4 Day Osaka Discovery

• 3 nights in a 4-star hotel
• Breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
• Full-day Osaka guided walking tour with an English-speaking guide, including public transport and entry fees
• 48-Hour Osaka Metro Pass (unlimited rides on all Metro lines for two consecutive days)
• Detailed travel documents and joining instructions prior to departure

• Osaka – Kuromon Market eating tour
• Osaka – Okonomiyaki cooking class
• Osaka – Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum

Optional tours
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):

• Himeji Castle & Arima Onsen Day Tour (Join-In Basis) (Day 3) - $81 per person

• Kobe Morning Walking Tour with Kobe Beef Lunch (Join-In Basis) (Day 3) - $211 per person

• Private Highlights of Koyasan Day Tour from Osaka (Day 3) - $365 per person

• Sumo Show and Bento Plan (Day 3) - $138 per person

Optional tours can be selected during the booking process, or once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.

Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding

Pre/post accommodation 
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:

Pre Tour Accommodation

• $292.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Post Tour Accommodation

• $292.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.

Upgrades
Not available  

Airport Transfers 

Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.

If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.

If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.

Bedding Configuration

Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.

Single travellers

When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:

1 - Single Supplement

By paying an additional $650.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your room throughout the entire tour.

Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers. 

2- Shared Room with a known friend

If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with them and avoid paying a single supplement. 

You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), making separate payments and having individual access to our Traveller Hub

During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.

Triple Share

Not available

Payment Information
This product requires a $99.00 deposit per person and full payment within 48 hours to secure your booking.

Once you have created your booking you will be directed to your invoice to choose your preferred payment method.

Cooling Off Period
A refund will be available within the 7-day cooling-off period unless otherwise restricted by the purchased product.

Where 'last minute' bookings are available within 71 days of departure, the cooling-off period does not apply and bookings are immediately non-refundable.

Terms and conditions
Please review our terms and conditions here: https://www.inspiringvacations.com/au/page/terms-and-conditions 

Starting Point

Your starting hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation, which will be provided approximately 14–30 days before departure, for your confirmed hotel list.

If you need to book pre-tour accommodation independently, we suggest you do this only once you have received your final hotel list for your tour. If you would like to book something sooner, we recommend that you book using a flexible rate that can be cancelled through your chosen third-party provider without penalty.

Travellers will arrive at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. If arriving before standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available as there are no scheduled activities on the first day of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in; however, this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion.

Note: If you need to apply for a tourist visa before departure, we recommend using the details of the suggested hotel on the tour itinerary if you wish to fulfil this before the release of your final tour documentation. Please refer to our visa section for more information on whether or not a visa is required for your destination.

Arrival Details

Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the airport to the hotel will be comfortable and hassle-free.

As an added service, we do offer airport transfers at an additional cost which can be booked via your Traveller Hub. These must be booked at least 70 days prior to departure.

If you're having any problems finding the hotel, please ring the hotel directly or you can phone our customer support team for on-tour assistance.

Please note that if you are choosing to book an independent airport transfer service, your Inspiring Vacations tour leader cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, nor can they resolve any concerns you may have with your transfer service.

Optional Airport Transfers – Transfer Portal

Depending on the package purchased, you may have the option to add airport transfers to your booking and you can do so through your Traveller Hub account. We partner with an online marketplace where travellers can compare and select the transfer of their choice.

Inspiring Vacations acts as an agent on behalf of our transfer service partner and any service is delivered by the provider. Inspiring Vacations cannot be held liable for any loss resulting from the transfer service provided. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure any transfer booked meets the requirements of any other travel arrangements. Likewise, your tour leader or any of our on-ground representatives cannot be held responsible for the service of your transfer nor are they in a position to assist with amending your reservation. Any transfer booking is separate from any other booking with Inspiring Vacations, regardless of whether purchased with regards to the same travel journey.

When you make your transfer service booking, you will receive a confirmation email and this will include your meeting instructions, as well as direct contact details. Please ensure you print and bring this with you as you will need to ensure you can make direct contact with your transfer service provider.

Welcome Meeting Instructions

You are welcome to arrive at any time on the first day of your tour and the day is at your leisure. Please refer to your travel documents for the meeting point and start time for your guided walking day. Your English-speaking guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at the time confirmed in your documentation, provide a brief introduction and outline the day's programme. Please ensure you are ready and on time.

In Case of Emergency

Although we strive to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise during travel. If any issues arise during your tour, it is essential to promptly communicate them to your tour leader or local representative so they can take immediate action to address the problem and minimise any negative impact on the remainder of your journey.

If your tour leader or local representative is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction, please request that the matter be escalated to their direct manager for further assistance.

When your final tour documentation is released, this will include an emergency contact for our local travel partner while you are on tour. If this is not included in your documentation, you will receive this information on arrival during your welcome meeting.

Finishing Point

Your finishing hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14–30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list.

If you need to book additional post-tour accommodation, please do so once you have the final hotel list. We recommend booking a flexible rate that can be changed or cancelled without penalty should there be any unforeseen changes to your booking.

Travellers will depart at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. Check-out time is generally from 10am–12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments exploring the area, or speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and may incur an additional cost payable directly.

Departure Details

Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the hotel to the airport will be comfortable and hassle-free.

As an added service, we do offer airport transfers at an additional cost which can be booked via your Traveller Hub. We recommend you wait until you receive your final documentation to book transfers as your start and end hotels will only be confirmed at this point. Please note that if you are choosing to book an independent airport transfer service, your Inspiring Vacations tour leader cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, nor can they resolve any concerns you may have with your transfer service.

If you're having any problems, you can speak to hotel reception before your departure.

Tour Suitability

• This is an independent city stay in Osaka, Japan. Passengers make their own way to and from the hotel and explore at their own pace for the majority of the tour. The product is well suited to repeat Japan visitors who know their way around independently and want to experience Osaka's food culture in depth.
• The included guided day involves several kilometres of walking across central Osaka, including through Kuromon Market and the Dotonbori area. Comfortable, flat-soled walking shoes are strongly recommended.
• Passengers selecting the optional Koyasan day tour should be comfortable with approximately two to three kilometres of walking on forested paths and uneven stone temple grounds. The optional Himeji Castle tour includes multiple flights of steep, narrow internal stairs. Passengers with knee, hip or balance concerns should consider these factors before selecting optional tours.
• The optional Sumo Show is not available on Wednesdays. The Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum is closed on Mondays.

Visas & Entry Requirements

Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your tour and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your tour. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the visa entry requirements for your nationality via our page here: https://inspiringvacations-8357211.hs-sites.com/visa-information 

You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your tour so the information on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

Child Policy

Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Pace

This tour category is Leisurely

Our Leisurely tours are designed for a relaxed travel experience, they feature longer stays in each destination and ample free time. Unpack, unwind, and explore at your own pace with minimal early starts or hotel changes.

Activity and Mobility

This tour is categorised as:  Relaxed

Our Relaxed tours involve light activity at an easy pace. Expect short to moderate walks on mostly even surfaces such as paved paths and boardwalks, with occasional gentle inclines. You should be steady on your feet and able to manage a few steps and get on/off coaches or boats without assistance to fully participate.

Activity level: Mostly self-directed, with one full guided day involving sustained urban walking. All other days are at the passenger's own pace.

Typical walking: The guided food and culture day involves approximately 3–5km of walking across central Osaka, including through an indoor market, along a waterfront entertainment district, and between activity venues. Free days involve as much or as little walking as you choose.

Optional longer walks: The Koyasan private day tour involves approximately 2–3km of walking on forested temple paths, some on uneven stone surfaces. The Himeji Castle optional day tour includes six floors of steep, narrow internal staircases. Passengers with knee, hip or balance concerns should consider these factors before booking optional tours.

Terrain and key walks: Osaka's streets are flat and well paved. Kuromon Market is a covered indoor arcade. Dotonbori is flat and paved. Koyasan temple grounds include forested gravel and stone paths.

Mobility and accessibility: Best suited to passengers who are comfortable navigating a large city independently, or with a guide on the included tour day. Standard hotel rooms are approximately 20m², which may not accommodate large mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs. Passengers with mobility requirements should contact us before booking.

Hotels, transport and climate: The hotel is located adjacent to Tennoji Station on the Osaka Metro. Lifts are standard in the property. Rooms are approximately 20m² with a private bathroom. CPAP users should note that Japanese power outlets are 100V and a step-down transformer is required for Australian devices; confirm outlet availability directly with the hotel prior to departure.

As a general requirement across all of our tours, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your tour.

Group Size

Minimum: 2 people.

Escorted Style

This is an independent tour. Passengers explore Osaka at their own pace during free days, supported by a 48-Hour Metro Pass and detailed pre-departure joining instructions. An English-speaking local guide accompanies passengers for the full-day food and culture experience, using public transport to move between venues.

Tour Type

Explore at your own pace with our expertly crafted independent itinerary, combining Osaka's best food and cultural experiences with ample free time. Accommodation, a Metro Pass and a guided tour day are all pre-arranged.

Exclusions

• International and domestic airfares
• Travel insurance
• Japan visa fees (if applicable)
• Optional activities and tours
• Personal expenses
• Meals not specified in the itinerary
• City accommodation tax (approximately JPY 200–1,000 per person, per night, depending on the property), payable directly to each hotel

Getting Around

This tour uses Osaka's excellent public transport network. A 48-Hour Osaka Metro Pass is included, covering unlimited rides on all nine Metro lines for two consecutive days. This covers the guided tour day and provides flexibility for independent exploration on another day.

Osaka Metro stations are well signed in English throughout the network. Trains run frequently and reliably. The hotel is located near Tennoji Station, a major interchange on the Metro.

Passengers selecting optional day tours to Kobe, Himeji, Arima Onsen or Koyasan should note that these journeys include rail or bus travel beyond the Osaka Metro network. Some legs may require Japan Rail Pass validation or the purchase of separate tickets. Joining instructions for each optional tour will confirm the transport arrangement.

Taxis are available throughout Osaka but are significantly more expensive than the Metro. The GO app is a reliable local alternative to Uber for taxi bookings; standard Uber has limited availability in Japan.

Hotel Ratings

Star ratings can differ between countries, reflecting diverse standards and amenities. To give you the most accurate picture possible, we don't just rely on a single source for hotel ratings. We go beyond by researching various trusted travel websites like Tripadvisor and Booking.com. This allows us to analyse a wider range of genuine customer reviews and experiences, giving you a well-rounded understanding of the hotel's typical star rating.

This means you can book with confidence, knowing the hotel has a strong track record of satisfied guests.

Accommodation Details

In Japan, hotels commonly used for group touring are known as Business hotels. These hotels offer affordable accommodation and although the rooms are typically small, averaging between 15m² to 20m², they are clean, well-maintained, and equipped with a private bathroom featuring a toilet, sink, and shower. Some rooms may have a shower over a small bath. Overall, a comfortable place to rest and recharge before a full day of sightseeing.

These hotels generally provide essential amenities like soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, cotton buds, shower caps, and towels. Additionally, most rooms are furnished with a television, air conditioner, hairdryer, empty refrigerator, and a water boiler with complimentary green tea bags. However, it’s important to note that not all hotels may offer these amenities, so we recommend travelling with any essentials and creature comforts you deem necessary. If there are any concerns, please speak to the hotel staff.

Generally, these Business hotels offer a buffet-style breakfast with a mix of Japanese and Western food choices. Since you’ll be travelling in a foreign country, we encourage you to approach all your dining experiences with an open mind and a sense of adventure, as Western-style dining options may not always be readily available.

Packing Essentials

• Comfortable, flat-soled walking shoes suitable for all-day city touring
• Light layers, as air conditioning in malls, restaurants and public transport can be cool regardless of outdoor temperature
• Compact umbrella or light rain jacket (Osaka receives rain throughout the year)
• Slip-on shoes for traditional venues where footwear is removed
• Adaptor for Japanese Type A outlets (100V / 50–60Hz) plus a step-down transformer for Australian appliances including CPAP machines
• Japanese yen cash, including coins, for markets, small restaurants, street food, vending machines and taxis
• Sunscreen and hat for summer visits (June to September)
• Warm layers for winter visits (December to February), when overnight temperatures can approach freezing
• Lightweight, breathable clothing in summer; layers in spring and autumn
• Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for the optional Koyasan temple tour
• Small day pack for the guided tour day
• A copy of your travel insurance policy and your passport photo page

Climate

Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons.

Winter (December to February): Cool to cold, with average temperatures between 4°C and 10°C. Snow is rare in central Osaka but can affect Koyasan and surrounding mountain areas. Visitors should pack warm layers.

Spring (March to May): Cherry blossom season runs from mid-March to early April and is one of the busiest tourist periods in Japan. Temperatures are mild, ranging from around 8°C to 22°C. Crowds at parks and popular attractions are significant.

Summer (June to September): Hot and very humid, with temperatures regularly reaching 33°C to 36°C in July and August. June marks the start of the rainy season, bringing sustained rain through to mid-July. Passengers visiting in summer should prepare for heat and humidity and stay well hydrated throughout the day.

Autumn (October to November): Comfortable and largely dry, with temperatures between 12°C and 25°C. Autumn foliage typically peaks in late November. This is one of the most pleasant times to visit.

Currency and ATMs

Japan's currency is the Japanese yen (JPY). While card acceptance is improving at larger establishments, Japan remains significantly cash-dependent. Markets, small restaurants, taxis, temples and shrines typically require cash payment.

ATMs that accept international cards are available at 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart convenience stores, which are found throughout central Osaka. Japan Post ATMs also accept most international cards. Standard Japanese bank ATMs may not accept foreign-issued cards.

Please note that each hotel levies a city accommodation tax of approximately JPY 200–1,000 per person, per night. This is payable directly to the hotel at check-in or check-out and is not included in the package price.

Food and Allergies

Osaka is widely regarded as Japan's food capital. The local phrase kuidaore (eating yourself into bankruptcy) speaks to the city's extraordinary passion for great food. Signature dishes include takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savoury pancake), kushikatsu (skewered and deep-fried ingredients), and fresh seafood from Kuromon Market.

Passengers with dietary requirements, particularly severe allergies to wheat, soya, sesame, shellfish or egg, should note that these ingredients are used extensively throughout Japanese cuisine and cross-contamination is common in smaller kitchens. Restaurant staff may not always communicate in English. Carrying a card listing your allergens in Japanese is strongly recommended and these are available from various travel health resources before departure.

Strict vegan and halal options exist in Osaka but are less common in traditional or market settings. Vegetarian dishes may contain dashi (fish stock) as a base; it is worth confirming this directly when ordering.

While travelling with Inspiring Vacations you'll enjoy daily breakfast at your hotel, a light lunch during the Kuromon Market tour on the guided day, and a dinner in the form of an okonomiyaki cooking class on the same evening. All other meals are at your own expense, and Osaka offers an exceptional range of dining options at every price point.

Local Customs

Japan has a strong culture of social customs and etiquette. Visitors who observe these will find Japanese people exceptionally welcoming.

• Remove shoes before entering homes, traditional venues and some restaurant dining areas. Shoe removal areas are clearly marked.
• Bowing is the standard greeting. A slight nod of the head is appropriate and appreciated from international visitors.
• Tipping is not practised in Japan and can cause confusion or embarrassment. Do not tip at restaurants, hotels, taxis or with guides.
• Eating and drinking while walking is generally considered impolite, though exceptions apply at festivals and designated street food areas.
• Keep noise to a minimum on public transport. Phone calls on trains are considered rude; set your phone to silent mode before boarding.
• Public rubbish bins are scarce. Carry a small bag for your waste.
• Queue diligently at train platforms, using the marked floor lines at station entrances.
• At temples and shrines, follow posted instructions regarding noise and photography. Dress and behave respectfully.
• If choosing the optional Koyasan day tour, the site is a deeply sacred religious centre. Dress and conduct should reflect this at all times.

Dress Code

Osaka is a cosmopolitan city and casual, comfortable clothing is appropriate for most situations. There is no formal dress code for the majority of restaurants or attractions visited on this tour.

Passengers selecting the optional Koyasan day tour should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees when entering temple buildings. Slip-on footwear is practical as shoes are removed in some temple areas.

In summer months (June to September), lightweight and breathable fabrics are strongly recommended. In winter (December to February), warm layers are essential, particularly in the evenings and on trips to elevated areas such as Koyasan.

Responsible Dining

Osaka's Kuromon Market is home to stallholders who have operated for generations. Engage respectfully with vendors, purchase only what you intend to eat, and support smaller producers over heavily marketed tourist stalls. Some seafood sold at market stalls may include species caught unsustainably; when in doubt, ask your guide.

Avoid consuming endangered species or items harvested unsustainably. Be respectful of local customs and food practices. Responsible dining helps protect the environment and supports the livelihoods of local communities.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Japan and in many contexts is actively unwelcome. Guides, drivers, hotel staff and restaurant workers do not expect gratuities. A sincere verbal thank-you is entirely appropriate and warmly received.

Peak Travel Times

Osaka's busiest travel periods are driven by Japan's domestic public holidays and seasonal highlights:

• Cherry blossom season (late March to early April): The most popular period in Japan. Hotels book out well in advance and prices rise. Crowds at parks and central attractions are significant.
• Golden Week (late April to early May): A series of public holidays creates a surge in domestic Japanese travel. Trains, hotels and attractions are very busy throughout the week.
• Obon (mid-August): An important domestic holiday period. Some businesses close and optional tour availability may be reduced.
• Autumn foliage (November): Crowds are significant at parks, garden and foliage-viewing spots, including Koyasan.
• New Year (29 December to 3 January): The most important Japanese holiday period. Shrines and temples draw enormous crowds on 31 December and 1–3 January. Some businesses close for the New Year break.

Safety and Security

Osaka is one of the safest major cities in the world for international visitors. Violent crime directed at tourists is extremely rare. Standard precautions apply:

• Keep belongings secure in busy tourist areas such as Dotonbori and Kuromon Market, where pickpocketing, while uncommon, does occur.
• Use only metered taxis from official ranks outside stations and hotels.
• Follow guidance from the Japan Meteorological Agency during typhoon season (June to November), as Osaka is occasionally affected.
• Japan's emergency numbers are 110 for police and 119 for ambulance and fire services.
• The Japan Tourism Agency operates a 24-hour multilingual tourist helpline at 050-3816-2787, which provides emergency assistance and translation support.
• Earthquakes are common in Japan. Familiarise yourself with the emergency procedures at your hotel on arrival.

Apps to Download

The following apps are particularly useful for an independent city stay in Osaka:

• Google Translate: The camera/lens function is essential for reading Japanese menus, signage and product labels.
• Google Maps: Download offline maps for Osaka before departure. Accurate and reliable for Metro navigation.
• Navitime for Japan Travel: More precise than Google Maps for navigating Japan's full train and bus network, including lines beyond the Metro.
• Japan Official Travel App: Produced by the Japan Tourism Agency. Includes emergency translation features and disaster alerts.
• GO (taxi and ride-share): The most widely used taxi app in Japan and more reliable than Uber in Osaka.
• WhatsApp: Download before departure to communicate with your guide on the guided day.

Itinerary Changes

Sometimes, unexpected things can happen, like unpredictable weather or higher-than-usual crowds at attractions. In these situations, your tour leader might need to adjust the itinerary slightly to improve your overall experience. 

This flexibility ensures you get the most out of your trip! Your tour leader will always keep you informed of any changes and explain the reasoning behind them. Remember, when travelling with a group, sometimes going with the flow can lead to even more amazing experiences.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended on all our trips. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. It is also important to consider forced pre-trip cancellations and how your chosen insurance policy may cover such circumstances, so please keep this in mind when choosing your provider. 

We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will be asked by your tour leader for your travel insurance details if they were not already added to your Traveller Hub account pre-departure.

If you have credit card insurance your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide may require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details before arriving in-country.

Before you depart, you will be asked to submit your Travel Insurance details through the booking holder's Traveller Hub account through the Inspiring Vacations website. This is to ensure that we have this information readily available should we ever need it. 

Health, Wellness & Fitness Requirements

All travellers need to be in good physical health to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell before travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully to assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. If we find that you are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to yourself and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell before travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements and we would be more than happy to assist you.

Important Information for Customers with Mobility Limitations

We want to ensure everyone has a fantastic and inclusive experience on our tours. If you require the use of a mobility aid, such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair, please disclose this information at the time of booking.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the entire group, our tours are designed with a specific itinerary in mind. This may involve moderate walking, uneven terrain, or stairs. While some itinerary adjustments may not be possible, we'll do our best to find alternative solutions within the planned activities whenever possible.

Open communication helps us ensure your trip is a perfect fit and it allows your local guide or tour leader to assist you where possible. 

Information for CPAP Users

If you use a CPAP machine, please let us know at the time of booking. Some portions of our itinerary, like overnight cruises or camping trips, may have limited access to power outlets. In such cases, we recommend travelling with portable battery packs. 

Certain activities, like overnight journeys on board smaller vessels, may not be suitable for CPAP use due to space limitations or noise concerns. We can discuss these potential limitations upfront and help you make informed decisions about your trip.

Documentation

Tour documentation is typically emailed to the lead passenger or your travel agent between 14-30 days before your scheduled departure. This will include your final hotel list. 

Official Travel Advice

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, we recommend referring to the official travel advisory website of your home country for the latest updates on your chosen destination. These websites provide valuable information on:

• Safety and Security: Current risks and precautions for the country you'll be visiting.
• Visa Requirements: Ensure you have all the necessary documentation for entry.
• Entry and Exit: Up-to-date border regulations and health requirements.

Here are some helpful links to get you started:

• Australia: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations
• New Zealand: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
• America: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html
• Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories 
• India: https://www.mea.gov.in/travel-advisories.htm

In the unlikely event of a situation that could potentially disrupt your tour, we want to assure you of the following:

• Local Expertise: We maintain regular communication with our trusted travel partners in your destination.
• Constant Monitoring: We continuously monitor official travel advisories from relevant government websites.
• Flexibility and Safety: Should it become necessary, we will make appropriate adjustments to your itinerary to prioritise your health and safety.

By staying informed and working together, we can ensure a fantastic travel experience for you. We will post our own travel updates to our website here.

Connect with fellow travellers on Facebook

During your booking journey, you might have received an email inviting you to join a special Facebook group dedicated to your chosen destination. These vibrant online communities are exclusively for Inspiring Vacations travellers headed to the same incredible place. Joining this group unlocks a wealth of information and connections. Swap travel tips, share packing insights, or even see if anyone's interested in travelling together.  

We also regularly host insightful webinars featuring travel experts who share their tips and tricks for navigating your destination and maximising your itinerary. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to connect, learn, and get even more excited about your upcoming trip!

Travelling in a Group

Travelling in a group means you will experience both the pleasures and perhaps at times, some of the frustrations of travelling with people you don’t know. The good news is you all have at least one thing in common: a love of travel and exploration. Your fellow travellers will probably come from different parts of the world, and fall into different age groups. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group—patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the overall benefit of the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, please ensure that you respect this request from your tour leader or local guide. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip before departure.

Community Guidelines

Inspiring Vacations does not tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams (Inspiring Vacations Tour Leaders and local expert guides) or local communities.

Any behaviour that prevents your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines, may result in Inspiring Vacations removing you from the tour.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader immediately. Alternatively, when you are on-tour and require immediate support you can contact our Customer Support team and select the “On-Tour” option when listening to the options.

Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader vs Guide

While both tour leaders and local guides enrich your travel experience, their roles differ. Tour leaders, who often accompany you for the entire trip, handle logistics, ensure smooth sailing of the itinerary, and act as your point of contact for any concerns. They might provide general information about destinations, but in-depth historical or cultural knowledge often comes from local guides. Local guides, frequently native to the area, lead tours at specific sites or attractions, offering a deeper understanding of the local history, art, or way of life.

Staying Connected

If you want to stay connected and access reliable internet while on tour, there are a few options available. It is possible to purchase a virtual sim and we recommend contacting your mobile phone provider for assistance in doing so. You can add a roaming data plan to your existing phone contract is another option, albeit an expensive one. You will need to arrange this before departure. Purchasing a local SIM may be possible as a final option. 

We also recommend downloading WhatsApp and using this to communicate with other group members while on tour, and of course, after the tour if you’d like to stay in touch. Our tour leaders may also use this as a means of communicating essential trip information with you, as well as if you choose to add-on transfers to your booking, as your driver may use this to confirm arrangements with you.

Post-Tour Feedback

Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a link to a post-purchase survey, which is your opportunity to share your feedback with us on your booking experience and interactions with our Sales and Customer Success teams. This feedback is invaluable to ensure that we are servicing our customers to the best of our ability. 

Furthermore, towards the end of your travels and while you are in your destination, you will receive an email from us with a link to an in-depth trip survey. It is very important to us that we hear from our customers to ensure that we continue to meet and exceed customers' expectations, so this will be your opportunity to let us know how your trip has been, what has worked well and potentially what could be improved.

This is a land only package.

This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination. 

The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:

• Your booking is confirmed
• Your departure date is within 11 months
• You  have completed your passenger detail form

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.