Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are some commonly asked questions about Adventure People and our trips. Before you book your next adventure, please review this information. If you don’t see an answer to your specific question, we would love the opportunity to answer it, so please contact us.
About Our Trips
What is Adventure Travel?
The Adventure Travel Development Index (ATDI) defines adventure travel as interaction with nature, interaction with culture, and physical activity – at least two and preferably all three in the same trip.
What’s included in the trip price?
Our trips include double occupancy lodging, some meals, all entrance fees, all mentioned activities in the itinerary, local transportation between destinations, expertise, and services of professional guide(s), equipment, and experienced specialist guide(s) for activities such as sea kayaking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, etc. The number of guides varies per tour, but there is generally one guide in groups of 6-9 travelers. For groups over 8 travelers, there will also be a trip leader and/or group coordinator (for private trips). Trekking adventures have a higher number of guides and often include a porter.
Will there be changes to the itinerary once I book?
While everything under “What is Included” on the webpage for each trip will remain the same, the actual hotels, restaurants, and possibly some activities are subject to modifications. You are entrusting us to create an outstanding vacation for you and so it is possible we may take the liberty of making necessary changes (even at the last minute) to the itinerary that will improve your overall trip experience. If there is anyone’s experience that is going to make or break your trip, please discuss this with us in advance. We will attempt to keep our website itinerary as current as possible and communicate any major changes with you in the weeks prior to the departure date.
What is the group size for each of your trips?
Our groups range in size depending on the destination and the activities. Small groups can be fun when everyone bonds and large groups can be fun because they allow you more opportunity to meet more new friends. Generally, our tours range in size from 6 to 16 people, but some trips lend themselves to larger groups. The maximum group size on any trip will be 24 participants. Our small group private tours are for groups of two to eight travelers.
Do your trips include international airfare?
No. Since travelers arrive from all corners of the globe and each has its own specific requirements, it is not possible to include airfare in our prices. As such, you are responsible for getting yourself to and from the trip location starting point at your own expense. However, any airfare that occurs during the scheduled itineraries will be arranged on your behalf and will be included in the price of the trip.
I found an adventure that I’m interested in. When should I book?
The earlier you book, the better. Sometimes we reach capacity months prior to departure. Booking your flights early will also save you money! You can always change your mind and you won’t be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due.
Can I book extra nights of hotel accommodations before or after my tour?
Yes. In most cases, we can arrange additional accommodations at our starting or ending hotels. If interested, please request at the time of booking. If we are unable to provide you with the extra nights at starting or ending hotels, we will offer suggestions for other hotels in the area.
What should I bring on my trip?
We always recommend packing as light as possible, however, the specific requirements for your trip will vary widely depending on where and when you are traveling. You will find a suggested packing list on the detailed itinerary included for each trip. For all of our adventures, we strongly recommend that you bring a backpack and/or a small to medium duffel bag w/ wheels, rather than a heavy suitcase.
Do I have to carry my own luggage or gear?
You normally have to carry your own luggage on and off buses, boats, and trains as well as hotel staircases. Suitcases with wheels may not work well on dirt or cobblestone roads. On trekking trips, there will usually be porters or vehicles to carry your gear between huts and campgrounds, so you’ll only need to carry a few days worth of clothing and personal items.
Is tipping included?
No. Tips are not included in the tour price and tipping is entirely at your discretion. Suggested tipping amounts are generally $5 to $10 per day for the local guide. This does not include tips for drivers, porters, or guides for individual activities. Refer to the trip dossier or check with the trip leader in advance so you come prepared and can factor tips into the overall price.
Can I create a custom itinerary and/or book a private trip?
You can book a private trip with eight or more travelers and our team of experts is more than happy to put together a custom itinerary if you have twelve or more travelers. We can put together special dates and arrangements that fit your needs. Choose your destination and then call us to discuss the best time of year, accommodations, special emphasis, or other considerations.
About our Travelers
What kind of travelers go on Adventure People trips?
Travelers between their late 20’s and 60’s are the majority, but we’ve had fun people from youth to octogenarian on our trips. The gender gap is fairly evenly split with slightly more women than men. The majority of our travelers come from North America, but we get travelers from all over the world. About 70% of participants are solo travelers and 30% sign up with a friend or spouse. Most important, however, is that most people who join us for their first “group tour” are nervous about the experience, but the majority of them return to join us on more than one.
What if I am a solo traveler?
Not a problem! We put extra emphasis on serving the needs of the growing solo traveler market. Out tours are comprised of 70% solo travelers and you’ll never be required to pay a single supplement unless you want your own room. We will always offer roommate matching to pair you with a same-sex roommate.
What are the age restrictions on your trips?
To travel independently, you must be at least 18 years of age. There are no upper age limits. Some of our adventures are open to children age 12 years or older when accompanied by an adult. (maximum 2 per adult)
Do I need to be in good shape to go on your trips?
While some of our tours are more challenging than others, most are designed to accommodate participants of all ability levels. However, you’ll get the most enjoyment from your trip if you are reasonably fit. No special skills are required for most adventures, however, some trips are catered to the more serious adventurers and include high altitude treks, scuba diving, rock climbing, or other skilled activities. We encourage you to engage in some sort of aerobic activity three times a week. Please see our Trip Ability & Difficulty Levels page for more information.
Travelers with pre-existing medical conditions are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travelers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen adventure. While your trip leaders and guides work hard to make sure that all of our travelers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided.
How do you accommodate guests of varying abilities?
Our trips bring together people of all ages. It is important that you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility is required to undertake any of our trips. Travelers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, be able to climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage, at a minimum. You must inform us at the time of booking if anyone in your party has a disability, medical or behavioral condition which could affect their participation in the trip or other people on the trip.
Trips are generally rated based on the physical activity level of each trip. There are six ratings: All Ability Levels, Easy, Easy to Moderate, Moderate, Moderate to Difficult, and Difficult. On some days, there may be a choice of mileage options and difficulty level or activities.
On our trekking trips, we almost always have two guides and can therefore accommodate both faster and slower participants. Every trekking trip has participants of varying abilities so there’s usually someone else traveling at your speed. This makes for an optimal arrangement for spending the day with similarly fit travelers and then reuniting in the evenings with the rest of the group.
Do you have traveler references for your trips?
Absolutely! We are happy to provide the names of past trip participants who have volunteered to be referenced.
About Booking a Reservation
How do I sign up for a trip? Is a deposit required?
It couldn’t be easier to sign up for one of our adventures. Simply reserve your spot online or call us at 800-953-5538 (outside the US: +1-310-577-4652). We typically require a deposit of $500 per person but may vary depending on the adventure. Please visit the trip post to find out the deposit amount for the trip you are interested in joining. The deposit is non-refundable unless canceled within 72 hours. After 72 hours, cancellation fees apply (see the section on “Cancellation Policy” for details). You must, at the time of reservation, provide your name and birth date exactly as it appears on the form of identification you plan to use. Failure to provide this information at the time of booking could result in additional fees.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you a confirmation email of your booking. Once the trip has been confirmed (met its minimum number, which is typically 8 travelers), you’ll receive an electronic packet with detailed arrival information, suggested flights, packing list, invoice, a quote for travel insurance, information about the area we will be visiting and a liability waiver.
If we do not meet the minimum number of travelers by the final payment date, which is typically 90 days prior to departure, we will refund your deposit or you may apply it to another trip.
When is my balance due?
The balance of your trip is typically due 90 days prior to trip departure for international trips and 30 days before departure for trips in the US, and may be paid by check, bank transfer, gift certificate, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or Bank Transfer. If you register for a trip within 90 days of trip departure, full payment is due at the time of booking. If your payment is not received when due, Adventure People reserves the right to treat the reservation as canceled.
How do I reserve my trip online?
You can get to our online reservation system by clicking on the “Check Availability” or “Join a Group” button on the individual trip page on our website.
Can I change my mind and transfer to another trip after I’ve already made a reservation?
You may transfer from one trip to another up to 90 days before trip departure for a $50 administration fee, after which time our cancellation policy applies.
What is your cancellation policy?
All cancellations must be advised in writing. We calculate your refund on the day we received written notice of cancellation. All refunds will be processed within a few days of your cancellation. Cancellation of a booking or failure to join a tour will result in retention of funds by Adventure People, as follows:
91+ days prior to departure: Full deposit
90 to 60 days prior to departure: 50% of the total trip price
59 to 0 days prior to departure: 100% of the total trip price
Adventure People and its agents reserve the right to cancel a reservation if payment is not made on time, in which case the cancellation fees above will apply. In the unlikely event that an invoice is not received, payment is still due as stated above.
Remember, you have the option to include trip cancellation insurance, which we strongly recommend. If you choose not to purchase this, you are taking a risk. We make hotel reservations, travel arrangements, and arrange local tours based on the deposits we receive when you sign up. Our trips do fill up, and a cancellation often means that we have lost the opportunity to give your spot to someone else. We reserve the right to cancel any tour due to acts of nature, road conditions, insufficient number of participants, or unforeseen circumstances that mandate cancellation.
If a previously confirmed trip is canceled by Adventure People and we are unable to provide you with another trip that is satisfactory, a full refund will be sent and shall constitute full settlement with you.
What is a single supplement?
A single supplement is an option for any traveler to reserve their own room instead of sharing it with another traveler. Please see the detailed itinerary for each trip as the amount involved varies. Single supplements are considered part of the trip price and are subject to cancellation fees.
Can I make payments?
Yes. Once the deposit is made and the trip is confirmed, travelers are able to make payments leading up to the date on which full payment is due. Payments cannot be made online, they must be made over the phone by calling 800-953-5538 or +1-310-577-4652.
Do you have special rates for groups?
Yes. A 10% discount is offered to groups of eight or more who jointly confirm reservations for the same regularly scheduled trip.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of $200,000 for medical evacuation and repatriation is mandatory for anyone traveling with us. It is also strongly recommended the coverage be extended to include trip cancellation, curtailment, and all other expenses that might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay, or inconvenience.
Do I need a passport?
For all trips outside of your country of citizenship, a valid passport is required for entry, departure, and travel through other countries. Passport must be valid for 6 months past the departure date. Please visit our Resources page for a list of offices where you can obtain passport information.
Do I need a Visa?
Requirements for travel visas vary widely depending on your nationality and your destination. Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements. Please visit our Resources page for a list of websites that will help you determine if visas are required for your trip.
How do I know what vaccinations I need before visiting another country?
It’s important that you receive the most accurate and up-to-date travel health information for the region you will be visiting. The only one qualified to provide you with this advice is your physician or a specialist from a Travel Health clinic. Please visit our Resources page for links to websites that contain information related to travel issues.
What are Adventure People’s limitations of liability?
Adventure People and Expeditions Venture Group, Inc is not liable for bodily injury or property damage as a result of (but not limited to): physical exertion for which a guest is not prepared; forces of nature; travel by plane, train, auto, boat or other conveyance, or by bicycle, ski, horseback, foot or another form of active or adventure travel; consumption of alcoholic beverages; civil unrest; terrorism; the breakdown of equipment; high altitude; lack of or limited access to medical attention in remote locations; and the adequacy of medical attention once provided. Adventure People and Expeditions Venture Group, Inc is not liable for: expenses (e.g. meals, transportation, or hotel costs) that are not specified as included in the trip cost but may be required to get to or from a trip start or end. Adventure People and Expeditions Venture Group, Inc reserves the right to make route and hotel modifications as necessary to improve the quality of a trip or to accommodate the comfort and well-being of guests. Guests grant Adventure People express permission to take photographs or film records of its trips for promotional and commercial use, without remuneration.
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