Frequently Asked Questions - About The World Outdoors' Trips
Commonly asked questions about your active vacation with The World Outdoors
Frequently Asked Questions - About Booking a Reservation
Before reserving your The World Outdoors trip, please review these important answers to frequently asked questions about deposits and payments, our cancellation policy, travel insurance, passports and guest responsibilities.
I booked my trip with The World Outdoors - now what?
Frequently Asked Questions - About the World Outdoors' Trips
How long has The World Outdoors been in business?
19 years! The World Outdoors was founded in 1988 and began operating biking and hiking trips throughout the Rockies and Southwest in 1989.
How can I reach The World Outdoors?
- E-mail: fun@TheWorldOutdoors.com
- Write: The World Outdoors, 2840 Wilderness Place, Suite D, Boulder, CO, 80301
- Phone: 800-488-8483 or 303-413-0938
- Fax: 303-413-0926
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What is Active Travel?
Active travel can best be defined as traveling under your own power and at your own pace. You will enjoy great rewards by having your physical senses challenged and your intellectual senses stimulated. We believe an active adventure vacation is the best way to return home refreshed, renewed and revitalized.
What's included in the trip price?
- All lodging, double-occupancy, in the areas finest accommodations.
- All meals, or all meals except for one or two meals (as specified in daily trip itinerary).
- Snacks and beverages between meals.
- Flexible handcrafted itineraries
- Expertise and services of professional naturalist guides
- Equipment and experienced guides for sea kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, rock climbing, etc. for multi-sport trips.
- Vehicle support (including baggage transfers) for a variety of route options
- A maximum 7:1 guide-to-guest ratio
- The World Outdoors' "Satisfaction" Guarantee
- The World Outdoors t-shirt and water bottle
- All land transportation from trip assembly points
- Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities
- National park and other entrance fees
- Pre-departure information and extras listed on trip itineraries.
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What kind of shape do I need to be in to enjoy my trip?
The World Outdoors vacations are designed for all abilities! Some trips are more challenging than others and we suggest that you refer to our Trip Ratings or talk to one of our Trip Consultants about your current activity level and the type of adventure you're looking for. They'll help you choose the trip that's right for you by asking detailed questions about your outdoor background, physical activity, and preferred style of travel. We want you to be on the right trip just as much as you do, so please Call 800-488-8483 or e-mail fun@TheWorldOutdoors.com.
How should I train for my trip?
While you don't have to be an "athlete" to enjoy a The World Outdoors trip, you will get the most enjoyment from your trip if you are reasonably fit. We encourage you to engage in some sort of aerobic activity three times a week and to slowly increase the distance and difficulty of this activity. A week or two before the trip you should be comfortable walking or biking the distance that is typical of a day on your trip. Refer to your trip itinerary for specific distances. We also recommend that you get comfortable training up to several days "back-to-back" as we typically are active for at least five consecutive days on our tours.
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How do you accommodate guests of varying abilities?
Each trip is rated for its difficulty level. Please review the trip descriptions throughout this web site or in our catalog for more information. All trips have ratings, noting the range of distances and options that are available on the trip.
For each trip, average daily mileage's are calculated and rated as follows: easy, moderately easy, moderate and challenging. On many days of your The World Outdoors' vacation, you'll have a choice of mileage options. One day you might go for the most challenging option, then the next day you may take it easy and choose the shortest route.
Every trip has participants of varying abilities so there's usually someone else traveling at your speed. This makes for an optimal arrangement for friends and couples as they can spend the day with similarly fit travelers and then reunite for the evenings.
Whatever the activity, you're free to go at your own pace, alone or in the company of others, and there is always time to stop and smell the wildflowers!
How long will we be active each day?
Though it's up to you to decide how far you want to go, each trip's rating reflects the amount of activity time scheduled into each itinerary. Depending on the trip and options you choose, you'll typically spend three to six hours a day being active.
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How do your leaders support the routes?
On our cycling days, one leader covers the route in our support vehicle, ready to offer rides, assistance and refreshments while the other cycles with the group. On hiking trips, your guides will advise you about the daily schedule, including options, each morning. There are often two routes to choose from and the option for stopping to take photos and enjoy your surroundings is always available. During rafting, sea kayaking and other activities, our groups are accompanied by a professional local guide.
Do I have to carry my own luggage or gear?
All luggage is transported in our custom trailers between inns and campgrounds. You need only carry food, clothing and personal items desired for that day's activity.
Who travels with The World Outdoors?
All guests of The World Outdoors are active and interesting people who come from vastly different walks of life. They live in all corners of the world, work in a variety of occupations and industries, and have many different hobbies and interests. More than 80% are between the ages of 30 and 60 with strong representation from older and younger travelers as well.
Above all, they all have one common interest -- they love to travel in a way that allows them to fully immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the experience. They choose adventure travel to fulfill this interest, and they choose The World Outdoors because our unique approach to backcountry travel assures them a memorable vacation experience. If you share this wanderlust, we're here to deliver!
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How large will my group be?
The average group size on all The World Outdoors trips is 8. The maximum number of guests range from 12 on most domestic and international departures to 26 or more on custom trips.
Are there trips my whole family can enjoy?
Yes! The World Outdoors offers trips exclusively for families to a diversity of destinations. These trips are great for kids and adults alike as each activity is designed to cater to varying ages, interests and abilities. If none of these trips meet your family's needs, your family is welcome on all of our regular departures. In order to determine the best trips for your family, we recommend that you counsel with a Trip Consultant at 800-488-8483 or email us. You can also exclusively reserve a departure of a regularly scheduled trip for yourselves, or arrange a private trip with extra amenities.
If I'm traveling alone, will you find me a roommate or can I get a private room?
If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will match you with another trip member. If we cannot find a roommate for you, you will only be charged for a single supplement if you register within 90 days of trip departure.
For many trips, requests for single rooms are confirmed at the time of reservation. On some trips single rooms are limited, therefore we suggest that you register for your trip at least 90 days prior departure to ensure availability. Single supplement prices can be found on individual trip pages. Single tents are available for rent on camping trips.
For international tours, please consult the trip's daily itinerary or call our office to receive specific trip policies.
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Are your trips for solo travelers just for unmarried travelers?
For those wishing to share their experiences with other singles who have similar interests, we've set aside special Singles Departures. Identical to our regular departures, Singles Departures are reserved exclusively for any adult who is traveling on their own or with a friend. Of course, solo travelers are also more-than-welcome on all of our regular departures.
Do you have guest references for your trips?
Absolutely! Half of our guests have traveled with The World Outdoors on two or more trips or were referred by a past guest. Our high percentage of repeat guests means we deliver the high-quality experiences we promise. Don't just take our word for it that The World Outdoors trips are the finest in the adventure travel industry, call or e-mail a Trip Consultant who will be happy to refer you to a guest who's been there with us.
Can I purchase The World Outdoors gift certificates?
Either as a family gift, for a good friend or as a company reward program we offer Gift Certificates in all amounts and time frames, from 6 to 14-day active vacation packages. To purchase a gift certificate for the active travelers in your life, please contact us at 800-488-8483.
How far in advance do I need to book?
The farther in advance that you book, the better selection of available departure dates you will find. You'll definitely want to make reservations for our most popular summer destinations, such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, the Canadian Rockies, and Alaska to name a few, at least three to six months out. For holiday trips, you'll want to reserve several months out to find the best selection.
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Frequently Asked Questions - About Booking a Reservation
How do I sign up for a trip? Is a deposit required?
It couldn't be easier to sign up for the trip of a lifetime! Simply Register Online as explained below or pick up your phone and call 800-488-8483. We'll take care of everything for you and confirm your reservation with a deposit of $500 per person. Deposits can be made by check, money order, Visa or MasterCard.
To ensure trip availability, we recommend that you make reservations at least 120 days prior to departure. The balance of the trip cost is due 90 days prior to departure and may be paid by check or money order in U.S. dollars or by credit card. With your authorization, we can automatically bill your credit card when the balance is due. If final payment is not received when due, The World Outdoors reserves the right to treat the reservation as canceled.
When is my balance due?
The balance of your trip cost is due 90 days prior to trip departure and may be paid by check, money order, Visa, or MasterCard. Please make checks payable in US funds. If you register for a trip within 90 days of trip departure, full payment is due at the time of booking. If your payment is not received when due, The World Outdoors reserves the right to treat the reservation as canceled.
How do I reserve my trip online?
You can get to our online reservation form by clicking on the Register Online button at the left of every page.
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What are your Bike & Camping Gear Rental fees?
Bicycle Rental Rates are either included or are $95 as specified in the detailed trip itinerary. For camping trips, tents are available for $60. Sleeping bags and foam insulating pads are available for $40. Helmets are required of all riders and are included with a bicycle rental. For those bringing their own bikes, helmet rentals are available for $10. Rental bikes must be reserved more than 60 days prior to trip departure to guarantee availability.
Does The World Outdoors offer any type of travel protection insurance?
We strongly recommend you buy travel insurance to protect yourself against losses caused by trip cancellation, loss or damage of baggage, non-refundable airfare or emergency medical expenses. We represent one of the leading travel insurance companies in the industry, and we'd be happy to arrange travel insurance coverage for you. Call us at 800-488-8483 with any questions.
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How do I get to the start of the trip? How will I get to the airport at the trip's end?
From each gateway city, convenient transportation is available to the assembly point. As noted in individual trip itineraries, trips almost always conclude where they began. Specific information regarding your trip meeting and ending times, transportation to the assembly point, and driving directions are included in your Confirmation Packet that is e-mailed or mailed to you upon registration.
If you wish to make airline reservations before receiving your planner, please contact your Trip Consultant for trip starting and ending times. Optional van transfers are available from some of these locations to the meeting place and back at trip's end. Advance reservations are required.
How can I arrange my travel before and after my The World Outdoors trip?
For help in arranging air transportation, pre and post-trip hotels, rental cars or rail tickets in conjunction with your The World Outdoors trip, we encourage you to call our travel coordinator, Kate Slowen, at Cain Holidays. No one else knows our trips better. They can be reached between 8:30 and 5:30 Mountain Time at 888-866-2246. Please note that The World Outdoors is not responsible for the purchase of non-refundable advance purchase airline tickets.
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What are standard accommodations on The World Outdoors trips?
Standard accommodations on our inn trips are double occupancy and almost always include a private bath (unless otherwise specified in your detailed trip itinerary). However, on hut trips, up to 6 guests per room is common. We assign two people per room by gender, unless a couple or friends ask to be in the same room. As we strive to offer inns with distinctive appeal and character, rooms with two beds may consist of one bed and a foldout sleeper.
If I'm traveling alone, can I have a private room?
For many trips, requests for single rooms are confirmed at the time of reservation. On some trips single rooms are limited, therefore we suggest that you register for your trip at least 90 days prior departure to ensure availability. Single supplement prices can be found on individual trip pages.
If I'm traveling alone, will you match me with a roommate?
If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will match you with another trip member. If we cannot find a roommate for you, you will only be charged for a single supplement if you register within 90 days of trip departure. As a limited number of single rooms are available at a single supplement charge, we cannot guarantee a single supplement will be available if you register within 90 days of trip departure. Single supplement prices can be found on individual trip pages.
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Can children have their own room?
Children 18 and under must share a room with an adult family member or adult family friend in order to receive the children's discount. Children can, however, have their own rooms if desired.
Does The World Outdoors offer special youth rates?
The World Outdoors offers trips exclusively for families, with routes and amenities designed for the mix of ages and abilities of your family. In addition, most of our regular trip departures are suitable for families. Children ages 8 to 10 or older are welcome on most of our tours. Please call us at 800-488-8483 to discuss the suitability of a particular tour.
All minors must be accompanied by at least one adult. Young people, ages 8 through 18, receive a 15% discount on all The World Outdoors camping trips when accompanied by one full-paying adult, and on inn trips when he/she shares a room with one full-paying adult.
Can I create a custom itinerary and/or book a private trip?
Our team of adventure experts is more than happy to put together special dates and arrangements that fit your needs. Choose to charter one of the regularly scheduled departures on our web site or in our catalog and then call us to discuss the best time of year, trip leaders, accommodations, special emphasis, or other considerations. If you're interested in a custom tour or chartering a tour, fill out our Custom Tour Request Form.
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Do you have special rates for groups?
For Charter Tours, a 10% discount is offered to groups of eight or more who jointly confirm reservations for the same regularly scheduled trip.
What responsibilities do I assume as a guest?
Guests are responsible for choosing a trip that suits their abilities, level of fitness and state of health (for assistance, refer to Trip Ratings). Guests must provide The World Outdoors office with signed release and medical information forms prior to trip departure (guests will not be permitted to join a trip without this information on file). Finally, guests traveling with The World Outdoors are expected to follow environmental guidelines and regulations in accordance with leader direction as well as respect the rights and privacy of other trip members. An individual may be asked to leave a trip if the leader feels that the person's continuing participation may prove detrimental to the individual or to the well-being or enjoyment of other guests.
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What are The World Outdoors' limitations of liability?
The World Outdoors is not liable for bodily injury or property damage as a result of (but not limited to): physical exertion for which a guest is not prepared; forces of nature; travel by plane, train, auto, boat or other conveyance, or by bicycle, ski, horseback, foot or other form of active or adventure travel; consumption of alcoholic beverages; civil unrest; terrorism; breakdown of equipment; high altitude; lack of or limited access to medical attention in remote locations; and the adequacy of medical attention once provided. The World Outdoors is also not liable for: expenses (e.g., meals, transportation or hotel costs) that are not specified as included in the trip cost but may be required to get to or from a trip start or end. The World Outdoors reserves the right to make route and hotel modifications as necessary to improve the quality of a trip or to accommodate the comfort and well-being of guests. Guests grant The World Outdoors express permission to take photographs or film records of its trips for promotional and commercial use, without remuneration.
How can I get more answers?
Our expert Trip Consultants are happy to answer any questions and can be reached 8:00 to 5:00 (Mountain Time) Monday - Friday. Please call us at 800-488-8483, fax us at 303-413-0926 or email us. We are also happy to provide telephone numbers of guests who have already participated on the trip in which you are interested. Or you may want to review Frequently Asked Questions about The World Outdoors.
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I booked my trip with The World Outdoors - now what?
When will I receive more detailed information about my trip so I can start planning?
Upon receipt of your reservation and deposit, we will send a confirmation and pre-departure packet. This packet will include a daily itinerary, a travel insurance application, suggestions for preparing for your trip, a list of items to bring, information about the trip meeting time, gateway city transfers and pre/post-trip lodging.
Can I change my mind and transfer to another trip even after I've already made a reservation?
You may transfer from one trip to another up to 90 days before trip departure for a $50 administration fee, after which time our cancellation policy applies.
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What if I need to cancel my trip? What is The World Outdoors' cancellation policy?
If you cancel your trip, you must notify us in writing or by fax. We calculate your refund on the day we receive written cancellation. All refunds will be processed within 30 days of your cancellation. There is a non-refundable processing fee of $100 per person for cancellation. This fee reflects only the cost of administering a reservation and is not intended to be punitive in any way. We realize the majority of those who cancel their reservations do so out of necessity. For all cancellations, we will refund you the cost of your trip less the following, per person charges:
Number of days prior to trip departure: Cancellation fee per person
- 90+ days or more: $100 processing fee.
- 89-60 days: 50% of total price.
- 59-30 days: 75% of total price.
- 29-0 days: 100% of total price.
Exceptions to this policy cannot be made for any reason, including weather or personal emergencies. Please note:
- There is no refund for leaving a trip early or arriving late
- Refunds for unused gateway city transfers and equipment rentals are only given if The World Outdoors is notified 90 days prior to the start of the trip. Single supplements are considered part of the trip price and are subject to cancellation fees.
- For our overseas tours, please consult the trip's daily itinerary or call our office to receive the specific cancellation and refund policy.
- The World Outdoors reserves the right to cancel any tour due to acts of nature, road conditions, insufficient number of participant or unforeseen circumstances that mandate change that may arise.
- If The World Outdoors is unable to provide you with another trip that is satisfactory, all moneys paid will be refunded and shall constitute full settlement with you.
- The World Outdoors is not responsible for any additional expenses that may be incurred by a guest in relation to a canceled tour including nonrefundable lodging deposits.
- The World Outdoors is not responsible for any costs incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations or sickness.
- The World Outdoors is not responsible for penalties that may be incurred due to the purchase of nonrefundable air tickets.
- Guests who fail to provide signed "Release of Liability and Assumption of All Risks" and personal information forms prior to trip departure will not be allowed to join the trip and the cancellation policy applies.
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Will I need a passport or a visa if I'm traveling internationally?
International travel requires a passport. Your Confirmation Packet contains details about required documents, if applicable for your particular trip. Guests from countries other than the United States should contact the closest consulate for the country to which they're planning to travel to determine if a visa is required for citizens of their country.
What will I need to bring?
Besides your spirit of adventure, all you need to bring is your personal gear. Don't worry, we'll send you a detailed clothing and equipment list in your pre-departure information so you know what you'll need.
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