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Stuff You Need To Know
The following is designed to give you as much background information as
possible to answer many of the numerous questions that immediately come to
mind when thinking about embarking on adventurous trips. If you are in
any doubt or need a specific question answering, please do not hesitate to
call or e-mail.
Flights
International flights are not included in the price of my trips. I do
offer a free service to either source the flights for you through a
designated ATOL licence holder or inform you when the best prices become
available for the relevant flights. Flight bookings are subject to the
conditions of whoever you book the flight with. Internal flights are
included in my prices. This policy allows maximum flexibility for you
to choose your inward and outward flights (potential extensions to your stay),
as well as the airline carrier (you may belong to a frequent flyer programme).
Passports and Visas
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months on the day of departure.
Visas are required for most countries that I operate in and in most cases details will be provided on precisely what you need to do to obtain one.
Money
Credit cards, traveller’s cheques or local currency cash are all generally
accepted in the cities/towns we visit. Some planning may be required for
your time in the hills (ie small denominations). More specific advice is given with the Trek
Briefing Notes.
Local Payments
Travel and Trek does NOT use any form of 'local payment' to make the advertised prices appear lower than they actually are!
Group Size
No group will exceed 16 people (including the Group Leader). Treks will
run with a minimum number of people, clearly stated with each trek summary.
Fitness
Fitness, or perceived lack of(!), is the first concern of most non-regular
trekkers. Provided that you can walk for several hours over varied
terrain for several consecutive days carrying a daysack containing essentials
such as water, camera, sun screen, etc..., then you should be perfectly capable of
completing any one of these treks. Whilst it is best to be as walking
fit as possible, the pace is self controlled and you will undoubtedly find a
group of like paced walkers. The weekend
training gatherings are an excellent way to gauge if this is for you
BEFORE you book.
Age
Age is no barrier provided you feel fit enough. The age range to date
has been between 18 and 72. Most people join these treks because they
have a passion for this type of travel and will therefore be very like-minded
with all the other members of the group. It is a great advantage to have
a good age range as it provides a good base for varied conversation.
How Far?
Distance in mountainous areas is generally measured in time, not miles or
kilometres. Expect to walk between 4 and 8 hours and occasionally more
on a daily basis dependent on numerous factors. Between 5 – 6 hrs is
normal. These treks are not a test of endurance; sufficient rest is
factored in and flexibility is key.
Clothing and Equipment
You do not need any specialist clothing or equipment for these treks. A
good sleeping bag, daysack, boots and perhaps a duvet jacket are the only
items that I would perhaps single out for special attention. Feel free
to call and discuss any items that you feel unsure of. Again, the
training weekends are very useful to gain ideas
of what suits you and what is required. A comprehensive kit list is
provided.
Altitude
Whilst some of these treks attain a significant altitude, do not be overly
concerned. Provided that the rate of ascent is controlled responsibly
and in accordance with general guidelines, then serious problems should not
occur. Your Guide/Leader will be well versed in the symtoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and will help and advise you as you progress. Should you experience serious symptoms, then descent is the safest and only option.
Additional advice is contained in the Trek Briefing Notes. Why not download my own guide to trekking at altitude.
Weather (and the cold)
Weather conditions are unpredictable, we all know that! If you are going on a trek that attains signifcant altitudes then you should expect cold (if not very cold) temperatures at night. Women tend to feel the cold more than men so equip yourself accordingly. A very good sleeping bag is a worthwhile investment if you are going higher than 4000m for example, even more so if you are on a tented trek. Do not underestimate the cold, most lodges do not have heaters and you will spend many hours sitting and talking or playing cards or writing so a good duvet jacket, warm hat, etc... are essential to your comfort. Each one of us is different in terms of the cold weather tollerance at night and it is also extremely difficult to gauge the quality of a sleeping bag these days. Don't always believe the ratings on cheaper bags, you get what you pay for!
Accommodation
Accommodation is in either hotels, B&B's, mountain refuges (some dormitory),
tea-houses or occasionally tents (Morocco and Bhutan only) and my prices are based on
sharing a twin room. All accommodation is clean and comfortable.
Most of the trekking accommodation is basic with communal ablution
facilities.
Single Rooms or Tents
In general terms, trips of this nature do require you to be prepared to share
accommodation with a fellow group member of the same sex. I will try
and accommodate those who prefer to be accommodated singularly without
financial penalty. Availability will depend on which trip you have
chosen. Should you wish to take up this option, please call and discuss
your requirement.
Travelling Alone?
Over 50% of bookings are from people travelling by themselves. It is a
great way to meet new people from all walks of life. You can remain as
independent as you wish on trips of this nature and yet feel safe as part of
a group.
Freedom of Travel
Everyone will have his/her own agenda of what they want to see and do.
Through experience, it is on that basis that I allow as much freedom as
possible for you to do as you wish throughout the trip. The framework
is there for all within which to work and I will assist you as much as you
require but should you wish to do so, when the opportunity arises you may
explore as much as you wish.
Food and Water
The cost of food is not included in the price of my trips (except Morocco and Bhutan).
This policy gives you the greatest flexibilty to eat what you want, when
you want and how much you want. It is inexpensive and the wide variety
of food on offer in the counties visited allows you to mix local and western
dishes as you wish. Water is generally purchased in bottles and has to
date proven perfectly safe to drink.
Rest and Recouperation
Whilst without doubt the primary aim of most of my trips is the trekking,
there is always a balance to be struck between work and rest. The
itineraries will show where those rests are, which generally come towards the
end of the trip but will occur at other times, should the need be there.
Vaccinations
I cannot formally advise you of which vaccinations you should have. You
should therefore consult your local medical centre and/or visit one of the
numerous websites that offer such advice such as the excellent
www.traveldoctor.co.uk.
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