Health & Safety + Refund & Deposit Information
UPDATED Oct 19, 2022
TRAVELER REQUIREMENTS: We require that all of our travelers submit proof of full vaccination or a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure for our trips. The most recent variants, particularly the Omicron BA.5 subvariant, makes rapid antigen tests less reliable than we prefer, which is why we are requesting PCR tests. These prerequisites meet or exceed the standard for most countries visited on our journeys.
BUILT-IN SAFETY IN THE ITINERARY: Here the health and safety advantages of our small-group concept come to bear. Specifically, we will be able to travel at times within a bubble that is not possible with individual or couples’ travel. We are buying certain small restaurants out entirely so that only our group is present. We have extraordinary outdoor experiences with private dining options if the weather requires us to be indoors. Most transport will be done with private transportation reserved just for our group, with the exception of certain commercial air travel in-country when required.
All of our core hosts will also be fully vaccinated and boosted. Our trip guides are likewise fully vaccinated and will be additionally required to test negative within 48 hours of the commencement of the trip.
REFUND AND DEPOSIT POLICY
We require 50% downpayment to secure a spot. Second payment due 60 days after first payment. If you cancel up to 60 days before the start of the trip, the trips are fully refundable except for a nonrefundable $1500 deposit. Within 60 days we will refund everything except the $1500 deposit if we are able to replace your seat, otherwise you must contact us to see if a transfer to a later journey is possible. If we cancel a trip for any reason the entire trip, including the $1500 deposit, is fully refundable.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT COVID DOCUMENTATION DO I NEED TO SHOW UPON ARRIVAL?
Italy requires that travelers arriving from the U.S. have a negative Covid-19 test, regardless of vaccination status.
All travelers to Spain regardless of age must fill in a health form and upon arrival in Spain present the QR code this generates through the Spain Travel Health portal, or by downloading the “SpTH app” in the Google Play Store or iTunes App Store. The QR code can be obtained from 48 hours before arrival into Spain. This applies to U.S. citizens traveling to Spain from the United States, including if they transit through a third country.
There are no COVID restrictions entering the country of Georgia
The COVID requirements in Thailand are fluid. We will add more information as we get closer to the trip.
Japan is even more fluid. We will update as we get closer to the trip.
WHAT IF I RECOVERED FROM COVID-19 RECENTLY:
The C.D.C. offers one alternative to a negative test result. People who can prove they have already recovered from a coronavirus infection and can present a past positive test result, received within the last three months, paired with a letter from a health care provider that states they are clear to travel.
DO WE NEED A COVID-19 TEST TO RETURN HOME?
No, if you are returning to the U.S., you only need proof of vaccination, not a COVID test. Or a negative test if you do not have a proof of vaccination. We will provide Rapid Antigen tests for all who want them on the trip.
WHAT IF, DESPITE THESE PRECAUTIONS, I SHOW SYMPTOMS OR TEST POSITIVE BEFORE RETURNING TO THE U.S?
We understand that there is a non-zero chance that, despite all our precautions, you may test positive before you return home. In that case, we will arrange a suitable hotel, at your own cost, for you to wait out your illness if you wish.