Frequently Asked Questions

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Booking your trip is easy! Just go to the "Tours" tab in the menu options and select from the available seats. Payment will be due upon check out for one-day trips. Multi-day trips will require a deposit, with final payments due in full 60 days prior to departure date. Please see the descriptions associated with each trip for further details.  

We do not assign seats on our tours. Seat selection is made on a first come, first serve basis. We do ask that all customers exercise their best manners during the boarding process. 

Parents and guardians MUST sit by their children (17 years old and younger). All passengers will be expected to work together to ensure children are not separated from their parents. 

We also expect our passengers to exercise courtesy to ensure those with disabilities or special needs can be accommodated. 

Finally, please be respectful of any seating requests your bus driver may ask of you. 

Pick-up and drop-off locations will vary by tour. Please be sure to check trip details for specific locations. Each customer will also be emailed an itinerary before their departure date.

Be sure to check the weather forecast for your destination before you leave and dress accordingly. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and clothing for your trip. Some venues may have specific dress codes. Please be sure to research this information prior to departure and wear/pack accordingly.

SHEPHERD BUS TOURS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE TO ANYONE WEARING OFFENSIVE OR INAPPROPRIATE CLOTHING WITHOUT A REFUND. 

Your bus will be equipped with overhead storage compartments. Each passenger will be able to bring one carry-on bag. You may also find it helpful to bring a neck pillow, sleep mask, earplugs, and a phone charger. Bottled water and small snacks such as pretzels are also allowed. Drink containers without sealing lids are not allowed on the buses. SMOKING, VAPING, AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE PROHIBITTED BY FEDERAL LAW. ABSOLUTELY NO KNIVES OR FIREARMS ARE ALLOWED.

Each passenger will be emailed a travel itinerary with more specific information regarding pre-planned stops along the way. 

Each bus is equipped with one bathroom located at the back of the bus. In general, though, your bus will usually stop once every 2-3 hours for a 15-minute break at the discretion of the bus driver. If bus travel is over 4 hours one way, we usually factor in a stop for dining. 

You can leave items on the bus at your own discretion. However, Shepherd Bus Tours and its affiliates will NOT be responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items. Passengers should not leave any potentially hazardous items such as medications on the bus at any time. 

If you have a disability or need that requires special consideration to travel, please contact us by phone or email. 

Children must be at least 2 years of age to travel. 

A seat must be purchased for every passenger. This includes children that are of age to travel. Children are not permitted to travel on their parent's lap. 

Strollers are permitted as long as they adhere to size requirements and must be stored under the bus during travel. Bus drivers are not responsible for folding and unfolding these items. If they cannot be folded to ensure proper transport, they cannot be loaded onto the bus. Please make sure you can quickly operate the folding mechanisms on your stroller. 

It is at the discretion of parents and guardians to deem whether a tour is appropriate for their child. It is solely the responsibility of the parent or guardian to research the stops and destinations to ensure children are permitted. 

Shepherd Bus Tours does not offer Travelers Insurance. However, we do highly recommend you purchase it through an authorized agent. 

Sometimes disruptions can occur. Unforeseen delays on the roadway can delay travel plans. We've all been stuck in traffic before, and buses are no different. Shepherd Bus Tours attempts to plan our tours with time for delays, but unfortunately, even the best made plan can experience a setback.

Likewise, unexpected delays and closures of attractions can occur without warning. These situations are beyond the control of Shepherd Bus Tours. 

Rarely a trip may not reach the minimum capacity necessary to go, or it may encounter unforeseen causes for cancelation. While unfortunate, Shepherd Bus Tours will notify customers prior to the scheduled departure date if the tour has been cancelled. In these circumstances, you will be notified, and we will refund the full amount you have paid towards the trip in the same manner in which it was paid.

We highly recommend that customers purchase Travelers Insurance prior to their departure.

Cancelations and refunds can only be made 61 days or more prior to departure date. 

Generally, it is standard practice to tip your bus driver $5-10 per day. 

Like bus drivers, it is industry standard to tip your travel escort. We usually suggest you tip your escort $3-5 per day.

Not all trips will have travel escorts. For some trips, such as our casino tours, we arrange transportation and applicable entry to your destination. In these situations, your bus driver will act as both driver and escort. We know our customers appreciate value and we aim to reduce unnecessary expenses.

Send us an email! Travel escorts can have flexible hours and can work on a trip-by-trip basis. Contact Shepherd Bus Tours if you would like to find out more!