FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Do your tours include international airfare?

Travelers arrive from all over the world to begin our tours and it is not possible to include international airfare in our prices. If you live in North America, our Discovery Adventures specialists would be happy to help you arrange flights. Just ask for an air quote when making your booking.


back to top Back to top

How many people can join a tour?

We keep our group sizes low so you have the freedom to move around and get involved with your surroundings, as well as more personal attention from our local guides. This intimate size ensures that your group will not crowd your experience. You can expect up to 15 travelers on a trip but the average is 10. Check individual trip pages for maximum group sizes.


back to top Back to top

Who are my traveling companions?

For privacy reasons we cannot provide you with advance details on your traveling companions. However, our tours appeal to a wide range of travelers, most of whom share an adventurous spirit and a desire to experience these destinations. Our tours are conducted in English and attract travelers from around the world.


back to top Back to top

What are the age restrictions on your tours?

To travel independently you must be at least 18 years of age. There are no age limits on our tours however travelers with pre-existing medical conditions are required to complete a medical questionnaire. Children a minimum of 12 years old can travel accompanied by an adult 21 years or older on any of our tours.


back to top Back to top

I'm a solo traveler; will I be charged a single supplement?

Most of our trips do not have a mandatory single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if you are traveling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another Discovery Adventures traveler of the same sex. Some independent extensions, do require a single supplement.


back to top Back to top

I’m a solo traveler and I’d like my own room, is that possible?

All Discovery Adventures group tours provide a single supplement optional service called "My Own Room”, allowing solo travelers the option to request their own private room while on tour. The cost and details vary by trip.


back to top Back to top

Can I book extra nights of hotel accommodation before or after my tour?

Yes, in most cases we can arrange additional accommodation at our starting or ending hotels. Prices are listed on our website or you can also contact one of our specialists for price information.


back to top Back to top

Can you provide me with a list of the hotels we will be staying at?

Starting and ending hotels are listed on your travel voucher and in the Trip Details document. We use a variety of hotels en-route and a complete list of hotels will be provided on Day 1 of your tour. If your family requires contact information, or in case of emergency, please have them contact us.


back to top Back to top

Can I join a tour late or leave it early?

It can be difficult to join a tour after it has begun and we don’t advise it. It is possible to leave a tour early, however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary please consult a Discovery Adventures specialist before you book your adventure.


back to top Back to top

Are airport transfers included?

Arrival transfers are included on most Discovery Adventures group tours. Please check the trip details for arrival information, specific to your tour. By booking your airfare with us we can ensure someone meets you at the airport before your tour. If you book your own airfare, you must provide your flight number, arrival date and arrival time to us. Departure transfers can be locally arranged at additional cost from the finishing point hotel.


back to top Back to top

What type of ground transportation is used on your tours?

Trip specific information on transportation can be found on the trip summary page, however in most cases we use a mix of public and private transportation.


back to top Back to top

What type of accommodation is used on your tours?

The accommodation level for most Discovery Adventures tours are comfortable, in mid-range hotels, motels, lodges or guest houses. You'll often enjoy air-conditioned rooms, complete with en suite bathrooms and some amenities. Accommodations can vary by country and region so please consider that standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country. Some trips may include camping, permanent tented camps or more rustic lodges, depending on the remoteness of where you are visiting. Please see your “Trip Details” Document for more detailed information, specific to your tour. Porterage is not included, but can be arranged directly at most hotels.


back to top Back to top

What is the most appropriate type of luggage to bring?

We strongly recommend bringing a soft, medium sized suitcase or duffel bag on wheels. Keep in mind that you will normally have to carry your own luggage on and off buses and trains, as well as up and down hotel staircases.


back to top Back to top

What clothing should I pack for my adventure?

We always recommend packing as light as possible, however the specific requirements for your tour will vary widely depending on where and when you are traveling. Our “Trip Details” document includes a suggested packing list and these can be downloaded from each individual trip summary page. The checklist is tour specific and based upon the experience of our ground staff.


back to top Back to top

Can you help arrange my travel visas?

Requirements for travel visas vary widely depending on your nationality and your destination. Although we are unable to arrange visas on your behalf we have provided a link on our “Plan Your Trip” page that will help you determine if visas are required. If you do require a visa you can arrange them yourself or use the services of a visa processing company.


back to top Back to top

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 family physician or a specialist from a travel health clinic.


back to top Back to top

Is tipping included and if not, how much should I budget?

Tips are not included in the tour price and tipping is entirely at your discretion. Our “Trip Details” documentation includes suggested tipping amounts and these can be downloaded from each individual trip summary page.


back to top Back to top

What does "Holding an Option" mean?

It means reserving space without payment for up to 48 hours. Holding an option gives you time to research flights, gather passport information, confirm arrangements with travel partners, etc. An option will expire and your space will be released unless you confirm within 48 hours after making the reservation. Holding an option isn't necessary if you know you want to book and are ready to make payment.


back to top Back to top

How do I "Hold an Option”?

There are two ways to hold an option: online or by phone. Our secure online booking form allows you to "Hold an Option" or "Confirm my Booking". Payment is not required when holding an option, however we do require your credit card details when Holding an Option. Your credit card will not be charged unless you confirm your option. After holding an option you will be provided with a Booking Reference Number and instructions on how to confirm. Options that are not confirmed within 48 hours will expire and your space will be released. You will be notified by email within 24 hours of expiry.


back to top Back to top

How do I confirm after "Holding an Option"?

You can confirm your space by email travel@discoveryadventures.com or by phone. Please be sure to have the following details at hand:

* Booking Reference Number (provided to you at the time you held your option)
* Full name as it appears on your passport
* Passport number, expiration date
* Nationality
* Full mailing address
* Date of birth
* Occupation
* Emergency contact name and phone number
* Details regarding any pre-existing conditions need to be recorded on a signed medical form.
* Credit card details

Payment is by credit card. If your tour departs within 60 days, full payment is required, otherwise a deposit of $250 USD per person will confirm your booking. Initial documents will be emailed to you within 48 hours of confirming your booking.


back to top Back to top

Can I book and confirm without holding an option?

Yes! You can do so online or by phone. Please be sure to have the following details on hand:

* Full name as it appears on your passport
* Passport number, expiration date
* Nationality
* Full mailing address
* Date of birth
* Occupation
* Emergency contact name and phone number
* Details regarding any pre-existing conditions need to be recorded on a signed medical form.
* Credit card details

Payment is by credit card. The following credit cards are accepted: Visa, MasterCard and American Express. If your tour departs within 60 days, full payment is required; otherwise a deposit of $250 USD per person will confirm your booking. Initial documents will be emailed to you within 48 hours of confirming your booking.


back to top Back to top

Is availability guaranteed when I book online?

The availability listed on our website is updated every minute, however on some tours we must confirm arrangements with our local staff, a process which usually takes no more than 24 hours. When you book online you will receive a follow-up email confirming your arrangements or a time frame for when they will be confirmed. We strongly recommend that you do not make any other non-refundable travel arrangements until you receive confirmation that your space has been held.


back to top Back to top

Are your tours guaranteed to run?

Yes! We do have selected tours that are guaranteed as soon as a single person books that departure. These tours are marked with our guaranteed symbols online and in our brochure. Some Discovery Adventures tours have certain guaranteed departures. Others require a minimum number of passengers to run. Just look for any trip with a "G" beside the dates in the price box. This is our guarantee that your departure will be operating as scheduled once you have booked*. That means once you receive confirmation for your departure date, you can confidently book flights and make all the necessary travel arrangements with the peace of mind that the departure date won't change. Most of our trips operate as scheduled, but some may not become guaranteed until much closer to the departure date. *A trip with a "G" beside it denotes that the trip is guaranteed to operate once you book your space, barring unusual circumstances beyond the company's control or for reasons of force majeure.


back to top Back to top

How much insurance do I need and where/how can I buy it?

All of our tours require that you have medical travel insurance which includes at least USD $200,000 worth of emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage. On Day 1 your tour leader/Discovery Adventures guide will ask you for proof of coverage. Unfortunately, we cannot allow you to travel with us without the required insurance coverage. We will provide you with an insurance quote at time of option/booking. Cancellation insurance is strongly recommended because once confirmed; cancellation of any services can result in full loss of money paid.


back to top Back to top

How do you send out travel documentation?

All documentation is sent electronically by email. Shortly after we receive your payment we will send you your initial documents including a confirmation invoice and detailed trip notes. Final documentation including vouchers will be sent by email no later than two weeks prior to the departure.


back to top Back to top

Why can't extra services be added to a trip within 10 days of departure?

As our adventures are often "off the beaten path" and it is not always possible to contact our tour leaders to have them arrange these services in such a short time frame. We highly recommend adding services to your booking at least 30 days prior to your departure date, or additional fees may be charged.


back to top Back to top

Can I pay in full at the time I book?

Yes. Please let your Discovery Adventures specialist know at time of booking or indicate this in the comments box when making your online booking.


back to top Back to top

Can I cancel my booking if I decide I cannot make it?

When your deposit is made, and we confirm your booking, it is non-refundable. If you cancel your booking within 60 days of departure, the penalty is 50% loss, and if you cancel within 30 days, it is 100%. Because of this, we highly recommend taking out an all-inclusive insurance policy, so you know your investment is secure! For further information regarding our Terms & Conditions.


back to top Back to top

Will you let me know if my tour is guaranteed sooner than the 60-day mark?

Yes, an email will automatically be sent to you advising to go ahead and book your international airfare with us as your tour is guaranteed to depart.


back to top Back to top

Can my documents be mailed out to me?

As a sustainable company, we try to limit the amount of paper that we consume; therefore, all documents are electronically sent directly to your email account. Please consult a Discovery Adventures specialist if this is not possible.


back to top Back to top