Why should I travel with Travel The Unknown? >
While most travel companies focus on well-worn paths to places that are now overcrowded, at Travel The Unknown, we offer truly off the beaten track tours and unique experiences. We have travelled extensively within the countries and regions we offer and have personally crafted each tour taking into consideration that all travellers are different. We believe that the diversity of our tours is unrivalled: from volcano treks, tribal festivals, ancient monasteries and temples, undiscovered tropical islands, wild safaris, lost cities, and much more.
We are passionate travellers and have travelled extensively and as such we bring an intimate knowledge of travel to each of our tours. Our focus is on providing awe-inspiring trips and ensuring that our tours benefit the local communities directly, hence we support several local projects.
What makes Travel The Unknown different? >
We have gone out of our way to find truly off the beaten track experiences. We have a genuine passion for travel and by keeping group sizes to no more than 12 people, we believe that our tours offer everything like-minded travellers would want in a package tour. Our tours have also been designed in a way which benefits the local communities, keeping alive ancient traditions.
What is the maximum number of travellers on a group tour? >
We believe in keeping our group sizes limited to 12 people to minimise the cultural and ecological footprint in the regions and communities we visit. By taking smaller groups, interactions with local people are more natural and organic. In addition, fellow travellers find it easier to get to know each other and we have more flexibility with our itineraries. Â
When do I need to make payment? >
For all group and private tours, a non-refundable 30% deposit is paid at the time of booking. The final balance is paid 10 weeks before the tour start date. If the tour starts within 10 weeks of booking, then the full amount is payable. If you would like us to book your international flights, we will typically require full payment to be made at the time of booking. Conditions may vary so please ask us for details.
Will my payment be protected? >
Travel The Unknown is fully bonded by ATOL issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number: 9854). This means that your trip with Travel The Unknown is 100% financially guaranteed so you can relax and look forward to a trip of a lifetime. We are also insured by MGA Cover Services Ltd for tour packages that DO NOT include flights.
Will I get a refund if I need to cancel my booking? >
Should you wish to cancel your holiday, you must notify us as soon as possible. Please advise the reason for cancellation as you may be covered by your insurance policy. In the event of cancellation, all flight costs will be forfeited. In certain instances, some flight costs may be recoverable by you. The following cancellation charges will apply:
Over 70 days Deposit
31 - 70 days 50% of total tour price
11 - 30 days 90% of total tour price
0 - 10 days 100% of total tour price
If you wish to transfer to another tour, cancellation charges may apply depending on services booked for which we cannot receive compensation or transfer to a future date. See our booking conditions here and please contact us if you have any specific questions.
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Will I have to pay more as a single traveller? >
If single travellers are happy to share a room with another same sex single traveller, there will be no additional charge. However, if you would like your own room, a single supplement will be applicable. Single supplements will vary between tours, however, in all cases we have tried to keep costs to a minimum.Â
Can you organise international flights? >
Absolutely. Most of our trips have the option of arriving in the destination country independently or booking flights through us. We can organise international flights from anywhere in the UK. Please contact us for more information.
Do I need travel insurance for your tours? >
All clients must have the relevant personal travel insurance suitable for the region they are travelling to. As a minimum, we require that your insurance covers you for medical expenses, including emergency repatriation. We also strongly recommend you are covered for flight delays, personal liability, loss of luggage and personal effects. Although we don't require your insurance details at the time of booking, you will be required to give these details prior to departure.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against travel to the place I want to go to. Should I be worried about security? >
Travel The Unknown takes safety and security extremley seriously. We constantly consult the FCO and our contacts on the ground, so are up to date with the latest situation in the places we are visiting. We will always ensure that our clients and our staff are not put at any risk. It should be noted that for certain areas, the FCO advises against travel "except when travelling as part of an organised group'.
What happens if the FCO advice changes after I have booked my trip? >
We closely monitor the safety situation on a continuous basis, using both government sources and our own network of contacts on the ground, so are always up to date with the latest security situation wherever we are touring. If safety concerns require us to, we will amend the itinerary. In the unlikely event that we are forced to cancel a trip due to a major incident, refunds will be applicable as per the terms and conditions of booking. However, it does not necessarily mean we will cancel trips simply because the FCO advice changes.Â
How fit do I need to be to join a Travel The Unknown tour? >
You don't have to be an endurance athlete to participate in our tours! However, since our tours will involve some element of physical exercise, it is advisable that you should have some degree of general fitness and can comfortably manage city and village walking for example. As all tours are different, we have rated each itinerary in terms of activity and off the beaten track to give you an indication of the level of physical demand. If in doubt do check with us.Â
Do I need inoculation? >
The NHS 'Fit For Travel' website - www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk - provides up to date and accurate information on what inoculations or medication is necessary for specific destinations. For more information, visit:www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and consult your GP for further advice.