Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT ARE THE DATES OF YOUR TRIPS?
WHAT ARE THE DATES OF YOUR TRIPS?
We have both fixed departures and custom dates depending on the trips. This means that we can accommodate you as an individual, or with your group to find the dates that work best for your schedule and the weather conditions at your desired destination. Everyone is always welcome to attend any of the trips that have fixed dates and use these dates as your own. If you need more information on dates, please email us.
We have both fixed departures and custom dates depending on the trips. This means that we can accommodate you as an individual, or with your group to find the dates that work best for your schedule and the weather conditions at your desired destination. Everyone is always welcome to attend any of the trips that have fixed dates and use these dates as your own. If you need more information on dates, please email us.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IN MY TRAVELING OR ADVENTURE?
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IN MY TRAVELING OR ADVENTURE?
Adventure travel can be challenging because you will encounter very different cultures, attitudes and ways of doing things. Although our tours are well organized and offer good quality transportation and accommodations, most of them are not of a luxury standard and you should not always expect streamlined travel arrangements, particularly in developing countries. Public buses may be late, showers may be cold, restaurant services slower, fewer people speak English and general hygiene and toilets may be of a lower standard than what you may be used to. If you have a flexible approach, a good sense of humor, are prepared to get involved and help your tour leader or guide if necessary and accept that things don’t always go as planned, you will maximize your enjoyment of your adventure travel.
Adventure travel can be challenging because you will encounter very different cultures, attitudes and ways of doing things. Although our tours are well organized and offer good quality transportation and accommodations, most of them are not of a luxury standard and you should not always expect streamlined travel arrangements, particularly in developing countries. Public buses may be late, showers may be cold, restaurant services slower, fewer people speak English and general hygiene and toilets may be of a lower standard than what you may be used to. If you have a flexible approach, a good sense of humor, are prepared to get involved and help your tour leader or guide if necessary and accept that things don’t always go as planned, you will maximize your enjoyment of your adventure travel.
I’M TRAVELLING ALONE, IS A GROUP TOUR/TREKKING/MOUNTAINEERING RIGHT FOR ME? WHO WILL I SHARE A ROOM WITH?
I’M TRAVELLING ALONE, IS A GROUP TOUR/TREKKING/MOUNTAINEERING RIGHT FOR ME? WHO WILL I SHARE A ROOM WITH?
Although some people travel on our trips with friends or partners, many people come alone, perhaps because their friends have different interests or budgets. Although you may begin your adventure alone, by the end of the tour you will have many new friends. We will always try and match you with other groups members of same gender, but this may not always be feasible. If you want your own single room, supplemental options are available upon request.
Although some people travel on our trips with friends or partners, many people come alone, perhaps because their friends have different interests or budgets. Although you may begin your adventure alone, by the end of the tour you will have many new friends. We will always try and match you with other groups members of same gender, but this may not always be feasible. If you want your own single room, supplemental options are available upon request.
CAN I BE INDEPENDENT ON A GROUP TREKKING/MOUNTAINEERING?
CAN I BE INDEPENDENT ON A GROUP TREKKING/MOUNTAINEERING?
Absolutely! We encourage all our clients to be as independent as possible. After arriving in a new town you will have free time to go off on your own, or with other group members. We often go out as a group for a meal or drink, but it is up to you to decide how often you wish to do this. On group tours you can leave the tour and join up again later if you like.
Absolutely! We encourage all our clients to be as independent as possible. After arriving in a new town you will have free time to go off on your own, or with other group members. We often go out as a group for a meal or drink, but it is up to you to decide how often you wish to do this. On group tours you can leave the tour and join up again later if you like.
COULDN’T I DO THIS MUCH CHEAPER ON MY OWN?
COULDN’T I DO THIS MUCH CHEAPER ON MY OWN?
It may be cheaper to organize your own adventure if you only count direct costs and do not consider your time. It takes a long time to research all the options and compare prices from various companies and operators even in today’s age of the Internet. Yes there is advantages of comparing prices and saving money, but sometimes the cheapest, or the most expensive, is not the best value, considering the risk, the frustration, missed opportunities, dealing with uncooperative government offices, struggling with communications, language, cultural differences and potentially a low quality experience. Imagine how much time and effort is required to prepare an itinerary and book all of your own transportation, accommodations and permits. Plus, our itineraries are designed by adventure travel experts, who actually have been to the locations, or work in the locations and understand local conditions. You have the extra benefit of a tour leader/guide who will take care of the logistics, so when you arrive at your destination you will have free time for relaxation and sightseeing, rather than having to worry about the next part of the journey and all of the language difficulties that you may encounter. You will also have the comfort of knowing that your arrangements have been made by a legitimate, reputable operator who you can turn to for support if you need it. We make it easy so all you have to do is relax and go with the flow.
It may be cheaper to organize your own adventure if you only count direct costs and do not consider your time. It takes a long time to research all the options and compare prices from various companies and operators even in today’s age of the Internet. Yes there is advantages of comparing prices and saving money, but sometimes the cheapest, or the most expensive, is not the best value, considering the risk, the frustration, missed opportunities, dealing with uncooperative government offices, struggling with communications, language, cultural differences and potentially a low quality experience. Imagine how much time and effort is required to prepare an itinerary and book all of your own transportation, accommodations and permits. Plus, our itineraries are designed by adventure travel experts, who actually have been to the locations, or work in the locations and understand local conditions. You have the extra benefit of a tour leader/guide who will take care of the logistics, so when you arrive at your destination you will have free time for relaxation and sightseeing, rather than having to worry about the next part of the journey and all of the language difficulties that you may encounter. You will also have the comfort of knowing that your arrangements have been made by a legitimate, reputable operator who you can turn to for support if you need it. We make it easy so all you have to do is relax and go with the flow.
HOW DO I FIND AIRLINE TICKETS?
HOW DO I FIND AIRLINE TICKETS?
To find competitive airfare tickets you can try different on-line portals such as Expedia, Travelocity,and many others and compare their prices. For international travel we recommend using our, or your own travel agent to help, which can be useful when traveling internationally. We have a great relationship with a travel agency that we have been using for years and have provided their information under “Travel Information”. A couple years ago, we were on a trip in Patagonia during the Chile earthquake and all the flights into and out of Chile were cancelled. The clients that had used the travel agent were able to call and get flights through Argentina back to the United States, while the clients that had used Internet based travel, did not have the same success.
To find competitive airfare tickets you can try different on-line portals such as Expedia, Travelocity,and many others and compare their prices. For international travel we recommend using our, or your own travel agent to help, which can be useful when traveling internationally. We have a great relationship with a travel agency that we have been using for years and have provided their information under “Travel Information”. A couple years ago, we were on a trip in Patagonia during the Chile earthquake and all the flights into and out of Chile were cancelled. The clients that had used the travel agent were able to call and get flights through Argentina back to the United States, while the clients that had used Internet based travel, did not have the same success.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Yes, travel insurance is important and required in certain countries. We highly recommend that you obtain travel insurance even in the countries that it is not required. Make sure that your travel insurance covers general medical expenses, hospitalizations and medical evacuations.
Also ensure that you are covered for travel at high altitudes if necessary for your trip. If you have the correct travel insurance you can rest assured that you will be covered for most things. Travel insurance will protect your trip from a variety of things, for example if you get injured before your trip and are unable to attend, in most cases travel insurance will cover medical and rescue costs abroad, theft of your gear and equipment and many other issue that might arrive. Certain countries like Nepal, require travel insurance.
Satori Adventures and Expeditions is a certified provider for AIG Travel Guard and Global Rescue and we can sell you the insurance of your choice.
Yes, travel insurance is important and required in certain countries. We highly recommend that you obtain travel insurance even in the countries that it is not required. Make sure that your travel insurance covers general medical expenses, hospitalizations and medical evacuations.
Also ensure that you are covered for travel at high altitudes if necessary for your trip. If you have the correct travel insurance you can rest assured that you will be covered for most things. Travel insurance will protect your trip from a variety of things, for example if you get injured before your trip and are unable to attend, in most cases travel insurance will cover medical and rescue costs abroad, theft of your gear and equipment and many other issue that might arrive. Certain countries like Nepal, require travel insurance.
Satori Adventures and Expeditions is a certified provider for AIG Travel Guard and Global Rescue and we can sell you the insurance of your choice.
WILL I NEED A VISA?
WILL I NEED A VISA?
Visa requirements vary for different nationalities depending on the countries you will be visiting. For Visa information, you should either use a Visa service or contact each country’s consulate or embassy for the latest information, well in advance of travel. Please note that obtaining the necessary Visas is your responsibility and if you don’t have the correct Visa for your destination(s) you may miss out on all or part of your adventure.
Visa requirements vary for different nationalities depending on the countries you will be visiting. For Visa information, you should either use a Visa service or contact each country’s consulate or embassy for the latest information, well in advance of travel. Please note that obtaining the necessary Visas is your responsibility and if you don’t have the correct Visa for your destination(s) you may miss out on all or part of your adventure.
WHAT ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?
WHAT ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?
To enter most countries you must hold a valid passport and in some instances a Visa as well. Some countries in Africa also require an immunization record for entry.
To enter most countries you must hold a valid passport and in some instances a Visa as well. Some countries in Africa also require an immunization record for entry.
HOW FIT DO I HAVE TO BE FOR AN ADVENTURE TRIP?
HOW FIT DO I HAVE TO BE FOR AN ADVENTURE TRIP?
The quick answer is that it depends on your activity. Satori Expeditions is the only guide service in the world that offers a health coaching consultation with our in house health coach with any trip purchased. After your consultation, you can even set up a personalized coaching plan with our health coach (Additional costs may apply).
For some hiking trips you must be able to walk up to 10 km a day and walk on an unpaved path and up hills as high as 300 meters. You have to be able to carry a small day pack with some water, snacks, and warm jacket or rain jacket. If you are doing a trek, the fitness requirement is higher because trekking is done in higher elevations, where lower oxygen pressure will add extra stress to your body. For this, you need to be able to walk at least 15 km in a day and climb hills 500 meters high on an unpaved and uneven path. Still other treks also require that you carry heavy loads from 40-50 pounds per day, while walking the same amounts. For climbing or high altitude mountaineering, an extreme level of endurance is required. You must be able to run, not just jog, comfortably for at least 5 km. It is not unusual for mountaineers to run marathons.
The quick answer is that it depends on your activity. Satori Expeditions is the only guide service in the world that offers a health coaching consultation with our in house health coach with any trip purchased. After your consultation, you can even set up a personalized coaching plan with our health coach (Additional costs may apply).
For some hiking trips you must be able to walk up to 10 km a day and walk on an unpaved path and up hills as high as 300 meters. You have to be able to carry a small day pack with some water, snacks, and warm jacket or rain jacket. If you are doing a trek, the fitness requirement is higher because trekking is done in higher elevations, where lower oxygen pressure will add extra stress to your body. For this, you need to be able to walk at least 15 km in a day and climb hills 500 meters high on an unpaved and uneven path. Still other treks also require that you carry heavy loads from 40-50 pounds per day, while walking the same amounts. For climbing or high altitude mountaineering, an extreme level of endurance is required. You must be able to run, not just jog, comfortably for at least 5 km. It is not unusual for mountaineers to run marathons.
DO I NEED VACCINATIONS?
DO I NEED VACCINATIONS?
Vaccination requirements vary from destination to destination and from person to person. We are not medical professionals and we are not able to give you specific advice about which vaccinations you should take. You should seek professional advice from your doctor, travel nurse or medical center before you travel and take your itinerary with you to your appointment. This should be completed at least 6 weeks in advance of travel. You can also check out the Centers for Disease Control and locate information about recommended vaccinations for individual countries.
Vaccination requirements vary from destination to destination and from person to person. We are not medical professionals and we are not able to give you specific advice about which vaccinations you should take. You should seek professional advice from your doctor, travel nurse or medical center before you travel and take your itinerary with you to your appointment. This should be completed at least 6 weeks in advance of travel. You can also check out the Centers for Disease Control and locate information about recommended vaccinations for individual countries.
IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?
IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?
Some of the treks pass through villages and farmlands with very simple ablution facilities, thus the water should be boiled or treated before any consumption. Even clean spring water may contain biological or chemical contamination, due to local minerals and be totally harmless to locals, who are used to its chemical content. It is wise to avoid non boiled or untreated water. At Satori Adventures and Expeditions, we will either boil or treat all water on our trips, to ensure the best quality drinking water available.
Some of the treks pass through villages and farmlands with very simple ablution facilities, thus the water should be boiled or treated before any consumption. Even clean spring water may contain biological or chemical contamination, due to local minerals and be totally harmless to locals, who are used to its chemical content. It is wise to avoid non boiled or untreated water. At Satori Adventures and Expeditions, we will either boil or treat all water on our trips, to ensure the best quality drinking water available.
WILL THE ALTITUDE AFFECT ME?
WILL THE ALTITUDE AFFECT ME?
Many of our tours offer the opportunity to trek in the mountains or fly into cities which are at high attitude. Altitude can affect anyone, especially at heights greater than 3,000 meters. Altitude sickness is caused by the low level of oxygen in the air, which can be up to 1/3 less than at sea level. Symptoms can include dizziness, headaches, nausea and fatigue. No one understands why some people are affected and others are not, as age, level of fitness and strength are no indications of how well you will fare. If you experience symptoms, it is a good idea to walk slowly, breathe deeply, eat light meals, avoid alcohol and cigarettes and try not to over exert yourself as you acclimatize to the altitude. There are know acclimatization techniques, which our guides follow to mitigate and minimize the affects of high elevation. For more information about altitude effects and medications, please consult your doctor before you travel.
Please be aware that altitude sickness can be serious, but also a easily reversible condition if treated correctly. Our guides are trained to recognize the symptoms and will help you to climb, trek or hike in a safe manner. If you are trekking and your guide or tour leader advises you to rest or descend, please do as instructed. As a trek is a mixture of ascents and descents, altitude sickness is often short term and suffering from it does not necessarily mean you will be unable to complete the trek.
Many of our tours offer the opportunity to trek in the mountains or fly into cities which are at high attitude. Altitude can affect anyone, especially at heights greater than 3,000 meters. Altitude sickness is caused by the low level of oxygen in the air, which can be up to 1/3 less than at sea level. Symptoms can include dizziness, headaches, nausea and fatigue. No one understands why some people are affected and others are not, as age, level of fitness and strength are no indications of how well you will fare. If you experience symptoms, it is a good idea to walk slowly, breathe deeply, eat light meals, avoid alcohol and cigarettes and try not to over exert yourself as you acclimatize to the altitude. There are know acclimatization techniques, which our guides follow to mitigate and minimize the affects of high elevation. For more information about altitude effects and medications, please consult your doctor before you travel.
Please be aware that altitude sickness can be serious, but also a easily reversible condition if treated correctly. Our guides are trained to recognize the symptoms and will help you to climb, trek or hike in a safe manner. If you are trekking and your guide or tour leader advises you to rest or descend, please do as instructed. As a trek is a mixture of ascents and descents, altitude sickness is often short term and suffering from it does not necessarily mean you will be unable to complete the trek.
CAN I ADD EXTRA DAYS TO MY TREKKING TRIP?
CAN I ADD EXTRA DAYS TO MY TREKKING TRIP?
Absolutely! Our trips are fully customizable and you can add extra activity at the time of booking your trip. If you decide to extend your trip after arrival, we will be delighted to extend your holiday at our catalog prices.
Absolutely! Our trips are fully customizable and you can add extra activity at the time of booking your trip. If you decide to extend your trip after arrival, we will be delighted to extend your holiday at our catalog prices.
WHAT KIND OF LUGGAGE SHOULD I BRING?
WHAT KIND OF LUGGAGE SHOULD I BRING?
We strongly recommend that you bring a soft frame less backpack, or sports type bag. Wheeled luggage and suitcases are NOT permitted and expedition type duffel bags will work the best. Your duffel bag may be carried by donkey, Yak, porter, Camel or truck and will have to be tough and be able to handle the conditions. For most trips, your luggage should not exceed 20kg. A day pack or backpack also is required for of our excursions. Generally you are also allowed to leave a suitcase or travel bag at the hotel, which can store your travel clothing and other items that you will want upon completion of the trek, hike or climb.
We strongly recommend that you bring a soft frame less backpack, or sports type bag. Wheeled luggage and suitcases are NOT permitted and expedition type duffel bags will work the best. Your duffel bag may be carried by donkey, Yak, porter, Camel or truck and will have to be tough and be able to handle the conditions. For most trips, your luggage should not exceed 20kg. A day pack or backpack also is required for of our excursions. Generally you are also allowed to leave a suitcase or travel bag at the hotel, which can store your travel clothing and other items that you will want upon completion of the trek, hike or climb.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
This is a very frequently asked question and the answer of course depends entirely on your destination, the season you’re traveling in and the activities you’ll participate in. The most important thing to pack is your sense of humor because this can get you through any situation, including lost luggage! We will provide you with a specific gear and equipment list upon booking a trip, which will outline all the essentials.
This is a very frequently asked question and the answer of course depends entirely on your destination, the season you’re traveling in and the activities you’ll participate in. The most important thing to pack is your sense of humor because this can get you through any situation, including lost luggage! We will provide you with a specific gear and equipment list upon booking a trip, which will outline all the essentials.
ARE PORTER SERVICES AVAILABLE ON THE TREK OR DO WE DO WE HAVE CARRY ALL OF OUR OWN GEAR?
ARE PORTER SERVICES AVAILABLE ON THE TREK OR DO WE DO WE HAVE CARRY ALL OF OUR OWN GEAR?
Porter services are part of most of our tours, but there are instances in which these services are not available. If they are available on your trip, the amount of the load that is included is sufficient for most clients. If you brought more luggage with you and exceeded the allowance, you can ration your load and we will help you store your excess luggage.
Porter services are part of most of our tours, but there are instances in which these services are not available. If they are available on your trip, the amount of the load that is included is sufficient for most clients. If you brought more luggage with you and exceeded the allowance, you can ration your load and we will help you store your excess luggage.
DO I CARRY SOME MEDICINE DURING MY TREKKING?
DO I CARRY SOME MEDICINE DURING MY TREKKING?
You will need to bring your personal and prescription medications. We will provide an adequate emergency First Aid Kit
You will need to bring your personal and prescription medications. We will provide an adequate emergency First Aid Kit
I HAVE READ ABOUT CORRUPTION WITH GUIDING AND RESCUE COMPANIES IN SOME COUNTRIES.
I HAVE READ ABOUT CORRUPTION WITH GUIDING AND RESCUE COMPANIES IN SOME COUNTRIES.
Corruption can exist is many countries, especially third world countries. The recent investigations in Nepal involving numerous local trekking companies, rescue companies and hospitals outline this behavior. This is why it is so important to pick the right guide service and not just go with the cheapest price.
Corruption can exist is many countries, especially third world countries. The recent investigations in Nepal involving numerous local trekking companies, rescue companies and hospitals outline this behavior. This is why it is so important to pick the right guide service and not just go with the cheapest price.
