BEFORE I BOOK
Who are AAT Kings?
Since 1912, AAT Kings has been helping people from all over the world discover and explore Australia and New Zealand from top to bottom.
With over 150 expertly crafted holiday itineraries to choose from, AAT Kings offers something for everyone. Discover bucket list destinations on a sightseeing Day Tour, escape the everyday on a 2-7 day Short Break, or experience the getaway of a lifetime on a 4-22 day fully Guided Holiday.
How many people will be on my holiday?
Depending on the holiday you choose and the time of year you’re travelling, our group sizes will vary. Guided Holidays will be a maximum of 48 guests; Short Breaks and Day Tours will be a maximum of 58 guests. So whichever holiday you choose, there is a great opportunity to mingle and make new friends.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit/debit card payments (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) and direct deposits. There is a 1% surcharge per transaction on all bookings paid by credit card.
Can I reserve a seat at the front of the coach?
To allow everyone the opportunity to enjoy seats at the front of the coach, AAT Kings has a seat rotation policy on all Guided Holidays. This means that everyone changes seats daily during the tour and means that you can meet new people throughout your journey.
It is not possible to reserve seats on Short Breaks and Day Tours.
What options do I have if I am travelling alone?
The beauty of travelling with AAT Kings is that you won't be travelling alone. You'll be travelling with a group of like-minded travellers and soon to be friends to share in the experience with. AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room.
Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost. This feature is not available on Short Breaks and Guided Holidays operated by our third-party partners.
Are your tours suited to all fitness levels?
With such a diverse range of holidays and tours, we offer sightseeing options to suit everyone. However, some will require a higher fitness level than others. If you are unsure, please check with our expert reservations team for advice before booking.
Do I need to advise AAT Kings of any special needs e.g. medication, mobility issues or serious medical conditions?
Yes, it’s essential that we know of any mobility, medical conditions, special or dietary needs you may have at the time of booking so that we can ensure, as much as possible, your needs are met on tour.
Guests requiring particular needs are welcome onboard AAT Kings Holidays providing they are accompanied by an able-bodied companion capable of providing all necessary assistance and do not require special assistance from AAT Kings personnel, or anyone else on the tour. To help you decide if a Guided Holiday will be suitable take a look at our Special Assistance Page. Prior to your booking being confirmed you will need to complete a Particular Assistance Form and return it to AAT Kings so that we can request confirmation of travel.
What if I have special dietary requirements?
Please advise us of special meal requests at the time of booking, or no later than 14 days prior to departure. Please note that while all effort is made to accommodate special dietary requirements, due to the remote locations visited, these cannot be guaranteed.
Can I travel with children?
We are more than happy to accommodate children; however, some restrictions may apply. Children are welcome on our Guided Holidays but are required to be a minimum age of 5 years.
On our Short Breaks and Day Tours we offer special infant and children’s rates – infants under 2 travel free of charge and children 2–15 years are entitled to travel at the child rate (some restrictions apply).
We do recommend that people travelling with children consider whether the itinerary is suitable, in particular the activities involved and the duration of the tour, to ensure the comfort of small children. For all tour types children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend that all guests have a travel insurance policy to ensure your peace of mind before and while travelling. As extra security we also offer Gold Seal Additional Protection on our Guided Holidays. AAT Kings Gold Seal Additional Protection can be purchased by Australian and New Zealand residents at the time of booking. Click here for full details.
What are Definite and Non-Definite Departures?
We have a selection of Definite Departures on offer to guarantee that your Guided Holiday will operate as scheduled. Some departures (Non-Definite) are not yet guaranteed to depart; AAT Kings will determine if the tour will operate no later than 6 weeks prior to departure. If the departure is withdrawn, we will work with you to offer a suitable alternative.
What are the coaches like?
On our Guided Holidays, we pride ourselves on having the finest fleet of fuel-efficient, fully air-conditioned coaches, all with reclining seats, seatbelts and restrooms. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city centre. We also have onboard Wi-Fi.
On our Short Breaks and Day Tours, our fleet varies. On the majority of these tours, the experience will be as above, however we sometimes use mini coaches to accommodate smaller groups which do not have a restroom or reclining seats.
Will I have free time?
Each itinerary offers the perfect balance of downtime and discoveries. We also give you the opportunity to tailor your trip with Optional Experiences. You might choose to enjoy a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungle Ranges or maybe a cruise to Whitehaven Beach in the heart of the Whitsundays.
Do you operate in languages other than English?
We have a dedicated Special Language Department who operate selected tours departing Ayers Rock in Japanese, German and Italian.
We also offer language audio devices for selected Short Breaks and Day Tours in Mandarin, Japanese, Italian, German, French and Spanish. If you would like more information on our language devices, please contact us on 1300 228 546 (Outside Australia +61 2 9028 5180).
Will I travel with people from other countries?
The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
What is the difference between our various holiday options?
We have a range of different holiday styles to suit your needs:
- Guided Holidays – Our fully guided touring experiences.
From 4 to 22 days, an AAT Kings Guided Holiday lets you fully explore a destination and immerse yourself in its landscape, history and culture. Our friendly Travel Directors will enhance your experience with their stories, local knowledge and sense of fun. - First Choice Guided Holidays offer premium accommodation in central locations, more meals and sightseeing inclusions plus unique 'Be My Guest’ dining experiences and wine with dinner.
- Best Buys Guided Holidays offer great value, comfortable accommodation with easy access to city centres and more free time.
- Inspiring Journeys – Immersive and boutique small group journeys.
On an Inspiring Journey we’ll introduce you to rich and immersive experiences in an intimate small group setting (maximum 20 guests). You’ll travel in luxury coaches or 4WD vehicles and stay in boutique retreats, lodges and resorts with cuisine to match.
Visit: inspiringjourneys.com
- Short Breaks – 2 to 7-day breaks with your choice of accommodation.
Short Breaks combine the must-see highlights of a destination with your choice of accommodation along with selected meals. You’ll travel with a different Driver Guide each day, so you’ll benefit from the breadth of their combined knowledge and experience. Plus, you’ll meet a different group of like-minded travellers each day.
- Day Tours – Full Day and Half Day Tours
With Day Tours across Australia including Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, Darwin, Uluru, Alice Springs, Perth and Adelaide, leave the stress of driving in an unknown city to a friendly local expert as we show you the must-see sights of the region and share our knowledge of its history and culture.
What is a Travel Director?
Our Travel Directors come from a variety of backgrounds, but they all share a passion for travel and their country. These experienced professionals guiding you on our Guided Holidays itineraries show you what the guidebooks can’t – a true insider’s perspective of each destination. Each Travel Director has been through a bespoke training program and many have at least five years’ experience under their belt.
What is a Driver Guide?
On our wide range of Short Breaks and Day Tours, a passionate regional expert will join you as your reliable Driver and tour guide.
BEFORE I GO
Are airport transfers included?
If you are travelling on a Guided Holiday, AAT Kings includes an airport transfer at the start and end of your tour, or in conjunction with pre or post accommodation booked with AAT Kings. We ask you advise your travel agent or our reservations team of your flight details at least 6 weeks prior to departure so airport transfers can be booked.
We can also arrange airport transfers, at an additional cost, for Short Breaks.
We do not offer airport transfers for our Day Tours.
Will I need a passport?
Passports are needed when travelling outside of your home country. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip.
Will I need a visa?
You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks prior to your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your Travel Agent and the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
Visitors from visa-waiver countries must request an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to coming to New Zealand. You may also have to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). For more information on the ETA and IVL, visit Immigration New Zealand.
How much luggage can I bring?
You can bring one suitcase per person with the approximate dimensions of 76cm x 46cm x 25cm (30” x 18” x 10”) and weight not exceeding 23 kg (50 lbs) due to the limited space on the coach. We suggest you have wheels on your suitcase, as there are certain places where assistance is not available (e.g. airports, railway stations and cruise terminals). You may also bring a backpack or day pack to take on the coach.
Passengers booked on a small group tour operated by Heritage Tours are only permitted to carry a small soft carry bag (30x30x70cm) with a maximum weight of 10kg, plus a small day pack.
If you are travelling on a Day Tour, we may be able to accommodate some luggage depending on the tour, but this is not guaranteed.
Is luggage handling provided?
Porterage is included at hotels on all AAT Kings Guided Holidays. One suitcase per person will be delivered to your room.
Do I need to tip my Travel Director or Driver Guide?
While it’s not compulsory in Australia or New Zealand, tipping is becoming an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry. Tipping is on a voluntary individual basis, with a guideline of $5 per person per day, to your Travel Director and Driver Guide at the end of your holiday.
What meals will be included?
On our Guided Holidays, all breakfasts and many dinners (quality buffet or a la carte) are included. There are some meals we intentionally don’t include, like lunches and some dinners, to give you the flexibility to explore in your free time and try all kinds of local cuisine.
Breakfast generally comprises of cereals, fruit juices and a selection of cooked dishes such as eggs, bacon and sausages, plus toast, preserves, tea and coffee. Dinner is accompanied by dessert options and tea and coffee.
On our First Choice Guided Holidays we also include special Highlight Dinners, like a barbecue dinner under the stars at Uluru or a traditional Maori Hangi feast. Our ‘Be My Guest’ dining experiences give guests unique meal experiences, with the opportunity to feel the true essence of a destination through its history, its locals and its produce.
Lunch is provided on some Day Tours and is an optional extra on others. Please refer to the tour itinerary for full details on your selected tours.
To allow for maximum flexibility and choice, our Short Breaks packages do not include meals unless specified in your itinerary.
What do I need to bring?
A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, weatherproof jacket, a water bottle and good walking shoes are a good starting point for all our holidays.
What clothing to bring will depend on your personal preferences, the destinations you are visiting and the time of year you are travelling (for example, insect repellent in the Northern Territory). You should also take into consideration the activities and outings you will be going on. We generally recommend casual, lightweight, drip-dry clothing, which requires little or no ironing.
Laundry facilities are available at most of the places we stay, however, take enough clothing to last for about a week. Most people dress casually throughout the day, however, for the occasional evening out, you might want to pack something a little more formal.
How and when will I receive travel documents?
Guided Holidays:
We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.
Short Breaks and Day Tours:
E-documents will be emailed to you within 24 hours of full payment being made.
How do I register with My Travel Portal?
Every travel moment counts and to ensure that your trip runs seamlessly, as well as making sure we can contact you in the unlikely event of an emergency, we require all our guest to register before they travel. This is easily done on My Travel Portal.
When will I receive my e-Documentation?
Once registered, you’ll be able to unlock your travel documents approximately 3 weeks prior to departure on My Travel Portal.
Do I need to reconfirm my reservation?
Yes, we recommend that you do reconfirm Short Breaks and Day Tours 24 hours prior to departure, just in case your departure or pickup time has changed, and we’ve been unable to get in touch with you.
There is no need to reconfirm your Guided Holiday. Please refer to your documentation for meeting instructions or pick-up information or give us a call.
To reconfirm your reservation in Australia, or to ask us any last-minute questions, please call 1300 228 546 (Outside Australia +61 2 9028 5180) (Opening hours: 6:30am to Midnight 7 days a week).
ON THE ROAD
What are Optional Experiences and when can I book them?
We realise that everyone likes some time to themselves, which is why we’ve left free time on all our itineraries. If you want to get the most out of your destination, our Optional Experiences let you tailor your trip your way. Your Travel Director will tell you about all the Optional Experiences available on the first day of your trip. Payment can be made by credit card.
Are tours affected by Easter, Christmas or other Public Holidays?
Our tours operate during public holidays and festivals around Australia and New Zealand, but occasionally minor changes to the standard itinerary may be required. Retail shops, banks, museums and other commercial businesses could be closed, but your Travel Director will ensure you are well advised in case of special holidays or public holiday trading.
What if I arrive late and miss a part of the trip?
It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.
Check with your travel agent or our reservations staff for the starting time of your tour to ensure you allow time to connect into the city where your tour commences. We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a trip, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
What if I become ill on my trip and am unable to continue?
Your Travel Director will assist you in making a doctor's appointment or getting to a hospital should you require. Our Operations Department in Australia or New Zealand will contact you to offer assistance and advice and keep in touch until you are able to re-join the trip or return home. This service is included in the cost of your trip; however, it is not a replacement for travel insurance, which we strongly advise you to purchase.
Will I need electrical adapters?
Electrical plugs and outlets differ throughout the world. We recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor that’s suitable for Australia and New Zealand if coming from overseas.
For more information on power plugs in Australia and New Zealand, visit here.
Will I be able to get laundry done?
Many hotels have laundries with washing machines and dryers. It is recommended you use these facilities at hotels where you have two-night stays.
Do I need to bring water with me?
On our Guided Holidays, prior to your departure you will be provided with a reusable water bottle that can be refilled on the coach.
On Short Breaks and Day Tours, we suggest you pack a refillable water bottle, so you always have one on hand plus you’re helping the environment at the same time.
It is recommended you carry plenty of drinking water, particularly in warmer climates. Some Northern Territory holidays require you to carry a minimum quantity of drinking water for your safety and comfort, and you will not be able to participate in some tour activities if this minimum requirement is not met.
How often do we stop?
On travelling days, you will stop every 2 to 3 hours at a rest stop where you will have access to food and facilities or for sightseeing, activities or free time.
Can I stay on the coach when we stop if I am feeling tired?
For security reasons the coach must be empty and locked at every stop. Please see your Travel Director or Driver Guide if any assistance is required to locate a rest spot.
Are there bathroom facilities on the coach?
On our Guided Holidays, we pride ourselves on having the finest fleet of fuel-efficient, fully air-conditioned coaches, all with reclining seats, seatbelts and restrooms.
On our Short Breaks and Day Tours, our fleet can vary, and mini coaches are sometimes used to accommodate smaller groups. These mini coaches do not have a restroom or reclining seats.
Can I smoke on the coach?
There is a no smoking policy when onboard the coach. We do, however, make plenty of comfort stops.
Can I charge my devices on the coach?
On our Guided Holidays, USB charging ports are provided for guests to charge their devices. On our Day Tours and Short Breaks, this experience may vary if mini coaches are used to accommodate smaller groups.
Is there onboard Wi-Fi?
We pride ourselves on having the finest fleet of fuel-efficient, fully air-conditioned coaches, with on board Wi-Fi for our guests’ convenience.
