Independent Tours FAQ's
Please note all departures are currently subject to COVID19 travel restrictions
Want to travel but don’t like the idea of spending all of your time in a group tour situation?
We know not everyone likes the idea of group travel so we have come up with a range of options which allow independent travellers to experience a unique holiday without the hassle that comes with going it alone.
What does Independent Guided really mean?
You will get your own personal English speaking guide who will greet you when you arrive at the airport. You will also have your own private transport and driver on the days where activities are organised. On days where you have no organised activities your guide will advise you on the best places to eat and different options for things to do.
We work closely with only the most reliable and professional local companies in the areas we travel to and are able to provide you with 24 hour emergency in-country contacts that are able to assist you should you need anything. On tours where you travel to different countries your guide will assist you up until you board your flight - then a different in-country guide will meet you at other end and look after you at that destination.
How many people do I need to organise an independent tour?
Independent tours depart with a minimum of 1 or 2 people. Tours can be arranged within 3 weeks of your travel dates. (availability may be limited during peak travel seasons).
Can I design my own itinerary?
Yes. Use one of Independent or Small Group tour itineraries as a starting point then we can tailor-make a tour just for you, to fit your time-frames, your budget and your interests. You just supply us with your travel dates, what you would like to do and see and what your budget is and we will design you an itinerary. Please note there is a $300 planning fee payable for the design of your tour. This amount is then taken off the cost of your tour when confirming your booking. Please note tailor-made itinerary's are designed as a package of your local accommodation, transport, guides, classes and entrance fees. We do not provide bookings for activities only.
Want to travel but don’t like the idea of spending all of your time in a group tour situation?
We know not everyone likes the idea of group travel so we have come up with a range of options which allow independent travellers to experience a unique holiday without the hassle that comes with going it alone.
What does Independent Guided really mean?
You will get your own personal English speaking guide who will greet you when you arrive at the airport. You will also have your own private transport and driver on the days where activities are organised. On days where you have no organised activities your guide will advise you on the best places to eat and different options for things to do.
We work closely with only the most reliable and professional local companies in the areas we travel to and are able to provide you with 24 hour emergency in-country contacts that are able to assist you should you need anything. On tours where you travel to different countries your guide will assist you up until you board your flight - then a different in-country guide will meet you at other end and look after you at that destination.
How many people do I need to organise an independent tour?
Independent tours depart with a minimum of 1 or 2 people. Tours can be arranged within 3 weeks of your travel dates. (availability may be limited during peak travel seasons).
Can I design my own itinerary?
Yes. Use one of Independent or Small Group tour itineraries as a starting point then we can tailor-make a tour just for you, to fit your time-frames, your budget and your interests. You just supply us with your travel dates, what you would like to do and see and what your budget is and we will design you an itinerary. Please note there is a $300 planning fee payable for the design of your tour. This amount is then taken off the cost of your tour when confirming your booking. Please note tailor-made itinerary's are designed as a package of your local accommodation, transport, guides, classes and entrance fees. We do not provide bookings for activities only.
What kinds of accommodation will I stay in?
Our hotels and guesthouses are handpicked by us. We ensure that our accommodation is located in the centre of town so that it is easy for you to explore when you have some time to yourself. We pride ourselves on providing hotel accommodation that gives you all the 'mod cons' without skimping on comfort or style - or sharing the hotel with large noisy tour groups!
What about free time?
We provide a mix of organised sight seeing and activities along with plenty of 'down time', where you can go off and spend time exploring on your own. On free days your tour guide will always provide you with suggested activities.
Do I need to worry about what to eat and where to eat?
Eating is one of the highlights of travelling and we like to make sure you get to experience as much local flavour as possible. When a meal is not included your local guide will be able to suggest restaurants and local dishes to try.
Is tipping necessary?
The general etiquette for tipping is for around $5 per day for a guide and $3 per day for your driver. When it comes to porters and meals your guide will always help you out with what local tipping is suggested.
Should I bring gifts for people that I meet along the way?
This is a purely personal thing. Bringing goods from home tends to fill your luggage and it is far better to buy goods locally to support the local economy. Pens and school equipment, along with sewing supplies and toiletries are also far better than lollies or small stuffed animals but you need to assess each situation as it is impossible to give to everyone and it may cause problems in some situations.
Our hotels and guesthouses are handpicked by us. We ensure that our accommodation is located in the centre of town so that it is easy for you to explore when you have some time to yourself. We pride ourselves on providing hotel accommodation that gives you all the 'mod cons' without skimping on comfort or style - or sharing the hotel with large noisy tour groups!
What about free time?
We provide a mix of organised sight seeing and activities along with plenty of 'down time', where you can go off and spend time exploring on your own. On free days your tour guide will always provide you with suggested activities.
Do I need to worry about what to eat and where to eat?
Eating is one of the highlights of travelling and we like to make sure you get to experience as much local flavour as possible. When a meal is not included your local guide will be able to suggest restaurants and local dishes to try.
Is tipping necessary?
The general etiquette for tipping is for around $5 per day for a guide and $3 per day for your driver. When it comes to porters and meals your guide will always help you out with what local tipping is suggested.
Should I bring gifts for people that I meet along the way?
This is a purely personal thing. Bringing goods from home tends to fill your luggage and it is far better to buy goods locally to support the local economy. Pens and school equipment, along with sewing supplies and toiletries are also far better than lollies or small stuffed animals but you need to assess each situation as it is impossible to give to everyone and it may cause problems in some situations.
