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?
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.
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.
Which countries will Best Life Adventures be travelling to in 2022/23?
In 2022 and the start of 2023, we’ll be heading to:

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?
As of January 1, 2022, our expeditions will require all clients to either have a current, full COVID-19 vaccination with the final dose given at least 14 days prior to the start of the expedition or the receipt of a negative PCR test within 96 hours prior to the start of the Best Life Adventure initial briefing (which takes place on Day 1).
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?
Airlines are flying the majority of their route networks, although a little less frequently than before.

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?
Surprisingly the cost of flights are comparable to those from pre-Covid times, although, with limited flights available, seats will book out quickly pushing prices up if you leave it to the last minute.
Do the airlines have flexible booking terms?
It’s definitely worth checking the fine print when booking flights now. Most airlines do offer a full cash refund if you have to cancel your flight due to any Covid-related issue, border closure etc but you will have to work for it.

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.

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?
See the question above
Do I need travel insurance that covers for Covid cancellation?
For all bookings from 01 January 2022, you will be required to take out a travel insurance policy that covers for cancellation associated with Covid.

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?
Travelling overseas has an extra layer of complexity which requires more planning than in the past. Travel insurance is now available for global travel, and if you’re an Australian citizen or resident, your first port of call for advice should be the information provided at Smartraveller. If you are a resident or citizen of another country, please check the website from the Foreign Office in that country.

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?
As of January 1, 2022, all of our expeditions will require all clients to either have a current, full COVID-19 vaccination with the final dose given at least 14 days prior to the start of the expedition or the receipt of a negative PCR test within 96 hours prior to the start of the Best Life Adventure initial briefing (which takes place on Day 1).

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?
If you’re not feeling well or are displaying symptoms upon arrival on one of our expeditions, you’ll be required to visit a doctor, and receive a negative test for COVID-19 to get clearance to continue on the adventure. Your Best Life Adventures team will support you and will provide help finding a clinic and throughout the process.
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?
The health and safety of our travellers is our top priority. We’ll work with you, the Best Life Adventures team, and our on-the-ground teams, as well as with the local countries, to determine the procedures should this happen. We will always follow local medical and public health requirements advise on how to proceed.
Do I need to be vaccinated to leave Australia?
Yes, if you are aged 12 and over you must be fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine, click here for the approved list.

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?
You will need to obtain an International COVID-19 vaccination certificate (ICVC). You can get an ICVC through the MyGov portal (Medicare).

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?
Each and every country has its own rules and regulations regarding inbound international travellers that are being updated frequently.

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:

  1. Obtained proof of vaccination.
  2. Received a negative PCR test result. The test must be taken within 3 days of the international departure time of your first international flight.
  3. 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?
Your vaccination status will impact the options available for travel to Australia and your need to quarantine on arrival.

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.

DO I NEED TO TAKE A COVID-TEST PRIOR TO RETURNING TO AUSTRALIA?
See the first question in the section for all the details
What happens if, upon arrival, I’m displaying symptoms or not feeling well? Will I be refused entry to Australia, and what do I do if that happens?
See above