Essential Information

The Exodus price

You can find both cheaper and more expensive operators than Exodus: our strength is that we provide the greatest choice of adventurous holidays worldwide, and the best value for money. We aim for good quality, and we don’t cut corners in providing it. While luxury is certainly less important to us than interest, we still always aim at reasonable standards of comfort where it is available.

What the price includes

Flights
The ‘Flight Inc.’ prices shown on the exodus website include flights from a UK airport to the destination airport and back, UK departure tax, all necessary domestic flights on the trip itinerary and all airport transfers if booked on the group flights. Where this is not the case it is specifically mentioned on the Dates & Prices page for the individual trip or in the Trip Notes. If you book at the Land only price, international flights and related airport transfers are not included, but internal flights generally are, except where tickets are better issued in conjunction with your international ticket.

Accommodation
This is included in the price. Twin (2 beds) or double (1 large bed) rooms will be allocated to clients booking together; we will of course provide twin rooms for non-couples, but cannot guarantee double rooms for couples. If you’re camping, we provide sturdy two-person tents and all necessary communal camping and cooking gear, so you will just need to bring a sleeping bag and, on most trips, a sleeping mat or Thermarest. Single clients will be matched with a sharer of the same sex. If you are a smoker we ask you not to smoke in your room or tent if sharing.

Food
Meal plans vary according to area and circumstances: for every trip, details of what is included are shown in the Food section of each trip, and in the Trip Notes.

Transport
All necessary transport during the trip is included, whether private or public.

Sightseeing
Included wherever it is part of the itinerary (as stated in the Trip Notes). There are usually optional trips too, which are paid for locally.

Staff
On all trips we provide a leader or local representative, assisted by local guides, drivers and any other staff as appropriate. Leaders usually meet the group locally.

Please note that we cannot guarantee that a particular leader will lead a particular holiday. Even though most of the leaders are appointed soon after the publication of the brochure, there is always a possibility that the leader may change, sometimes at short notice. We will not make any refund if you wish to cancel your holiday because of a change of leader.

Permits, taxes and entrance fees
We include in the cost of the holiday all necessary local permits, taxes and entrance fees to National Parks or sites that are part of the itinerary, except for the Kilimanjaro Government Tax, Gorilla Permits and certain Galapagos taxes. These are stated on the Dates and Prices page.

No local payments
Regular Exodus clients will know that for some time we, along with some other operators, have been using a system of 'local payments' - where a proportion of the operational costs are paid directly to the leader on arrival. While this undoubtedly offered a good deal in terms of overall costs, it has been unpopular with many of our clients. We are therefore pleased to announce that none of the trips in this brochure have fixed local payments, so the price you see on the page is the price you pay for the holiday. While some of the headline prices have risen, we have not added any extra costs into the total price, apart from the local payment and any standard annual fluctuation in price. When you are travelling you will still spend money locally on optional excursions, meals and drinks, but these are always at your discretion and an idea of cost is given in the Trip Notes. Any other specific local costs are stated on the Dates and Price page.

Not included
Any meals and other food not included in the meal plan, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, foreign airport taxes where not included in the price of the ticket, sleeping bags and other personal equipment, sleeping mats on most camping trips, entrance to historical sites if not specified in the Trip Notes, extra optional excursions and any personal expenditure such as laundry, drinks and tips.

Single accommodation
Our prices are based on twin share accommodation. If you book on your own (many people do), we arrange for you to share with a person of the same sex. We do not charge a single supplement except on extensions or independent trips. Where it is operationally possible to do so, we offer an optional single supplement in the price list. On some trips it is not possible to guarantee single accommodation for the whole tour; where this is the case further information and prices can be found in the Trip Notes. If you would like a single room or tent on a particular holiday you should contact the office for details. Where we are unable to guarantee single accommodation you may be able to arrange and pay for it locally. Please be aware that paying a single supplement does not guarantee you sole use of a twin or double room, and that single rooms are often smaller than a standard twin/double. Note on certain trips single accommodation is not available due to local operational conditions.

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Other information

Group size and minimum numbers
For each trip we indicate a normal group size in the Trip Details section.
Most of our holidays are group holidays and require a certain number of participants to operate. In the unlikely event that a holiday does not reach minimum numbers we may be forced to cancel. Therefore we strongly recommend that you do not make any non-refundable or non-changeable travel arrangements until the trip has been confirmed.

If a holiday has not reached minimum numbers a final decision will be made between eight and six weeks before departure, although on occasions we may keep a holiday open until four weeks beforehand in an effort to get enough bookings to operate. If the group size drops below the minimum stated, we reserve the right either to cancel or to run the trip with minor modifications. We also reserve the right to confirm trips on numbers lower than the minimum indicated in this brochure. Occasionally, where operationally possible, we may exceed the maximum number stated in the brochure.

Age requirements
We regret that we cannot accept unaccompanied children under the age of 18.
On a selection of holidays we are happy to accept accompanied children from the age of 14 and above, on the understanding that the accompanying adults take full responsibility for them whilst on the holiday. The minimum age for each itinerary is shown in the brochure or
online. There is no upper age limit on our holidays, but as most holidays are quite active we may ask that clients over the age of 70 send a letter with their booking form explaining their understanding of the nature of the holiday and confirming that they are fit enough to
participate fully.

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On your trip

Spending money
You need to take enough money to cover the cost of meals not included in the trip cost, and for drinks and incidentals. Advice on this is given in the Trip Notes. Remember there are often optional activities, or souvenirs to buy and you should allow some extra spending money for these.

Baggage on flights
You are restricted to 20kg of baggage on most flights. We recommend you to take rather less than this to allow for souvenirs that you may want to bring back. On some internal flights the weight limit is lower; where this is so we state it in the Trip Notes. Please note that airlines are also becoming stricter on the size and weight of hand luggage carried on flights.

Baggage on trip
On a few trips there are restrictions as to the type and weight of baggage that you can bring; on trips where it is not possible to take a suitcase you will need a soft bag or backpack; the Trip Notes will advise you on this. Generally you can take whatever type of bag you wish: just make sure that you don’t take too much, and that your bag will protect your belongings and stand up to rough treatment. On a few walking trips that involve local porterage we provide a kitbag, which will help protect your luggage from the inevitable wear and tear involved.

On-trip services
On all trips the staff are there to help if you need any special assistance. Camping trips tend to be more participatory than hotel-based trips: on most we have cooks and camp helpers to do the work, but on some trips you will need to help by putting up your own tent, and on a small number, by joining a cooking or shopping rota. Those trips where you are required to help out are described as participatory under the ‘Essential Info.’ Tab for that trip.

Clothing & equipment
On most trips light, comfortable casual clothes are all that is needed, plus cold and wet weather protection. On some trips you will need a sleeping bag and sleeping mat and occasionally other items of specific equipment: where this is the case details are given in the Trip Notes.

Equipment hire
For your convenience we operate a scheme through which you may hire specific equipment, including sleeping bags and duvet jackets. For full details, please refer to the Travel Advice booklet that is sent on booking.

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Reality check

Travelling anywhere abroad can expose you to risks not normally faced at home and our type of travel can be less predictable and orderly than some expect. We therefore ask that you read and consider this section carefully before booking your holiday, as we believe that you should be fully informed before making your choice to travel.

Health requirements
The Trip Notes list any statutory vaccination requirements for the countries we visit if you are travelling from the UK. If you are travelling from elsewhere you should check with your nearest embassy or tourist office for current regulations. We strongly recommend that you check with your family doctor or specialist travel clinic as soon as you book, for up-todate advice on all preventative health precautions. It is also a good idea to have a dental check-up before you go, as, in many of the countries to which we travel, facilities are expensive and may not be of the same standard as you are used to. If you are travelling in Europe you should enquire about the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your Post Office. This gives a certain degree of free medical care in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for travel insurance.

Adventurous travel
On many of our holidays the areas are remote, the lifestyle is very different and events much less predictable than on a conventional holiday. Health, safety and operational standards - particularly of hotels, transport and airlines - are often not up to Western levels. However good our organisation is, we are at the mercy of the unexpected, and this type of trip can never be entirely cut-and-dried. If you are not prepared for this you should not travel with us. Because these are not ordinary package holidays, the outline itineraries given on this website are statements of intent rather than promises. Local weather, politics, airlines, transport or a host of other uncontrollable factors can mean a change in itinerary or means of transport. It is unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered, but if changes are necessary the leader will decide the best alternative, after consultation with the group. Where a delay or change does occur, we will do everything we can to minimise its effects, but we cannot be held responsible for the results of delays or changes outside our control. Finally, crime and other security risks exist in practically all countries, whether it is the USA or India. Travelling in a group is a safeguard, but not a guarantee. Though we will take all reasonable care of you, we cannot do this adequately if you do not at all times take sensible precautions yourself.

Accommodation
Our aim, wherever possible, is to use accommodation that is in keeping with the area that we visit, local in character, and generally locally-owned. In many countries health and safety regulations are not up to the standards in the EU, Australasia or North America and because of this care may need to be taken to familiarise yourselves with the general layout of the accommodation so as to become aware of any specific risks or lack of safety features. This can be particularly important where the accommodation includes a swimming pool, as signs and other safety features may not be present. Plumbing and hot water can also be erratic, other facilities may not be of resort standard, and service, although friendly, may not be polished and professional. If you choose to travel on this type of holiday you must accept that this is all part of the experience.

Transport
In many countries that we visit, transport facilities, regulations and health and safety precautions are not up to the standard of the EU, Australasia or North America. Where this is the case, we attempt to ensure that all our transport complies with local regulations and standards, but we cannot guarantee the same standard as in the EU. If you choose to travel to these destinations, you must be prepared to accept the standard of transport that is available in the area. In accordance with EU Directive (EC) No. 2111/2005, Article 9, we are required to bring to your attention the existence of a ‘community list’ which contains details of air details of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban within the EU. The list is available for inspection at http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/ safety/flywell_en.htm

Group activities
Exodus offers adventurous holidays that involve different types of activities; as such you should ensure that you read all literature carefully for details of the level of the activity and the necessary experience (if any) required on your holiday. Whilst we ensure the activity is run to the local legal standard and risk assessments are regularly carried out, some activities do carry an element of risk and it is your responsibility to ensure that the trip/activities are suitable for you and that you are fit enough to join in. The leader’s word is, however, final, and if he/she deems you unfit or unsuitable for a particular activity you may not be allowed to participate with the rest of the group. If by choice or necessity you leave the group, we will generally not be able to supply alternative services, leaders and activities, and you should not expect this.

Know Before You Go
Exodus has joined the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Know Before You Go campaign. Know
Before You Go aims to make sure that travellers are properly prepared before setting out on travels overseas and have independent advice.

The emphasis is on:

• Seeking the FCO advice about countries to be visited before departure
• Having adequate travel insurance
• Following local laws and regulations
• Avoiding taking risks with money and possession whilst abroad

The best way to get the FCO’s latest advice on a particular country is to visit their website www.fco.gov.uk/travel; or call Exodus and we will be pleased to provide you with all relevant information.

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Flight information

Flight amendments
The ‘Flight Inc.’ prices quoted on this website include flights from the UK unless otherwise stated. Most of these flights are based on special group fares, which have certain restrictions on changes to date, route or validity. While we can often make alternative flight arrangements to suit individual needs, these are likely to be more expensive than the published arrangements. Any such change made after a ticket is issued will normally necessitate the purchase of a new ticket at the passenger’s expense.

The Land only prices quoted in this brochure do NOT include flights or transfers to and from the airport.

Flight supplements
If we are no longer holding an allocation of seats on the group flight, or our allocation of seats has been fully utilised, we will search for alternatives. It may be that we can still book you onto the group flight on an “adhoc” basis, or we may have to look at an alternative airline, date or time. Any difference in price between the flight booked and that of the group flight will be passed on in the form of a flight supplement.

Flight timings, routes and schedule changes
Please note that all flight timings are subject to change by the airlines. Unfortunately, airlines change their schedules regularly, and although we will inform you of proposed flight timings and route at the time of booking, we cannot be held responsible for any changes after this date. It is also important to note the difference between a “direct flight, a “non-stop flight” and a “scheduled stop flight”. Non-stop flights do not have any scheduled touchdowns en route, while direct flights mean there is no change of aircraft but that stops are possible and indeed probable, as per the airline schedules. Scheduled stop flights are usually based on a carrier that will also fly via their home country before continuing onto the final destination, and this will usually mean a change of plane. Unfortunately, not all stops or touchdowns can be detailed on your flight confirmation.

Flight delays
Unfortunately, flight delays do occur and apart from the obvious inconvenience of the delayed arrival at your destination, they can cause ongoing operational problems with your holiday arrangements. Depending on the circumstances the airline may make alternative arrangements at no extra cost; however, additional costs may well be involved in the form of onward flight arrangements, transfers and accommodation. Should you be affected by a flight delay, and need assistance, please refer to your Final Joining Instructions (FJI).

Regional connections
Reduced fares from UK regional airports to connect with international flights departing from London are available on most programmes. Please request details and book these as early as possible. Once booked, alterations and cancellations will be subject to a fee of £25. On some holidays it is possible to fly to the destination or an overseas connecting city from some regional airports in Britain; where this is available details are given in the Trip Notes. It is likely that flights from regional airports will arrive at different times to the group flights from London: where this is the case you can wait at the airport for the group flight, or make alternative transfer arrangements, may be necessary.

Low cost carriers
We recognise that a variety of low cost airlines fly to many of our European and North Africa destinations and that you may wish to make your own travel arrangements to join these trips. Please consult our website and Trip Notes for full details of the different airlines and transfer arrangements available.

Flight meals
Although meals are still provided on most international flights, you should be aware that more and more airlines do not include them on shorter flights, particularly those within Europe. On many routes with connections within Europe, a meal will be provided on the international sector but not on the sector between the UK and the connecting European airport. If you have a special dietary requirement please let us know at the time of booking. Whilst we will send an automated request through to the airline please be aware that not all airlines will confirm special meal requests, and you should double check when you check in for your flight that they have your meal request on order.

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Passport & visa requirements

Passport
British subjects require a full passport for all holidays on this website, and this should be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return home. If you are not a British national other regulations may apply to you, and you should check with the nearest embassy of the country you intend to visit. Please note that for some trips we need to request special permits, and as such we will require your passport details prior to accepting your booking. Furthermore, if you renew your passport after you have booked, you may be required to take your old passport with you to maintain the validity of the permit.

Visa
Full details of current visa requirements are given in the Trip Notes and in the confirmation documents that are sent to you on booking. Obtaining any visas that are required is your responsibility. Visa regulations can change, and may do so at short notice and sometimes without announcement. Where we become aware of changes to regulations, we will notify you if we are able. Providing we have used our best efforts to advise you of requirements, or assist you in obtaining visas, we cannot be held responsible for mistakes by embassies, third parties, and sudden changes to regulations, or actions of border officials that are beyond our control.

Travelling to the USA?
If you are travelling to the USA, the US authorities have introduced a requirement for passengers travelling under the Visa Waiver Programme to register for Electronic Travel Authority (implemented 1st January 2009). For additional specifics about the VWP please consult the VWP information on the U.S. Embassy London website.

Please note that not all nationalities have the same eligibility for travel to the USA, and you may not be covered by the visa waiver programme. If you do not hold a British passport, please check the visa requirements with your local U.S. Embassy.

Passengers who have not applied for and received travel authorisation via ESTA prior to travel may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing or be denied admission at the U.S port of entry. However, neither possession of a visa, nor meeting the basic requirements for travelling visa-free on the VWP, guarantees admission to the United States. As with most countries, the final determination of admissibility is made by immigration officials at the port of entry.

Important reminder: If you are refused boarding or denied admission at the US port of entry you will still be subject to our cancellation charges in accordance with the terms of our contract with you.

We recommend that you carry your ESTA approval with you when you travel.

All queries in relation to this requirement should be addressed via the US Embassy Consular department.

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Bike Hire Conditions

1. Advance booking is necessary to reserve equipment; bookings are not confirmed until receipt of payment.
2. The equipment remains the property of the Supplier, and the Renter will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with possession thereof.
3. The Renter undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear excepted). The Supplier shall be entitled to charge the Renter for any damage caused to the equipment during the period of hire.
4. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the Supplier reserves the right to call upon the Renter to be liable to the Supplier for the replacement value of the equipment, being not less than £250. However, should the equipment subsequently be returned in a satisfactory condition, the Supplier hereby undertakes to refund the Renter any sums taken in respect of lost or stolen bikes within 14 days.
5. The Renter will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs, and will immediately notify the Supplier in the event of breakdown or loss of the equipment.
6. Depending on the number of people who have hired bikes, there may on occasions be insufficient bikes available for hire and though we will endeavour to find suitable alternative equipment, this cannot be guaranteed. We will tell you before you book whether hire bikes are available.

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Walking & Trekking Trips

Altitude
Some of our trips go to high altitudes (3000m and above) where there is a risk of you being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). In order to prevent this, our itineraries are designed to help enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Although rare, a number of medical conditions can also reduce your body’s ability to acclimatise, and thus will affect your performance at altitude and make you more susceptible to AMS. If you are worried about any pre-existing medical condition, or unsure of your own physical ability, we recommend that you seek medical advice prior to booking. More details on altitude problems on specific itineraries can be found in the Trip Notes.

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Winter Activities (C-coded trips)

Equipment
In nearly all cases we supply all the specialist equipment you will need for the included activities. For most of the skiing trips we supply skis, boots and poles. For some of the more advanced holidays we expect you to bring your own kit or to hire locally at extra cost; where this is the case details are shown on the Trip Notes. If ski equipment is included in the package, but you would prefer to bring your own, please let us know at the time of booking and we will arrange for a reduction.

Snow reliability
We have taken care to select locations that have good snow reliability and in normal winters all the activities we describe should be possible. In the event of poor conditions we will do our best to get you to the nearest available snow, or to arrange a suitable alternative package of similar activities on the spot. We are not able to offer a guarantee of snow, nor will we regard poor snow conditions immediately prior to a trip as a valid
reason for cancelling: conditions can change very quickly and just one fall of snow can improve things immensely.

Important note on snowmobile driving
To drive a snowmobile you must have a full driving licence (normal car licence), although you will rarely be asked to produce this. For all holidays that include snowmobile driving the driver is liable for any damage that may be caused to the machines. For major damages (normally those over £400) you will be covered by the owner’s insurance. This means that, in the unlikely event that you damage a snowmobile in a major way, you will only be charged the excess on the policy and not the full cost of repair. You will be asked to agree to these conditions, either verbally or in writing, before being allowed to drive a snowmobile, and the exact amount of the excess will be specified. Snowmobiles are easy to drive safely and damage is very rare if the drivers are alert and considerate.

Activity cancellation and weather conditions.
All outdoor activities are weather dependant to some extent, and some can become dangerous in certain weather conditions. If our guides feel there is any heightened level of risk involved an activity, they may cancel or amend as they see fit. If this is the case, we will do our best to offer an alternative activity.

Risk of injury
Our leaders will do their utmost to ensure the personal safety and security of our clients, but all winter activities do bring a risk of physical injury. Beginners to certain activities such as cross-country skiing or ski- touring, will inevitably fall over many times; usually the falls are minor and are regarded as part of the fun, but occasionally more serious injuries (such as broken bones) occur. On all mountain winter holidays we have to take extra care for our clients’ safety. Where there is a risk of avalanche, falling on slopes or dangers due to the cold, our guides are extra cautious. If the guide considers situations to be above a reasonable level of risk, activities may have to be cancelled. But please note that we can never completely eliminate all risks.

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Polar Expeditions

Special Polar Booking Conditions
Due to the high value of the Polar Voyages, the standard Exodus Booking Conditions have been amended slightly. To make a booking you must send us a completed Booking Form and a deposit of 10% of your selected travel arrangements, or £500, whichever is the greater. We will then invoice you for the remainder of the cost, which you must pay no later than 90 days before departure. If you book less than 90 days before departure, full payment must be made on booking.

Booking ‘Ship Only’ Arrangements
If you wish to make your own travel arrangements, ‘Ship Only’ prices are available on our website, starting and ending at the point of embarkation. Any additional transfers at different times to that of the group, will be charged for separately. This also applies to the homeward journey; if you have a flight departing before the group flight, you will have to make your own way back to the airport. If you are delayed in reaching the ship for embarkation, please be aware that the rule for all ship-based holidays is that ‘the ship waits for no-one’.

Medical Matters
These are expeditions for persons in generally good health. We will be travelling to remote areas without sophisticated medical facilities. The ship will have a medical officer and a small infirmary on board, but medical attention is limited to basic care. The fee for medical services rendered or medicines supplied will be added to your account. On booking you will be forwarded a confidential medical questionnaire, which we ask that you and your doctor complete and return promptly, to enable us to assess if there are any difficulties in you joining the trip. This form will then be held by the ship’s doctor during the voyage to assist him/her should any treatment be required. If there is any substantial change in your medical circumstances between the completion of that document and the trip departure, it is important that you should advise us accordingly.

Ship Details
Please note that the ships are not operated by Exodus, and you will often be joining other passengers booked from around the world. Cabin arrangements twin (2 beds) cabins will be allocated to clients booking together. Double beds are available in suite accommodation only. Single clients are matched with a sharer of the same sex in a twin-share cabin. Payment of a single supplement guarantees a single cabin. The cost of a single supplement is 1.7 times the ‘ship only’ price of the voyage, for the ships Vavilov and loffe. Please ask for
price for other ships. Upgrades and single cabin options are subject to availability.

Ship to shore communications
The radio room on the ship is equipped with a satellite telephone, fax and email for urgent communication use only. Details on how to contact the ship in case of an emergency will be sent with your final documents. The cost of outgoing communications will be approximately US$10 per minute.

On board expenses
At the conclusion of your voyage, you will be presented with an account. This will include any drinks from the bar, laundry or ship’s shop purchases for which you have signed. You may pay for this in US Dollars cash, credit card (Visa or MasterCard ONLY) or US$ Traveller’s Cheques.

Hotel Accommodation
Where flight connections demand it, we include any pre or post voyage hotel nights. The number of hotel nights included in the price is shown on the page for each voyage. Should flight connections change, or lack of availability at the time of booking require it, further hotel nights will be at extra cost to the client.

Sea Kayaking
This is available on certain trips as detailed in our brochure, subject to suitable weather conditions. Please note that bookings need to be made before leaving home and that they are generally limited to 16 passengers per trip, sometimes 10. You will need to have had some previous kayaking experience (this includes experience in wet exits, bracing and some basic strokes). We will provide a drysuit, spray skirt, neoprene pogies, personal floatation device (PFD), kayak paddle, neoprene booties, neoprene beanie/hat, and a 10-litre drybag to protect your camera and personal items. Trip Notes are available for this optional activity and should be requested prior to booking and read carefully. If uncertain as to whether you have the required level of experience, please contact us.

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Family Adventures

Age requirements
The minimum age for each trip and activity is indicated in the trip information. These ages apply to the date of departure, not the date of booking. We regret that we cannot accept unaccompanied children under the age of 18. On all our Family Adventures, for each family booking, there must be at least 1 child under the age of 18. If you want to book as an extended family, such as three generations, you can book on one of our regular group departures. However too many adults compared with children will change the group dynamics and you may be better off booking an independent family holiday instead. Please speak to our Group Sales department on 0845 330 6009 or email groups@exodus.co.uk. There is no upper age limit on our
holidays but as most holidays are quite active, we ask that clients over the age of 70 send a letter with their booking form explaining their understanding of the nature of the holiday and confirming that they are fit enough to participate fully.

Accommodation
We use a variety of different accommodation on all our trips. Please refer to the ‘Essential Info.’ tab for that trip. We’ve based our prices on the following assumptions:

Families of two and four
All family groupings of two and four will be put into either one or two twin rooms. How you decide to share is at the discretion of the adults, except where specified in the brochure or Trip Notes.

Family of three
Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in some places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that, in practice, a triple room will often simply be a twin room with a mattress on the floor or a further bed squashed in. Where it is impossible to provide a triple room, you will have to decide which of your party takes the single room (at no supplement).

Family of five or more
For larger families, we will provide twin rooms as standard, with a triple room if there is an odd number.
Please note that on a very few occasions, it may be necessary for one of you to share with a member of another family. This is when accommodation is strictly limited. It goes without saying that we will never pair an adult and child together or people of the opposite sex if they are not part of the same family booking.

Rooming at activity centres
Activity Centre holidays that are based on a one or two week hotel stay have different rooming arrangements. Adult and child prices are based on two persons sharing, but there are discounts available for children sharing a room with adults on a triple (or sometimes quadruple) occupancy basis. Where this option is taken, we will arrange for the children to sleep on a pull-out bed or sofa-bed, and ensure that the room is generally large enough for the number of occupants. In general, we would suggest that one child (or two younger children) be accommodated on this basis, as rooms large enough for four are rare. When booking an Activity Centre we ask you to specify who will be sharing in each room.

Optional single supplement
There may be instances when you specifically want a single room. Perhaps a grandparent needs one or parents of a family of three or five want to ensure they get a bit of space! For whatever reason, we can offer a single room at the price indicated on the trip page. You only need to pay for this if you want to ensure a single room. Please be aware that paying a single supplement does not guarantee you sole use of a twin or double room, and that single rooms are often smaller than a standard twin/double. Please note on certain trips single accommodation is not available in some or all of the accommodation.

Location of rooms
Whilst we will do our very best to ensure that families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over where you will be put. You need to come prepared for this.

Camping
On all camping trips, tents are for two clients only. The only exception to this is in permanent tents (i.e. in the Masai Mara) where we may be able to have three beds in one tent.

Communal accommodation
Please be aware that on certain trips we stay in communal accommodation. It may be that you are overnighting in the desert or at a homestay in the jungle. In these cases you should be aware that all adults and children are put together and that there are no opportunities for privacy.

Flexibility
It may be that as the tour progresses your children would like to share a room with a new-found friend. We will try and accommodate this but at times it may prove o be impossible, as all rooms have to be pre-booked.

The child price
Where possible we have tried to offer a reduced price for children. In some cases the difference in price is due solely to child rates (valid for ages 2 - 11 years inclusive) on airfares. On all our group and independent trips the trip price is the same whether you are in a makeshift triple or in a twin, and rooming arrangements may vary at each accommodation. The activity centres are priced slightly differently. There is rarely a reduction on the airfare for short haul flights. Accommodation rates are generally per room rather than per person, therefore children in their own room are usually charged the same as adults. However, we can offer reasonable
reductions based on triple occupancy of rooms, with a child on a pull-out or sofa bed. Most activities have no price reductions for children, except in a few areas such as Egypt.

Reality Check
Taking your family abroad anywhere can expose them to risks not normally faced at home. You should therefore read this section carefully before booking your holiday. Although this may seem alarmist, we believe that you should be fully informed before making your choice. We do believe, however, that if you prepare properly and go with the right attitude, we offer some wonderfully exciting, challenging and entertaining holidays.

Health requirements
The Trip Notes list any statutory vaccination requirements for the countries we visit on individual trips if you are travelling from the UK. If you are travelling from elsewhere, you should check with your doctor, the nearest embassy or tourist office for current regulations. We strongly recommend that you check with your family doctor or specialist travel clinic as soon as you book for up-to-date advice, particularly for younger children. It is a good idea for the family to have a dental check-up before you go, as, in many of the countries to which we travel, facilities are expensive and may not be of the same standard as you are used to. If you are travelling in
Europe you should obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your Post Office. This gives free medical care in certain European countries.

Travelling as a family
On all trips, the staff are there to help ensure the holiday runs as smoothly as possible and, in the unlikely event that it does not, to sort out the best possible alternatives. What they cannot do is act as child minders or babysitters. They will treat your children as “small adults”, but it is your responsibility to look after your young ones. During free time or if you decide to opt out of a part of the itinerary, you are responsible for your family and any arrangements that may need to be made. Under no circumstances should this responsibility fall on our staff or any fellow travellers outside your immediate family.

Accommodation
Our aim, wherever possible, is to use accommodation that is in keeping with the area that we visit, local in character and generally locally-owned. In many countries, Health and Safety regulations are not up to the standards in the EU, Australasia or North America and because of this, care needs to be taken to familiarise yourselves with the general layout of the accommodation and you may need to supervise your children
more closely than you would have to in an ‘international’ standard establishment. Particular care should be taken where the accommodation includes a swimming pool, as signs and other safety features may not be present. Plumbing and hot water can also be erratic, other facilities may not be of resort standard, and service, although friendly, may not be polished and professional. If you choose to travel on this type of holiday you must accept that this is all part of the experience.