Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn’t the website form accepting my email?
This usually happens if you had previously joined our email list and later unsubscribed. Our system (powered by Mailchimp) doesn’t allow the same email address to rejoin automatically.
If this happens, You can visit www.happening.travel/reactivate/ to reactivate your email list subscription.
If the form does not work, please text us at (352) 900-110 1 or email us at [email protected], and we’ll manually send you a reconfirmation email. Once you receive it, just click the confirmation link inside to rejoin our list.
After confirming, you’ll start getting all our newsletters, trip updates, and upcoming travel announcements again.
We’re excited to have you back with us!
What is Happening Travel Club?
Happening Travel Club is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Educational Travel Club. We craft high-value, unique turn-key travel experiences. Suppliers, guides, and communities from across the globe come together to support our non-profit mission to bring you amazing experiences. Travel shouldn’t be a puzzle to solve. We are NOT a travel agency but an educational travel classroom to the world. Near or far, if it’s happening in the world, the Happening Travel Club will take you there.
What is the Travel Club Membership?
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit travel club, we specialize in educational travel experiences while giving back to the community through charitable fundraising. Because of this structure, our trips are not open to the general public—all trips are exclusively for members.
Membership is required to book any of our trips and is available for just $2 per month, billed annually. As a member, you’ll gain access to our unique itineraries, special pricing, along with exclusive rewards of up to $1,000 per booking on trips not booked directly through us.
You can become a member by visiting the link below and completing the membership form:
https://happening.travel/membership/What is the Membership Fee?
Membership is required to participate in any Happening Travel Club trip.
A membership fee is the payment you make to join our travel club. 2026 Travel Club Membership is $24 a year (that’s just $2 a month).
Being a member gives you access to all the perks of our travel community, including:
- Exclusive trip alerts
- Early access to unique itineraries
- Invitations to one-of-a-kind all-inclusive travel experiences
- Meetings in The Villages and online meetings for new trips
- Newsletters and travel updates
You only book what you like—there’s no commitment required. Think of us like TravelZoo or Dollar Flight Club: membership simply opens the door to amazing travel opportunities with complete flexibility.
You can become a member by clicking here and filling out the form: https://happening.travel/membership/
Does the $5 reward for every $100 spent outside of the Happening Travel Club apply only to cruises, or does it include other travel such as all-inclusive land trips?
The Membership Reward Program applies to all major cruise lines. Some all-inclusive resorts and tour companies may also qualify, provided they are partnered with and participate in the Happening Travel Club. If you’re unsure about a specific company, simply send us the details and we’ll be happy to confirm eligibility for you.
How do I find my pickup location?
Your pickup location is listed on each day trip webpage, both in the Trip Features section and in the Itinerary. Be sure to review those details before your trip, and feel free to reach out if you need help finding it!
Can I park at the pickup location?
The Travel Club does not authorize parking at the pickup location. We highly recommend using a ride share service (like Uber or Lyft) or arranging a drop-off. If you do decide to leave a vehicle, please park toward the far end of the lot to avoid taking spaces others may need. Please note that any parking is at your own discretion.
Ask ChatGPT
When will I know the departure time?
Exact departure times will be shared with all registered guests closer to the trip date, once final transportation arrangements are confirmed.
Does the bus have a restroom on board?
Yes, the bus has a restroom on board for your comfort.
Are there any other charges besides the day trip cost?
Yes, there is a $3 driver gratuity and a $5 escort host gratuity, which are pre-paid at the time of booking. These help ensure quality service throughout your trip.
Which bus company are you using for this trip? What is the total capacity?
As a nonprofit travel club, we do not own our own buses. Instead, we charter high-quality motorcoaches from reputable companies in The Villages, Tampa, and Orlando.
Most of the coaches used are 45-foot luxury motorcoaches, typically Van Hool or Prevost models, with a seating capacity of up to 56 passengers.
Can the bus pick up our group from a customized location if the bus is full?
Yes! For special day trips, we can arrange a custom pickup location—but only if the bus is at full capacity (54 passengers).
If your group meets that requirement, just reach out to us to coordinate the details in advance.
How do I make a reservation?
The Happening Travel Club is a private membership club and not open to the general public. To book a trip, you must complete the online member booking form—this is the only way to make a reservation.
By using the booking form, you also waive the standard $49 membership fee, and it ensures we can properly process your membership and trip details.
When will I receive my booking confirmation or invoice?
Once you submit your booking form, you will receive a confirmation / invoice via email within 1-2 business days.
If there is any discrepancy or issue with your booking, our team will contact you during that time frame to resolve it promptly.
When is the final payment due?
Final payment is usually due 120 days before departure. The specific deadline will be noted on your invoice and confirmation.
How are final payments handled?
Final payments are due 120 days before departure (unless otherwise noted on the trip page). The balance is automatically charged to the card on file. To use a different card, please submit it through our secure form: Happening.Travel/CC.
Do I need travel insurance?
While it’s not mandatory, we strongly recommend travel insurance to protect against unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. We’re happy to provide a trusted insurance option.
What is a Trip Cancellation Waiver or Insurance Waiver?
Our Trip Cancellation Waiver is not traditional travel insurance. Instead, it’s a special protection you can purchase when booking that waives standard cancellation penalties. It allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and receive a combination of a cash refund and a future travel credit.
The amount you receive depends on how far in advance you cancel. The earlier you cancel, the larger your refund will be. The closer you cancel to the departure date, the smaller the refund and the greater the non-refundable portion becomes. Some of your trip cost may also be returned as a future travel credit with the Travel Club.
You can find the full cancellation schedule, including exact refund and credit percentages, in the Insurance section of each trip’s webpage.
What if Happening Travel Club cancels a trip?
In the rare event we must cancel, you’ll receive a full refund or credit toward another trip. We always do our best to keep your plans on track.
What’s your cancellation policy?
Cancellation policies vary by trip type:
- CruiseTOURS: All deposits are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in case of unexpected changes.
- LandCRUISES & Land Tours: All deposits are non-refundable. You may purchase travel insurance or a trip cancellation waiver, depending on the trip. Full details—including coverage, terms, and pricing—are listed in the “Insurance” section of each trip webpage.
We encourage all travelers to review the cancellation and insurance options carefully before booking.
Can I add the Cancellation Waiver after I’ve already booked?
The Cancellation Waiver can only be added within 3 days of booking. After that period, it can no longer be added.
Do we book flights for you?
Most of our Travel Club members prefer to handle their own flight arrangements — and we fully support that! Airlines often have different offers and policies regarding flight choices, seat selection, baggage, connections, and change fees. Plus, if any emergency arises before or during travel, it’s always best for you to have full control over your own tickets.
Since we’re a travel club (not a travel agency), we don’t book flights directly — but we’re happy to guide you in the right direction. Because airfares fluctuate frequently, it’s often easier and more cost-effective to book them yourself when you spot a good deal.
For flexibility and convenience, you can search and book flights through platforms like Google Flights, Expedia, Kayak, SkyScanner, or Momondo.
💡 Tip: Use Google Flights Price Tracking to get alerts when fares for your route change — simply search your route, choose your dates, and toggle “Track prices.”
Our Recommendation:
We suggest booking your flight no earlier than 90 days before departure, and using flight tracking tools to monitor price trends for the best deal.
While we don’t handle airline tickets directly, we’re always here to offer guidance or help you compare options if you need advice.
Important: Flights are only included if specifically mentioned in the trip inclusions. If not listed, flights are booked separately by members.
Can I join the trip if I use a mobility scooter?
Yes! As long as you’re able to transfer from your mobility scooter and walk short distances (such as getting on and off the bus or navigating a few steps), you’re welcome to join the trip.
A collapsible scooter is highly recommended, especially for international trips where lift-equipped transportation may be limited (such as in parts of Europe, including Spain and Greece).
Please be sure to let us know the type and size of your scooter in advance so we can make the appropriate arrangements.
Cruise ships can typically accommodate mobility scooters without any issues.
What documents do I need to cruise?
Most cruises require a valid passport with at least 6 months validity. For U.S. closed-loop cruises, a birth certificate and government-issued ID may be accepted. We’ll guide you based on your itinerary.
Can I choose my cabin location?
Yes! You can select your preferred cabin type (inside, oceanview, balcony, or suite except gurantee cabins), and in many cases, even the deck or specific cabin number—subject to availability.
Are Drinks & Wi-Fi packages included on Cruises?
Drinks & Wi-Fi packages are available as an add-on for trips where they are specifically mentioned. If a package is not listed on the trip page, it is not included.
However, drinks and Wi-Fi packages can also be purchased post-booking through the Travel Club or onboard directly through the Cruiseline.
Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
In many cases, yes—though some cruise lines charge a name-change fee. Contact us for details if you need to substitute a traveler.
Are cruise gratuities included in my trip?
Gratuities are not included unless specifically mentioned in the trip details.
Gratuities typically range from $12–$15 per person, per day for most of the cruise lines.
What are the charities you donate to?
We have created fundraisers for several groups across the country. They include Sunshine Cathedral, who used our trips to help raise funds for their food ministry, the Coral Gables Woman’s Club, the SMART Ride, The ADG Foundation, and others. We work with any and all charities or nonprofits who would like to use travel as a way to raise funds for their causes.