Who is One Way Adventure?
One Way Adventure is a unique international adventure travel company in that we specialize in around-the-world and regional (multi-stop, one-way) itineraries that combine adventure destinations with cultural nirvanas in extended multi-continent expeditions. We've put together some of the most epic around-the-world trips ever dreamt and our experts love crafting custom itineraries specific to bucket-list desires. So with our sharp and resourceful staff providing invaluable first-hand knowledge of international destinations, guaranteed best pricing on all around-the-world/regional itineraries, and an exclusive concierge service looking after you the entire way, there's not a comparison to be made.
How Do Around-The-World/Regional Airline Tickets Work?
The main stipulation in booking discounted around-the-world and regional airline tickets is that you must always travel in one direction and never backtrack. These routes and itineraries represent multi-country or multi-continent travel in a one-directional fashion and really only make sense if you have at the very least three weeks available on a multi-destination itinerary. This could be a circle of Southeast Asia or South America, or a complete circumnavigation of the globe. Flexibility is key and this is more feasible on a 26 or 40 day itinerary than a strictly timed 10 day vacation. To piece together your own dream around-the-world trip, go through the map and adventure pages, pick a route and adventures that can connect in a one-way direction (circular or linear), email what class of travel you desire (budget, standard, luxury, ultra-luxury) and we'll piece together the trip of a lifetime at an unbeatable price point due to our specific niche within the travel industry. The majority of our trips average $300 - $400 per day (more for itineraries that stop in Europe or liveaboard diving expeditions) including around-the-world airfare, hotels, transfers and adventures at an average of three star accommodation so you can use this as a benchmark in considering your own budget, time frame and class of travel.
Who Are One Way Adventure Travelers?
One Way Adventure trips are for travelers with itchy feet, nomadic adventures with a yearning to not just see the world at large but to experience it personally. Our clients understand the immense cost benefits of around-the-world travel and being able to visit multiple continents on a one directional trip for a comparable cost of a long distance, round trip to just one city. If you have the discretionary income to travel to Europe on a vacation, you can travel around the world and still stop in Europe along the way. Our customized trips vary from the ultra-luxurious private diving yacht charters in Indonesia, to booking hostels, airfare and providing tips for a student on a 45 day shoestring budget. If you can find the time, we can find the trip.
Are There Any Requirements To One Way Adventure Trips?
No special skills are required for most adventures, just a sense of wanderlust and a curiosity about the world. Even on our camping adventures no previous experience is required; our tents are easy to set up, even for first-time campers and tour guides are always around to assist. The only requirements for One Way Adventure trips are having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the conclusion of your trip, have all the necessary vaccinations for each country/region on your itinerary and you must have travel insurance.
Are Trips Physically Demanding?
Want to lie in a hammock and not move until cocktail hour and skip the excursion to see more ruins? Take six days to climb Kilimanjaro instead of 4-5? Everything can be customized to some extent and all of our itineraries assume basic physical shape with some requiring more athletic fitness than others (mountaineering vs scuba diving) but everything is always at your pace and under your control. Any serious physical requirements are noted in the trip details, otherwise, if you can jump off a bridge, you can bungee jump.
How Many People Will Be On My Trip?
Every trip is individually booked so depending on the chosen itinerary/trip, the number of people on any given excursion will vary. The majority of any around-the-world trip will just be whomever's on the air tickets with everything individualized throughout the journey. On destinations where an organized tour is joined/required (Machu Picchu in Peru, Lhasa in Tibet, mountaineering in Nepal, Borneo jungle trek, etc) the group size is usually under 10 - 12 people. These are great opportunities to swipe stories with other international travelers and get ideas for your next adventure vacation. On our overland camping trips, they're conducted in purpose-built vehicles that can carry up to 24 travelers with facilities, phone docs, charging stations, etc. and then tents set up around this base.
Are Their Age Restrictions On Your Trips?
For the majority of our trips the minimum age is 15. An adult must accompany all children under the age of 18. Our overland adventures have a minimum age of 18. There is no maximum age limit, but a self-assessment form is required for all passengers 70 years and over.
Who Will Be My Group Leader?
Every Around The World trip is a blend of hand-held adventurism with independent flexibility so tour guides are a mix of the amazing local operators contracted by One Way Adventure who share regional customs and cultures, your travel concierge in our headquarters, as well as yourself to whatever degree you desire. The trip can be scheduled so every whim and detail has been arranged without any input from the traveler for the duration of the around-the-world trip, or to the degree where you just buy an around-the-world airfare and off you go on your own.
Can I Just Do Part Of The Group Trip?
Although you won’t be reimbursed for any portion of the trip unused, you can opt to sign off the trip if you need to leave a day or so earlier. If you let us know before travel that you’ll be arriving late or need to leave before a certain trips begins or ends, we can adjust an itinerary to accommodate any changes to mitigate potential costs. Organized group trips are extremely difficult to adjust so its important all trip details are thoroughly reviewed and agreed upon prior to departure, although almost any 'group' trip can be privately chartered at a different price point.
Can I Add An Extra Night On The Beginning Or End Of My Group Trip, Either Before Or During The Trip?
You sure can. Just ask your travel specialist at the time of booking or during your trip prior to the scheduled activity.
I'm Traveling Alone, Is That OK?
Some our best friends and most treasured relationships have flourished out of our independent travels which provide a unique opportunity to meet people from around the world you wouldn't otherwise cross paths with. We highly encourage independent travel and are always just a phone call or email away to give advice and support 24 hours a day through our concierge service should it be needed throughout any part of your journey.
If I Am A Single Traveler Will I Be Charged A Single Supplement?
There is no single supplement on any around-the-world airfare tickets or with booking any hotels or excursions outside of group itineraries. As a single traveler on a group adventure, you will usually have the choice of either paying a single supplement or sharing a room with someone of the same gender on overland or pre-arranged group trips.
What Type Of Accommodation Should I Expect?
Since each around-the-world trip is unique in nature and individually booked, most accommodation is completely within your control. Upon inquiry, you are asked to choose between budget, standard, luxury and ultra-luxury in pricing out your itinerary and group trips. Some group trips have no flexibility in accommodation (eg. Everest base camp trek - teahouses) others are designated camping safaris (Zanzibar to South Africa adventure), and some are 3-4 star hotels the entire trip (Total Turkey) so it just depends on your preferences and budget outside of any pre-arranged expeditions.
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Travel? What Is The Weather Expected To Be Like At A Destination During My Travels?
Each destination has its own high and low seasons and some times of the year where travel is completely impossible (Himalayas) so our around-the-world trips are specifically designed around the optimal times of the year in each region to get the most out of every location. Trips that are unavailable at specific times of the year are noted in the trip details and since predicting seasonal weather patterns far in advance is unreliable, check online for weather conditions of any location at specific times of the year to get an idea of what to expect.
I Have Special Dietary Requirements - Will They Be Catered For On Group Trips?
We will try our very hardest to accommodate all dietary requirements but in some out-of-the-way places it can be very difficult to guarantee. We will let you know if there are places on your itinerary where this is the case. Please let us know at the time of booking of any food requirements or allergies and we’ll pass the information onto your leader. It is also a great idea to bring a card with your dietary requirements written in the local language for those times you are eating away from the group.
What Will The Food Be Like On My Trip?
Food is one of the most exciting parts of travel. There may be some familiar fare but often you’ll be confronted with the new, interesting and downright extraordinary aberrations of the culinary world but we like to think of it as an adventure for all the senses. Our flexible itineraries often allow you to eat with the group or branch out on your own - this means you can eat to suit anything available that your palate desires.
Can I Drink The Water In The Countries I Visit?
In many destinations it's not advisable to drink the local water. Purchasing bottle water is always the best option.
What Are Optional Activities? Where Can I Find Details On Optional Activities?
Our trips always offer a myriad of exciting optional activities. Your One Way Adventure consultant can provide you with details of all the cultural/culinary/adventure options each region has to offer and when you arrive at each destination on group adventures, your leader will brief you on options and help you book them if not done beforehand.
Do I Book And Pay For Optional Activities Now Or During The Trip?
In most cases, optional activities are booked and paid for on the ground. This allows you the flexibility to change your mind as you relax into traveling mode and meet friends. There are a few exceptions to this: Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, balloon safaris in Africa or Turkey and multi-day whitewater rafting trips for example. These will all need to be booked prior to departure to secure these popular activities.
Can I Opt Out Of Certain Activities If I Want To?
Absolutely. If there are included or optional activities in which you don’t wish to participate in, you can do your own thing instead. The exception to this is when we are trekking or traveling from one destination to the next. Please note that if you choose to opt out of an included activity that has been pre-paid and reserved, reimbursement will depend on the local operator.
How Does One Way Adventure Support Sustainable Travel And Protect The Environment?
Wherever we go in the world we travel with respect for the people and the environment as we are a team of passionate conservationists that holds nature and its cultures in the highest regard. Our trips engage in sustainable travel itineraries with local community run businesses and organizations that serve as stewards to protect the ecologies we explore. We strongly encourage giving back to the communities we are active in and have a host of volunteer opportunities available to participate in on our volunteer page.
Do I Need Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is compulsory for all One Way Adventure travelers and should be taken out at the time of booking. At a minimum, your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum coverage of US$50,000. We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. You must provide proof of your travel insurance on the first day of your trip; you will not be able to join the trip without it. We can provide options through our preferred provider or you can acquire independently.
How Do I Find Out About The Visa Requirements For The Countries I'll Be Visiting?
As visa requirements and costs constantly change, www.projectvisa.com is the best resource as it has the most up to date information and details for every country on earth. It's important to check for each country and stop over on an around-the-world trip in which you plan on leaving the airport.
How Do I Organize My Visa?
Although we ask that you educate yourself on all the fees, costs and requirements for the Visa in each country on your trip, our Travel Concierge Service can assist with the arrangements.
How Save Are The Countries In The Trip? I Heard South America/Africa/Asia/etc Was Really Dangerous?
One Way Adventure travels to some pretty off-the-beaten paths as well as well trodden adventure circuits that are commonly visited by international travelers year round. In many places tourism is their number one economic source and local communities strive extremely hard ensuring the safety of tourists and their guests to protect their valuable and many times, only revenue stream. If you'd like to see crime ranking by each country, visit Crime but the numbers and data can be misleading as Nicaragua, Pakistan, and Cambodia are listed as safer than the U.S. Every country has good and bad areas with most crime centered around city metropolises, so any potential risks are always mitigated by the leadership of local guides in remote areas and ensuring proper safety at hotels in major cities. Just as it's not wise to walk in downtown L.A. or N.Y at 2:00 a.m., the same goes for anywhere else. The safety of our clients, leaders and operators are of utmost priority and the political/social/economic conditions of the countries we visit are closely followed to ensure the utmost security on our trips. For state department travel warnings, you can refer to their extensive website with listings by country at: State Department Travel Warnings.
How Save Are My Belongings While On The Trip/Adventure?
While we take all the precautions we can to make sure your belongings are safe, we are traveling to some exciting destinations that are sometimes home to opportunistic petty thieves. While normal due diligence is usually sufficient to stave off any lost baggage, travel insurance is required to insure any mishaps and a lockable bag or money belt will always help too.
What Is The Best Way To Carry Money?
We recommend having access to money from a variety of sources – cash, cards and travelers checks are all commonly used. ATM's are common throughout the world and withdrawing money upon arrival at each destination is usually the safest so you won't have too much cash on you at anytime and a lost/stolen card can always be replaced.
Will Refrigeration Be Available For Medicines? eg. Insulin
Availability of refrigeration cannot be guaranteed in many remote locations. As a general rule, many of our city hotels provide access to small fridges; however, outside of this, especially when trekking or in homestay environments like Nepal, you cannot rely on access to refrigeration. Please be sure to advise us if you are traveling with medication that requires refrigeration.
What Are The Medical And Vaccination Requirement For The Countries On My Trip?
Medical and vaccination requirements differ between nations and as we are not medical practitioners, we unfortunately cannot advise on this issue. The center for disease controls website has an exhaustive list of the vaccine requirements by country. You must ensure that all vaccines required for your trip have been administered prior to departure and you must carry medical proof.
I Am Over 60 - Do I Need A Medical Certificate?
One Way Adventure does not require a medical certificate for travelers over the age of 60. However, if you are over the age of 70 you are required to complete a Self-Assessment Form when booking your trip.
What If I Get Ill Or Injured On The Trip And Unable To Continue?
Our leaders are trained to deal with these situations and we will ensure you get any necessary medical assistance as quickly as possible. If you must leave the trip early due to illness, we will help you find appropriate medical care and ensure someone at home is aware of the situation. We will do whatever we can to get you home or on your onward journey. Your travel insurance, which is compulsory on all our trips, should cover any costs incurred if illness or injury occurs.
What Type Of Luggage Do You Recommend I Take?
On most of our trips you will be required to carry your own luggage, sometimes up stairs and on and off transport. We therefore recommend you travel with a large backpacking backpack. REI, Northface, Patagonia and Cabelas all have fantastic packs ideally suited for an around-the-world trip. You'll want to pack everything into one large 50L - 70L backpacking pack and have one smaller backpack to act as a carry-on and personal items bag that you always keep with you for any electronics, toiletries, phone, cards, etc.
Do I Need To Bring A Sleeping Bag?
We only have a handful of itineraries where sleeping bags are required and these are generally trips that involve extended camping treks. When we use homestays, teahouses, etc. blankets are provided but some travelers feel more comfortable with their own sleeping bag or sleep sheet/liner. This decision is a personal preference and depends on your class of travel. If you have any questions, just ask.
What Clothes And Footwear Should I Take On Treks?
On a more physical trips like extended trekking excursions, hiking boots are definitely recommended. Many people suffice with a proper pair of good running shoes and some lightweight, comfortable sandals for lounging around. Many One Way Adventure trips in South America and Nepal/India involve treks in near freezing environments so please be sure to research the climate and weather conditions at the time of year you will be trekking and pack accordingly.
What Essential Documents Do I Need To Take?
It’s important that you always travel with your current passport, visas, travel insurance, airline tickets, vaccine card and One Way Adventure itinerary. You must send copies of all documentation to our Travel Concierge prior to departure. This ensures that if any documents are ever lost/stolen/damaged, we have copies on file to expedite replacement.
What Time Can I Check In?
Check-in times can vary from hotel to hotel and region to region. Generally, they are between midday and 2pm. If you do arrive earlier, you’ll be able to store your luggage with the hotel and head out to explore for a couple of hours until your room is ready.
Are Airport Transfers Included In The Trip Price?
Airport transfers are not usually included in your trip price as airline flights delay, routes get diverted, and on a multi-stop one or two month around-the-world trip booked months in advance, it becomes logistically very complicated to book and reserve private transport this far out but it certainly can be arranged should you desire. Most of our clients opt to take taxis (many of which are government licensed entities) from their airport to the hotel upon arrival and some hotels will arrange for a pickup so this all depends on each itinerary. Upon booking, each transfer that is included, or needs to be taken by local taxi will be notated.
How Difficult Is The Trekking On My Trip?
One Way Adventure has treks ranging from relatively easy to extremely difficult that involve technical rock climbing (Mt. Kenya). The basic skills of rock climbing can even be learned pre-departure for the Mt. Kenya trek and summit, just as basic mountaineering skills can be learned pre-departure for any of our summit expeditions in South America, Nepal, Indonesia, etc. No trip requires elite athletic training but the more in shape you are, the more comfortable and enjoyable your trip will be so it really boils down to choosing a trip that suits your comfort level. All activities are described in detail in the notes for each adventure itinerary and if you have any questions, just ask.
What If I Arrive Late And Miss Part Of The Trip?
If you know in advance that you will be arriving late, please let our concierge service know. We will notify your leader, who will leave instructions with the hotel reception as to where to meet your group that night or the following morning. If you plan to arrive a day or two into the itinerary (and the group has moved to a different destination), it will be your responsibility to ‘catch up’ with the group. If this happens, we will provide you with the most up-to-date information as to where your group will be and at approximately what time.
Are There Western Toilets Available?
Some trips have regular access to western toilets while others don't – it just depends on the areas you’re traveling in. As a general rule, the more remote the place the less likely you are to find western bathroom facilities.
Will I Be Able To Do Laundry?
Along the way there are usually chances to do laundry, either through your hotel or using local services.
What Facilities Are At The Campsites?
We have a wide range of camping sites around the globe. They range from having all the creature comforts of 'glamping' to bush safaris on the plains of the Serengeti, to the desolate dunes of the Sahara with very limited facilities. Most camps will have basic facilities at a minimum and an abundance of natural splendors that no hotel room could hold a candle to.
Are Hotels Air-Conditioned/Heated?
We want our passengers to be as comfy as possible so when you are headed to a hot climate, it is likely that you will either have a fan or air-conditioning. Of course, if you are staying in remote areas or at homestays, you will need to expect the facilities to be a little more basic.
What Standards Of Hotels Should I Expect?
The standard of hotel depends on the trip style you have chosen. Basic accommodation is generally in 1-2 star hotels, standard is in tourist class with 2-3 star hotels, luxury in 4 star hotels and ultra-luxury in 5+ star accommodations and yacht liveaboards.
What Communication Facilities Will Be Available?
Communication facilities are always improving globally. Many hotels and public places have Wi-Fi so it’s usually possible to keep in touch with home as often as you desire. In remote places or on treks or homestays, you will not be able to communicate as readily. Your leader will usually give you the heads up before you leave a place so you can send a quick email or two if needed. Phone cards are easy to get your hands on; just make sure your phone is set up for international calls before you travel (SIM cards are cheap) or change your coverage to global roaming. In many countries the cheapest way to make a phone call is at an internet cafe.
Will I Get Internet Coverage?
Many places have Wi-Fi hot spots everywhere and other places will have no coverage at all but almost all cities and towns we visit will have an internet cafe.
Will I Be Able To Charge My Electrical Appliances?
In most places you’ll be able to recharge your appliances at the hotel. We recommend you bring a travel adapter with you. On our overland trips, most vehicles come with their own power supply and you should be able to recharge on board. Be sure to bring an extra camera battery just in case.
What Type Of Transportation Is Used?
If it moves there’s a good chance you’ll be riding on it. We try to use as much local transport as possible, which means traveling on everything from a camel, elephant and horseback to the tops of trains, on buses and sailboats.
Will The Coach Be Modern And Comfortable?
This will depend largely on where you are traveling and on what style of trip. On budget trips we look for the safest and cheapest transport options available and but most times on bus transports you'll have reclining seats, air conditioning and sometimes even refreshments and movies offered. Coach travel in many countries is much more luxurious that what you see in the United States.
Is Tipping Commonplace In Other Parts Of The World?
Yes, in most places tipping is expected when personalized services are offered. At your welcome meeting, ask your leader about the local custom and advice on how much is recommended at restaurants or with local guides. At the end of your trip, you may also choose to tip your group leader. Often the group will feel more comfortable doing this together so feel free to chat with your new mates about what you may like to contribute.