Health Protocols
Group travel has inherent risks. While we can mitigate some health risks with appropriate precautions, it’s impossible to control each environmental factor within the diversity of our destinations. Please read through this document to have a sense of our general health practices and expectations, as well as participants’ responsibilities prior to and during the tour.
COVID UPDATE: Our COVID-19 policy is now in line with our standard vaccination policy, which is that we highly recommend keeping up-to-date on all relevant vaccinations for travel, including destination-specific requirements.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Many travel insurance providers offer plans that cover illnesses or expenses, including for COVID-19-related disruptions. Should a participant be unable to join (or continue) on with their tour due to a COVID-related reason or other medical reason, all costs associated with isolating and/or later rejoining the tour are the participant’s responsibility. This is also true for delays getting home after a tour. Additionally, we cannot offer any refunds for missed days of the tour.
PRIOR TO THE TOUR: In the two weeks leading up to the tour, please continue to practice standard health/hygiene protocols to limit your exposure to various illnesses (flu, COVID, common cold, etc.). If you have not already done so, we recommend getting a seasonal flu shot at least two weeks prior to departure.
We recommend mask wearing in airports and on planes and other public transportation, especially en route to your tour start. This is a personal decision, of course, but getting sick just prior to the tour will have potential repercussions for both you and the entire group.
ON-TOUR PROTOCOL: Tour participants will be in close proximity during much of the tour and are encouraged to exercise commonsense health practices. Vaccine recommendations are available for most destinations and we will follow published guidance. Please note on-tour health protocol may change on short notice. Simple common courtesy will go a long way in making the tour experience better for everyone.
You must follow the tour leader’s directives. Our leaders have latitude to require mask wearing at times on tour, in accordance with local guidelines or on-tour needs. Group mask wearing may still be required in group vehicles (for example, for the first several days of the tour). You are, of course, always welcome to wear a mask throughout the tour if that is your preference.
Please advise the leaders if you feel sick or are exhibiting sickness symptoms while on tour. Leaders will also monitor the group, and may request that a sick participant, or participant exhibiting symptoms, wear a mask while in close quarters with the group (in the van, for example). Please bring an adequate personal supply of masks with you on tour. If a participant is sick while on tour, the leader has the right to ask them to stay back and rest at the hotel for a day or two if circumstances allow. This is for the participant’s own good, as well as the good of the group. The leader has discretion to exclude someone from the tour if they refuse to follow requests to wear a mask or remain behind for the safety and health of others.
Updated: January 2024