OUR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL PORTAL
World travel is finally coming back after two crazy years of misadventure. Since early 2020, we’ve strived to make something out of nothing and found plenty of adventures in our own backyard, but now it’s time to think global again.
Our pioneering international expeditions have always led the field, so it makes sense we’re one of the first real adventure travel companies to set off on a journey around Planet Earth once again, and we want to take you for the ride.
From July 2022, we’re heading back to the wilderness to seek out new experiences in remote, challenging environments. We’ll reconnect with old friends, make plenty of new ones, help local tourism businesses get back on their feet and help you embark on your ‘Expedition into the Extraordinary’.
We know you’ve probably got loads of questions about where you can safely go, which flights are operating, what travel insurance actually covers you for in Covid-times, the ever-changing world of vaccinations, quarantine and testing requirements, how they change from country to country, and of course, how you can safely make it back home to your country of residence, so we’ve put together an information portal that covers it all.
We’re here to help you build confidence to think global once again. It’s time to dust off your passport and realise some of your Extreme Dreams.
BEST LIFE ADVENTURES
Which countries can I travel to?
We are constantly reviewing the safety and security of all countries in which we operate, as well as monitoring all government travel advisories on an ongoing basis. There are many factors we look at before deciding where to travel and where not to travel.
If you are travelling from Australia you will need to refer to the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website which lists all countries and their current Travel Advisory level. If they advise ‘Level 4 – DO NOT TRAVEL’ you will not be able to obtain travel insurance, and therefore Best Life Adventures will not run expeditions to these destinations.
We will continually monitor the situation for the destination countries in which our expeditions take place, the Australian government advisory levels and those offered by the US and UK governments too.
You can find out the latest Covid-related restrictions to enter any country by visiting the Sherpa Travel Restrictions Map above.
Does Best Life Adventures have flexible booking terms?
We sure do. We’ve updated our Booking Terms & Conditions terms to give extended flexibility to our clients. It helps you cancel and rebook your tour closer to the time of departure at no cost to you — giving you added flexibility and peace of mind. Full details can be found here.
We’ve also added Refund Protect, a completely no-risk add-on for ALL of our Best Life Adventures that will refund you 100% of the value of your adventure with us, should you need to cancel right up to the moment you’re supposed to depart. So if you suddenly get struck down by illness, need to isolate, the government shuts down the border, or a plethora of other reasons – you’ll get ALL your finances back…within 48 hours.
When you book your adventure with us simply add the ‘Refundable Booking’ option to your expedition, it’ll cover your ass if things go pear-shaped prior to your trip.
Which countries will Best Life Adventures be travelling to in 2022/23?
In 2023, we’re heading to:
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- Uganda and Tanzania – Extreme Dreams: Africa
- Nepal – Everest Base Camp Trek
- Norway, Finland and Sweden – Extreme Dreams: Tri-Nation Arctic Challenge
We will continue to monitor the situation in India and hope to bring back our ‘World’s Highest Road’ bicycle and motorcycle expeditions in mid-2023.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
What's the current situation with international flights?
Airlines are flying the majority of their route networks, although a little less frequently than before.
Our advice continues to be, book directly with the airline themselves or through a very reputable travel agent. There were a number of online re-sellers who liquidated immediately after Covid hit in early 2020 and many people were left high and dry with no flights or refunds offered.
How do flight costs compare to those from 2019 - pre-Covid?
Do the airlines have flexible booking terms?
They will try and convince you to accept a credit for future travel to keep your money in their business but if you’re not comfortable with that or not expecting to travel in the near future then get a refund issued.
WARNING – IT CAN TAKE UP TO 20 WEEKS TO ARRIVE BACK IN YOUR ACCOUNT!
What requirements are there to travel on flights these days?
Each airline and destination country has its own rules and requirements for you to travel. It’s worth checking these on the Sherpa Travel Restrictions Map above, but the general rule is:
- You need to be either fully vaccinated, or able to return a negative Covid-test result around 72 hours before travel
- Wear a face mask at all times throughout the airport and while onboard the flight
- Adhere to all local rules and regulations
- Sanitise and be Covid-safe wherever you are
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Will travel insurance companies cover me for Covid-related problems and claims?
The global travel insurance landscape changed significantly with the emergence of Covid and as a result, many companies are not covering for Covid-related claims or assistance. Don’t worry though, a few still are, and they are companies we have recommended in the past due to their comprehensive cover options, speed of response and overall cost.
World Nomads are top of the pile for us – easy to deal with when booking, and in an emergency, competitive costs and a really easy online system.
Cover More offer protection for overseas travellers for a range of Covid-related issues with additional bolt-on extras for Trip Cancellation etc.
Global Rescue operate IMG Signature Travel Insurance which we highly recommend as they cover virtually every aspect of Covid-related issues and also cover for every type of expedition we run – even the most extreme ones.
As with all insurance policies, it’s worth reading the fine print to make sure you are fully covered.
Which travel insurance companies would you recommend for your expeditions?
Do I need travel insurance that covers for Covid cancellation?
For Australian travellers, our recommendations are Covermore for most travellers, with a combination of Global Rescue and IMG for high-altitude trips.
For peace of mind please ensure that your policy will cover you where you cannot participate on the tour due to you contracting Covid, are deemed a close contact or are a health worker and have your leave revoked.
What happens if I catch Covid while on the expedition?
If you contract COVID-19 during your expedition with us, our local team will assist in any way possible.
This may include sourcing suitable accommodation to isolate in and checking on your medical welfare.
In respect of any associated costs, it is imperative that prior to travel, you obtain a suitable travel insurance policy to ensure you are as well covered as possible. See the question above for our recommendations.
Access to your own emergency funds is advisable for any overseas trip in case of unexpected expenses.
If you or someone in your travelling party contract COVID-19 before or after your arrangements with us, you will need to isolate immediately and contact the local health authority on what to do.
You can also contact your nearest Embassy for your country of origin. If you need medical assistance, you should contact local health authorities.
In either scenario, it is likely that you will need to isolate for 7-14 days depending on the regulations of the country you are in.
CAN I GET TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR THE COUNTRY WE ARE TRAVELLING TO?
There you’ll find Travel Advisories for 177 countries with an overall advice level assigned to each. Each travel advisory provides country-specific information about:
- safety
- health
- local laws
- travel
- local contacts
If a country is classified as Level 4 – Do Not Travel – you will not be able to get a travel insurance policy to cover you, and Best Life Adventures will not be travelling there. For Levels 1-3 it’s all systems go. Let’s go have an adventure there together.
REFUND PROTECT – RISK-FREE BOOKINGS
What is Refund Protect?
We’ve added Refund Protect, a completely no-risk add-on for ALL of our Best Life Adventures that will refund you 100% of the value of your adventure with us, should you need to cancel right up to the moment you’re supposed to depart. It will cover you for a plethora of reasons including:
- Illness / Injury
- Pre-existing Medical Condition
- Pregnancy Complication
- Death of Immediate Family
- Public Transport Failure
- Flight disruption
- Mechanical Breakdown
- Adverse Weather
- Home Emergency
- Theft of Documents
- Jury Service
- Court Summons
- Armed Forces & Emergency Services Recall
- Relocated for Work
- Changes to Examination Dates
You must read the General Conditions of Refund, and the individual reasons section here, for full information on Refund Protect will and will not refund for each reason.
What will it cost me?
To add Refund Protect to your booking simply add the ‘Refundable Booking’ option when you book your expedition with us. It’ll cover your ass if things go pear-shaped prior to your trip and only costs you an additional 7% of the total value of your adventure.
If you decide to add it, you need to commit when you make your first payment to Best Life Adventures.
To find out all about it visit the Refund Protect website and then get yourself signed up for a magnificent adventure with us.
Do I still need travel insurance for my Best Life Adventure?
Absolutely yes. The two do not cross over, with Refund Protect giving cover pre-trip, and your travel insurance starting the moment you leave your house to start your adventure with us.
Refund Protect is optional, travel insurance is mandatory for all overseas adventures with us.
COVID-SAFE TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS & procedures
Do I need to be vaccinated in order to travel?
All Venturers will be required to follow and understand the entry/exit requirements of their destination country (and home country), which may require full vaccination. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable entry requirements in effect at the time of travel.
Currently, Australian international border regulations require all travellers to be fully vaccinated before they leave the country.
Do I need to take a test before travelling?
As part of our Best Life Adventures travel policy, all clients will be required to have a negative PCR test within 96 hours prior to the start of their first Best Life Adventures initial briefing on Day One. All clients who choose to travel with us are required to also complete a short COVID-19 Questionnaire before joining the expedition to check their ability to travel safely. This questionnaire is mandatory.
Do I need to bring a mask?
Masks are required to be worn in all airports, onboard flights and within indoor settings in most countries in the world. We don’t expect you to wear one outdoors, or during physical activities.
What happens if, upon arrival, I’m displaying symptoms or not feeling well? Will I be refused participation on your trip, and what do I do if that happens?
What happens if my group is exposed to someone who has COVID-19? Will the expedition have to end? Will my group be tested for COVID-19? Will we be required to self-isolate in our destination?
Do I need to be vaccinated to leave Australia?
The last dose must have been administered at least 14 days before travel. Some exemptions apply. See www.health.gov.au for details.
How do I obtain proof of vaccination?
The ICVC is needed at check-in when leaving and returning to Australia. It may also be used in your destination country to provide proof of vaccination. This will depend on your destination country’s recognition of your ICVC.
DESTINATION COUNTRY REQUIREMENTS
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY-REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COUNTRIES YOU VISIT?
To find out the latest information visit the Sherpa Travel Restrictions Map above and also refer to the government website for your destination country for confirmation.