FAQ
Safety:
I am always asked… “but is it safe to travel to these countries?” Well, I can only tell of my own experience, that whether travelling alone, or in a small group, we have only ever been met with respect, honesty, hospitality, enthusiasm and curiosity no matter which country and no matter what DFAT recommends….
Visa:
Australians need visas for most of the countries I am taking groups to. Details and requirement for visa will be mentioned on each individual trip information.
For a small handling fee I offer to apply for visas but some clients are happy to apply for the visas themselves. Application forms and other requirements ( passport photos, no of application forms, detailed itineraries, organising agency etc.) are published on-line.
Money matters:
US$ or Euros are the best currencies to take on a trip. Each individual trip information will advise you on cost of living and average amount of money to take.
Accommodation:
As I have mentioned before, my clients are interested in the people and their traditional way of life. Thus the accommodation is in 2 – 3* hotels – the kind of hotel the average local tourist would book. There will be en-suite bathroom facilities in most of the accommodation- very rarely shared facilities. As it says: “Best available”, which might at times mean the water supply or plumbing might flow slowly, however we got the:- ‘best available”.
Transport:
Depending on the size of the group we will travel in Mini- (up to 8) or Midi- busses (up to 16) . For cross country travel – i.e. Ethiopia (trip into Omo Valley) we use Toyota Landcruisers.
Food:
As mentioned before, my trips are organised so that my clients experience local and traditional food. Therefore we try to eat (at least one meal a day) in a traditional restaurants. However, if somebody does not even like to try this food, there will – mostly – be an alternative to eat in an international hotel. Local and traditional food however is prepared in restaurants and homes which are safe to eat at.
Climate:
I myself cannot cope very well with either extreme heat nor humidity, therefore our trips are organised in the most suitable climate for the particular area we are travelling to, which mostly is European Spring (April/May) or European Autumn (end September/October) except African countries, where best travel time for Mali and Ethiopia is October/ November/December/January.
Clothing:
Casual, no shorts for male nor female, 3/4 pants ok for females, scarf for women in Iran, darkish colours for slacks and tops are less eye catching. Each different trip will have explanations on their ‘Introduction page’ .
Luggage:
The lowest maximum luggage weight you are allowed is 20kg and sometimes a lot more than that. All the same I suggest that you keep your luggage to a size which you can easily manage yourself, your clothes to a minimum ( enough fresh clothes for about 4 days then you will have the opportunity to either wash or give to a laundry in a hotel ). Always take a light raincover, good walking shoes and a light but warm jacket or jumper for the odd cool night.