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.
Do Best Life Adventures monitor the countries they are visiting and at what point do you decide to travel, or not to travel, to a particular country or area within a country?
Does Best Life Adventures have flexible booking terms?
Which countries will Best Life Adventures be travelling to in 2022/23?
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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.
Do I have to be vaccinated to travel with Best Life Adventures?
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.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
What's the current situation with international flights?
Flights can be booked at surprisingly similar prices to pre-Covid. 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?
- 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?
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?
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.
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?
Do I need to bring a mask?
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.
RETURNING TO AUSTRALIA
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE I TRAVEL BACK TO AUSTRALIA?
Before checking in for your international flight back to Australia, you will need to have done the following:
- Obtained proof of vaccination.
- Received a negative PCR test result. The test must be taken within 3 days of the international departure time of your first international flight.
- Completed an Australian Travel Declaration (ATD) at least 72 hours before your flight
Click here for more details. Other requirements may apply to your individual circumstances and you should consider the requirements of any transit or stopover countries enroute.
WILL I NEED TO QUARANTINE ON MY RETURN TO AUSTRALIA?
If you are a fully vaccinated traveller exempt from travel restrictions, you may be eligible for no or reduced quarantine requirements when coming to Australia. However, this can vary depending on quarantine arrangements in the state or territory to which you are travelling.
Before you book your flight, check the quarantine and other arrangements for the state or territory to which you are travelling. Make sure that you are prepared to comply with any requirements, including by providing any required information to the relevant state or territory, and complying with post-arrival testing requirements. This also includes complying with arrangements for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children aged 12-17 years old.
If you are planning on travelling onwards to or through a different state or territory when you arrive in Australia, you need to check domestic travel restrictions. States and territories can apply their own travel restrictions.
You are responsible for complying with travel restrictions and requirements that apply to you.