About DJI

Founded in 1994, Distinctive Journeys International (DJI) is a full-service tour operator specializing in custom-designed travel for discerning individuals, families, small groups, and incentives.

Based in Evanston, Illinois, we are a team of seasoned travel professionals with a combined average of over 90 years of experience. DJI consultants have lived in Europe and Australia, continue to travel extensively, as well as attend workshops and seminars overseas, all to remain up-to-date on select locations and research new destinations.

DJI prides itself on the "personal touch" and has always operated with honesty and integrity. While keeping up with technology, we maintain an old-school philosophy in how we conduct business. For example, when you call DJI you won't be put through a series of prompts - you will speak with a person whose goal is your satisfaction. DJI aims to offer distinctive experiences throughout the world through our personal care and attention from the first phone call to your return home.

• Personalized travel consultations
• Distinctive accommodation
• Private and public sightseeing (full, half-day, or multi-day)
• Special activities and visits including cooking or art classes; wine, cheese, and olive oil tastings; perfume-making demonstrations; private farm, vineyard, factory, and local home visits; hot air ballooning, and more...
• Self-drive or chauffer driven programs
• Shore excursions
• Pre- or post-cruise tours
• Small group receptions in imaginative settings
• Car rentals
• First-class rail tickets and/or passes
• Airport, rail, and port transfers
• Tee times at exclusive golf courses
• Tickets to festivals, museums, theaters, concerts, and operas

DJI is a member of the International Airlines Travel Agency Network (IATAN) and complies with Illinois state law and the Travel Promotion Consumer Protection Act. DJI is also a member of the exclusive ITPC (Italian Travel Promotion Committee), P.A.T.I. (Provence Alpes Tourisme International), and is on the preferred supplier list of most European Tourist Boards.

Call your travel agent or DJI for details.
(DJI is happy to provide you with referrals for a travel agent in your area.)

Working With DJI

Working with DJI is easy! There are three (3) simple steps:
1) Proposal
2) Booking
3) Final Documents

Special Note: DJI programs require:
1. At least three nights accommodation and services at a minimum of $1250.00 per person.
2. If you are cruising and you want to move away from the herds, DJI offers private shore excursions. The requirements for Private Shore Excursions are: at least three full days of private touring (can be various ports of call) at a minimum of $1250.00 per person with no less than two travellers.

Our knowledgeable, friendly team will make sure your trip will be the most unforgettable yet. Call your travel agent to book your trip with Distinctive Journeys International and relax!

STEP #1 - THE PROPOSAL

DJI wants you to get the most possible from your overseas experience and believes that it begins with practical planning. Upon receipt of a $95 non-refundable file fee (that will be applied to the cost of your trip), we will propose a customized travel program to match your budget, schedule, and interests. We begin by first discussing your ideas and wish-list which helps us to better understand what's really important to you before offering our thoughts and advice. This is then translated into "the proposal" which features an abbreviated day-by-day itinerary and some accommodation ideas with an estimated price range.

Pre-fabricated travel packages and "cookie cutter" itineraries have no place at Distinctive Journeys. Our staff travels routinely and extensively so we can provide you with up-to-date assessments and recommendations. Whatever your destination - be it the great capitals of Europe or somewhere truly off-the-beaten track - DJI will enhance your travels by incorporating interesting local activities and unique cultural experiences, making for a more richly rewarding trip.

STEP #2 - BOOKING

"The proposal" turns into a booking upon receipt of a $375.00 per person non-refundable deposit. (Additional deposits may apply on some programs.) Once the deposit is received the booking process begins: accommodation(s), transportation, tours, guides, activities, etc. are booked, the price is solidified, and a "confirmed itinerary" is prepared and sent to you.

Unique Accommodation

The accommodation we provide is always first rate, be it a country villa, renovated palace, idyllic beach resort, manor house, or boutique hotel in the heart of the city. We utilize distinctive properties with particular emphasis placed on service, ambiance, convenience, and comfort. As accommodation is an important part of your overall travel experience, being that your accommodation becomes your home away from home, DJI aims to balance cost and quality.

Friendly, Knowledgeable Guides

When booking private touring, we work only with well established, accredited local guides who are fluent in English and adept at making personal connections. Many are longstanding colleagues who have worked with us for years and who are routinely requested by repeat travellers. They take real delight in presenting to the DJI traveller their city or region and offer an insider's view - many travellers return home feeling as if they have left new friends behind!

STEP #3 - FINAL DOCUMENTS

Upon final payment, we will send you a complete travel packet or "final documents." Final documents include:

• Comprehensive personalized itineraries inclusive of site descriptions, restaurant recommendations, shopping ideas, sightseeing suggestions, as well as important reminders that can make for a more care-free experience.
• Information on the country (ies) detailing weather, currency, transportation, food, tipping, entry requirements, and more.
• Packing checklists
• Emergency contact sheet (to leave with friends and family)
• Driving directions and maps with highlighted routings (where applicable)
• 24-hour local and U.S. emergency numbers
• Travel accessory
• Other informational materials

...But it doesn't end there! DJI is there until you return home!

Emergency Assistance

Our staff at home and our English-speaking representatives abroad are always ready to assist you should you run into any difficulties or unforeseen situations. You can take comfort in knowing that you are in capable, reliable hands from the beginning to the end of your trip.

Call your travel agent or DJI for details.
(DJI is happy to provide you with referrals for a travel agent in your area.)

The DJI Experience

Distinctive Journeys International (DJI) offers comprehensive travel programs tailored to meet travellers' specific needs, interests, tastes, and budget. Past experiences of DJI trips include:

African Adventures - Fun for the whole family or a group of friends and filled with memories to last a lifetime: shark diving off the South African coast, game drives on elephant back in Zambia, a flight over the spectacular Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and deluxe tented accommodations in the Okavango Delta.

Feast of France - A comprehensive trip of all the best France has to offer, including private tours of the beaches of Normandy, museums and shopping in Nice, the charming villages and gastronomy in Provence, the World Heritage Site and wine country in Bordeaux, the numerous chateaux of the Loire Valley, and of course Paris - the artistic, intellectual, and political capital of France.

Palaces, Pyramids, and People of the Mideast - Private tours through Jerusalem, a visit to the Dead Sea, lunch with members of the Druze community, a camel trek at the Giza plateau with the famous pyramids in the backdrop, the mighty temples along the romantic Nile, and exploration of the magnificent ancient site of Petra on horseback.

Treasures of Turkey - Families bond through culture and adventure in Turkey with a hot air balloon ride and pottery class in Cappadocia, lunch at a private home with a Turkish family, a sail along the Turquoise Coast, a visit to magnificent Ephesus, the home of the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), and shopping in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.

Illustrious Ireland - A perfect trip for a group of friends, which offers fine food and drink, Celtic ruins and magnificent gardens, stately manor and castle stays, along with scenery and sport from biking and hiking to golf.

If travelling for an occasion - be it a special anniversary, birthday or graduation gift - DJI experts can suggest a distinctive detail that is sure to make the experience unique and unforgettable. For example: Celebrating a 25th anniversary in France? DJI arranged for a local artist to paint a portrait of the happy couple while visiting Provence.

The following sample itineraries are provided to give you an idea as to what you can expect from a Distinctive Journeys experience. These itineraries are to be viewed as examples only and are not presented in their entirety. Specifically, Final DJI Documents include detailed personalized itineraries with descriptive copy on destinations, sightseeing suggestions, restaurant recommendations, shopping tips, driving directions, and maps with highlighted routings (where applicable), and more.

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE CZARS
(ST. PETERSBURG)
This program is an example of a pre-cruise extension.

INSIDER'S ITALY
(LOMBARDY, PIEMONTE, TUSCANY, UMBRIA, VENICE)
For those who really want to immerse themselves into all that is Italian, consider this DJI sample program!

CULTURAL CAPITALS
(FAMILY WEEK IN LONDON AND PARIS)
For a fun and educational vacation that every member of the family is sure to enjoy, consider London and Paris.

Working With DJI

"After a serious fall in Barcelona, my husband had to be hospitalized overnight. Not only were his medical bills and hospital stay covered, but we only had to make a single call to have it all taken care of. What a relief!"

"While we were in France, my wife's mother had a heart attack. We were able to cut the trip short in order to be with her without forfeiting any money."

"A snowstorm in Chicago caused us to miss our connecting overseas flight and we weren't able to get out until two days later. Thankfully, our hotel and meals were covered along with the "no-show" penalties from the hotel in London."

Distinctive Journeys Travel Protection
"Peace of Mind" when you Travel

The easy affordable way to protect your vacation investment! Missing a vacation is bad enough, losing the money you paid for your vacation is even worse. The Distinctive Journeys Travel Protection Plan is your ticket to worry-free travel. Now you can protect your travel investment with one of the most comprehensive plans available at competitive premiums. Take the "Peace of Mind" with you when you travel.

Why Purchase Travel Protection?

• Snowstorm has canceled all flights - it will be 2-5 days before they can get another flight
• Mechanical problems cause a flight cancellation - will they miss the start of their trip?
• Volcanoes in Iceland caused flight cancellations for weeks
• My boss cancelled my vacation because I have to work
• A hurricane warning is issued within 24 hours of departure for my destination
• I'm sick and have a sinus infection and can't fly
• I fell during the trip and broke my wrist
• Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) - you can cancel for any reason 2 days or more prior to departure and receive 80% to 100% of your penalty back *
• Luggage is damaged or lost

The Advantage Assure Simplicity plan provides Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Travel Delay, Missed Connection, Medical Expenses, Emergency Medical Evacuation, 24-Hour Assistance Service, Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation, Baggage, Baggage Delay and Air Flight insurance. There is Optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) and Rental Car Damage coverage that can be added to your plan.

* NOTE: CFAR must be purchased within 15 days of the initial trip deposit; the full trip cost must be insured and if cancelling a trip, it needs to be canceled 2 days or more prior to departure.

Benefits for you...

• Hospital of Choice - for medical evacuation to the hospital of your choice within the USA or Canada
• Cancel For Any Reason & Rental Car Damage are optional benefits that can be purchased
• Cost is Not Based on Age - Whether you are 5 or 95 the price of your policy remains the same.
• Door-to-Door Coverage - You are covered from the moment you leave your house until the time of your return, whether you book your entire trip through DJI or handle some or all of the services independently, provided you insure the entire trip cost.

Description of Coverages - provides you with the Benefits, Definitions, Exclusions and Claim Procedures.

Quote & Enrollment Form - Enroll online or you can call MH Ross Customer Service at 800-423-3632, please provide them with the Agency ID and Plan #:

Agency ID: DIST0930IL - Plan # R790P Assure Simplicity

This document provides a brief description of the Benefits and Services provided. To review the Description of Coverage prior to your purchase of the plan (which includes complete details about the Assure Simplicity Travel Protection Plan) you can request a copy from Distinctive Journeys or view/print the document online.

To view our complete insurance options, please click on the following link:
Distinctive Journeys International Insurance from MH Ross

Hotels International

Need a hotel for a night in Rome or maybe Buenos Aires before or after your cruise?

Business meeting in Chicago or Washington?

Need a place to stay when you visit your daughter who is studying abroad in Barcelona?

Look no further than Hotels International Ltd. (HI) to book your accommodations. HI is a worldwide hotel only booking service offering guaranteed USD rates.

Worldwide accommodations, at your fingertips!

Click here to visit Hotels International and start booking your accommodations today!

Founded in 1994, Distinctive Journeys International, Ltd. (DJI) is a full-service tour operator specializing in deluxe, custom-designed travel for individuals, small groups, and incentives.

A cut above, a DJI program is more than a trip, but rather a creative travel program designed with you in mind, to insure a special experience with memories that will last a lifetime. The team at DJI is professional, personable, extremely well travelled, and offers the utmost in service and reliability. A hallmark of DJI is the personalized documentation which includes in-depth, descriptive itineraries with restaurant recommendations, sightseeing suggestions, driving directions, shopping tips, and other comprehensive details!

DJI offers a full range of travel services to international destinations for the discerning traveler including:

Call your travel agent or DJI for details.
(DJI is happy to provide you with referrals for a travel agent in your area.)