GENERAL FAQ’s FOR ALL TRIPS (Please see individual destinations for specific trip FAQ's)

• Is there a minimum number of people required for your trips?
Sometimes. Certain group trips require a minimum number of people.  Each destination is different so please inquire. 
Our self-guided trips only require 1-2 people.

• Do I need a visa for the countries we visit?
At this time, the countries listed on our website do not require visa’s for U.S. citizens.  Please keep in mind that policies do change so checking the government websites for the individual countries is highly recommended.  You will most definitely need a valid passport. 

• What age or physical shape should I be in?
It depends on the particular trip but our tours are meant for travelers of all ages and different fitness levels. You should, however, be relatively physically fit especially considering the nature of our trips. 

• Can I stay longer or arrive earlier?
Yes. Please contact us as soon as you know that you want to extend your stay. Payment for additional nights is due in advance.

• I am traveling alone - do I need to get a single room?
No. If you would like to share a room with another traveler, you do not need to pay the single supplement (for applicable trips only). We will match you with a great roommate.  We have many solo travelers on our trips.

• What does the trip cost include?
For most of our trips, the price covers: - accommodations, all local transportation, meals as per itinerary, all sightseeing costs as per itinerary and guides.

• What money will I need in addition to the cost of the trip?
Most expenses are covered by the price of the trip. You will need money for some meals, tipping the local guides and drivers, and you may bring some spending money for buying gifts, alcoholic beverages, personal expenses such as laundry or phone calls. Other items not covered in the price are: - airfare to the tour starting point - single supplement (optional) - travel/medical/trip cancellation insurance, medical expenses - custom fees, excess luggage fees - telephone charges - laundry expenses.

• Should I insure my trip?
Yes, medical & evacuation insurance is required and personal travel insurance including trip cancellation is highly recommended. 

• What should I pack?
It is best to arrive with clothing that will allow layering and provide protection from changing weather conditions. Depending on the trip and destination chosen, what you should pack will vary.  Make sure you bring your sunglasses and sunscreen most especially. Most of your clothing should be comfortable.  Proper footwear is required for certain trips.

• What are some trip preparation suggestions to do prior to my trip?
It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa, if required. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, airline tickets, etc) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock.

• What is the electrical voltage for my appliances, such as my camera?  
It varies by destination/country.  For example, the electricity in Spain is 230 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel to Spain with a device that does not accept 230 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter.  See here for information.

• What about general health information?
Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.

• What about the local currency and credit card use?
We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible, especially if you have a credit card that doesn't carry exchange fees. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus. Please note that many banks and most vendors will not accept or exchange $100 bills. We suggest to carry $20 bills or smaller.

Credit Cards
While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency as well. Inform your credit card company and bank (if you will be using a bank ATM card) that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
And please remember it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.). Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in a separate place.

• Will I be able to share my comments with you at the end of the trip?
Absolutely. Your feedback is important to us. Shortly after returning from your trip, you will receive an email from us requesting your feedback or an evaluation form. We are constantly striving to improve our programs and your opinion is very important to us.  

• Is international airfare included?
No, we don't include international airfare, allowing you to travel from your most convenient airport and when it’s convenient for you to travel. We like to provide our clients with flexibility in their travel plans.  But know that we are always here to offer advice.

• Do you work with local guides?
Yes! You will book through us in the United States, and then be welcomed and looked after by our local partners overseas, who we have carefully selected in those destinations and tested the trips personally. Our local guides are hand-picked and offer a high level of service with knowledge of the destination giving you an experience you will not find with a large tour group.

• What form of payment do you accept?
We accept checks and PayPal payments (credit cards are accepted via PayPal).  This will incur a small fee..

• Do you organize custom tours?
Yes,  please contact us for more information


** Please note that all information is subject to change