Pre-pandemic, our decision to 'guarantee' a tour was limited primarily to the minimum number of participants we needed in order to make a tour viable. For the unforeseeable future, however, ever-changing conditions worldwide add an important new dimension, such that guaranteeing a tour will rely not only on group size, but also on the feasibility of running your chosen itinerary safely and practically given its particular logistical realities. For the next year or so, the days of guaranteeing trips 4-6 months off will likely give way to a new model whereby it may be necessary for us to go "down to the wire" with our long-standing 60-day confirmation deadline. While it is never ideal to leave our travellers hanging, we will be extra cautious with our optimism before clearing you to purchase flights, acquire any visas, and pay the balance owing on your tour.

We will endeavour to provide a full refund/credit for cancelled tour-related services; ancillary services such as flights will be governed by the suppliers' policies. Many travel industry suppliers have temporarily eased their cancellation policies in light of current realities; however, we cannot guarantee this. More than ever before, it is critical that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance, specifically Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage.

We will not require participants to submit proof of vaccination in advance of the program, but participants must bring their vaccination card, a copy of the card, or an electronic verification to show proof when travelling to and during the tour. You must also be prepared to attest in advance that you will be fully vaccinated prior to the tour.

No, we will not require you to submit a negative COVID-19 test result or any proof of health before joining the tour. Specific locations and entities, however, may have their own requirements. Because official rules and guidance can change at any time, it is up to the participant to be aware of the rules of the destination they are travelling to and those of the airline with which they are travelling.

Yes. For as long as this is a requirement, your Tour Leader will help you get a COVID-19 test before your flight home. The cost of this test is not included in the cost of your tour and will need to be paid locally by participants.

Should a participant become ill on tour, they should immediately notify the Tour Leader, who will assist in obtaining medical attention. If a participant develops symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or other communicable illnesses, they will be required to immediately self-isolate, both for their health and the welfare of the group. The Tour Leader will then contact a local doctor so he or she can evaluate the participant's symptoms, diagnose the illness, and provide appropriate information and guidance regarding treatment and care.

Participants who are ill and exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19 will not be permitted to rejoin the program and will remain in self-isolation until they are evaluated by a medical professional who determines their condition is not COVID-19 and clears them to resume group activities. If a participant has undergone random testing while on tour and has a confirmed case of COVID-19, they will not be able to rejoin the tour, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, until they have a confirmed negative test result. In all such cases, any costs associated with catching up with the tour will be borne by the participant or claimed against travel insurance as coverages allow.

Because participants and Tour Leaders will be vaccinated against COVID-19, it is unlikely a program will be interrupted or terminated due to a government-mandated quarantine order. However, in the event a program is cut short due to quarantine, we will endeavour to issue all participants a pro-rated credit towards a future tour; however, we cannot guarantee that it will represent 100% of the unused balance. More than ever before, it is critical that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance that will provide coverage for such a scenario.

We will do our best to ensure everyone receives the help and support they may need; however, participants should be aware that all expenses for medical treatment, as well as additional food, lodging, or transportation expenses due to extended self-isolation or quarantine, are the sole responsibility of the participant.