If you don’t see the information you are looking for here, ask your travel agent or call your Brendan Specialist.

Why should I travel with Brendan?

Brendan has been sharing the world with travelers for 40 years. We believe that a truly successful vacation reveals all the sights, sounds and experiences that make a destination unique, while offering personal and caring service from your first contact with Brendan until you return home after your journey. Our travel philosophy has evolved into a company culture based on providing superior service. Our management team is hands-on, making it a priority to personally inspect the properties and sights featured in our itineraries. This ensures distinctive, high quality vacations for you to enjoy. Depending on the destination, you can travel on a fully Guided or Locally Guided Vacation, or take independent modules or city breaks. We also offer cruises in Europe, Russia, Egypt and China, as well as self drive vacations throughout the U.K., Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.  

Traveling with Brendan on a Guided Vacation, you see the highlights in each city you visit, without having to wait in long lines for inside tours. In many destinations we include unique local experiences to make your vacation even more memorable. These might be a meal in the home of a typical family, a wine or whisky tasting or a visit to a lesser-known and rarely experienced treasure. You will stay in first class hotels conveniently located near shopping, historic districts, restaurants and public transportation. Many great meals are included, plus you have the opportunity to sample the local fare, experiencing tantalizing new tastes. Finally, our expert Tour Directors make your vacation completely hassle-free and fun, while they share their unique insights, stories and knowledge of our destinations.  

For those travelers seeking a more independent vacation or a quick getaway, a Locally Guided, Independent or City Break Vacation may be right for you. Brendan offers a choice of hotel standards and sightseeing options in major European cities, allowing you the flexibility to choose a program that suits your own individual pace and preferences. Plus, our friendly hosts are a wonderful asset to your experience. We maintain our standards of high quality and personal service on these vacations as well, as we know that is what travelers and travel professionals expect on a Brendan vacation.

Will I be traveling with a reliable company?
Yes. Brendan has been in business since 1969. Owned by the Murphy family until 2007, the company is now part of “The Leading Travel Companies.” This worldwide organization of travel and tourism companies is highly respected in the travel industry, renowned for outstanding value, service, quality and financial stability.

How many people are on tour with me?
Guided Vacations: Europe: There is a maximum of 49 people on our Guided Vacations, and departures operate with a minimum of 22. US, Canada & Mexico: You will generally be traveling with 30-52 fellow passengers. In most other destinations, you will be traveling with as few as 6 and as many as 49.

Locally Guided & Independent Vacations: On our Locally Guided and Independent Vacations, you travel with just the people in your own party. Generally, you will join other travelers for sightseeing with a local guide. Different transfer staff and sightseeing guides will assist you in each city you visit.

Will I be traveling with people from other countries?
Since our tours are sold in many parts of the world, it is likely that there will be people of other nationalities on your tour. Generally, you'll travel with Americans, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, and/or British. All of our tours are conducted in English.

Will I have time on my own?
Yes. We design each itinerary with the right mix of included sightseeing and time at leisure to pursue your own interests, shop, people watch or simply relax.

What is the motorcoach like?
You will ride in safety and comfort on one of Brendan’s first rate, air-conditioned coaches. Your driver is experienced, reliable and friendly, getting you everywhere on time, keeping the coach neat and clean, and the panoramic windows spotless.

Is smoking allowed on the motorcoach?
No, Brendan has a no smoking policy on board our motorcoaches. However, we make plenty of stops along the way, allowing you an opportunity to smoke, stretch your legs, take a scenic snapshot or enjoy a cup of coffee.

How is seating determined on the motorcoach?
Your Tour Director utilizes a seat rotation system, which gives everyone a variety of views and across-the-aisle seatmates.

Where will I meet my Tour Director?
On all Guided Vacations except those starting in London, you will meet your Tour Director at your first hotel. For vacations that begin in London, you will meet your Tour Director on the morning you leave London.  

On Locally Guided and Independent Vacations, our transfer staff will meet you at the airport holding a sign with your name (be sure to ask if transfers are included in your package). Your local guide/s will make arrangements to meet you at your hotel. They are available to answer questions and to assist with reservations for optional sightseeing and excursions.

How do I read the Vacation Pace scale?
Brendan's Vacation Pace scale, shown on itinerary pages, runs from “Easy” to “Let’s Go!” This pace refers to the number of nights spent in each city on your vacation.

Are the hotels air-conditioned?
The majority of the hotels we use have air conditioning, but not all. A quick check of each hotels website should answer this question if the information isn’t already in our brochure.

Why are prices based on double occupancy?
We have found that most of our passengers travel with a companion. So, all prices quoted on Brendan’s website and in our brochures are per person, based on two people sharing a twin-bedded room (unless stated otherwise).

What is the difference between a twin-bedded room and a double room?
A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size. This is what we generally reserve for our travelers. A double room usually has one double bed. These can be requested at the time of booking if desired.

What is the single supplement?
The single supplement is the additional cost for to those who would like to stay in a room on their own. The room will sometimes be a regular twin or double room, and sometimes be a smaller single room.

What size is a triple room?
In most of the world, a triple room is the same size as a twin or double room. It will have beds to accommodate three people, however it may not have three separate beds or the third bed may be a rollaway. If there are only two beds, a rollaway may be requested but cannot be guaranteed. In some cities and hotels, triple rooms are only available with an upgrade to a suite.

Are airport transfers included?
Transfers will depend on the tour you choose and the days you arrive and depart. In general, if you buy a Brendan Guided Land and Air package, then transfers between the airport(s) and hotels are included. If transfers are not included, they can often be purchased separately. 

Can I request special meals?
Meals included on tour are based on local foods and menus. We can generally accommodate passengers who prefer a vegetarian, diabetic, gluten-free or other medically recommended diet. Please advise this at the time of booking. Unfortunately, we are unable to supply meals in accordance with strict religious requirements.

Can I bring a wheelchair on tour?
Yes, you may bring a fully collapsible, non-motorized wheelchair. Please advise us at the time of booking if you plan to bring one. You must be traveling with a companion who is physically able to provide you with assistance. Brendan’s staff cannot help with walking, dining, getting on/off vehicles or other personal needs. Motorcoaches, mini-buses and vans are not equipped with wheelchair ramps.

How much luggage can I bring? What size can it be?
Due to limited space on the motorcoach, you may bring one suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30”x18”x10” and weight not exceeding 50 lbs. Airlines may have additional luggage restrictions and may impose additional charges if you choose to check any luggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for more information. If you bring a carry-on bag, it should not exceed the dimensons of 12"x11"x6". Wheeled carry-ons are not allowed on motorcoaches.

Africa: smaller, soft-sided luggage is recommended on all safaris.

China: for flights within China, the maximum weight for your checked luggage is 44 lbs.

Japan: for the optional Ryokan stay and the train ride to Hiroshima you will need a small overnight bag.

Galapagos Islands flights: the maximum weight for your luggage is 44 lbs.

Tortuguero National Park (Costa Rica): you will need to carry a small overnight bag, with a maximum weight of 25 lbs.

Canada and Mexico train rides: for the Rocky Mountaineer in RedLeaf Service only, VIA Rail and the El Chepe train in the Copper Canyon (Mexico), you will need a smaller overnight bag.