FAQs
Is Context Travel an on-site or DMC?
Context Travel operates private and small group day tours for FIT itineraries. Context tours can be booked a la carte and are often combined into multi-day itineraries (1 to 7+ days) tailored to a client's interests and schedule. We are not an on-site or DMC therefore we do not book hotels, airport transfers, restaurant reservations or fully custom packages.
We built our business to focus exclusively on connecting travelers with deep subject matter experts in their destination cities. Providing excellent tour experiences has been our sole focus for 20 years. In 2023 alone, we operated over 23,500 tours across 60 cities with a client approval rating of 95%.
We have found when advisors are booking itineraries to familiar cities, booking suppliers directly for hotels and tours can provide a more personalized and exceptional trip experience for your clients.
How do you select your guides?
Context guides are the best in the world. 80% of our guides have advanced degrees and all are professionals in their fields of expertise. Our guide network has grown from a small group of scholars in Rome to over 1,500 guides worldwide.
Our experts are not your typical tour guides: they are historians, archaeologists, chefs, architects, and artists who are deeply passionate about their cities and subjects.
We handpick and vet every guide in our Context network. Our vetting process includes three key criteria:
- Excellent English
- Proven expertise
- Hospitality
Does Context offer price transparency?
We do! Context’s website includes all of our standard tours with gross prices. Curated itineraries of our 600+ tours can be designed and priced by our client experience team.
Can I request modifications to what is listed on your site?
If you'd like to inquire about a possible modification to a tour, please chat us or email info@contexttravel.com with questions.
Can Context create custom experiences outside of what’s listed on your site?
Context tours have been created in collaboration with our expert guides over 20 years of operation. Everything about our tours, from the the venues we visit and content covered, to the times and days offered and the duration of the tour has been carefully selected to maximize the experience of your clients. And minimize the negative impacts of tourism to that site or city. We encourage advisors to recommend standard tours first as they are time tested and are in a constant state of improvement. If your client has a request beyond what is available on our site, we will offer custom bespoke itinerary planning for $5k Full Day tour cost (excluding incidentals), $500 deposit due, and which include a 45-minute Zoom planning session with guide + Client Services team member.
Does Context offer shore excursions and/or pre-and post-cruise experiences?
Yes! You can view our shore excursions here.
Context tours are also frequently booked as pre- or post-cruise experiences. Each port city is different, so be sure to contact our client experience team at info@contexttravel.com for information specific to your itinerary.
Can Context arrange transfers?
Context offers durational car services for most private tours, as well as transfers to and from tour meeting points in most locations. Car services can only be booked in relation to a tour. We do not offer airport pick-up. Read more here.
What if I recommend my clients to Context and they book direct?
Great news! Referral codes are now available! Learn more here. A lot of advisors are adding them to their signatures for easy commission.
How do I book with Context?
You can enroll directly on Context’s website by visiting our sign up page, then clicking on Travel Agent / Partner. Enter your information and select your agency. (If your agency isn’t listed, please follow the prompts). Once enrolled, you may book directly on our site on behalf of your clients. View full instructions here.
What is your cancellation policy?
For standard tours (private and small group), cancellations made at least 30 days prior to the tour date are eligible for a 100% refund (minus tickets). Cancellations made between 29 days and 48 hours before the tour date are eligible for a 50% refund (minus tickets). All sales are final within 48 hours of the tour date. Find our full policy here*.
*For tours booked prior to February 13, 2024, a previous cancellation policy will apply. Please contact info@contexttravel.com for specific questions.
What is the commission that Context offers to Travel Advisors?
Context commissions Travel Advisors starting at 10% on tours (group, private, or custom), car services, boat services, other concierge services, and digital products. We do not offer commission on tickets and tasting fees. Advisors are encouraged to reach out to take advantage of advisors-only discounts. Contact us at info@contexttravel.com for more details.
What if my client returns to Context and books without me?
Great news! Any clients you book with Context are associated with you as their advisor. And you will continue to receive commission on their direct bookings.
Does Context offer any other Travel Advisor benefits?
Yes! Advisors are offered discounts on tours and digital products. Additionally, there is a dedicated advisor sales and advisor client services team to ensure your requests are handled with extra care!
How can I stay connected with the Context advisor's team?
The advisor partner team has created a community for advisors on facebook. Join our group and keep up with all things Context, as well as shareable itineraries, travel tips and more -- perfect for social! Additionally, you can sign up for our advisors only newsletter.