Air Traveler's Guide

For peace of mind, travelers should always take out travel insurance. It's important to check the insurance contracts you hold and, if necessary, take out additional insurance to protect yourself adequately.

Credit card or personal insurance coverage
If your trip is covered by credit card or other personal insurance, check that it meets your needs. Does it include coverage for medical care and hospitalization abroad? Does it include cancellation insurance covering all non-refundable prepaid travel expenses, as well as trip interruption insurance? Does it include coverage for lost or stolen luggage? After analyzing the situation, you'll know whether or not you need to take out additional insurance.

Coverage provided by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)
Visit ramq.gouv.qc.ca to find out more about the health coverage available to all Quebecers when traveling within or outside Quebec.

Since the cost of healthcare services outside Quebec is generally higher, it's essential to take out private travel insurance to cover all or part of the expenses not reimbursed by the Régie.

Vélo Québec Voyages assumes no responsibility for loss, theft or damage to your luggage and personal effects (including your bicycle) during your trip. It is your responsibility to have adequate insurance coverage for your luggage and bicycle. Many home insurance companies, some group insurance plans and some credit cards cover property damaged or stolen outside the home. Check with the appropriate authorities.

What's more, if you've taken out Blue Cross insurance with us, you can read about the terms and conditions of baggage coverage in the "Policyholder's Guide".

Your flight ticket is issued on the basis of the information on your invoice.

• If the name on your invoice is not identical to the name on your passport, please contact us now so that we can make the necessary changes. A fee will be charged for the issuance of a new ticket.
• A word of advice: photocopy your passport and plane ticket, and avoid keeping both documents and their copies in the same place. If you ever lose your passport, you'll be glad you took this precaution.
• To find out more about passports and entry requirements for different countries, consult the current information on the Government of Canada website.

• You must present yourself at the check-in counter of the airline you are traveling with 3 hours before the departure time indicated on your flight ticket. It is your responsibility to check flight times within 24 hours of departure.
• When you check in, specify that you belong to the Vélo Québec Voyages group. Before leaving your baggage and bike box (if applicable), make sure you have identified them properly. For further information on how to board your bicycle, please consult your airline's specific information.

You must check in your bike at the same time as your baggage, on the day of departure, at the Air Transat counter.

It is possible to select your seat when you purchase your package. You must let us know so that we can send your information to Air Transat and provide you with your group file number. You can then contact the Air Transat Information and Seat Selection Centre(1-877-872-6728). Please note that charges apply to this service, payable by credit card only. When you call, please have ready: your file number, the date and number of your departure and return flights, the place of departure and destination, and your credit card.

Air Transat invites you to chooseOption Plus, an Economy Class service option offering a host of privileges and priority services. For more information and to book Option Plus, call the Air Transat Information and Seat Selection Centre.

Seat selection and information center: 1-877-872-6728 or 514 636-3630

Please contact us if you wish to travel in "Club Class" with Air Transat. These seats are available on request and in limited quantities, at an additional cost. Once your "Club Class" seat is confirmed, you can select it in advance and at a charge, either online or by calling Air Transat's Seat Selection and Information Centre. The terms and conditions of this complementary service differ from those of your trip. Contact one of our consultants for more information.

• Air Transat
• Travel info - safety and well-being
• Passport and travel documents
• Flight status
• Luggage
• Airport and check-in

You must check in your bicycle at the same time as your baggage, on the day of departure, at the airline counter. The terms of payment for the transport of your bike will be settled at the check-in desk. You will be given this information when you book your package.

It is not possible to select a seat in advance. Your seat will be assigned to you when you check in at the airport.

Upgrades are available at additional cost. Please ask one of our advisors.

• Air Canada
• Customer service
• Travel documents
• Baggage check-in
• Flight status
• At the airport
• On-board services 
• COVID info

• Breakfast at your hotel (between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m.).
• Your guide will give you an overview of the day and the route.
• You leave the hotel before 10 a.m., leaving your luggage in the luggage truck.
• You set off at a time and pace that suits you. You'll have maps and a detailed itinerary of the route, including the towns and villages on the program.
• You can eat lunch wherever and whenever you want. For some destinations, when a "lunch box" is included, it is given to you in the morning, at departure time, which is why it's a good idea to have a bag.
• On arrival at the stopover town, your luggage will be waiting for you at the hotel, where rooms are usually available between 3 and 4 pm.
• The dinners included in the package are taken at the hotel or in a nearby restaurant. They include a starter, main course and dessert. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are not included.

You share your room with the person accompanying you. If you're traveling alone, we'll match you with someone of the same sex. Depending on the city and number of participants, the group may stay in one or two hotels.

When you leave the hotel, we ask you to return your key to reception and, where applicable, to settle the bill for products and services purchased at the hotel (e.g. telephone calls, minibar).

If you don't plan to sleep in a hotel on any of the nights of your trip, please always let the guide know, so as not to worry anyone.

Please note that in Europe, rooms are generally smaller than in North America.

What about your bike? It will spend the night in your room or in a safe place provided for this purpose. We recommend that you lock it at all times.

We recommend that you have a complete tune-up of your bike before you leave. A bike in good condition is the first guarantee of a successful trip.

For minor glitches (adjustments, punctures, etc.), the guide will help you out and get you back on the road as soon as he passes by. He can be reached by phone at any time to help you out, or to take you to the nearest bike store in the event of a major breakdown.

That said, nothing beats self-sufficiency if you want to get back on the road in a few minutes! For a list of the basic parts and tools you need to take with you, see "Luggage preparation and checklist ↑".

If you are unable to complete your day, due to fatigue, illness or a major mechanical problem, the support vehicle will take you and your bike to the next stopover town.

Your Vélo Québec Voyages professional guide is your contact throughout your trip. Whether you have questions or need advice on proposed itineraries, accommodations, meal planning, luggage transportation, mechanical needs, supervision on the road, etc., your guide is Vélo Québec Voyages' representative on the ground. He's there to listen to your needs and expectations.