Your trel companions come from a wide range of locations and backgrounds. However, because Explore only offer English-speaking trips, the majority will be from the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US. Everyone will share your passion for adventure trel.
How many people will be on my trip?Group size ranges from between 8 to 20 people, depending on the type of trip, the transport and accommodation used, and activities included. Explore rarely he groups that are smaller than six or seven people and the erage is 14 people and a tour leader. Maximum numbers are provided on each of our itinerary pages.
Are there age limits on my trip?The minimum age on all group trips is 14 and 16 where there the trip involves high altitude. A parent or adult must accompany people under the age of 18. Fitness and stamina are more important than age. Often the older customers are the fittest in the group! Please refer to the trip notes for guidance.
Will my expectations be met?Everyone has slightly different expectations when they arrive on tour. A vital part of the Tour Leader’s role is to try to understand these individual expectations, and to run the tour in such a way that everyone gets the most out of their vacation.
What is the role of an Explore Leader?The Tour Leader’s main responsibility is to make sure that all members of the group are well looked after and return home hing had a wonderful vacation with some fantastic memories. It is the Tour Leader’s responsibility to ensure that the trip runs smoothly and that all the logistics are in place and to oversee the health and safety aspects of the trip. Tour Leaders will be as flexible as possible - within the confines of the itinerary. For example, they can arrange group meals for those that would like to eat with their trel companions.
Alternatively, if you would prefer to make your own plans they may offer suggestions for local restaurants. They will also try to make sure that everyone has as much free time during the trip as they wish.In order to keep the trips running effectively, Tour Leaders give regular briefings to talk about what is happening in the next few days, to remind you of timings and what you need to bring for excursions, sightseeing and activities.
How experienced will my Explore Leader be?All Tour Leaders are carefully selected and he undergone thorough training in the UK and/ or overseas – this is generally accepted to be some of the best in the industry. Tour Leaders are chosen for their trel experience, their people skills and their experience of working with groups..
Please note that a small number of trips are accompanied by local representatives. This will not affect the enjoyment of your vacation and will be outlined clearly in the individual Trip Notes.
What type of accommodation can I expect?Wherever possible, Explore try to include accommodation which best reflects the local area in which you are treling. This could be a Berber village house in Morocco, a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum or a safari lodge in Botswana.
Where hotels are used Explore aim for mid-range accommodation, the key requirements being cleanliness, safety, comfort and a good location. (The type of room provided, and the level of facilities may vary from place to place.) In exceptional circumstances, you might stay in simple hotels with more basic amenities.
When camping, all the necessary equipment (for example two person tents) is provided, but you are likely to need your own sleeping mats and sleeping bags. You will not he to cook. Many trips are fully staffed, but on some you may be asked to help with the camp chores. Please see Trip Notes for details. All accommodation choices are given a rating to describe standards and facilities. You can find this in the individual trip’s Trip Notes.
Can I book a Single room?Most trips are based on sharing twin-bedded rooms. Individual trelers will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room is offered. On some of these trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided on some nights but for logistical reasons not all. Please refer to the Individual Trip Notes to clarify this.
What meals are included?Most trips include breakfast, but other meals are often not included. This allows you to try the cuisine in local restaurants and to choose what and where to eat and how much to spend.
All-inclusive accommodation is kept to a minimum. Where there is no option, such as when camping, on safari or on some boat-based trips, meals tend to be included.
Special dietary requirements are catered for where possible but in some countries, there is a limited choice of food and it may be difficult to cater for all special meal requirements. Please check the Trip Notes carefully before booking if you he any specific requirements.
What kind of transport is used?The variety of transport used is another important aspect of any Explore Adventure and they use everything from buses, boats and trains to camels and donkeys. You may even find all these on the same trip.
Do I need to he Trel insurance?You must he valid trel insurance to participate on an Explore Tour. You will need to confirm to your Tour Leader that you are covered by a trel insurance policy at the start of the trip. For this reason your original insurance policy must be carried with you on trip. If you he arranged your own insurance please ensure that your documentation shows you as the named policyholder and that the cover is valid for the entire period of trel. It must also indicate that you he cover for (at least) Medical Expenses and Emergency Repatriation in the event of illness or injury.
Please ensure that a 24 hour contact telephone number for your Insurance Company is written on your documentation in case of an emergency. If you are unable to provide this information at the start of the trip you will not be able to continue with Explore - unless you purchase a suitable Insurance Policy.
What if I he any pre-existing medical conditions?If you, your treling companions, or anyone upon whom your trel depends (such as a friend or family member whose illness or death would result in you wishing to cancel or curtail your trip) has a pre-existing medical condition you must inform your trel insurance company of this when you purchase your policy.
Please ensure that you receive written confirmation from them that the condition is covered. You must take this written confirmation with you on trip, in addition to the insurance policy itself. If you don't, you may not he appropriate cover.
How fit do I need to be to participate in the trip?All Explore trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
If you he any medical condition or disability which may affect your trip arrangements in any way, you must provide full details at the time of booking.
Do I need to worry about High altitude?Several trips reach elevations of 2500 metres or more. Time is allowed for acclimatisation and usually the body acclimatises well to spending extended periods of time above this altitude.
It is difficult to predict who is at risk from altitude sickness but if you he a heart or respiratory problem Explore advise you not to risk extended trel or trekking at high altitudes and to check with your doctor.
What happens if my trip itinerary changes?From time to time, some elements of the trips may change from those that he been published. This could be the result of inclement weather, a change in the local political situation or in flight or train schedules or other circumstances beyond Explore’s control.
Significant changes to your vacation will be notified as soon as is feasible. Minor amendments to your trip will be detailed on your final trip documentation, although Explore’s website will be constantly updated should you wish to check the information at any time.
Do trips always operate?Explore reserve the right to cancel departures that (in their opinion) are not viable (except for “Definite Departures” which are described below). Typically this happens when less than six or seven people he booked on a trip (the exact numbers can vary). Explore try very hard to make every departure work and only cancel when absolutely necessary.
Explore will give you as much notice of a cancellation as possible, allowing you to consider alternative trips or dates. Explore do not guarantee a minimum number of participants for each trip and may decide to operate a trip with less than the normal minimum number of people.
What is a Definite Departure?On these trips Explore guarantee that the advertised "Trip Only" itinerary will not be cancelled or significantly changed unless they are forced to do so by a "force majeure" (as defined in their Booking Conditions). There is no minimum group size for these departures.
This guarantee does not apply to international flights, which may be subject to change or cancellation in accordance with Explore’s Booking Conditions.