FAQ

GENERAL

What is MultiCityTrips?

MultiCityTrips is a hybrid travel service and lifestyle company, specializing in multi-destination travel and complex itinerary vacation packages to Europe and other destinations across the globe. Our journeys are designed exclusively for independent travelers, by independent travelers. We create all-in-one multi-city, air inclusive vacation package deals that come with fully personalized travel experiences.

All vacation packages at MultiCityTrips are designed with the traveler in mind, and are crafted by experienced multi-city travelers and destination experts who have first-hand knowledge of the cities and countries you’ll visit. Everything we create is specific to you, and is based on your specific traveling needs and preferences.

Who should consider trip planning with MultiCityTrips?

Traveling is generally expensive, especially when traveling internationally to multiple cities and countries in one trip. Multi-destination trips are complex, often proving to be overwhelmingly complicated and difficult to plan, especially for first timers. It requires extensive knowledge, advanced research and an awful lot of your time. If it’s not planned correctly, your trip can end up costing a lot more than you had hoped for. On top of that, we’re often restricted by time (most of us can, or prefer to, take 1-2 weeks off from work), the costs of the trip are sky-high, and we start to feel uncomfortable when we’re thrown into the unknown. Where should we go? Where should we stay? How do we get from point A to point B? All of these factors can keep us away from exploring and experiencing some of Europe’s (and the rest of the world’s) most amazing destinations.

If you are experiencing these problems as independent travelers and escorted tour or organized group tour is NOT your thing, we’re here to help every step of the way!

Why MultiCityTrips is better solution for my next multi-city trip vs. other travel sites?

Unlike anything else you see out there, our package deals are designed specifically to meet multi-city travel needs to Europe, as well as other destinations around the globe. What makes us stand out is our perfect blend of incredible value, best-in-class travel technology and a human touch. With us, you get a fully personalized travel experience with 100% custom trip planning, expert booking services and in-destination support included in each and every package deal we create!

Our industry expertise and direct travel experience in the destinations we offer mean we know exactly how to craft the perfect vacation package for you, while reducing the overall cost of your trip.

We take care of the hard parts – the researching, extensive planning and booking processes – so all you have to do is enjoy a fun-filled journey of a lifetime, taking in the best things to see, do, eat and drink along the way.

If I am not ready to travel or unsure if I can travel, is it possible to still begin work on my package and plan my future trip now and book later?

Yes, with us there is no pressure to book immediately! We encourage you to start planning and get your package filled with everything needed for your trip (flights, hotels, transportation and activities) so we can organize your tailor-made itinerary down to the finest detail now. Then, come back to give us the green light to book your trip whenever you feel ready to do so. We’ll hold on to your vacation package even if it’s another year or two from now! If anything changes, we can adjust and update your trip at any time before booking with no additional fee.

We believe that by providing you with the flexibility to book when you want to,  the risk of trip cancellation or other future unexpected events is minimized. The hassle of non-refundable items products when plans change, caused by reasons within or beyond your control, is taken away too.

What is the difference between custom trip planning vs. pre-designed packages?

The custom trip planning option is inclusive of all trip planning, a custom-made daily itinerary, all booking, and in-destination support. You can add as many cities and countries as you wish, and we can help plan your trip with as much or as little detail as you would like based on your interests, preferences, who you’re traveling with, and your budget. Your personal travel experience will be crafted uniquely for you by experienced multi-city travel experts. The custom trip planning option is just $75 per day for Standard, $95 per day for Luxe, and is suitable for custom trip planning for up to 4 travelers traveling on the same trip.

Our pre-designed packages offer multi-city trips, a daily itinerary and flights, hotels, transfers, transportation between cities as well as some activities already pre-selected as a starting point. Once you select a package, we further customize your selection to fit your travel requirements. You can add components such as local tours, activities, travel insurance, and more. With a pre-designed package, you pay a flat service fee of $595 per trip for the Standard level or $795 per trip for the Luxe level, and it covers up to 4 travelers traveling on the same journey.

Regardless of which option you choose, you get the best value package deal that includes all trip planning, booking, and in-destination support.

What is the difference between Standard vs. Luxe?

Luxe packages include business or first class flights only, four and 5-star accommodations, private or luxury transfers, and transportation. The experiences and activities for the Luxe package are based on interests and preferences but are more upscale and luxurious.

Luxe pricing for our custom planning service is $95/day or $795/trip for one of our pre-designed packages. Both prices are for up to 4 travelers.

Standard packages include economy, economy light, premium economy or basic class flights, 3-4 star accommodations, standard transfers, and transportation. The experiences and activities offered on these packages are standard experiences based on your interests and preferences.

Standard pricing for our custom planning service is $75/day or $595/trip for one of our pre-designed packages. Both prices are for up to 4 travelers.

 

What if don't need airfare or hotels included in my package?

No pressure. If you don’t need airfare to be included in your trip, simply let us know during the submission process. We can still include flight information (as well as any e-tickets and vouchers), or anything you’ve already arranged on your own into your tailor-made itinerary. This way, you will have everything for your trip all in one place, regardless of whether we booked it for you or not.

Who designs my multi-city trip?

All vacation packages at MultiCityTrips are designed with the traveler in mind and are crafted by experienced multi-city travelers and destination experts. They have first-hand knowledge of the cities and countries you’ll visit. Everything we create is specific to you and is based on your specific traveling needs and preferences.

Can I use the tailor-made itinerary and personalizing services that are part of the package without booking?

Yes, that’s no problem at all. If you have already arranged or booked your own flight, hotel or anything at all and do not need us to assist with any booking or reservation, you can still enjoy the rest of the services provide by the package you selected without booking with us. Please note however that the planning fees for the package you select do not change regardless if you decide to use us for the booking or not.

What if plan to travel multiple times a year, do I get discount?

If you or your loved ones travel at least 2-3 times, or about 15 days per year combined, within Europe, the US and other continents, you might want to consider an annual subscription to our Insider Club. The Insider Club offers trip planning for an unlimited amount of journeys, with massive deals and discounts.

You pay no extra fees, whether using our custom trip planning service or pre-designed packages. We offer booking services and all in-destination support for the entire year. Up to 4 travelers can join and take advantage of the same membership account. The more you travel, the more value you get out of your membership. To learn more about this membership option and its exclusive benefits, please see our “Insider Club” section.

Do you offer multi-city trip outside Europe?

Yes, while multi-city trips within Europe make up nearly 80% of our current package deals and trips we offer at the moment, our knowledge of multi-destination travel and complex itineraries expands far beyond Europe. We give the same attention to these fantastic journeys regardless of whether they are within or outside of Europe. Only experienced multi-city/destination experts with knowledge of those destinations will craft your trip!

Please note, however, that for destinations outside Europe, we currently have limited numbers of pre-designed packages available in our Marketplace. This might change in the future, depending on demand. For now, if you don’t find what you are looking for in our Marketplace, please use the “Custom Planning” option for multi-destination trips outside Europe.

What is MultiCityTrips planning options & pricing?

The custom trip planning option is just $75 per day for Standard, $95 per day for Luxe, and is suitable for custom trip planning for up to 4 travelers traveling together on the same trip.

With a pre-designed package, you pay a flat service fee of $595 per trip for Standard, $795 per trip for Luxe, and it is suitable for up to 4 travelers traveling together on the same journey.

If you are thinking about visiting multiple destinations throughout Europe for 30 days or longer, we have a custom trip planning option available for only $55 per day!  Also, in the case that some of those days are required less or no planning, for example, you would like to spend a week in the Algarve region to relax and do nothing, please let us know. You might be eligible for up to a 30% discount depending on the complexity of your trip. Please contact one of our destination experts for more detail.

For more information, please see our pricing page.

Do I pay for the actual cost of my trip in advance?

No, the only upfront and non-refundable payment is the planning fee, which depends on the option and comfort level you select. This payment is to be made during the submission process, or at the time you complete the travel questionnaire.

Custom Planning: $55/Day for 30 days or longer trips (with possible up to 30% discount depending on the complexity of the trip), $75/day for the Standard package, and $95/day for the Luxe package (price for up to 4 travelers)

Pre-designed Packages:$595/trip for Standard or $795/Trip for Luxe (price for up to 4 travelers)

The cost of your trip is separate from this planning fee, and you will not pay the cost of your trip until the time of booking, which is after your final review of your custom itinerary. You won’t proceed with booking until you are comfortable with the cost of the trip.

How do I give your trip planning services or a vacation package as a gift?

You can purchase our services as a gift here. Gift vouchers can be redeemed against the cost of our custom trip planning services, pre-designed packages, and Insider Club membership fees.

PLANNING FEE

Why do you have a "planning fee"?

The planning fee allows us to fully focus on you and your travel needs. It’s the key reason we’re able to reduce the overall cost of your dream trip by up to 50% or more compared to DIY and other vacation package options out there!

If you are familiar with travel agent and commission-based models, you might already realize that we’re quite different from that…and choosing the fee-based approach is one of the reasons why.

MultiCityTrips is not driven by commission or markups whatsoever. We create trips the same way we would create our own, and we would never create a package that we wouldn’t love to book ourselves. The planning fee approach allows us the freedom to offer more value to you and your trip, all while reducing the cost significantly compared to a commission-based model.

Here is how a fee-based approach benefits you and why we decided to use one:

  1. Our packages are 100% tailor-made and crafted in house, not pre-packaged trips put together by other providers. Our travel experts choose the most relevant products for your trip, which we source and book directly with suppliers on your behalf. There are no middlemen or mark-ups, so the price we see is what we present to you. Nothing more. The packages sold by travel agents are typically more expensive because there are multiple mark-ups.

  2. We love transparent pricing, so we share the breakdown of how much each travel component costs. This means you’ll know how everything adds up to the total cost of your package. Being transparent is as important to us as we know it’s important to you. With travel agent and commission-based models, you typically can only see the total price of the packaged trip.

  3. We provide maximum flexibility and customization of your trip. We work with your schedules, budget, preferences and handpick what is best for your travel needs and interests. We do not operate on a limited portfolio, meaning we can customize anything. We can book any activity, hotel, driver, and can personalize your travel to the finest detail. With travel agent and commission-based models, there is limited or no customization because it’s typically a group trip where you can buy spot(s) on an existing tour, scheduled to depart on a specific date.

  4. Our travel experts/destination specialists can provide direct end-to-end support based on the destinations selected for your trip. Only experienced multi-city travelers with first-hand knowledge of the destinations we offer craft your vacation package. With travel agent and commission-based models, you typically work with the same travel agent regardless of the destination.

How do I know you got me a good package deal compare to other travel sites that doesn't charge a planning fee?

Well, first things firsts, it’s because these deals are put together by real, experienced multi-destination experts who know every aspect of these types of trips inside and out. Our experts don’t just understand your needs from a traveler perspective, but because many of us have lived there or spent a good portion of our time in these destinations. We bring an authentic perspective from a local standpoint to your trip.

The reason why we’re so confident in our ability to present you with a good deal is the fact that before we reached this point, we tested 100+ packages from many vacation package deal sites. During the testing, we compared deals with ours, side-by-side, line-by-line, down to the exact date, time, and type of products and the results were fascinating. We found that we beat all deals with a better value package overall. For the same quality product offered in the package, our price is up to 50% lower.

Last but not least, our deals are possible because we have direct partnerships with travel suppliers, wholesalers, and airline consolidators who specialize in flights, cruising, accommodation, transportation, and activities within Europe. This gives us endless possibilities to customize your multi-city experience at the best price.

Total package & price comparison: our package (planning fee-based) vs. other packages (commission-based)

Let us break this down for you using example deals we found recently on two popular package deal sites. You’ll see what’s included in those deals and their bottom line prices vs. our prices for the exact same products.

6-Night Central Europe Multi-City Vacation

3 Countries/3 Cities:

Budapest (Hungary), Vienna (Austria), and Prague (Czech Republic)

This deal is in October with a round-trip from/to JFK (NEW YORK). Price is per person, based on 2 travelers. Includes airfare, airport taxes, transfers, hotels, rail fare, tours, and daily breakfast.

9-Night Europe Multi-City Vacation

3 Countries/3 Cities:

London (England), Paris (France), and Rome (Italy)

This deal is in September with a round-trip from/to JFK (NEW YORK). Price is per person, based on 2 travelers. Includes international airfare from the US and airfare within Europe, airport taxes, transfers, 3+ star hotels, and rail fare.

 

CUSTOM TRIP PLANNING

How much does it cost for the custom trip planning option?

Custom Trip Planning has a flat fee of $75 per day for our Standard comfort level and $95 per day for Luxe.

For 30 days or longer trips, the custom trip planning fee is $55 per day (with a possibility of up to 30% discount depending on the complexity of your trip)

 

Do I pay the custom trip planning fees upfront?

Yes, the planning fee is to be paid upfront during the submission process in order for us to begin planning your journey. This flat rate fee covers up to 4 individuals traveling together on the same trip.

What is included in the custom trip planning option?

With our custom trip planning services, your journey is crafted especially for you by experienced multi-city travel experts.

Experience the personal touch with custom trip planning and concierge services while still maintaining the best value for your money. Multi-city trips to Europe are our specialty. We’ve established strong partnerships with suppliers to bring you cost-effective travel logistics, exclusive prices (up to 40% off the lowest public rates), and the best deals to craft trips that match your desired budget.

Included:

  • Trip planning for up to 4 travelers, traveling together on the same itinerary
  • Consultation, research, and development of your customized itinerary
  • City/country route planning, including the length of stay in each location
  • Flights (round-trip, multi-city, open-jaw from and to the US)
  • Accommodation in the best area in each city/country
  • Airport transfers to and from your hotel (train, bus, car service)
  • Transportation between cities (rental car, rail/train, bus, air)
  • Hand-picked activities incorporating the best things to see and do in each city
  • Recommendations for restaurants, bars and entertainment (+ booking)
  • Tailor-made daily itinerary based on your interests, preferences, who you’re traveling with, and your budget
  • Comprehensive Digital Itinerary/Travel Guide
    This best-in-class travel technology contains your daily tailor-made itinerary and all of your final travel documents (booking confirmation, e-tickets and vouchers, destination information, and map). It can be used anytime, both online and offline, via desktop, tablet, and mobile phone, as well as by our invite-only private app.
  • Unlimited revisions to your itinerary
  • Unlimited email + chat support
  • In-destination support

Currently, you can select a comfort level of Standard or Luxe. For more information on what’s included in each option, please review our “Custom Trip Planning” page.

Can I give input on my travel plan?

Yes, of course. In fact, you will start the custom trip planning process by completing our travel questionnaire to help us understand your traveling purpose, budget, specific needs, preferences, and interests. We then review your trip proposal, customize it, and adjust the planning based on your further feedback and input. Once you are 100% satisfied with it, we’ll then proceed with the booking process.

Can you work with destinations I already had in mind?

If you are not sure where you would like to go, we’ll craft the proposal from scratch.

If you have a destination in mind, that’s even better! Please let us know during the submission process, when completing your travel questionnaire. We’ll work with your answers and customize your trip from there.

How long does it take for me to receive my completed package once I submit a request?

Since the entire package deal and itinerary is 100% tailor-made to suit your travel requirements, the process typically takes between 5-10 business days. These timings are based on when you submit your questionnaire to when you’ll receive your proposed package.

How does the custom trip planning process work?

There are 5 easy steps:

  1. Submission – You select a plan and submit the online travel questionnaire
  2. Trip Design – Our destination experts immediately get to work on your trip proposal, based on your initial input
  3. Proposal & Revision – We review the plan with you and allow you unlimited revisions until you’re 100% happy with your package
  4. Approval & Booking – Take a final review of the trip & its cost, approve it and we proceed with the booking process
  5. Final Package – You receive your final package with everything you need for your trip, and off you go!

Click here to learn about how the process works in more detail.

Can you plan single-destination trips?

While our specialty is multi-city, multi-destination trips to Europe, as well as any complicated itinerary for independent travelers, we do welcome people looking to book single-destination trips. We understand that even a single-destination trip can be quite complex to plan for some of us. If that’s you, then we’re glad you thought of us to help, and we can’t wait to help get the best package deal and customized itinerary for you!

The process of getting started with single-destination planning is no different. Simply select the “Custom Planning” option, follow the steps, and we’ll be in touch with a proposal for your trip within 48 hours!

What types of trips can you help me plan?

Whether you are traveling solo, it’s your first time in Europe, a last-minute trip, mother/daughter trip, cultural trip, bucket list journey, couples getaway, small group, family vacation – we can help! If what you have in mind is to visit multiple destinations in one trip, we can help make that once-in-a-lifetime journey happen.

Since we’re more geared toward multi-city, multi-destination trips, and more complex itineraries for independent travelers, the only type of travel service we don’t offer is multi-day escorted tours and large organized group tours. Our packages are incredibly flexible, though, and can include tours of a duration of 1 hour to half-day tours and day trips. You can choose to enjoy these tours completely independently, self-guided with audio, guided tours with a small group, or privately, depending on your interests and preferences.

Do I need to book everything through MultiCityTrips?

No, in fact, you don’t need to book anything with us at all.

Unlike any other travel sites or services you have experienced before, we’re independent travelers just like you, and we too like freedom and flexibility when it comes to anything related to our trip.  With us, there is no pressure, no convincing, no forced selling, and no hard feelings whatsoever if you are planning the journey with us but would like to keep your options open and seek better deals or book elsewhere.

The booking services we offer come exclusively with the planning option you select. We can book the fantastic package deals we craft especially for your trip when you are ready, or if you would like to simply take the proposal and book anything on your own elsewhere, that’s totally cool with us as well. Your package and your tailor-made itinerary will still include everything you need except you manage your own booking processes.

In the case that you have already booked your flights, hotels, or another aspect of your trip, but still need us to book something else, just let us know during the submission process so we can keep it in mind while planning and booking any remaining aspects of the trip.

If you would like the booking information/confirmation of the aspects you’ve already booked included in your private tailor-made itinerary, simply forward this information to us, and we’ll add them into your itinerary. This additional service is absolutely free – no extra charges! This way, you will have everything you need for your trip organized all in one place.

PRE-DESIGNED PACKAGES (MARKETPLACE)

Can I still customize my trip if I select one of your pre-designed packages?

Yes, similar to the custom planning option, you can further customize your trip to include things such as local tours, sightseeing, activities, travel insurance, and more. The only difference is that your destinations, as well as your flights, hotels, accommodation, and transportation, are already pre-selected. However, you will be able to customize this selection further to fit your needs.

In the case that you would like to add more destinations or more days into the pre-designed package, there is a small fee charged per each additional day you add into your itinerary.

What is your pricing when choosing a pre-designed package?

With our pre-designed packages, you pay a fixed planning fee of $595 per trip for the Standard package and $795 per trip for the Luxe package. This price covers up to 4 travelers traveling together on the same trip.

One of your pre-designed packages covers all the destinations I want to travel to, however, I plan to stay longer and add more cities into the trip, can I do that?

Yes, adding more cities and days into your pre-designed package is possible. There is a small planning fee per each additional trip day depending on the comfort level (Standard or Luxe) you select for that pre-designed package.

What if my destinations are not available in pre-designed packages?

If a pre-designed package is not available for your destination, please check back as we update our Marketplace with amazing deals frequently. If you can’t wait, start with our custom planning option for just $75 per day. We can craft your unique package deal and tailor-made itinerary from scratch!

Is the price I see on a pre-designed package the price I will be paying?

The prices of the pre-designed packages are the estimated cost based on the pricing that is available at the time we craft those packages. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, subject to change based on availability and can’t be guaranteed until booking.

How does the pre-designed package option work?

This is how you select a pre-designed package:

  1. Click on the “Select This Deal” button
  2. Choose your comfort level option (either Standard or Luxe) on the travel questionnaire
  3. Complete the rest of the travel questionnaire, stating your trip preferences and interests. Proceed with planning fee payment, schedule an appointment to review your trip proposal and submit.

That’s it! Once you submit, we’ll be in touch within 48 hours with your trip proposal!

Click here to learn about the rest of the process and how it works in more detail.

Do I still get in-destination support with your pre-designed package option?

Yes, you get everything as you would for the custom trip planning, including the best deals, planning, booking, and in-destination support.

The only difference with a pre-designed package is that your destinations and itinerary have been pre-selected with the best suitable products and activities for that specific multi-city route. While it can be customized to suit your needs, it can’t be changed completely. You have the flexibility to re-arrange the package, and you can select the number of nights you would like to spend in each city, but it can’t be changed entirely to a new city/destination.

INSIDER CLUB MEMBERSHIP

What is the Insider Club?

The Insider Club is a membership/ annual subscription program for frequent travelers and groups of up to 4 travelers who travel 3 times or more combined per year. The program offers its members exclusive benefits, the best value, and significant cost savings. Plus, they benefit from access to unlimited custom trip planning and pre-packaged deals with no extra fees for the entire year. Besides multi-city trips to Europe, club members can plan trips within the US and other international destinations across the globe.

Click here to see the full list of Insider Club membership benefits.

What are the advantages of the Insider Club that the single journey options do not offer?

  1. Unlimited trips*/vacation package deals using custom planning or pre-designed packages with no additional fees for the entire year.
  2. Multi-city trips within Europe, any trips within the US & other international destinations.
  3. Day trips, weekend getaways, anniversaries, birthdays and surprise trips are included.
  4. Significant savings can be made on top of the best value you’ll find in the industry for full-service trip planning & booking.
  5. Up to 4 travelers can be included on one account, whether that’s family, friends, parents, etc.
  6. The annual cost pays for itself; if you or your members on the same account travel at least 2-3 times (or about 15 days per year combined) to anywhere around the world, any trip planning and booking beyond that is pretty much FREE for the entire year! The more you travel, the more value you get out of your membership.
  7. Members-Only exclusive deals, discounts, and cash incentives
  8. Eligible to participate in the Cash Incentive Royalty Program. Earn $50 for every new membership account you refer to our Insider Club and $25 for anyone you refer who makes a single journey.
  9. Annual Subscription to Insider Magazine.

* The length of each trip must be 15 days or less.

How much does your Insider Club membership cost?

$2,495 per year. Any 4 travelers can be added to the same account.

How many trips can I plan per year with Insider Club membership?

An unlimited number of trips. With your membership, you have the flexibility to use our custom trip planning service and pre-designed packages to plan unlimited trips (the length of each trip must be 15 days or less), and you’ll pay no extra fees for the entire year. Your membership covers destinations within Europe, but also any trip within the US, and other international destinations across the globe. Day trips, weekend getaways, special occasions, and surprise trips are also included!

How can I plan a trip using my Insider Club membership?

Similar to a single journey plan, you will select between crafting your trip from scratch with our “Custom Planning” option, or start with one of our pre-designed packages from our “Marketplace.” Once you decide, simply look for the “Insider Club Access” button and start planning your trip from there. Once you click on that button, complete the Insider Club trip planning questionnaire and we’ll be in touch with your trip proposal within 48 hours!

Who can join the same Insider account with me?

Up to 4 members can take advantage of the same account. This could be you, your family, friends, or whomever you wish to share the account with. All member names will be added into the same account and cannot be changed or transferred once the 4 member slots are filled.

Is the Insider Club membership worth it?

Since up to 4 travelers and it could be anyone (family, friends, parents, etc.) joining the same account if you or your members travel 3 times or more per year (and the length of each trip is 15 days or less) to anywhere, any trip planning beyond that is pretty much FREE for the entire year!

The cost of membership pays for itself, even if you just need help with booking and no custom planning. Why? Because we’ve established strong relationships and have direct partnerships with 250+ suppliers, wholesalers, 3rd party aggregators, airline consolidators who specialize in flights, cruises, accommodation, transportation, activities, and more, within Europe and other destinations around the globe. This gives us endless possibilities to customize your multi-city experience at the best price, which is usually up to 50% lower than published rates. The more you travel, the more value you get out of your membership.

Can non-members travel with me using my Insider Club account?

If a member is planning a trip with anyone who is not a member of the same account, there is the non-member fee of $100 per each additional person per trip for Standard level or $150 per each additional person per trip for Luxe level.

 

Can I switch from a single journey option to Insider Club?

Switching from a single journey to Insider Club is possible, but only before the booking is completed for your current trip. Up to 5 days of your current trip planning cost can be applied toward the Insider Club membership cost.

I'm still unsure whether Insider Club is right for me?

We suggest that you try us out for a single journey trip, using either our custom trip planning service or a pre-designed package. Once you’ve experienced our services and feel the difference, and see how much you could save with the deals we create, then consider Insider Club membership.

We’re confident that we offer the best value for your travel than any other option on the market. Still, we encourage you not to rush to the annual membership until you see the benefit of our services and know that you (and other travels who are interested in joining on the same account) are planning to travel 3 times or more per year. Most travelers switch to Insider Club during or after the first trip after they realize the significant savings you can make and the full benefits of membership.