MORE ON TOURS OF EXPLORATION Our tours educate you in the natural beauty and cultural splendours of the local environments while providing a level of comfort suitable to Western standards yet in keeping with the local ambiance and character.

GROUP SIZE The number of participants in each tour is kept small ensuring more personal attention to each tour member. This number of participants is based on each destinations ecosensitive carrying capacity. We try to maximize the enjoyment of the visitor while keeping our impact on environmental and cultural areas to a minimum and do our best to work within Ecotourism guidelines.

LOCAL ESCORTS We provide knowledgeable local escorts and guides, even for groups of 2 persons. Many of our tours are accompanied by celebrated hosts including zoologists, archaeologists, photographers, travel writers and artists who offer their expertise through a series of tour lectures.

ACCOMMODATION is included as named in the itinerary on the basis of twin-bedded room with private bath or shower (wherever available). Single travellers will be matched with travel mates wherever possible. A single supplement will be applied to single accommodation. We reserve the right to substitute hotels but guarantee that where possible, establishments of a similar grade and category will be used. In the event that this is not possible a price adjustment will be made.

MEALS are provided as indicated by the codes (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner.

TRANSFERS are provided between airports, hotels, bus, boat and train terminals once at the destination.

SIGHTSEEING is by motorboat, jeep, car, boat, or other local conveyance including entrance fees (unless indicated in the itinerary) and the services of English speaking guides.

HOTEL TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES are included.

NOT INCLUDED Airport taxes, passport and visa fees, meals not indicated on the itinerary, liquor, items of a personal nature.

TIPPING AND GRATUITIES to local guides are at the discretion of the individual and may vary with the quality of services received.

PRICES are in Canadian dollars (CDN) and U.S. dollar (USD) unless otherwise indicated and are based on tariffs and currency exchange rates based on September 15, 2009 and may change with fluctuations in currency until time of final payment.

RESERVATIONS AND DEPOSITS A deposit of $400.00 per person is required to reserve space. The balance is due 60 days prior to departure on presentation of invoice. A few trips have a higher deposit such as polar bears, grizzly bears and Bhutan and for these trips the balance is due 90 days prior to departure.

INFORMATION KITS are available on each Tours of Exploration program and will be sent after receipt of deposit.

CANCELLATIONS For cancellations between 60 and 30 days cancellation charges are 50% of the tour cost. For cancellation within 30 days the cancellation charge will be 100% of the tour cost. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance available at time of booking.

INSURANCE The tour operator is not liable for loss, damage or theft of luggage or personal property, for injury, accidents or illness. A special comprehensive insurance package which includes trip cancellation, health and baggage insurance is available at time of booking.

PASSPORTS, VISAS AND HEALTH A valid passport is required when travelling abroad. Travellers will be advised as to mandatory Visa and recommended Health requirements.

AIRFARE For most of our tours, domestic airfare is included.  Unless otherwise stated, our prices do not include international airfare, however we are pleased to book air flights from your home city to join up with any tour. We offer exceptional promotional air rates available at the time of booking. All prices are based on sharing a twin bedded room.

SINGLE TRAVELLERS who indicate the desire to share will be matched with roommates whenever possible. Single occupancy rates are available.

PHILOSOPHY The primary attraction of foreign travel is the "foreignness" of the country visited.  If everything was as it is at home, the would would be a duller place and there would be little reason to travel for pleasure. We are certain that your tour will be fascinating and rewarding but you should understand that it is a journey through a country with different living standards and practices and different provisions of utilities and services and accommodations than those you are familiar with at home.  We encourage you to be flexible when you travel and expect surpirses.