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Reality Check
Taking your family abroad anywhere can expose them to risks not normally faced at home. You should therefore read this section carefully before booking your holiday. Although this may seem alarmist, we believe that you should be fully informed before making your choice. We do believe, however, that if you prepare properly and go with the right attitude, there are some wonderfully exciting, challenging and entertaining holidays offered in this brochure. to Western levels. However good our organisation is, we are at the mercy of the unexpected, and this type of trip can never be entirely cut-and-dried. If you are not prepared for this you should not travel with us. Because these are not ordinary package holidays, the outline itineraries given in this brochure are statements of intent rather than promises. Local weather, politics, airlines, transport or a host of other uncontrollable factors, can mean a change in itinerary or means of transport. It is unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered, but if changes are necessary the leader will decide the best alternative, after consultation with the group. Where a delay or change does occur, we will do everything we can to minimise its effects, but we cannot be held responsible for the results of delays or changes outside our control. Finally, crime and other security risks exist in practically all countries, whether it is the USA or India. Travelling in a group is a safeguard, but not a guarantee. Though we will take all reasonable care of you, we cannot do this adequately if you do not at all times take sensible precautions yourself. complies with local regulations and standards, but we cannot guarantee the same standard as in the EU. If you choose to travel to these destinations, you must be prepared to accept the standard of transport that is available in the area.
Group activities
Exodus offer adventurous holidays that involve different types of activities; as such you should ensure that you read all literature carefully for details of the level of the activity and the necessary experience (if any) required on your family holiday. Whilst we ensure the activity is run to the local legal standard and risk assessments are regularly carried out, some activities do carry an element of risk and it is your responsibility to ensure that the trip/activities are suitable for you and your family and that you are all fit enough to join in. Most of the holidays in this brochure are based on a group with a leader to accompany them. As such all activities included in the price are based on being part of the group. If by choice or necessity your family, or part of it, leave the group, we will generally not be able to supply alternative services, leaders and activities, and you should not expect this.
Health requirements
The Trip Notes list any statutory vaccination requirements for the countries we visit on individual trips if you are travelling from the UK. If you are travelling from elsewhere, you should check with your doctor, the nearest embassy or tourist office for current regulations. We strongly recommend that you check with your family doctor or specialist travel clinic as soon as you book for up-to-date advice, particularly for younger children. It is a good idea for the family to have a dental check-up before you go, as, in many of the countries to which we travel, facilities are expensive and may not be of the same standard as you are used to. If you are travelling in Europe you should obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your Post Office. This gives free medical care in certain European countries.
Accommodation
Our aim, wherever possible, is to use accommodation that is in keeping with the area that we visit, local in character and generally locally-owned. In many countries, Health and Safety regulations are not up to the standards in the EU, Australasia or North America and because of this, care needs to be taken to familiarise yourselves with the general layout of the accommodation and you may need to supervise your children more closely than you would have to in an `international' standard establishment. Particular care should be taken where the accommodation includes a swimming pool, as signs and other safety features may not be present. Plumbing and hot water can also be erratic, other facilities may not be of resort standard, and service, although friendly, may not be polished and professional. If you choose to travel on this type of holiday you must accept that this is all part of the experience.
Know Before You Go
Exodus has joined the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Know Before You Go campaign. Know Before You Go aims to make sure that all travellers abroad are properly prepared before setting out overseas and have independent advice. The emphasis is on: · Seeking the FCO advice about the countries to be visited before departure · Having adequate travel insurance · Following local laws · Avoiding taking risks with money and possessions while abroad The best way to get the FCO's latest advice on a particular country is to visit their website www.fco.gov.uk/travel. Or, call Exodus and we will be pleased to provide the latest FCO advice.
Travelling as a family
On all trips, the staff are there to help ensure the holiday runs as smoothly as possible and, in the unlikely event that it does not, to sort out the best possible alternatives. What they cannot do is act as child minders or babysitters. They will treat your children as "small adults", but it is your responsibility to look after your young ones. During free time or if you decide to opt out of a part of the itinerary, you are responsible for your family and any arrangements that may need to be made. Under no circumstances should this responsibility fall on our staff or any fellow travellers outside your immediate family.
Adventurous travel
On some of our holidays the areas are remote, the lifestyle is very different and events much less predictable than on a conventional holiday. Health, safety and operational standards - particularly of hotels, transport and airlines - are often not up
Transport
In many countries that we visit, transport facilities, regulations and health and safety precautions are not up to the standard of the EU, Australasia or North America. Where this is the case, we attempt to ensure that all our transport
Passports, Visas & Flights
Passport and visa requirements
British subjects require a full passport for all holidays in this brochure, and this should be valid for six months after the date of your scheduled return home. The chart below gives the visa requirements for destinations requiring a visa if you hold a British passport. If you are joining locally or are not a British national, other regulations may apply to you and you should check with the nearest embassy of the country you intend to visit. Please note that for some trips we need to request special permits, and as such we will require your passport details prior to accepting your booking. Furthermore, if you renew your passport after you have booked, you may be required to take your old passport with you to maintain the validity of the permit. We recommend that all members of your family have their own passport and you should apply for one at least 6 months before your holiday. Full details of current visa requirements are given in the Trip Notes and in the confirmation documents that are sent to you on booking. Obtaining any visas that are required is your responsibility. Visa regulations can change, and may do so at short notice and sometimes without announcement. Where we become aware of changes to regulations, we will notify you if we are able. Providing we have used our best efforts to advise you of requirements or assist you in obtaining visas, we cannot be held responsible for mistakes by embassies, third parties and sudden changes to regulations, or actions of border officials that are beyond our control.
Flight timings, routes and schedule changes
Please note that all flight timings are subject to change by the airlines. Unfortunately, airlines change their schedules regularly, and although we will inform you of proposed flight timings and route at the time of booking, we cannot be held responsible for any changes after this date. It is also important to note the difference between a "direct flight, a "non-stop flight" and a "scheduled stop flight". Nonstop flights do not have any scheduled touchdowns en route, while direct flights mean there is no change of aircraft but that stops are possible and indeed probable, as per the airline schedules. Scheduled stop flights are usually based on a carrier that will also fly via their home country before continuing onto the final destination, and this will usually mean a change of plane. Unfortunately, not all stops or touchdowns can be detailed on your flight confirmation.
Flight delays
Unfortunately, flight delays do occur and apart from the obvious inconvenience of the delayed arrival at your destination, they can cause ongoing operational problems with your holiday arrangements. Depending on the circumstances the airline may make alternative arrangements at no extra cost. However, additional costs may well be involved in the form of onward flight arrangements, transfers and accommodation. Should you be affected by a flight delay, and need assistance, please refer to your final joining instructions.
Regional connections
Reduced fares from UK regional airports to connect with international flights departing from London are available on most programmes (see Trip Notes). Please request details and book these as early as possible. Once booked, alterations and cancellations will be subject to a fee. It is likely that flights from regional airports will arrive at different times to the group flights from London. Where this is the case, a wait at the airport for the group flight, or alternative transfer arrangements may be necessary.
Visa Chart - the following trips require Visas for UK nationals
Trip Name Turquoise Coast Adventure Lycian Adventure Desert & Reef Adventure Land of the Pharaohs Feluccas, Camels & Temples Petra to the Pyramids The Lost City of Petra Big Cat Safari Big Cat Safari plus Zanzibar Wilderness & Wildlife Tanzania Crater Capers Taj, Tigers & Temples Kerala Adventure Everest & Elephants Chopsticks & Coconuts Cuba Salsa Wildlife of British Colombia Trip Ref FET FEW FEM FMN FMF FMS FMJ FAK FAL FAB FAT FID FIK FIN FIV FNU FNV Destination Turkey Turkey Egypt Egypt Egypt Jordan, Egypt Jordan Kenya Kenya, Tanzania Zambia, Botswana Tanzania India India Nepal Vietnam Cuba USA, Canada Visa required (UK passport holders) Turkey Turkey Egypt Egypt Egypt Jordan, Egypt Jordan Kenya Kenya, Tanzania Zambia, Botswana Tanzania India India Nepal Vietnam Cuba USA* Time required to obtain visas On arrival On arrival On arrival On arrival On arrival On arrival On arrival On arrival On arrival On arrival On arrival 4 days 4 days On arrival 7 days Exodus provide *
Flight amendments
The Flight Inc. prices quoted in this brochure include flights from the UK unless otherwise stated. Most of these flights are based on special group fares, which have certain restrictions on changes to date, route or validity. While we can often make alternative flight arrangements to suit individual needs, these are likely to be more expensive than the published arrangements. Any such change made after a ticket is issued will normally necessitate the purchase of a new ticket at the passenger's expense. "Land only" prices do not include flights or transfers to and from the airport (except where stated in Trip Notes). If you book an Independent departure and do not book your flights through Exodus, transfers are not included.
*USA: the visa waiver scheme applies to most UK passport holders on holiday in the USA. Please call for details if you think you may require a visa.
To book call 0845 863 9636 or visit www.exodus.co.uk
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