Thailand Festivals of Water and Light
Destination
Thailand
Duration
12 Days
Activity Level
Active
Comfort Level
Deluxe
Immerse yourself in the captivating essence of Thai culture during the simultaneous Loy Krathong and Yi Peng festivals, where water and light represent renewal, hope, and spiritual radiance. Join this Rare Journey led by experienced tour leaders Zack and Kim Williams-Hunter as they take you through a cultural exploration of Thailand and the festivals.
Your journey is a road trip north from Bangkok. Start in the vibrant capital of Thailand, where you will witness the flow of water, glow of light, and proliferation of Buddhism that are pervasive in Thai life. Travel along canals and visit temples as you lay a foundation for understanding the trip that will unfold ahead of you. From there, delve into Thai history at Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient ruins, historical artifacts, and of course, temples. Continue north to Sukhothai and back in history to enjoy the Historical Park and Night Bazaar – and also to begin your festive celebrations. In Sukhothai you will attend a Loy Krathong performance that tells the story of this poignant holiday centered on releasing negativity into flowing water. Then, in Chiang Mai, enjoy the massive main celebrations – two days filled with ceremonies, performances, parades, and opportunities to engage with the local community. Participate in the festivals of water and light with your own release of krathong floats and yi peng lanterns. Then this Rare Journey culminates with a return to the south and tranquil guided reflection on the River Kwai. Along the way you’ll stay in boutique resorts, utilize a variety of transportation styles and enjoy delicious traditional Thai cuisine.
Your trip leaders Zack and Kim will enhance every aspect of this journey with their first-hand knowledge of Thailand from living in Chiang Mai for 3 years. Now, as full-time residents of Oaxaca, they lead tours into the local wilderness to explore the world of mycology, natural pigment dye-baths, traditional weaving & embroidery, and the rich cuisine of Mexico. Join them on this once-in-a-lifetime journey through the festivals of water and light in Thailand!
Great For
- Cultural Immersion
- Festive Celebration
- Personal Discovery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Bangkok
Welcome to Bangkok – the quintessential eastern metropolis and Southeast Asia’s most vibrant capital city. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Meet with your guides and get settled into your room. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals
Dinner
Lodging
Ad Lib Bangkok
Day 2 Bangkok Full Day Tour
Set out today on a full-day tour of Bangkok with a particular focus on several of its most impressive temples. Visit Wat Pho and witness the monks’ ritual chanting ritual before exploring the magnificent complex, home to an outstanding reclining Buddha as well as the country’s oldest massage school. After that, wind your way in a tuk-tuk via Pak Khlong Talad Flower Market toward the Grand Palace. On site find the fascinating Wat Phra Kaew, home to the jade Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred religious site, which sits alongside the palace itself. Continue your journey by walking to the pier for a long-tailed boat ride to get a glimpse of local life along the canals of Thonburi. Then, you will visit the imposing Wat Arun: Bangkok’s most striking riverside temple. Then cross the river and drive to Chinatown, one of the most crowded yet exciting areas of Bangkok. The evening is yours to continue exploring or relax at the hotel.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Ad Lib Bangkok
Day 3 Bangkok / Ayutthaya
Today your group begins its drive north with a short drive to Ayutthaya, former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. On your way from Bangkok, visit the Summer Palace, commonly known as Bang Pa-In, an impressive architectural blend of East and West dating back to the 17th century. Then explore the ruins of Ayutthaya, which bring back to life the early splendor of the city that was destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767. During your visit you will stroll around all the most impressive remains of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, which houses a huge statue of a reclining brick-and-stucco Buddha. Visit Wat Mahathat, famed for its Buddha head embedded in a tree trunk and surrounded by growing roots. See the bronze Buddha at Wat Phra Mongkhon Bophit. Also stop at the Royal Monastery, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, famous for its three iconic chedis, peaked spires encased relics. Option to explore Ayutthaya’s ruins by bike (additional cost). Check into your hotel and enjoy the evening on your own.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Baan Thai House
Day 4 Ayutthaya/Phitsanulok/Sukhothai
Continue north today, stopping first at Phitsanulok, one of Thailand’s oldest cities. Resting along the Nan River, Phitsanulok is home to the stunning 14th-century Wat Yai, or Big Temple, where you will find one of Thailand’s most revered and visually striking Buddha images. After lunch, continue to Sukhothai, considered Thailand’s first great kingdom. After checking in at your hotel, rest up for this evening’s experience, a Loy Krathong festival pre-celebration in the Historical Park and Night Bazaar! Join in the parade where you will see people from hundreds of villages in the Sukhothai province gathered in their traditional attire: dancers, musicians, pageant contestants, politicians, and more. In addition to the Sukhothai Night Market that has proffered crafts and textiles nightly since the first Thai kingdom, 700 years ago, you will find souvenir and food stalls set up for the seasonal festivities.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Sukhothai Heritage Resort
Day 5 Sukhothai
This morning, you will discover Satchanalai, the ancient sister city to Sukhothai. This 13th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site holds an alluring ruined palace, several ancient Buddha sculptures, and a plethora of atmospheric temples. Explore the site and meet with a local history expert who will make you feel right at home while sharing his knowledge with you. Lunch will be a simple but tasty local dish of “Sukhothai noodles”. You will also have the opportunity to make your own Buddhist amulet to take home as your unique lucky charm.
Spend this evening at the Sukhothai Historical Park for its Loy Krathong celebration, where you will enjoy the intricate dances and performances that will tell the story of Loy Krathong and the history of the Sukhothai Kingdom. Loy Krathong serves as a tribute to the goddess of water, embodying the release of negativity and expressing gratitude for the harvest season. Surrounded by ancient monuments, watch as lanterns float down the river, symbolically carrying away anger, hate, and negativity. The beautiful temples and monuments of Sukhothai Historical Park once belonged to a great city, and together they make a beautiful 800-year-old backdrop for the floating lanterns and cultural performances. The show climaxes with a stunning fireworks display in the sky above the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Sukhothai Heritage Resort
Day 6 Sukhothai/Chiang Mai
This morning, you will transfer to Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand’s most important cultural hub. After a 4-hour drive, arrive midday to this city of 1.2 million people nestled in the lush Thai highlands along the Ping River. After checking in to your hotel, enjoy free time to rest before the evening out or explore on your own. The city is rich in ancient and contemporary temples ranging from colorful structures that sparkle in the sunlight to more understated brick-and-wood beauties.
Later in the afternoon, visit a Krathong workshop in preparation for this evening’s festival celebration. Create your own floats out of natural materials and learn more about the Thai cultural significance of these reed constructions. Later, you will have the chance to launch your candlelit creation on the river along with those of other festival-goers.
After the workshop, hop on a tuktuk to explore the town on the first main night of the Loy Krathong festival. As the festival procession moves through the streets of Chiang Mai, witness traditional performances, cultural displays, and various forms of artistic expression. Your guide will likely take you to Tha Phae Gate, a popular location known for its vibrant atmosphere during the Loy Krathong celebration in Chiang Mai. You can enjoy live music and traditional dances, explore the bustling street market, enjoy local street food, watch (or join!) traditional contests including beauty pageants, krathong-making competitions, and cultural showcases. Another likely stop will be Three Kings Monument, where you can expect to find traditional activities and performances during the celebration.
The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly when people gather to float their krathongs on the Ping River, releasing negative energy and welcoming spiritual purity. Join locals and fellow travelers along the riverbank, where you can send off your own krathong to join the other hopeful, twinkling lights.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Veranda High Resort Chiang Mai
Day 7 Chiang Mai
There’s no rest for the weary today! Set out early to witness the Buddhist religious practice of Tak Bat, and participate if you wish. In this practice, lay people provide monks with their food for the day. This rite practiced every morning by Buddhists with fervor, concentration, and earnest sincerity probably constitutes the closest link between the laity and the monks. Considered an act of mutual reliance, the monks depend on the faithful almsgivers to bring the only food they receive each day; in exchange, the monks bless the faithful, who view these blessings as necessary for spiritual redemption. Your experience begins with a visit to a market where almsgivers purchase their offerings. Then continue to the monastery where the offerings are given to monks. You have the choice whether to participate or observe.
After this special moment, try a local breakfast at one of the shops near the market. Then, walk a nearby nature trail with historic significance known as the “Monk’s Trail.” In decades past, monks walked the path to collect alms throughout the city (in contrast to today’s practice of almsgivers coming to them). The trail will lead you to a hidden temple (Wat Pha Lad) where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings before continuing to Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most famous temple, located on a hill overlooking the city.
This afternoon, transfer again to the festival venue for the Yi Peng lantern festival celebration. Yi Peng honors the spirit of the Buddha who resides in the heavens, sends prayers and wishes into the night sky, and represents the beauty of the full moon. After a cultural stage show, your guide will help you find the lantern area in time to join the lantern-release ritual. Soak in the sound of monks chanting, watch as lanterns glow around you, see them take to the sky, and maybe even feel the blessings fill the air. This spectacular experience is equal parts visually stunning and spiritually moving.
Meals
Breakfast, Lanna Thai Style Dinner at the Festival
Lodging
Veranda High Resort Chiang Mai
Day 8 Chiang Mai
You have a different kind of morning today, as you take a picturesque drive through the agricultural Thai countryside to the Elephant Nature Park, a natural home and sanctuary for elephants, buffalos, dogs, cats, birds, and many other rescued animals. Meet the elephants, and hear the personal stories of how they were rescued. Learn how the group here became a proud herd that is free from abuse for the first time in their lives.
This afternoon, you will get to spend time with a local family whose Lanna cultural traditions go back 5 generations. Lanna is the name of the former Northern Thai kingdom and your hosts still incorporate ancient traditions in their daily life. While you spend time with the family they will explain the different aspects of their everyday life. You are encouraged to ask questions and they are more than willing to tell you about their traditions, architecture, handicrafts, herbs, food, and more. After exploring the traditional houses and gardens you will cook a delicious meal together over a charcoal fire.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Veranda High Resort Chiang Mai
Day 9 Chiang Mai/Bangkok/Kanchanaburi
Return south today to end the trip with a jungle river retreat. Transfer to the airport for a flight back to Bangkok. Upon landing, take a private transfer directly out of the city. Enjoy lunch in a peaceful tropical garden on the riverbank where we will have the chance to enjoy a unique gastronomic experience. Your chef and her friendly team will welcome you to her universe of flavors, flowers, and fruit! Then enjoy a delicious meal worthy of the greatest chefs. Your host will introduce you to a flavor journey through Thai culture by telling stories about her life and her passion for food and yoga.
After lunch, continue to Khlong Maha Sawat, a canal built by King Rama IV. The canal sustains the agriculture of the Nakhom Pathom province, including orchards and flower farms. As you float along the canal you will learn about the importance of orchids and lotuses in Thai culture. Stop at a local farm along the way. Then, visit Don Wai Market to see one of the oldest and largest riverside markets, a hub for community business and a fascinating place to try foods you may not have seen in the north.
Afterward, transfer to Kanchanaburi, where you will board a long-tail boat to go to your unique floating accommodation in the jungle.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
The Float House River Kwai
Day 10 Kanchanaburi
This morning, your tour leaders Zack and Kim will facilitate a group conversation that weaves together the themes of your adventure and invites reflection on the experiences of the trip. The rest of the day is yours at leisure. Choose to write or read along the riverfront, swim in the pool, try a stand-up paddle-board on the river, go for a stroll, or rent a bike from reception. Option to join a 2-hour leisurely kayak along the River Kwai (additional cost).
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
The Float House River Kwai
Day 11 Kanchanaburi/Bangkok
Transfer back to Bangkok late morning, with a potential surprise stop along the way! Arrive in Bangkok in time to check into the hotel before dinner. Then in the evening, meet your guide and transfer to a farewell dinner cruise on the deck of a traditional rice barge. Gaze upon the evening beauty of both riverbanks of Chao Phraya while you enjoy one last delicious Thai dinner. Admire the architecture and landmarks like Wat Kanlaya, Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew, Asiatique, and various other stunning sights on your final night in Thailand.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Ad Lib Bangkok
Day 12 Depart or Extend
Depending on the flight schedule, transfer with a guide to the airport for your onward flight. Or consider adding an extension to Phuket, Koh Samui or Angkor Wat!
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
None
Dates & Price
Dates
Customized for you on your dates, or join a group on the following dates:
- Nov 10-21, 2024
Best Time of Year to Visit
Immerse yourself in the captivating essence of Thai culture during the simultaneous Loy Krathong and Yi Peng festivals, where water and light represent renewal, hope, and spiritual radiance. Join this Rare Journey led by experienced tour leaders Zack and Kim Williams-Hunter as they take you through a cultural exploration of Thailand and the festivals.
Your journey is a road trip north from Bangkok. Start in the vibrant capital of Thailand, where you will witness the flow of water, glow of light, and proliferation of Buddhism that are pervasive in Thai life. Travel along canals and visit temples as you lay a foundation for understanding the trip that will unfold ahead of you. From there, delve into Thai history at Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient ruins, historical artifacts, and of course, temples. Continue north to Sukhothai and back in history to enjoy the Historical Park and Night Bazaar – and also to begin your festive celebrations. In Sukhothai you will attend a Loy Krathong performance that tells the story of this poignant holiday centered on releasing negativity into flowing water. Then, in Chiang Mai, enjoy the massive main celebrations – two days filled with ceremonies, performances, parades, and opportunities to engage with the local community. Participate in the festivals of water and light with your own release of krathong floats and yi peng lanterns. Then this Rare Journey culminates with a return to the south and tranquil guided reflection on the River Kwai. Along the way you’ll stay in boutique resorts, utilize a variety of transportation styles and enjoy delicious traditional Thai cuisine.
Your trip leaders Zack and Kim will enhance every aspect of this journey with their first-hand knowledge of Thailand from living in Chiang Mai for 3 years. Now, as full-time residents of Oaxaca, they lead tours into the local wilderness to explore the world of mycology, natural pigment dye-baths, traditional weaving & embroidery, and the rich cuisine of Mexico. Join them on this once-in-a-lifetime journey through the festivals of water and light in Thailand!
Rates Per Person
Need to Know
Rates Per Person -
Land Cost (Group Size 8-12)
$4980
Flight Cost (CNX-BKK)
$250
Single Supplement
$720
Rates Per Person -
Need to Know
We are happy to have you participate in a Journeys International program!
Please read these terms and conditions thoroughly. They contain information that will be important to your planning and guide how we will handle any circumstances that may change in the midst of planning or while a program is underway. If after reading our materials and talking with our staff you decide to participate in a Journeys International program, please send us your deposit along with your completed Reservation Form and Explorer Information Forms. Important: Your booking is only complete once we receive your deposit, completed Reservation Form, and completed Explorer Information Form, and once we have confirmed that space is available.
Pricing and Payment
We will confirm your reservations once we receive a non-refundable booking deposit, a Reservation Form signed by each person responsible for payment, and an Explorer Information Form signed by each participating adult or the guardian for each participating child, and if space is available. Custom programs during holiday seasons may require a deposit prior to confirmation. The deposit contributes to non-recoverable costs of holding space and servicing your booking through the stages of preparation, execution, and follow-up and cannot be refunded if you choose to cancel.
We charge an additional planning fee of $250 per program for preparing customized proposals. This fee may be credited to your total cost upon booking, but it is non-refundable if you choose not to finalize your reservation.
Prices are stated in U.S. Dollars, based on double room occupancy, unless otherwise noted. We will send an invoice for your total estimated cost when we send your reservation confirmation. The balance as shown on your invoice is due 60 days prior to your program start date regardless of whether any arrangements are still pending. Although we do our best to avoid increasing prices after we receive your deposit, in some cases it may be necessary to adjust pricing after we receive payment to allow for changes in group size, rooming status, currency exchange rate fluctuations, fuel surcharges and/or other circumstances attendant to the challenges of adventure.
Late payments may jeopardize confirmation of your program participation and in some cases may result in additional fees. If we have not received final payment 30 days prior to departure, then your reservation may be canceled subject to our Cancellation & Refund Policy stated below.
Payment for airfare is required at the time of ticketing. Discounts that may be available are not available toward bookings made through third-party travel agencies, advisors, or planners.
We accept payments by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check drawn on a U.S. bank account. Paying by credit card offers you certain consumer protections, including the ability to initiate a chargeback if you believe we have committed consumer fraud. You may not use credit card chargeback as an alternative to compliance with your agreement with these terms and conditions.
Late Signups
Early reservations are encouraged! Some programs and flights fill several months in advance. We can confirm your space once we receive your deposit and signed Reservation and Explorer Information Forms. We try, but cannot guarantee, to accept late signups. In the event that we are able to accept reservations fewer than 60 days before a program’s start date, additional fees may apply to cover administrative costs necessary to expedite your reservation confirmation and transmit your program materials. For reservations made fewer than 60 days in advance of your program’s start, full payment is due at the time of booking.
Program Changes
We understand that circumstances arise that lead you to inquire about changes to your custom program, and we aim to satisfy your requests. Once activities and accommodations have been confirmed, we charge a $50 change fee, in addition to the difference in costs for the services booked. When changes are requested less than one week before your program’s start, the change fee is $100. For changes requested after a program has begun, the change fee is $200.
Journeys International reserves the right to change or reprice any program due to acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control. Journeys International cannot guarantee conformity with the provided program plan at any point in time. Among other things, if necessary Journeys International may change the scheduled dates of a program; omit or alter sections of the plan; substitute lodgings, leaders, or conveyances; or change meals, activities, or waypoints; all without notice and without allowance for refunds and with participants bearing the responsibility for increased costs, if any. Should this become necessary, Journeys International will not be liable for extra costs that participants may incur as a result of changes, including but not limited to flight change fees, additional meal costs, or additional accommodations. We strongly recommend that participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, adequate to cover such costs.
Cancellations & Refunds
If you must cancel before your program begins, please notify Journeys International in writing by emailing info@journeysinternational.com or writing to your adventure specialist directly. You may request a refund according to the following schedule. Some programs require additional non-refundable payments beyond this schedule, as noted in the program description. In the case of cancellation, such amounts are withheld in addition to the amounts listed here.
Days Prior to Departure | Cancellation Penalty |
---|---|
61 or more | Non-refundable booking deposit and planning fee, if applicable |
31-60 | Non-refundable booking deposit and planning fee, if applicable, plus 50% of total land costs above amount of initial deposit |
0-30 | 100% of total land costs |
Please note: cancellation of airfare, other transit, lodging, and ticketed tours and activities is subject to the policies of the individual carriers or providers and is not included in the schedule above. Additional cancellation fees are the responsibility of the traveler. We strongly recommend that all participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, that includes coverage for trip cancellation or interruption and that may reimburse you for cancellation penalties and extra expenses should a circumstance force you to cancel or interrupt your participation.
Departure is defined as the date on which travelers will leave their home state, province or city, or the program start date as indicated on the program description, whichever comes first. Cancellation date will be considered the date that we receive written notification of your intent to cancel according to the local time observed in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Payments due at the time of cancellation remain the responsibility of the participant. No partial refunds are possible for unused hotel rooms, air or land travel, program days, or other sight-seeing arrangements included in the land cost.
If Journeys International cancels or postpones a program before the program starts for reasons completely within its discretion, such as but not limited to insufficient group size, all money for services described in the program description will be refunded in the form of credit towards a future program with Journeys in the same location originally planned, less unrecoverable fees and penalties already paid to airlines, accommodations, or other service providers, or the client may submit a written request for a refund to the original form of payment. If a program’s cancellation is necessary due to acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control, credits and refunds will be issued according to the standard cancellation schedule, less unrecoverable fees and penalties already paid to airlines, accommodations, or other service providers, without regard to whether client or company initiates cancellation or postponement. Once a program begins, there are no refunds for unused goods or services.
Air Fares
We can help you to secure air travel arrangements for Journeys International programs. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. Journeys International and/or the airfare consolidator may charge a ticketing fee for this service. For group programs, if you prefer to fly on dates other than those listed as program dates, or if you arrive at your destination other than at the group arrival time, then you may incur additional fees to cover the separate transfer, contingency, and coordination costs which frequently arise from arrival and departure on flights different from our regular bookings. We will let you know about these fees ahead of time, if they apply. If you must change your air routing after ticketing, there is a charge of $50 per change, in addition to change or cancellation charges levied by the airline.
If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we may help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times. If you arrange your own flights, we can book ground transfers to meet you on arrival in your destination if you wish, and you agree to pay additional costs, as applicable.
Transfers Between Programs
You may transfer between some programs upon written request. More than 60 days before your program start date, the deposit transfer fee is $100 per person plus any cancellation fees charged by airlines, hotels, or ground service providers. 60 days or fewer before the program start date, full cancellation penalties from the original program apply. In the event that Journeys International cancels a program, you may transfer the full amount of your payments to another program without penalty, subject to availability.
Expenses Covered
Normally, our stated total costs include the costs of all guides, leaders, facilities, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, costs of described activities, food as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the activities described in the itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.
Expenses Not Covered
Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in program descriptions; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.
If a program must be modified due to medical emergency, acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control, then the participant may incur additional costs that are not included in the program price. We strongly recommend that all participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, to cover these risks.
Travel Insurance
Journeys International strongly recommends that you purchase a Travel Protection Plan, or travel insurance, sufficient to protect your investment in travel, personal assets and health during your program. Doing so will mitigate a significant amount of financial risk and decrease your need to worry about things beyond your control. We do not require you to purchase such travel insurance; however, we know many travelers who have benefited from purchasing travel insurance because the insurance carrier assumed risks that would otherwise have been the risk of the traveler. Travel Protection Plans often cover things like theft, baggage loss, trip interruption or cancellation, emergency evacuation, emergency medical treatment, flight delay or cancellation, airline or service provider bankruptcy, jury duty, personal or family sickness leading to cancellation, U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings about terrorism issued for the destination, and other risks as described in the insurance policy. In particular, consider the availability of higher-cost “Cancel for Any Reason” and/or “Interrupt for Any Reason” policies that may allow policy-holders to recoup a significant portion of trip costs under a much wider range of circumstances than standard policies may allow; we have seen travelers benefit from this selection when public health crises, personal turmoil, and civil unrest arose in their destinations. Please note that while we at Journeys will do our best to help you to have a pleasant and successful experience, Journeys International assumes no liability for many of the types of losses described above. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance and you suffer a loss, then you will be responsible for the associated costs.
For your convenience, we will provide a recommendation for an insurance carrier that offers competitive rates and has proven reliable, fair, and prompt in responding to claims, but we can offer no guarantee that our recommended carrier will meet your needs and you are welcome to contact any insurance carrier that you prefer. It is important to obtain insurance immediately upon signing up for your program in order for problems arising from pre-existing conditions to be covered.
All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy that covers you while in your travel destination for the duration of your trip. For some individuals or for some destinations, it may be advisable to purchase a supplemental policy. Contact your provider for coverage details.
Group-Sized Pricing & Group Minimums
Many programs are guaranteed to depart at prices published on our website with as few as two participants. In some cases, it may become necessary to increase prices depending on the size of the group. We do everything we can to make a program operate as planned even with a single participant. Additional costs for small groups vary from program to program. When pricing for a group program is based on the number of participants, staff and guests of Journeys International (such as topic experts, journalists, photographers, leaders-in-training, or others) are not included in the numbers counted to determine the price. Final decision to cancel a program due to insufficient signups is made at least 60 days prior to departure.
Lodging Accommodations
Lodging accommodations are usually double occupancy in hotel rooms, tents, or other facilities as described in trip itineraries. Please contact our office to discuss pricing and availability of alternative accommodations, if desired. We try to honor specific requests for lodging, but in some cases, we may have to book and confirm equivalent-standard accommodations. In rare cases it may become necessary to make same-day or out-of-class substitutions.
If you are joining alone for a group program but would prefer a roommate, then let us know! We are often able to match solo participants. If a roommate is not available or if you prefer single accommodation, then you must pay the Single Supplement, if one applies. For some programs it is not possible to guarantee single accommodations.
Assumption of Risk
Throughout any program of Journeys International, certain risks and dangers may arise. These include, but are not limited to, travel by train, foot, automobile, aircraft, raft, boat or other means of conveyance; the hazards of traveling in rough or mountainous terrain; high altitude; undeveloped areas; the forces of nature; civil unrest; terrorism; labor interruption; close proximity to fellow program participants; exposure to illness or virus; and accident or illness in remote areas without means of rapid evacuations or availability of medical supplies and facilities. The unique nature of adventure programs entails inherent risks that may be involved in unique program activities and travel away from home and, in fact, the specific nature of these activities is often a reason for participation. Even if a trip or program is rated “easy” these dangers and risks are present. Journeys International and its agents and operators will have no liability regarding emotional distress, equipment, access to, or adequacy of medical care, evacuation plans, or emergency supplies that may be provided. When you sign the Explorer Information Form, you agree to participate in these activities with full knowledge of the dangers and risks involved and agree to assume all risks, including trauma, sickness, injury, and death.
While Journeys International intends that your experience be safe and comfortable, Journeys does not have legal or operational control or ownership of facilities, staff, services, or transportation providers and acts only as agent for the owners of such facilities, staff, services, and transportation. Journeys International is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act by any such person or entity, nor for any act or inaction of any third party not under its control.
In consideration of the right to participate in Journeys International programs and the service arranged for you by Journeys International and its agents and representatives, you unconditionally and fully assume all risks of bodily injury, death, emotional trauma, property damage, and/or theft, however caused, including those mentioned above, as a result of participation, and release Journeys International, its agents, and its representatives from any and all liability, actions, causes of actions, suits, debts, demands that you may have, including for bodily injury, death, or property damage, loss of income, and other claims.
Fitness to Join
Good physical and mental health are essential for the enjoyment of Journeys International’s programs. It is your responsibility to select/design a trip appropriate to your own abilities and interests. You are responsible for being in sufficiently good health to undertake your trip, and for consulting with your physician for medical advice regarding travel. On some Journeys International programs, participants travel in rugged areas remote from modern medical facilities. Good physical conditioning is recommended as preparation for all programs, especially those involving hiking or trekking. Most programs require some walking. By signing the Explorer Information Form, participants certify that they are fit for rigorous activity and do not have any physical, mental, or other condition that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants. It is essential that any participant with a medical condition requiring regular treatment or which may be affected by vigorous activity, prolonged travel, high altitude, heat, cold, natural phenomena, or particular foods, notify Journeys International in writing prior to booking. We assume no responsibility for medical care, and we cannot guarantee meeting special dietary requirements or vegetarian needs. Participants may be required to furnish a physician’s statement of good health for some programs.
Journeys International’s or the individual group leader’s or guide’s judgment shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual’s fitness to embark upon, or to continue, a program. Journeys International reserves the right to refuse reservations or deny participation to anyone whom it deems unsuitable for a program or certain activities. Once a reservation has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy for the duration of their participation. Proof of such coverage may be required.
Personal Conduct
You are responsible for acting in a manner considerate and respectful of fellow group members and local culture in areas visited.
You are responsible for reading all health-related information provided in advance of the program, adhering to all guidance given by guides and site staff, and conforming to the established standards of personal hygiene to minimize risk of disease. This may include a requirement to wear a face mask when in proximity to other people, whether indoors or outdoors, or other measures intended to limit the spread of disease; failure to do so when requested may result in your dismissal from the program.
Certain activities included in your program may require specific safety precautions. You are responsible for listening to instructions, adhering to guidance, and following the protocols provided for safety throughout the program. If you are unsure about safety precautions, you are responsible for seeking advice. If guides or staff perceive your behavior as risky, uncooperative, or otherwise unsafe, they may remove you from an activity for the safety of yourself and others.
Smoking or vaping are not permitted in buses, cars, below decks on boats, in tented camps, in designated non-smoking areas, or during guided tours and activities. Participants agree not to consume cannabis for the duration of the program and understand that possession or use of cannabis may be illegal and subject to severe punishment in some destinations. Participants agree to follow all local laws in the jurisdiction(s) where the program takes place and acknowledge that Journeys International cannot be responsible for ensuring participants’ compliance nor for any costs or consequences of non-compliance.
Sexual harassment or misconduct of any sort by Journeys program participants is not tolerated. You may not make jokes or sexually suggestive comments or gestures regarding the bodies or bodily activities of fellow participants, program staff, site staff, or any people you encounter during your program. You may not touch fellow participants, program staff, site staff, or any people you encounter during your program unless invited. You may not solicit sexual services during the dates of your participation in a Journeys program.
Environmental Stewardship
Journeys International believes that we have a responsibility to protect the earth for future generations. Tourism may be responsible for up to eight percent of annual worldwide emissions of greenhouse gasses. Journeys International advocates that adventure travelers who make environmentally conscious choices when selecting their destinations and activities should also make the environmentally conscious choice to offset the carbon footprint of their travel to compensate for their personal contributions to global climate change. Every Journeys International invoice includes an optional donation to the Earth Preservation Fund’s carbon offset program to be used to purchase and permanently retire certified carbon credits to offset the carbon footprints of Journeys’ program participants. The Earth Preservation Fund purchases carbon credits that have been certified under a reliable third-party standard. Participants who choose to make this donation may also be eligible to claim a tax deduction. There is no penalty for opting out of this donation.
Recording
Journeys International may take photographic, audiographic, and videographic recordings during your program, and may use your image and voice for promotional and commercial use without compensation.
Planning & Preparation Services
We look forward to working with you! After we receive your deposit, we will send you a planning packet containing things like medical and immunization information, visa and other permit forms, a recommendation for travel insurance, packing checklist, reading list, cross-cultural information, and an initial invoice for the balance due. About 3 weeks before your program begins, we will send you a final notes packet including last-minute reminders and contact information for your program. You are responsible for reading all information provided, and for bringing all clothing and equipment noted on the packing list. If you are leaving home before the scheduled trip departure date, please let us know how we can best reach you in case any details change in the days immediately prior to your program’s start.
Please call our office at any time if you have questions about your trip or for additional information.
Duration 12 Days
The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost.
Group Size 8-12
The stated range indicates minimum required for guaranteed departure and maximum accepted on the scheduled dates.
Comfort Level
Deluxe
Boutique Resorts
Activity Level
Active
Light Hiking, Optional Kayaking
Extensions
Activity Level
Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.
Gentle
Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.
Active
Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.
Vigorous
Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.
Challenging
Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.
Demanding
Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.
Comfort Level
Choose accommodations and amenities that fit your personal style
Simple
Our most natural accommodations. Bath facilities often shared, sometimes rustic.
Delightful
Comfortable and especially personal. Small to mid-sized lodges, typically with private bath.
Superior
Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined artistry, or extra-special settings.
Deluxe
Exclusive or luxury lodges, hotels, or safari camps with fine dining options.
Uncommon
The most indulgent accommodations arranged specially for private trips.