Welcome to OUT Adventures
Gay owned OUT Adventures and Intrepid Travel have partnered together to provide a comfortable travel environment for not only for gay and lesbian travellers,
but also their friends and family who want to experience the world at the grassroots level with like-minded people. Go on, Get OUT and experience the real world.
Through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, this all-encompassing trip is a heady mix of volcanic beauty, ancient Maya ruins, quintessential Caribbean beaches and colourful colonial towns. Travelling from Mexico’s famous beachside Cancun to the idyllic shores of Playa del Carmen, this journey is the perfect combination of cultural highs and active adventures. Discover the secrets of the ancient Mayas and traverse incredible landscapes on this fascinating journey through Central America.
Style
Trip Map
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Gay Rating
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Spending Money
Tipping
Important Notes
Group Size
Accommodation
Dive into the real world, with a softer landing. Comfort class trips are all about variety: the places, the people, the activities. It's your style of travel if you want a few little extras, but don't want to compromise on a true grassroots travel experience. You're as likely to find yourself paddling a kayak as relaxing on a cruise along the Yangtze River!
You are met on arrival at Cancun Airport and transferred to your hotel (please advise flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure if you wish to have this transfer provided).
You and your fellow travellers will be arriving at various times from around the world today, so there are no arranged activities. Your leader will organise a pre-trip meeting for the early evening which will be followed by an optional group dinner. At the joining point hotel, ask reception to direct you to the OUT/Intrepid notice board for your welcome note explaining where to meet. For those who arrive early, there is sightseeing information on the noticeboard also.
Cancun is unlike any other place in Mexico. A haven for sun-worshippers, retirees and American spring-breakers, Cancun is full of resorts, bars and shops and there is always something going on. It's strange to think that in the 1970s this was a small fishing village. It's a fun place to check out but don't take it too seriously. If there is time, head down to the beach for a frolic in the surf before playing 'spot the MTV camera' in town.
Arriving in Mexico your body will need to acclimatise to the heat and humidity. Be sure to drink plenty of bottled water and try not to do too much in any one day; you'll soon adjust.
Leaving the modern world behind we make a stop at the extensively restored stepped pyramids of Chichen Itza before heading on to Merida (Approx. 5 hours travel time) The city of Chichen Itza was founded in 432 and aligned with the Toltecs in the 10th century. In the 13th century civil war broke out and the city went into decline. In more recent years it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The city is one of the best examples of Mayan architecture and the piece de resistance is El Castillo (great castle), a 91 stepped pyramid. El Castillo is best known for its amazing carved snakes. The temple is aligned so that the diamond back rattlesnake carved along the staircase will be hit by the sun during the spring and fall equinoxes. With the play of light the snakes look as though they are ascending or descending the staircase.
The Ball Court is another impressive site and the largest of its kind. Playing on a field much longer than a football field, two teams would try to score goals with a ball using only their elbows, wrists and hips. This was a sport the Mayans took very seriously and it was often used to settle disputes. Some believe the losers were even put to death. Another site of interest is an impressive sinkhole, just a short walk from the main plaza. It's said that ceremonies of sacrifice and offering to the Mayan rain god were made here.
After a day rambling over the ruins we continue on to Merida, the Yucatan state capital and the area's cultural centre. A busy city full of small parks and colonial buildings every night sees an exhibition or arts performance of one kind or another. There are plenty of musuems, great bars and restaurants specialising in local cuisine.
We travel to for approximately 9 hours to Palenque. The encroaching jungle trying to reclaim the ruins of Palenque is almost as fascinating as the ruins themselves. The ruins rise up above the wilds, but a climb to the top of any of the towers reveals the great Yucatan plain just down the road. Stroll around some of the 200 buildings that make up the city and admire the temple walls, sculpted with images of gods, rulers and ceremonies. Imagine yourself in the shoes of the archaeologist Alberto Ruz as you walk down the steps to Pakal's tomb. Pakal was the greatest of all Palenque's rulers and in 1952 Ruz unearthed his tomb, discovering Pakal's sarcophagus decorated with the richest offering of jade ever seen in the Maya world. Don't forget to bring your bathing suit, nearby are the Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls, perfect for cooling off after the heat of the ruins.
Crossing into Mexico's highlands we travel to the colonial city of San Cristobal de las Casas (5 hours approximately). Known for its ties to the Zapatista revolution, San Cristobal is an architectural gem and oozes provincial colonial charm. The outlying villages mix tradition with modern religious beliefs with some unusual results. If you take a day trip to San Juan Chamula, make sure to visit the church.
The floor is covered with pine needles and the air heavy with incense. Shamans come here to carry out cleansings using firewater, ancient prayer and sometimes chickens. There are also markets to visit with colourful handicrafts for sale. Take the opportunity to go for a horse ride in the mountains or a day trip to Sumidero Canyon.
On day 7 we travel to Panajachel (8 hours approximately). Enjoy the view from the shores of Guatemala's most beautiful lake, Lake Atitlan. Ringed by volcanoes and colourful villages Panajachel is a great base to explore the best of this region. Panajachel is a relatively modern town with paved streets and many shops, but it is still easy to explore by foot. Wander the back streets with their many churches to soak up some old world charm.
The blue/grey mountains, volcanoes and picturesque lake all provide opportunities to fully appreciate Guatemala's great outdoors. Go for a swim, wind surf, hike, kayak, go horse riding, or for the really adventurous, parapenting (paragliding).
One of the many optional activities here is to visit the smaller, neighbouring villages by boat. There are also a number of community cooperatives that you may wish to visit and the proceeds from these will return directly to the community.
35kms from Panajachel is Chichicastenango, or Chichi. The markets here overflow with colourful handicrafts and intricate weavings to fill up your backpack.
En route to Antigua we visit the bustling morning market at Chichicastenango, overflowing with colourful handicrafts and intricate weavings to fill up your backpack. After an approximately 4 hours travel time we arrive to Antigua was once the most important city in Central America. In 1773 the city was destroyed by an earthquake, but many of the colonial buildings have been carefully restored and the architecture from its glory days can still be admired. We take an orientation walk through Antigua's quiet cobblestone streets past heavy carved-wood entrances. There are many fascinating markets and museums to explore, or if your tastes run to more active adventures, hire a mountain bike and head out into the countryside. The views of mountain peaks and deep valleys covered in lush vegetation are simply beautiful.
After breakfast we transfer by minivan to the airport at Guatemala City (leave 2.30pm) for our flight to Flores (approx. 30 minute flight) where we will continue on to Tikal.
Towering above the jungle of the Tikal National Park, the five granite temples of Tikal are an awesome sight and one of the most magnificent Maya ruins. Hidden in the jungle growth is a maze of smaller structures just waiting to be explored. The energetic can climb to the top of the ruins for spectacular views over the canopy. You may even spot toucans, macaws and other colourful birds. We spend the night in the park for a magical guided visit of the ruins at dawn.
In the morning we take a guided walk in the Tikal National Park before crossing the border into Belize and on to San Ignacio (3 hours travel time approximately) in the forested hills of the highlands. Surrounded by fast flowing rivers, waterfalls and Mayan ruins, San Ignacio is an ideal base to explore the region.
Some of the optional activities include a day trip to Xunantunich, an impressive Mayan ceremonial centre with panoramic views over the countryside. The east side of one of the temples has a unique stucco frieze and the central plaza has three carved stelae. Getting to the site is half the fun: you'll need to take a hand-cranked ferry to cross the river.
It is also possible to take a day trip to the Mountain Pine Ridge area to visit waterfalls, warm swimming holes and a huge system of caves.
The cave of Tunichil Muknal is a living museum of Mayan relics. Wade through water until you reach a Mayan ceremonial site. Here you will find ceramic pots and crystallised skeletons, preserved by the natural processes of the cave for over 1400 years.
For those who can't get enough jungle fun there are also opportunities to go tubing or canoeing through the region. And for those who would like some time to reflect on the beauty of nature, there is always San Ignacio's butterfly garden.
On the morning of day 14, we take the long but scenic drive back into Mexico and our final destination on the Caribbean coast - Playa del Carmen (Approximately 9 hours travel time)
Spend your time snorkelling among the mangroves or strolling along the white sands. In the evening relax on the beach with a margarita before heading out to enjoy the island's vibrant nightlife.
For adventures further afield take a ferry across the turquoise seas to Cozumel, and island famous for its reef diving. For a taste of Mayan architecture take a short trip to Tulum. These ruins sit atop a cliff amid palm fringed beaches and white sand beaches. You can even go for a swim within its ancient walls.
You are free to depart at any time on day 15.
Please note we arrive in Playa del Carmen in the afternoon of day 14. We strongly recommend that you stay in Playa del Carmen for one or two days after the trip finishes. Please contact us if you need us to assist you with post trip accommodation.
Playa del Carmen is located just south of Cancun airport (45 minute drive) so at the end of your trip you can easily head straight to Cancun airport without returning to Cancun.
The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. Please note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travelers' comments and our own research. Our brochure is usually released in November each year. As such the information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. For the latest updated Trip Notes please visit our website: www.out-adventures.com
The trip includes a range of accommodation, such as basic hotels with western facilities or overnight trains. Days of being on the move are well interspersed, communication with the outside world is ever-present and a wide variety of food is commonly available.
You are required to carry your pack on and off trains and buses, up hotel steps, etc. Your itinerary may include easy paced walks or bike rides, but these are on mainly flat ground.
This trip travels to a somewhat conservative area. We encourage you to experience the destination and culture with the following in mind:
Accommodation - We do not foresee any areas of concern on this trip.
Public Display of affection - These are not common in this area however in some cases holding hands is acceptable.
Gay Activities - This trip may have limited gay hosted events, meals or day tours due to the cultural sensitivity of this region. We will do our best to provide a safe, comfortable environment for you and your fellow travellers to experience this culture.
Please read the important notes & local dress section of the Trip Notes for more detailed information
This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense.
For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below.
If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.
Chichen Itza ruins
Palenque ruins
Tikal ruins and National Park
Misol-Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls
Chichicastenango Market
Flight from Antigua to Flores
All optional activities are entirely your choice and are not included in price of this trip. The following is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
Mérida
Celestún Bird Sanctuary $35
Contemporary Art Museum $5
Palenque:
Flight over Bonampak/Yaxchilán $100 (4 person min)
Horseback riding $50 (full day)
Volcano climb $25
San Cristobal de Las Casas:
Horseback riding $20
Museums $4
Antigua:
Climb volcanoes $12
Mayan Horoscopes $20
Salsa lessons $4/hr
Playa del Carmen (Mexico):
Snorkel rental $5
Ferry to Cozumel $10
Dos Ojos Cenote Snorkeling Tour $35
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Central/South America Tipping recommendations are as follows:
If you are happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many OUT Adventures destinations. Please note we recommend that any tips are given directly to the intended recipient by a member of your group as our group leaders are prohibited from collecting cash for tips.
The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers:
Restaurants: Tipping is not expected in local markets and basic restaurants. However if you wish to tip, round your bill up to the nearest 5%. More up-market restaurants we suggest up to 10%-12% of your bill. Some restaurants already include tipping on the final amount, which should be shown on the bill as: propina, servicio o cubiertos.
Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest USD 2 per person per day for local guides.
Porters (If applicable): While on the Inca Trail, we suggest PEN 80-120 for all porters, assistants and cook.
Drivers: You may have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group however a base of USD 1-2 per day is generally appropriate.
Luggage loaders (Argentinean bus stations): it is common in Argentina to tip $1 Peso for someone to load your bag onto a bus.
Your Group Leader: You may also consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline USD 2-4 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Please note Hurricane season is June to November when landslides,
mudslides, flooding and disruptions to essential services may occur. We will monitor any situations that arise, and may need to change itineraries or activities in response to these natural weather occurrences.
Please note this OUT trip is operated by our experienced local partners.
An arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel is included in this tour. Complimentary transfers are only applicable if on day 1 of your trip or if going to pre-tour accommodation booked through us (please advise flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure if you wish to have this transfer provided).
Please bring your local payment with you in US$ cash in high denomination bills of either $50 or $100 notes. Please also ensure that the notes are new and clean, as old or ripped notes may not be accepted and that they are 2000 series notes or newer.
Please note domestic airlines allow a maximum of 20kg of check-in luggage and 5kg of hand luggage. Any excess luggage expense will be your own responsibility.
Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Comfortable hotels (14 nts)
While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialties so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section of these notes for details of meals included.
Allow USD $440 for meals not included.
14 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Plane, minibus, first class local bus, walking
All Intrepid Latin America group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, an Intrepid representative or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Hotel El Rey del Caribe
Av. Uxmal # 24 Sm. 2-A mz 3 L-18
Cancun
Mexico
Phone: (998)884-2028
Fax: (998) 884-9857
An arrival transfer is from the airport to your hotel is included in your tour.
Complimentary transfers are only applicable if on day 1 of your Intrepid trip or if going to pre tour accommodation booked through us (please advise flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure if you wish to have this transfer provided).
Please look for our representative holding an OUT/Intrepid sign with your name. Please do not go with anyone else.
Situated in the centre of downtown Cancun, our traditional colonial hotel has a swimming pool set in the leafy courtyard. There is also an onsite day spa. The hotel is proud of its ecological efforts including solar hot water, recylcing, composting and rain water collection. Rooms open onto the central courtyard and have air-conditioning and ensuite bathrooms.
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your group trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader.
If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return.
No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.
Hotel Maya Bric
5th Avenue North
between 8th and 10th streets
Playa del Carmen
Mexico
Phone: +52 984 87 30011 or +52 984 87 3
Located in the centre of Playa del Carmen's main tourist centre of Quinta Avenida and one block from the Caribbean beach, this comfortable hotel has a swimming pool, coffee bar, restaurant and dive shop on the premises. Rooms have ensuite bathrooms, tv and ceiling fans or air-conditioning.
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Melbourne Office can be reached on Tel: +61 3 9473 2650. For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/.
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change.
It is important that you check for yourself.
Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up to date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. For general information on what nationalities need what visas for what countries the following web site may be of use
www.projectvisa.com
Laundry facilities are available in most cities we visit. It's normally charged per kilo (around $3 per kilo). There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and although you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for daytrips.
It is important that your bags can be locked, as on the buses it may be necessary to store your luggage separately from the group. The smaller your bag the better, for when it comes to travelling only smaller bags will fit into the storage areas. If your bag does not fit in these areas then often the only place to put it is on your seat or on the roof. So to get maximum comfort, pack small and light!
Night time temperatures can be low in the height of the winter months so bring a set of warmer clothes. Thermal underclothes, being small and light, can be very useful. You will be on the move a good deal, so pack as lightly as possible. Away from the beaches Central America is very conservative and you should dress accordingly. As a general guideline shoulders and knees should be covered at all times. A light water and windproof jacket is useful and a hat essential.
NB: During our trip there will be many opportunities for you to meet and talk with locals. One way to start any conversation is with pictures. We recommend that you bring some photos/postcards of your family, home, city or country where you live.
Latin Americans can be very conscious of appearance so try to be casual but conservative in your dress. Outside of beach areas halter tops and very short shorts should not be worn. When visiting churches or religious sites shoulders and knees should be covered.
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travellers cheques
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
Vouchers, pre-departure booklet and trip notes
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Clothing
First-aid kit
Fleece top
Sunblock
Windproof/waterproof jacket
Sunglasses
Small towel and swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Watch or alarm clock
Sun hat
Water bottle
Purification tablets or filter
First aid kit should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar
tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking.
Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website: www.oanda.com.
With ATMs being widely available in major towns and cities, credit and debit cards are the best way to access money - note though that charges are made for each transaction. Please check with your bank before departure that your card is accepted in the countries you are travelling to. Also ensure your bank is aware of your travel plans as - suspecting fraud - they may cancel your cards after the first few international transactions.
Be aware that your withdrawing limit may vary from country to country (regardless of your withdrawing limit in your home country) and it can be as low as the equivalent to US$100 per day.
It is also advisable to carry some cash in small denominations bills, for those times when ATMs may not be available. US dollars are the most readily changeable currency.
VERY IMPORTANT:
US$100 bills with serial number CB or BE and any other USD bills that are old, torn, written or stamped on will not be accepted by local banks.
Mexico
International Departure Tax: US$18 payable by passenger at airport
Belize
Departure tax US$20 payable by passenger
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend email. Email cafes are generally available throughout the regions we visit, although it is possible you may be without email contact for several days on some itineraries. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our emergency contact details. We don't recommend that family and friends try to contact you through hotels, as they are subject to change and the reception staff may not speak English.
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
All OUT Adventures travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience.
If, in the opinion of our group leader, any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or
the rest of the group, OUT Adventures reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore
ask that you read the itinerary in these Trip Notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete
the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.
We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip, and for legal reasons leaders/guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel.
We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure.
Please refer to our website's Safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues
affecting our trips: www.out-adventures.com/safety.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport,
air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling.
Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables.
A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however
during your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure.
While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional
activities you undertake are not part of your OUT Adventures itinerary, and OUT Adventures makes no representations
about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when
selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel
any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions
and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to OUT Adventures' operational safety policy at
www.out-adventures.com/safety.
We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any
feedback on how well it is being implemented in the field.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time.
On an OUT trip you will be travelling with other gay or gay-friendly passengers. We encourage open minded friends and family to join our trips. As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travelers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travelers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.
Please note that due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travelers booked on your trip prior to departure.
With the exception of our Comfort and In Style trips, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Please note some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis - where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On our Comfort & In Style trips you have the choice of sharing or paying a single supplement. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
We believe strongly in low impact, or rather, positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimize the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please refer to our website at www.out-adventures.com/responsibletravel for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveler.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for OUT Adventures travelers. OUT Adventures' philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! This is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 4 weeks of finishing your trip. Go to: www.out-adventures.com/feedback
Thanks
Do you want to see your travel photos published? To celebrate all that is travel photography,
OUT Adventures holds an annual photography competition. For more information, prize details, entry form and competition conditions,
please visit www.out-adventures.com/photocomp.
Send entries to The Editor,
OUT Adventures,
PO Box 98026, 970 Queen St E
Toronto, ON
Canada, M4M 3L9
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