Here are answers to some frequently asked questions - if you can't find the answer to your question please contact Sisterhood Central on 1300 885 255.
What makes SWT different from other tour companies?
Sisterhood Women's Travel offers small group adventures just for women. We are a community of women brought together through our love of travel and new friendships. Whether it be an event, a mini-break or whilst on tour, we offer a supportive and encouraging environment for women to travel in. From the well-travelled to the first time traveller we believe that having someone likeminded to share experiences with helps to make your trip even more memorable. Travellers also have the services of an experienced hostess from Sisterhood who is on hand to take care of any personal needs whilst on tour. We hold a meet and greet session prior to all tours to give you the opportunity to meet their fellow travellers and swap travel tips etc.
What is your average group size?
Our average group size for a Pop Up Tour or Escorted Tour is 12. Our maximum is 16 but we can travel with under 10 depending on the destination. We don't have a limit for our Mini Breaks.
What if I book on a tour by myself but I would be happy to share a room with someone?
When travelling alone a great way to keep your costs down and make new friends is to be prepared to share a room with another traveller. We are unable to guarantee that your roommate will be of a similar age group or personality but it can be an enjoyable way to travel and could mean the start of a great friendship. Of course, if you prefer a room to yourself the single supplement will apply. If we are unable to find you a roommate the single supplement will apply. SWT takes no responsibility for any mismatch of passengers and will not be liable for any additional charges incurred for changing room configuration whilst on tour.
What style of touring do you offer?
We have two styles of touring:
Pop Up Tours
An option for more independent, active travellers - Designed to include return airfares from any city in Australia (upgrades available POA), accommodation including breakfast, transfers and orientation city sightseeing tours not to mention friends for company - the rest of the itinerary is up to you. You can enjoy free time for shopping, sightseeing or pampering the choice is yours and your Sisterhood Tour Manager will be on hand to facilitate any additional arrangements you'd like to enjoy during your Sisterhood Pop Up Experience! Usually longer stays at each destination to really give you the cultural feel of a place. You will need to be independent, active and be able to manage your own luggage whilst on any of our Pop Up tours.
Fully Escorted Inclusive Tours
This is the style of travelling that we are well known for - The personal service of a Sisterhood Hostess and a more structured itinerary for those who are new to travel or not as confident in making their own arrangements. A small group experience with more sightseeing inclusions and more meals included to encourage a group atmosphere. A basic level of fitness is required (see our terms and conditions) and we'll give you the encouragement and support you need to get out of your comfort zone a little.
Is Travel Insurance Compulsory
Full Comprehensive Travel Insurance is compulsory for all of our Sisterhood Tours. We offer competitive insurance premiums and if you are a member you can save up to 20% on your insurance policy when booking a SWT tour. You are welcome to source your own travel insurance but please ensure that you receive adequate coverage, particularly cancellation and medical cover. We will require a copy of your policy and your 24/7 emergency contact number. Unfortunately, we cannot take responsibility for any traveller who is found to have been underinsured or has not insured any pre-existing adequately.
I have a friend in Brisbane who would like to join one of your tours. How can she do this?
All of our tours depart from Melbourne, Tullamarine Airport. It may be possible to depart from a different city depending on airline schedules and availability. As we are also award-winning travel agents backed by ATAS (AFTA Travel Agent Accreditation Scheme) we are more than happy to assist with connecting flights and pre/post tour accommodation at Melbourne airport. We depart from Melbourne as a group accompanied by a SWT tour hostess who is there from day one to ensure that your travel experience is enjoyable and hassle-free. If you are interested in continuing on your travels after your Sisterhood tour we are happy to arrange.
What is your average age group?
On average our travellers are aged 55 plus. We have had mothers and daughters, friends and grandmothers travel with us. If you are over 18, fit, healthy and have a zest for life, we welcome you. From experience it is amazing travelling with women of all ages, you can certainly learn a thing or two! A minimum level of fitness is required to enjoy our tours. As a minimum, you will need to be able to walk 2km on uneven ground, carry your own luggage and walk up a few flights of stairs. We rely on the honest information you provide on your Fit to Travel Form completed as part of your booking form and have the right to remove any traveller who does not meet this criteria.
What if I want to extend my trip after your Sisterhood tour?
A great advantage of Sisterhood is that because we are also award-winning travel agents backed by ATAS (AFTA Travel Agent Accreditation Scheme), we work with a huge range of reputable suppliers to assist with planning any SWT tour add ons. Generally, so long as you depart with our group it is certainly possible to return separately but please be aware that as much as we would love to remain with you, your SWT tour hostess will return home with the group.
What if you are not going to a destination I'm interested in?
We would love to be able to organise tours to suit everyone, but that would mean a lot of tours! We do take into account places where ladies have expressed interest in, but as our tours usually operate on a minimum 10, we need to ensure that there is 'a lot' of interest in the destination before we make a tour available. If you have a group of travellers interested in a particular destination that SWT does not offer, please allow us to utilise our award-winning travel agency skills in putting together your own tour.
What does minimum numbers mean?
All tours are subject to minimum numbers. If a tour falls below the minimum number required for a fully escorted tour, SWT reserves the right to offer the tour escorted by a local guide upon arrival to your destination. If SWT cancels a tour due to lack of numbers a full refund is offered or transfer to another tour. Should a tour be cancelled, SWT cannot assume any responsibility for any additional costs relating to travel arrangements including travel insurance.
What if you don't reach your tour numbers - do I get my money back?
If it is two words we love it is BOOKED OUT! Certainly, from time to time unfortunately tours are cancelled due to lack of numbers. In this instance, a full refund or transfer to another tour is offered. As we are award-winning travel agents backed by ATAS (AFTA Travel Agent Accreditation Scheme) we will happily assist in offering alternative arrangements for you to enable you to still travel.
I know it says women only but can my husband come?
We are the first women-only tour company to have been granted an exemption from the Equal Opportunity Act 1995, so unfortunately your husband is unable to join us. But don't despair, we are happy to arrange a similar itinerary for both of you as we are also award-winning retail travel agents.
What if something happens on tour and I need help?
A great benefit of our tours is that as we are a small group tour operator, our passenger to hostess ratio is fantastic. Your tour hostess is happy to make herself available to discuss any concerns you have whilst on tour. Our SWT hostess is in constant contact with the ground operators and Sisterhood Central back in Australia and will certainly do her best to ensure that your tour is hassle-free and enjoyable.
What if I change my mind after booking can I get a refund?
As we are small group operators the difference between 10 and 9 passengers can often mean the difference between a tour departing or being cancelled due to lack of numbers. For this reason, we have strict cancellation fees. Please refer to our booking conditions for more information. This is why travel insurance is so important and when considering travelling with Sisterhood Women's Travel please factor in the importance of full comprehensive travel insurance when considering your tour options.
Can I just book the tour and arrange my own airfare?
Our policy is so long as we have reached our minimum number required for each tour then a land only costing can be provided (subject to availability). It will then be the expectation that you will join our SWT tour at our joining hotel and be responsible for all transfers both arriving and departing. In the event of a tour cancellation due to a lack of numbers, SWT cannot take responsibility for costs relating to any independently made travel arrangements.