Q: Why should I choose Paradise Parties Spring Break Vacations?
A: The Best Trips. The Lowest Prices. Great Service. Incredible people.
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Q: How do I become a Campus Rep?
A: To become a Campus Rep, you must apply either by calling us at 1-877-GO-PARADISE or by filling out this online application.
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Q: How do I get a Tour Participant Agreement?
A: The Tour Participant Agreement (TPA) can be downloaded from this site or can be sent to you via fax or mail. See to our Downloads page for more details.
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Q: How much will my Spring Break package cost?
A: Packages can start as low as $399! Prices vary by destination, hotel accommodations, and other factors, so for an accurate assessment of what your package will cost, we suggest you call us at 1-877-GO-PARADISE. Be assured that our rates are some of the most competitive in the industry! Paradise Parties brings in thousands of students each season to each of our featured destinations; thus allowing us to continue our partnerships with some of the most respected names in airlines, hotels, and others, helping us ensure better rates for you.
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Q: How do I book a trip? Where do I start?
A: If you have already decided where you want to go, then visit our hotels page for that destination and choose a hotel. After that, call us and we'll make all the arrangements and answer all your questions. If you are undecided about where to go and need more information, call us! We'll be happy to recommend a destination based on your budget and interests.
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Q: What is included in my Paradise Parties Spring Break Vacations package?
A: Included in your package will be the following:
- Round Trip Flight (Mexico, Nassau, Jamaica only)
- 7 nights hotel accommodations
- Round trip transfers between airport and hotel*
- Offices in each destination at your service while on vacation
- Welcome orientation by Paradise Parties Spring Break Vacations staff upon your arrival
- Complete offering of optional activities including Party Cruises, Theme Parties, and much, much more!
- Professional staff on location 24 hours a day in each destination
- All service charges and gratuities (except government departure taxes and fees)
*Air only & Land only packages do NOT include transfers
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Q: Are my meals included in the package?
A: We do offer meals as an early booking incentive for certain packages. However, we also offer optional meal plans - (in addition to Paradise Parties Spring Break Vacations discounts) - for students who would like them. You choose. Either way, your week at a premier resort will allow you to try some great meals!
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Q: Are there other fees I should know about?
A: Yes. There are departure taxes that currently range from $47-$78 departure tax and a $10 processing fee. These are included in your total package price (BAHAMAS ONLY: there is a $15 departure tax that is payable upon departure in Nassau that is NOT included). A breakdown of these fees and charges for your destination is available from Paradise Parties Spring Break Vacations upon request.
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Q: What if I find a better price for the same package?
A: You won't. We are so confident of that - If you find a trip similar to ours within 10 days of making your reservation, offered at a lower price, we will not only match their price but also give you discount equal to an amount of 150% of the difference (For International destinations only). That is Paradise Parties' PRICE BUSTER PROTECTION!!!
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Q: Is my money protected?
A: Yes, it's the law!! D.O.T. regulations require every charter company to protect your trip payments. Paradise Parties Spring Break Vacations makes sure your payments are protected in part by a surety bond that we have obtained from Star Insurance, 26600 Telegraph Rd., Suite 300, Southfield, MI 48034. And all trip payments are held in escrow at Atlantic Bank of New York, 2 World Trade Center, 106th Floor, New York, NY 10048.
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Q: Do I need a Passport?
A: Not necessarily. To travel to Mexico, Jamaica or Bahamas you will need either:
- A Passport or...
- A CERTIFIED copy of your birth certificate AND a valid government issued photo ID (NOTE: A school issued ID is NOT a valid form of identification).
If you do not have either of these types of identification do not procrastinate. These documents can take as much as a month to receive?ome times longer! You will need your documents at the airport - so don't pack them in your suitcase! Failure to bring the proper ID will result in your being denied boarding at the airport and forfeiture of your entire trip!
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Q: What if I am not a U.S. citizen?
A: If you are not a U.S. citizen, it is your responsibility to contact your local consulate to secure the necessary documents needed to travel to your chosen destination. Failure to bring the proper documentation will result in your being denied boarding at the airport and the forfeiture of your entire trip.
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Q: What if I will not be 18 years old at the time of my trip?
A: If you will be under the age of 18 at the time of your trip, the government also requires a notarized letter from BOTH parents/legal guardians permitting them to travel outside the U.S. (Both parents must sign and the letter must be notarized even if they are separated or divorced). Failure to bring the proper documentation will result in your being denied boarding at the airport and the forfeiture of your entire trip! Click here to download a pre-written "Minor Authorization to Travel Letter" now!
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Q: When do I get trip confirmations and travel documents?
A: The lead person for each room receives all correspondence for the room including confirmations, invoices, tickets and correspondence. If we have a current e-mail address you will instantly receive your trip confirmation and you will receive your travel documents the instant they are available (approximately 5-10 days prior to departure), otherwise you should start watching your mailbox 5-10 days prior to your departure. All mail is sent via 1st Class mail. Tickets are sent 5-10 days before the trip (as long as everyone in your room is paid in full). If you are the lead person for your room, be sure to share updated information with your roommates ASAP. If you are not the lead person for your room, be sure to keep in touch with all your roommates for the most up to date information. Instant email confirmation when booked on-line.
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Q: Are hotel security deposits required?
A: Most hotels require a REFUNDABLE deposit for each room and you will need to make that deposit at check-in. (It is not included in your package cost). Normally, the deposits range from $50-$100, and are fully refundable if there is no damage to the room or unpaid hotel charges. Be prepared, SOME HOTELS ACCEPT CASH ONLY!
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Q: What airline will I fly on?
A: Most likely you will be on one of our charter flights with Allegro airlines (PC#00-335). Allegro is one of the most highly regarded charter flight companies and any charter airlines flying in the U.S. is subject to the same maintenance rules and inspections put forth by the FAA. In some instances, however, you will be flown on a scheduled airline or seats that we have purchased on another charter airline.
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Q: Is it a direct flight?
A: Although we do not guarantee a direct and/or non-stop flight, most of our travelers will be on a direct, non-stop charter flight from their chosen departure city to their destination.
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Q: When will we get our flight times?
A: You will get your flight times with your travel documents 5-10 days prior to your departure.
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Q: What happens when I get off the plane?
A: As soon as you clear Customs and Immigration, you will be greeted by our on-site staff who will direct you to the waiting transfer buses*, which will whisk you away to the "Welcome Briefing." This is where you will get the low down on your destination - emergency contacts, event schedules, location of events, etc. And then it's on to your hotel! (*Does not apply to passengers with "air only" or "land only" packages. These passengers should check in at the Paradise Parties Spring Break Vacations Student Center at their hotel).
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Q: How much spending money do I need?
A: All destinations are different; some are more affordable than others. For example in Mazatlan the average spending for the week is about $200-$300 were as in the Bahamas it's about $500-$600. Everybody has different spending habits and students should use their own judgment in deciding how much money to take for the week. Some students can get by on $250 while others need much more. Our experience has been that on average, most students need approximately $300-$400 for food and activities for the week.
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Q: Should I take cash or travelers' checks?
A: Paradise Parties Spring Break Vacations suggests a combination, while you will need some cash during travel and upon arrival, for security reasons we suggest that you keep the bulk of your spending money as travelers' checks. Then only cash enough to get you through a day or two at a time. This keeps your spending money safe and will prevent you from having to re-convert funds back to U.S. dollars. ATM's are available in all our destinations but you might want to check with you bank if yours will work in your destination.
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Q: Tell me more about the events.
A: Every Paradise Parties Spring Break Vacations member is a VIP at all of the fine restaurant and club establishments we associate with on site. In addition to that, Paradise Parties Spring Break Vacations has combined the most popular parties, events and activities into one exclusive Party Passport at a highly discounted rate. Party Passports will be available for purchase at your Welcome Party where you will also receive your Paradise Parties Spring Break Vacations wristband.
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Q: How are roommates assigned?
A: All Paradise Parties Spring Break Vacations students get to pick their own roommates. We want you to have the best vacation possible! The lead person in the room is responsible to distribute information, receive mailings and to make sure that the arrangements are in order. Talk to your roommates frequently to make sure you're all still "on the same page."
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Q: What happens if I register now but am late paying for the trip?
A: Not a good idea! We try to help but airlines, hotels and travel companies have tremendous demand during spring travel season and space is limited. Therefore, reservations not paid in full at the due date may be subjected to a late fee and may be cancelled (you lose your deposit and everything). Once a reservation is cancelled, we cannot guarantee space is available so if you choose to reinstate your reservation, you may be waitlisted, and there is a minimum $30 fee for the transaction. Trust us - as the trip approaches, it's more fun to be planning your time in paradise with friends than wondering if you have a seat on the plane.
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Q: What should I pack?
A: Everyone travels differently. For some, a swimsuit and pair of sandals is about all that's needed. Other students plan to leave the beach at least some of the time and pack a bigger variety of clothes! While there are nights where you will want to dress to impress there is no reason to bring your best jewelry and $1000 watch. If there is something that you would be really upset if you lost, then leave it at home! REMEMBER: The air carriers allow each traveler to bring up to two (2) pieces of luggage each measuring no more than 62" for a maximum of 44 lbs. of total baggage, plus one carry on bag that can fit under the seat in front of you. (We will send a complete list of Travel Tips and packing suggestions with your tickets).
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Q: Is travel protection available?
A: Yes, and we strongly encourage you to purchase the $35 Spring Break Travel Protection that provides reimbursement (up to a specific amount) for hospital and medical expenses, emergency transportation, your investment in the trip if you cancel, lost and damaged baggage, flight delay costs etc. We think it is a very smart decision for you. We will automatically bill you for the insurance, which you must decline by writing or e-mailing us at vacation@paradiseparties.com exact details about this important coverage are included with your Confirmation Package.
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Q: What if I have to cancel or change my reservation?
A: Changes are no problem as long as our suppliers can accommodate the request. We can't guarantee your request can be accommodated but we will make every effort on your behalf. (There is a minimum $30 fee for changes and in some cases there will be a penalty applied by the supplier). Adding a roommate is not considered a change. Once reserved, your cancellation request must be made in writing. You are entitled to receive a full refund less your deposit and non-refundable fees if Paradise Parties Spring Break Vacations receives written notice of cancellation by your final payment due date. No refunds are made if written cancellation request is received after final payment due date. Unfortunately, in the travel business, suppliers require non-refundable payments and as we cannot receive a refund, we are unable to provide our customers with one. As a reminder, the Travel Protection policy provides coverage for certain types of cancellations.
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Q: Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
A: Yes. Customers may transfer an active reservation to another party by calling or e-mailing our Customer Care Department at 1-877-GO-PARADISE or vacation@paradiseparties.com. An administrative charge for transfers will apply (Minimum $40).
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Q: Does Paradise Parties Spring Break Vacations supply chaperones?
A: No, but our staff will be on location to assist you - 24 hours a day. Paradise Parties Spring Break Vacations views its student travelers as responsible adults. A complete orientation will be given to all travelers upon arrival at their hotel and includes what to do in case of emergency, how to find our staff (we wear distinctive Paradise Parties Spring Break Vacations shirts and are available at the Welcome Center Office in designated hotels) and other important information.
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Q: Does the school or school district sponsor my trip?
A: No. Schools are not sponsors of the trips nor responsible for them or liability stemming from them. Paradise Parties Spring Break Vacations enjoys great relationships with schools all over the United States and we are very grateful to them for their confidence in us and to allow us to approach students regarding vacation travel.
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Q: Do I need any shots to travel out of the country?
According the Center for Disease Control (CDC) there are no required shots needed for travel to any of the current destinations Paradise Parties Spring Break Vacations offers. For more information you can visit the CDC website yourself at: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/destinat.htm
Q: Do I need a passport?
As of January 23, 2009, everybody, including U.S. citizens, traveling by AIR into the United States is required to present a valid passport or other accepted travel document. This applies to passengers traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
Passports are NOT needed for Mazatlan Bus trip or Bahamas Party Cruise.
Land and Sea crossings, such as the Mazatlan Bus trip or Bahamas Party Cruise, only require a CERTIFIED copy of your birth certificate AND a valid government issued photo ID (NOTE: A school issued ID is NOT a valid form of identification).
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