Is an Earthbound Expedition Right For You?

We want each and every guest to enjoy their journey with us, so it’s important that it be a good fit. This is your vacation, after all, so you should love everything about it! Please read our Terms and Conditions, some of which are outlined below, and if you’re still unsure about whether this is the right trip for you, please give our office a call! 206-842-9775 or 800-723-8454. 

ACTIVE: To make the most of your Earthbound Expedition and participate in the various planned group activities, you should be able to be on your feet and walk briskly unassisted for at least two to three hours a day (often over uneven cobblestones or pathways) with frequent standing. This may not sound like a lot, but many Americans are surprised how much walking and standing they do on our journeys compared to what they do at home. It is important to understand that our journeys are all walking tours. They are designed for healthy, active adults who enjoy walking and are able to do so up and down hills and stairs, over cobblestones or other uneven surfaces, and in hot or cold climates.

The super-active types who like to climb every mountain or bell tower are welcome to do so during their free time, or to skip out on a “slower” activity and meet up with the group later.

TRANSPORT: Though we use motor coaches and public transportation to transfer the group over long distances, that is their only purpose. In order to enjoy a brisk city walking tour during which we might visit museums, churches and synagogues, public squares and parks, one must be able to walk in between visits and (mostly) stand during the guided lectures and descriptions. It is also important to note that in non-U.S. destinations, neither private nor public vehicles or venues (none of which we own or operate) are required to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

 

ACCESSIBILITY: As mentioned above, none of the non-US destinations we visit are subject to ADA standards and thus access for those with mobility challenges cannot be ensured. Sometimes it is due to being centuries old, but other times it’s simply logistical: the river ships for instance, have gang planks that aren’t designed for wheel chairs or walkers. At other times, we may be staying in villas or cabins that are separated by unpaved foot paths or hotels with entry stairs. On boats, planes, ships and ferries, guests will need to be able to maneuver unassisted up and down gangways, stairs and in between decks, sometimes with their luggage in tow. The small hotels we use sometimes only have one elevator and they can break down, so stairs are occasionally unavoidable.

STAFF: The tour guide is responsible for the many and varied needs of an entire group, so s/he is unable to assist with coordinating alternative transport, meeting times or other details for those who are unable to keep up with the group. Any guest who requires help must be accompanied by an able companion who can be entirely responsible for providing the assistance.