Frequently Asked Questions

Global Lions is an independent holiday-planning consultancy. We help you plan your perfect holiday by providing expert advice, destination recommendations, and detailed itineraries. Once you're happy with the plan, you book directly with our trusted suppliers. We don't take payments or handle bookings ourselves—we're here to guide you through the process.

Neither. We are an independent holiday-planning consultancy. This means we don't sell holidays or take your money. Instead, we provide expert planning advice, research options, and create personalized itineraries. You then book directly with the airlines, hotels, or tour operators we recommend. This gives you complete control over your bookings while benefiting from our expertise.

We save you time, stress, and often money by:

• Sharing our expert destination knowledge and insider tips
• Finding options you might miss when searching alone
• Creating detailed, personalized itineraries
• Ensuring you book with reliable, trusted suppliers
• Providing unbiased advice since we don't earn commission from bookings
• Being available to answer questions throughout your planning process

You get expert planning help without paying agency fees or commissions.

We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your holiday ideas and requirements. For detailed planning, custom itineraries, and ongoing support, we charge a transparent planning fee that's agreed upfront. This fee is clearly communicated before any work begins—no hidden charges, no commissions from suppliers, just honest advice.

Our planning process is simple and collaborative:

1. Initial Chat: Contact us via phone (020 8081 4323) or email (support@globallion.co.uk) to discuss your holiday ideas, budget, and preferences.
2. Research Phase: We research options, destinations, and suppliers that match your needs.
3. Proposal: We present you with a detailed plan including recommended flights, accommodation, activities, and a day-by-day itinerary.
4. Refinement: We tweak the plan based on your feedback until it's perfect.
5. You Book: Once you're happy, we provide direct links or contacts for you to book with the suppliers.
6. Ongoing Support: We're available for questions even after you've booked.

Absolutely! We specialize in destination recommendations based on your preferences. During our consultation, we'll discuss:

• Your travel style (relaxation, adventure, culture, etc.)
• Budget and time of year
• Who you're traveling with (family, partner, friends, solo)
• Any must-haves or deal-breakers
• Previous destinations you've enjoyed

We'll then suggest destinations that match your criteria and provide detailed information to help you decide.

Yes! Creating personalized itineraries is our specialty. Whether you want:

• A detailed day-by-day schedule with restaurant recommendations and activity times
• A flexible guide with must-see highlights and free time suggestions
• A themed itinerary (culinary, historical, adventure, family-friendly)

We tailor everything to your pace, interests, and budget. You'll receive a beautifully organized itinerary that makes your trip stress-free and memorable.

Absolutely! Group travel requires extra coordination, and we love the challenge. We can help with:

• Finding accommodation that suits multiple families or groups
• Suggesting activities that work for all ages
• Coordinating group dining and excursion options
• Managing different budgets and preferences within the group
• Providing tips for traveling with children, elderly relatives, or mixed groups

Contact us with your group details and we'll start planning!

No, we don't handle bookings or take payments. Global Lions is a planning consultancy, not a booking agency. We provide expert advice, research, and detailed itineraries. Once you're happy with the plan, you book directly with the airlines, hotels, or tour operators we recommend. This means:

• Your money goes directly to the supplier
• You have direct relationships with the companies you're booking with
• We never hold or process your payment details
• You get unbiased advice since we don't earn commission

To help us plan effectively, we'll ask for:

• Preferred travel dates and duration
• Budget range (including flights, accommodation, activities)
• Number of travelers and ages
• Destination preferences or ideas
• Travel style and interests
• Any special requirements or must-haves
• Previous holidays you've enjoyed

The more details you share, the better we can tailor our recommendations to your needs.

We recommend suppliers based on:

• Our personal experience and research
• Reputation and customer reviews
• Value for money and service quality
• ATOL, ABTA, or other protections where applicable
• Alignment with your specific needs and preferences

We have no financial ties to any suppliers—our recommendations are based solely on what's best for you.

We're still here to help! After you've made your bookings, we can:

• Review your booking confirmations to ensure everything is correct
• Provide additional tips and recommendations for your destination
• Answer any last-minute questions before you travel
• Be available for support during your trip if needed

Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and prepared for your holiday.

Our planning fees are simple and transparent:

• Free initial consultation: We discuss your ideas and requirements with no obligation
• Fixed planning fee: A one-time fee agreed upfront based on the complexity of your trip
• No commissions: We don't earn from your bookings, so our advice is completely unbiased

We'll always provide a clear quote before any work begins. There are no hidden costs or surprises.

Payment for our planning service is simple:

• We accept bank transfers and card payments
• Payment is required before we begin detailed planning work
• We'll provide an invoice with all details
• Our fees are fully refundable if you're not satisfied with our initial proposal

Remember, we never handle your holiday payments—those go directly to your chosen suppliers.

Yes! While we don't have access to special discounts, we can:

• Share tips on when to book for the best prices
• Recommend alternative dates or airports that may be cheaper
• Suggest suppliers known for competitive pricing
• Help you understand what's a genuine deal vs. a marketing gimmick
• Point you to reputable comparison sites and booking platforms

Our expertise helps you avoid costly mistakes and find real value.

Yes! We offer a free initial consultation where we:

• Discuss your holiday ideas and requirements
• Share initial destination suggestions
• Provide a quote for our planning services
• Answer any questions about how we work

There's no obligation to proceed—we're happy to chat and see if we're the right fit for your travel planning needs.

Since you book directly with suppliers, any changes must be made through them. However, we're happy to help:

• We can advise on the best way to request changes
• We can suggest alternative options if needed
• We can help you understand the potential costs involved
• We're available to answer questions throughout the process

Remember, always check cancellation and change policies before booking.

Cancellation policies vary by supplier. We always recommend:

• Reviewing cancellation terms before booking
• Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance immediately after booking
• Choosing flexible rates where available if your plans might change

If you need to cancel, contact your supplier directly. We can help you understand your options and any potential refunds based on the terms of your booking.

While we can't intervene with airlines directly (as you booked with them), we can:

• Help you understand your rights under UK/EU regulations
• Suggest alternative options for rebooking
• Provide advice on claiming compensation where applicable
• Offer support and guidance during stressful situations

We're here to help you navigate travel disruptions with expert advice.

We stand behind our service quality. If you're not satisfied with our initial proposal, we offer a full refund of your planning fee. Once you've approved the final plan and we've completed our work, the fee is non-refundable as our time and expertise have been invested in your personalized plan.

Requirements vary by destination, but generally you'll need:

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date
• Visas: Check entry requirements for your destination well in advance
• ESTA/ETA: Required for travel to countries like the USA, Canada, Australia
• Vaccination certificates: Some destinations require proof of specific vaccinations

We'll provide guidance on document requirements during planning, but always verify with official government sources before travel.

Yes, absolutely. Travel insurance is essential for every trip. It protects you against:

• Medical emergencies abroad (which can cost thousands)
• Holiday cancellation or interruption
• Lost, stolen, or delayed baggage
• Travel delays and missed connections
• Personal liability and legal expenses

We strongly recommend purchasing insurance as soon as you book your trip. We can advise on what to look for in a policy.

Yes, we provide comprehensive destination advice including:

• Recommended vaccinations and health precautions
• Safety information and areas to be aware of
• Local customs and cultural considerations
• Weather patterns and best times to visit
• Practical tips for navigating your destination

We also recommend checking your government's foreign travel advice website for official guidance before traveling.

Absolutely! We're experienced in planning holidays for travelers with specific needs:

• Mobility requirements: We'll recommend accessible accommodation and transport options
• Dietary needs: We'll suggest restaurants and suppliers that cater to your requirements
• Medical conditions: We'll advise on destinations with good medical facilities
• Family needs: We'll find family-friendly accommodation and activities
• Sensory sensitivities: We'll recommend quieter times and places

Let us know your requirements during our initial consultation, and we'll tailor our recommendations accordingly.