GSTE GUEST PORTAL & FAQS: OFFICIAL TRAVEL POLICIES
CATEGORY 1: HOTEL, ROOMS & GUESTS
1. Who should I contact if I have questions about my room, accessibility needs, or booking?
Answer: Please contact the hotel or property directly using the links provided in your Central Hub. You are responsible for managing your own accommodations, payments, and special requests. The Group Leader does not have access to your personal booking details.
2. How do I modify or cancel my room or an excursion?
Answer: All modifications, cancellations, and refund requests must be handled directly with the specific hotel or vendor you booked with. The Group Leader cannot alter or cancel reservations on your behalf.
3. Can I arrive early or extend my stay past the official group dates?
Answer: Yes. If you wish to extend your trip, contact the hotel directly using the link or phone number on your booking confirmation. Additional nights are subject to property availability and rates, and must be booked directly with the hotel.
4. Can I bring a plus-one, spouse, or child on this trip?
Answer: Yes. Because you manage your own booking, you are free to invite whoever you choose. This is NOT an all-adult property and children are welcomed.
CATEGORY 2: FLIGHTS & TRAVEL COORDINATION
5. Which airline or flight should I book, and when should I purchase my ticket?
Answer: You may choose any airline and departure city that fits your schedule. Your Group Leader will send an announcement when it is time to start booking flights. Until then, check the Central Hub for check-in and check-out times so you can plan arrival windows. Please do not contact the Group Leader for flight approvals.
6. Is airport or local transportation provided for this trip?
Answer: Unless specifically designated as a group transfer on the official itinerary, you are responsible for securing your own transportation. Recommended transportation links are provided in your Central Hub.
7. What travel documents, IDs, or entry requirements do I need?
Answer: You are solely responsible for ensuring you possess valid travel documents, including a REAL ID or a valid passport (with at least six months of validity remaining for international destinations). The Group Leader cannot review or verify personal travel documents.
8. What happens if I miss a room block or RSVP cutoff date?
Answer: Deadlines are set by the hotels and airlines, not the Group Leader. If you miss a deadline, held rooms and rates are released to the public, and you will be subject to current market pricing and open availability. Go ahead and use the booking links to see if there are available rooms.
CATEGORY 3: PAYMENTS, FINANCING & EXPENSES
9. Does Good Shepherd Travel and Events accept payments or offer payment plans for this trip?
Answer: No. GSTE does not collect, hold, or finance guest travel funds. All payments go directly to vendors via your Central Hub links. However, checkout integrates with Affirm, allowing you to split costs across four bi-weekly payments or up to 12 monthly installments. Checking your eligibility with Affirm uses a soft inquiry and will not affect your credit score.
10. Can I pay the Group Leader directly for my room or activities?
Answer: No. To protect everyone's security, all transactions must be completed directly with vendors through the Central Hub links. The Group Leader will not collect, hold, or transfer funds for attendees.
11. Can the Group Leader or GSTE assign me a roommate or split my bill?
Answer: No. Neither the Group Leader nor GSTE coordinates roommate matching or splits hotel folios. If sharing a room, you must coordinate arrangements and settle expenses privately between yourselves.
12. Is travel insurance included, and what happens if I need to cancel?
Answer: Travel insurance is not automatically included. We strongly recommend adding travel protection during checkout via the vendor links. Neither GSTE nor the Group Leader can issue refunds or cover cancellation penalties.
CATEGORY 4: GROUP COMMUNICATION & TECHNICAL SUPPORT
13. What time is the group dinner/activity, and where are we meeting?
Answer: Your digital Central Hub contains the official, live itinerary for the trip. Please check the Hub for meeting locations, times, and dress codes before contacting the Group Leader.
14. Who do I inform about my dietary restrictions or severe food allergies?
Answer: Please notify the resort, hotel, or excursion caterer directly upon booking and arrival. The Group Leader cannot act as a dietary liaison.
15. I am having trouble accessing links in the Central Hub. Who do I contact?
Answer: Do not message the Group Leader for tech issues. Email the GSTE Guest Support Desk at TeamBuilder@goodshepherdtravelandevents.com. Be sure to put your official Group Name in the subject line for immediate routing.
16. Is there a phone number I can call for Good Shepherd Travel and Events?
Answer: To eliminate phone hold times and ensure all booking links and instructions are delivered to you in writing on your mobile device, our support desk operates exclusively via email. Contact TeamBuilder@goodshepherdtravelandevents.com with your Group Name in the subject line.
