9 Day Highlights of South Korea Small Group Tour

• Small, intimate group experience – no more than 24 people
• 8 nights in 3 and 4 star accommodation 
• Breakfast daily and 3 Dinners
• Private transportation throughout
• Fully escorted by a professional English-speaking tour guide
• In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary

• Seoul - Cheonggyecheon Stream
• Seoul -  Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Seoul - Bukchon Hanok Village
• Seoul -  N Seoul Tower
• Seoul - Insadong Street
• Busan - Jagalchi Market, 
• Busan - Gukje Market
• Busan - UN Memorial Cemetery
• Busan - Gamcheon Cultural Village
• Busan - Haeundae Beach
• Busan - Dongbaek Island
• Busan – Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
• Gyeongju - Bulguksa Temple
• Gyeongju - Cheomseongdae
• Gyeongju -  Royal Tombs
• Gyeongju - Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond
• Andong – Byeongsan Seowon
• Andong - Hahoe Folk Village
• Andong - Buyongdae Cliff
• Seoul - Gangnam Street and Coex Mall
• Seoul - DMZ Visit and North Korean Survivor Meeting

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

• $349.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $329.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Post Tour Accommodation

• $349.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $329.00 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 three options:

1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $700.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your room throughout the entire trip.

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. All rooms provided to single travellers will be smaller than the twin rooms we recommend for two people. Unfortunately, this is typical for Japan, as the cost to solely occupy a twin-size room is incredibly high. We appreciate your understanding.

2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her 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.

3- Share a room with a fellow traveller
Some trips offer the option to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same gender – as specified in your passport. 

If you believe you may prevent your travelling companion from enjoying a peaceful night’s rest, please refrain from selecting this option.

You will meet your rooming companion at the beginning of your trip. 

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.

Changes to room configuration during the trip must be organised by travellers directly with the hotel, subject to availability and additional charges.

This option is not available on additional accommodation booked before or after the tour.

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/in/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 canceled through your chosen third-party provider without penalty. 

Travelers will arrive at various times throughout the day depending on the flights booked. If arriving before standard check-in time, which is generally 3 pm, 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 day 1 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 fulfill 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.

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 Day 1 of your tour and the day is at your leisure. Upon checking in at the hotel, you will receive a letter containing meeting instructions for the following morning. If you do not automatically receive these details, please ask for them. Generally, you must meet at the lobby the following morning (on the day that sightseeing commences) as early as 08.15 am local time. Please ensure that you are 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 trip, it's essential to promptly communicate them to your tour leader or local representative. This ensures they can take immediate action to address the problem and mitigate any negative impact on the remainder of your journey.

We understand that there may be instances where your tour leader or local representative is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. In such cases, we encourage you to request that the tour leader or local representative escalate the matter to their direct manager for further assistance.

You also have the option to share details in your online feedback after the tour. However, please keep in mind that it's challenging for us to offer practical assistance once the trip is completed. Therefore, notifying us while still traveling allows us the chance to address the issue in real time and provide a timely resolution.

For general contact details please visit the Contact Us page on our website.

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 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 canceled without penalty should there be any unforeseen changes to your booking. 

Travelers will depart at various times throughout the day depending on the flights booked. Check-out time is generally from 10 am-12 pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and will likely come at 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 Traveler 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 Tour Leader cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, nor can they resolve any concerns that you may have with your transfer service.

Tour Suitability

• Hotel rooms in South Korea, especially in Seoul, can be smaller than you may be used to (typically 15–25 sqm). While compact, they are clean, comfortable, and well-designed. Every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests. However, during busy periods, there may be occasions when we are unable to offer a double room, so a twin room will be provided. In regional areas, expect a slightly larger room. 
• This tour covers a vast range of incredible sights and cities across South Korea. While the itinerary is packed with sightseeing, it’s thoughtfully designed to maximise your experience.
• This journey spans a vast and varied landscape, with travel conducted by private coach. This means there will be some long travel days, but it's the perfect opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views from your window. Please review the itinerary for estimated travel times.
• South Korea has strict coach driver break laws, so we may have longer lunches—but this gives you more time to enjoy the food and connect with the group.
• South Korea are best explored on foot and travellers will be required to do lots of walking, so be sure to pack comfortable shoes.
• In South Korea, showers are often located over a bathtub, and bathrooms usually have a raised step at the entrance. Travellers with limited mobility should take this into account, as both features can present accessibility challenges.
  

Cherry Blossom Season

Travellers visiting in spring can enjoy South Korea’s cherry blossom season, typically from late March to mid-April, when parks, streets, and riversides are blanketed in pink and white blooms. This period is popular with both locals and tourists, so visitors should expect crowds at major viewing spots, though the spectacular scenery makes it well worth planning around

Personal Medication

If you regularly use certain forms of medication, bear in mind that South Korea customs can be very strict regarding the importation of some relatively common drugs, including any opioids, psychotropics, tranquilisers, and certain antihistamines. They can also be strict regarding medical equipment like syringes. If you have any doubts, please refer to the official guidelines by South Korea’s Ministry of Health.   

Visas & Entry Requirements

Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. 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 trip 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 traveling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

Steady

Our Steady tours offer a good mix of guided sightseeing and personal free time. With a combination of 2-3 night stays and occasional 1 night stops in key locations, this pace allows for deeper exploration while minimising long travel days

Activity and Mobility

This tour is categorised as: 3 out of 5 - Balanced

Our Balanced tours involve a moderate level of physical activity and are designed to suit the majority of travellers. Be prepared for walking on varied surfaces, which may include cobblestones, gravel paths, and noticeable inclines common in historic towns and natural areas. You must be confident on your feet and capable of navigating multiple flights of stairs and uneven ground without assistance to fully participate.

Activity snapshot

• Activity: Mostly easy walking, 1–2.5 hours at a time, at a relaxed pace with regular stops.
• Typical walking distances: 2–4 km on touring days.
• Touring style: Primarily private coach travel with short sightseeing walks.

Mobility requirements

• Mobility: Suits travellers confident with moderate stop-start walking, standing for periods, and managing stairs.
• Luggage: Passengers must carry/manage their own bags during hotel check-ins/outs.
• Hotel bathrooms: Often have a step up into the bathroom; showers typically positioned over bathtubs.
• Accessibility: Not all sites or stations have escalators/lifts; stairs are common at temples and shrines.

Walking surfaces

• Predominantly paved city streets and footpaths.
• Cobblestones and stone steps at heritage sites.
• Dirt or gravel roads in some rural areas.
• Occasional uphill walks and uneven terrain.

Terrain & environment

• Cities: Mostly flat and paved, with some busy pedestrian areas.
• Cultural/nature sites: Shrines, temples, gardens, and castle grounds may involve steps, slopes, and mixed surfaces.

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: 18 passengers, Maximum: 24 passengers

Escorted Style

This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your trip includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.

Tour Type

Our expertly crafted Small Group Tours take you to iconic landmarks and hidden treasures, ensuring a rich blend of must-see sights. Unwind in premium accommodations after each day filled with sightseeing alongside your dedicated tour leader, leaving you free to explore at your own pace during designated free time. Benefit from smaller group sizes, creating a truly unforgettable travel experience.

Exclusions

• International Flights
• Airport transfers
• Visas
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Tipping
• Optional Activities
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Getting Around

While touring South Korea, you will be traveling to each place by dedicated, private coaches. Expect some long travel journeys on the coach but rest assured there will be comfort stops along the way where you can freshen up, stretch your legs, use the bathroom, and often, purchase refreshments. Generally, lunch stops will be taken at rest stops as they can easily accommodate our large groups.

Hotel Ratings

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 analyze 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 South Korean cities, such as Seoul, 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 traveling with any essentials and creature comforts you deem necessary. If there are any concerns, please speak to the hotel staff. 

On every two or three floors of these hotels, you may find a common room with vending machines, and some may have coin-operated washing machines and dryers. There might also be a clothing iron available, but if not, you can request one from the hotel reception, and if available, it will usually be brought directly to your room. It's worth noting that not all hotels provide laundry facilities. Once you receive your documentation (14-30 days before departure), to best prepare yourself, read up on the facilities available at each hotel. If you require a specific need while on tour, such as laundry facilities or money exchange service, speak to the Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader who will be able to assist you. The hotels used are conveniently located near convenience stores and transportation options, making it easy to purchase any forgotten essentials, snacks, or on-the-go lunch options. 

Generally, these Business hotels offer a buffet-style breakfast with a mix of South Korean and Western food choices. Since you'll be traveling 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. If you have any specific dietary requirements, please consult your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader to check if your needs can be accommodated. Additionally, we suggest bringing along some of your favorite snacks from home in case the local cuisine may not align with your preferences.

Travel Tip: twin rooms are usually slightly bigger than double rooms in South Korea, so if you want a little more space, we suggest requesting a twin room throughout but keep in mind these are subject to availability. We strongly recommend only traveling with one piece of luggage per person due to room sizes and you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times.

Packing Essentials

What you need to pack for your tour will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting, and when you are traveling. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible, ensuring that you can carry and lift your luggage, and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. 

A lockable suitcase with wheels is ideal for this trip. It is recommended that you keep your main luggage weight around 15kg and no more than 20kg. A small or medium-sized backpack (45-50 liters) is another good option. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, a jacket, and your essentials while touring during the day.

In South Korea, you will need to manage your luggage for the most part. Train stations are quite complex and usually require a lot of stair climbing, especially when doing a quick transfer from train to train. Elevators aren't always available and cannot accommodate many people at a time, so if you are choosing to bring a suitcase, please ensure you can lift and carry it up and down stairs by yourself without difficulty. A backpack is often preferred by travellers for this reason, but the decision is yours. Our ryokans allow suitcases but you'll need to carry them, not wheel them onto the tatami floor in your room.

Climate

South Korea have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons.

• Spring (March–May): Mild and pleasant across both countries, with daytime temperatures around 15–22 °C. Cherry blossoms bloom from late March to early April in most regions, creating some of the most picturesque scenery of the year. Light rain showers are common during this time.
• Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, with highs often reaching 30–34 °C. The rainy season typically occurs in June and early July, especially central South Korea, followed by hotter, sunnier weather through late July and August. Coastal areas and islands can be breezier, offering some relief from the heat.
• Autumn (September–November): Warm in September, then comfortably cool by October and November. Clear skies and daytime highs of 18–24 °C make this one of the best times to visit both countries, with brilliant autumn foliage colouring temples, parks, and mountainsides.
• Winter (December–February): Cool to cold, with highs of 8–12 °C in most cities. Northern South Korea experiences snow, while Seoul remains mostly dry but crisp. Mornings and evenings can feel quite cold, especially inland and in higher elevations.

Cherry Blossom Viewing 

Some of our selected South Korea itineraries will have departures that fall over the popular Cherry Blossom season, which changes year to year depending on the forecast. The magic of cherry blossoms in South Korea is undeniable, however, like all things in nature, the exact bloom times can vary depending on weather conditions.

While we can't control the whims of Mother Nature, we can embrace the spirit of Hanami (flower viewing). This philosophy celebrates the fleeting beauty of the blossoms, reminding us to cherish the present moment.

Therefore, depending on your departure date, some locations on our itinerary might not be at full bloom. The beauty of South Korea extends far beyond the blossoms. We may encounter early blooms in some areas or visit breathtaking landscapes elsewhere. Let's embrace the surprise and enjoy the journey together!

Currency and ATMs

The currency used in South Korea it is the Won (KRW). In both countries, most major chains, hotels and department stores accept cards, although cash is still widely used.

In South Korea, ATMs that accept foreign cards are commonly found in convenience stores, subway stations and banks. Look for machines displaying the “Global ATM” logo or the Plus/Cirrus symbols.

Food and Allergies

While travelling with Inspiring Vacations you'll enjoy iconic sightseeing and experience the vast array of culinary offerings in South Korea. While many meals will be eaten together with your group, not all meals are included in your tour, giving you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let our Customer Support Team know before departure. Your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader or local representative will also be able to give suggestions on which restaurants to try during your trip.

The Korean diet features seafood, meat, fermented products like kimchi, and seasonings that often include soy or wheat. We highly recommend that vegetarians, vegans and coeliacs research meal options before departure. While our leaders will assist where they can, there may be some included meals that are decided in advance and cannot be modified for dietary requirements (such as set menus or traditional stays). For those with specific food allergies, your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader will endeavour to advise on the main ingredients in each dish, but it remains your responsibility to ensure you do not consume problematic ingredients.

Local Customs

It's always a good idea to learn something about local customs before you travel, and visiting South Korea is no exception. Your leader will be on hand to guide you through cultural differences during your trip.

In South Korea, respect for elders and social hierarchy is important, and it’s customary to bow slightly when greeting someone. Avoid placing chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as this resembles a funeral ritual.

Dress Code

While South Korea is known for its eclectic fashion in some cities, overall it is quite a conservative country. Please remember while on tour you will visit temples, working monasteries, holy shrines, recreated villages and castles, cooking schools and ancient gardens. While visiting such places, especially those of religious significance, it is important to be respectful to the staff and other visitors by wearing modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

Tipping

While gratuities are not included in your tour price, tips are a welcome gesture of appreciation. Tipping is, of course, at your discretion and the amount is entirely a personal preference, however, US$8-10 per person, per day (or the equivalent in the local currency), is a good guide. 

Peak Travel Times

South Korea’s peak seasons also align with major holidays and natural highlights:

• Cherry Blossom Season (late March – early April): The most popular time to visit, with festivals held in cities like Seoul, Jinhae and Gyeongju.

• Summer Holidays (July – August): Domestic travel peaks as families head to beaches and mountain resorts. Accommodation and transport can be heavily booked.

• Chuseok (late September or early October): Korea’s autumn harvest festival; many locals travel to visit family, and some businesses close temporarily.

• Autumn Foliage Season (October – November): A particularly scenic period with colourful mountain landscapes and pleasant weather.

Travelling during these times can be rewarding, but visitors should plan ahead, expect larger crowds and allow flexibility in their schedules.

Safety and Security

Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your own government's advice for the most up-to-date travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. 

Your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities listed on the itinerary, however, you'll have some free time to explore on your own if you wish. While your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide will assist you as best they can with your requests and the options available outside your itinerary, please note Inspiring Vacations makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running the activity. Please use your judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. 

Please also note that your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

Apps to Download

Some useful apps you may want to consider downloading before your tour include Google Translate, the lens function is especially useful when wanting to read product labels, signs, and menus. Google Maps with offline maps downloaded is great for easy navigation without being reliant on wifi. The most widely used taxi app is GO Taxi. We also recommend downloading WhatsApp before you leave and using this to communicate with other group members while on tour.

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/
• 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.

Coach Transportation

The size of your coach will comfortably accommodate your group. There's usually room for some extra seats, ensuring a relaxing journey. Your luggage will be safely stored either underneath the coach or in a dedicated trailer.

While the exact coach style may vary depending on the departure, all our coaches offer comfortable seating. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi and charging outlets might not always be available. To stay connected and avoid dead batteries,  we recommend fully charging your devices beforehand or bringing a portable charger.

For longer journeys, we'll make sure to include ample restroom breaks along the way, so you can freshen up and recharge at your convenience, as facilities are not on-board the coach.

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.