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Travelling on Group Trips – Frequently Asked Questions

Booking Basics

How do I secure a place on a trip?

Your place is secured once you have completed the booking process and paid the required deposit. Your booking is only confirmed once we issue a written booking confirmation.

Is a deposit required to book?

Yes. A deposit is required to secure your booking. The amount and payment schedule vary by trip and will be clearly outlined on the trip page and in your booking confirmation.

When is the final balance due?

Final payment is due no later than 75 days before the trip start date, unless otherwise stated on your booking confirmation.

Can I pay in instalments?

Most trips offer an instalment plan. Your payment schedule will be provided in your booking confirmation.

What happens if I miss a payment?

If a payment is late, we will contact you to arrange payment. Ongoing non payment may result in cancellation of your booking and applicable cancellation fees.

Where can I find your booking terms?

Trip Status and Confirmation

When is a trip confirmed?

A trip is confirmed once minimum numbers are reached. Until then, it will be listed as pending. You will be notified by email as soon as your trip is confirmed.

What happens if a trip does not reach minimum numbers?

If a trip does not reach minimum numbers, it may be cancelled or re costed. If re costed, you can choose to accept the new price or receive a refund or credit. If cancelled, you will be refunded for your deposit and any subsequent instalment payments.

Should I book flights before the trip is confirmed?

No. We strongly recommend waiting until your trip is confirmed before booking flights or any non refundable travel arrangements.

Cancellations and Changes

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellation terms vary depending on whether a trip is Pending or Confirmed, and how close to departure you cancel. Full details are outlined in our Booking Terms and Conditions.

What happens if I need to cancel my booking?

You must notify us in writing. Refunds, credits, or forfeited amounts depend on the timing of your cancellation and trip status. Please review our Booking Terms & Conditions for more information.

Can Best In Travel cancel my booking?

Yes. We may cancel a booking if we reasonably believe a guest’s participation may negatively affect the safety, wellbeing, or enjoyment of others. Refunds will be handled in accordance with Australian Consumer Law. Please review our Booking Terms & Conditions for more information.

What happens if a trip is cancelled due to events outside anyone’s control?

In rare cases of Force Majeure, such as natural disasters or government restrictions, we may reschedule, issue a credit, or provide a limited refund. Please review our Booking Terms & Conditions for more information.

Travel Insurance, Passports and Visas

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory. You must hold appropriate coverage for the full duration of your trip. Click here for more information on travel insurance.

When should I arrange travel insurance?

We recommend arranging travel insurance as soon as your trip is confirmed to ensure you are protected for flights and other bookings made independently.

Do I need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by destination and nationality. While we may provide general guidance, it is your responsibility to confirm requirements with the relevant embassy or authority.

Do I need specific vaccinations?

Health and vaccination requirements vary by destination. We recommend consulting your GP or a travel doctor well in advance of departure.

Accommodation and Rooming

What type of accommodation is used?

Accommodation varies by trip, from camping to luxury hotels. Details are provided on each trip page.

Will accommodation ever change?

Occasionally, accommodation may be substituted with a comparable or higher standard property due to availability or operational reasons.

Who will I share my room with?

If you are travelling together with other guests that you would like to share a room with, you can provide their names during check-out. If you book shared accommodation and do not already have a travel companion, we will match you with someone of the same gender unless you request otherwise.

Can I have my own room?

Some trips offer private room upgrades for an additional cost. Availability varies by destination and accommodation type.

Hosts, Guides and Trip Style

Will the host be with us for the entire trip?

Unless otherwise stated, your trip host will be with the group throughout the journey, focusing on hosting, supporting the group, and enhancing the overall guest experience. Their role is to ensure everything runs smoothly from a guest perspective and to help create a great group dynamic.

Who runs the trip on the ground?

Experienced local guides and operators manage the day-to-day logistics and decision making on the ground. Depending on the destination and activities, you may have different local guides along the way, each bringing expert knowledge and responsibility for safety, operations, and local coordination.

Activities, Fitness and Participation

Do I need to be physically fit?

Fitness requirements vary by trip. Please review the Important Notes section on your chosen trip page and contact either us or your trip host if you are unsure whether a trip is suitable.

Do I have to participate in every activity?

No. You are welcome to opt out of activities and enjoy free time where possible. That said, there may be certain activities where guests are required to accompany the group, particularly when an activity is tied to essential transport, logistics, or broader itinerary movements. In these cases, opting out may not be feasible, and your host or local guide will always communicate this clearly in advance.

What if I have a medical condition?

You must disclose any medical conditions that may affect your ability to participate in the trip. In some cases, we may request medical clearance to ensure the itinerary is suitable and that appropriate support can be arranged.

Being upfront about medical conditions helps us plan responsibly and ensures the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of everyone on the trip. Not disclosing relevant information can place unnecessary strain on the host, local guides, and the rest of the group, particularly in remote locations or activities where flexibility and support may be limited.

Food and Dietary Requirements

Are meals included?

Included meals vary by trip and are listed under Inclusions on the trip page.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Dietary requirements can generally be accommodated in the vast majority of cases. You’ll be able to notify us of any dietary needs during the checkout process, and we’ll ensure these are communicated to our suppliers and local partners.

While we do our best to cater for all requirements, we can’t guarantee every request can be met in every destination or setting. If there are any limitations or specific requirements that may not be possible to accommodate, we’ll let you know in advance so you can make an informed decision.

During the Trip

Will there be free time?

Yes. Most itineraries include a balance of planned activities and free time.

What happens if the itinerary changes during the trip?

Changes may occur due to weather, safety, or local conditions. We will always act reasonably to provide suitable alternatives.

What if I arrive late or leave early?

No refunds are available for any unused services due to late arrival or early departure. We understand that situations such as flight delays, cancellations, or personal circumstances can occur and are sometimes unavoidable.

If you expect to arrive late or need to leave early, it’s important to communicate this with your trip host as soon as possible. While we’ll always do our best to support you and minimise disruption where feasible, missed activities, accommodation, or services cannot be refunded, and the itinerary for the rest of the group will continue as planned.

Behaviour, Safety and Group Dynamics

Is there a code of conduct?

Yes. All guests are expected to behave respectfully, responsibly, and in a way that ensures the safety and enjoyment of the entire group. This includes showing consideration toward fellow travellers, hosts, local guides, accommodation staff, and local communities, as well as following instructions provided by the host and local operators.

Disruptive, unsafe, abusive, or inappropriate behaviour, including harassment, bullying, excessive intoxication, or actions that place yourself or others at risk, will not be tolerated. In serious cases, this may result in removal from the trip without refund. This policy exists to protect the experience, safety, and wellbeing of the group as a whole.

What happens if I am asked to leave a trip?

If you are required to leave due to behaviour or safety concerns, no refunds will be provided for unused services.

Will photos be taken during the trip?

From time to time, photos and videos may be taken during the trip to capture memories, highlight the experience, and help us share what these trips are like with future travellers. This content is often used for marketing, social media, and general promotional purposes.

We understand that not everyone is comfortable being featured. If you would prefer not to appear in photos or videos, you’re welcome to let us know in advance or simply speak with your trip host during the trip. We’ll always do our best to respect your wishes and ensure you feel comfortable throughout the experience.

Issues & Complaints

Who do I contact if I have an issue during the trip?

If you experience any issues during the trip, please notify your trip host, local guide, or on-the-ground representative as soon as possible so they can be addressed promptly.

Contact details for your local guides or suppliers will be provided before or at the start of the trip, ensuring you always know who to reach if something comes up while you’re travelling.

How do I lodge a complaint after the trip?

If you’d like to raise a concern after your trip, please submit it in writing to hello@bestintravelgroup.com within 30 days of the trip’s completion.

We always encourage guests to raise any issues with their trip host or local guide while travelling, as this gives us the best opportunity to resolve things in the moment. That said, if something remains unresolved or you’d like to provide feedback after you return home, we’re always happy to review it and continue the conversation.

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