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Last Modified: 08-10-09

elephant mahout experience

trip notes: TAZ

validity: 01/01/2009 to 31/12/2009



Introduction

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.

This unique experience steps well off the typical tourist trail. Live the life of an elephant mahout, trekking through some of northern Thailand’s remote rural regions and learning the secrets of handling one of the world’s gentle giants. Putting new skills to the test, there’ll even be the chance to take part in a final elephant show - a fitting end to an extraordinary adventure.

Table of Contents

Style

Short Break Adventures

Trip Map

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Itinerary

Day 1 Chiang Mai

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand.

You are met on arrival at Chiang Mai airport and transferred to your hotel (transfers cannot be arranged on arrival, please advise flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure). Check-in time is 12 noon. The remainder of today is free for you to explore charming Chiang Mai or just laze by the pool.

Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand and has become the modern and cosmopolitan capital of the north. The friendliness of the people, the vibrant Night Bazaar, the interesting Old Town bounded by moats and the many glittering temples enthral travellers from around the world. Chiang Mai is small enough to get around by bicycle and this is a great way to see this happening city!

Meals included: none
Overnight: Raming Lodge
Raming Lodge is centrally located and has a restaurant and swimming pool. Rooms have ensuite bathrooms and air-conditioning.

Days 2-4 Elephant Mahout Course

Drive to the Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang (approx. 2 hours). First things first: visit the centre and receive the handbook and mahout suit made from hard-wearing morhom, a typical northern fabric. Pay your respects to Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, and learn some basic knowledge about this amazing creature. You'll see the elephant bathing show before checking in at your camp. After lunch at the camp, get to know your elephant and start the training of basic elephant commands as well as how to approach the elephant and how to get on and off the elephant's back. In the afternoon, ride your elephant to the jungle.

Afterwards, help the mahout cooking dinner and spend the night in the camp accommodation.

Early in the morning of day 3, you head round to the jungle to take the elephant back to the centre. After breakfast, you continue the training program at the show ground. Observe the elephant bathing and see how the mahouts control them during the elephant show. The lesson today includes many things such as how to control the elephant, how to train the elephant for the show and how to ride or taxi the elephant. After lunch start the afternoon training program and take the elephant back to the forest. Dinner and overnight at the camp.

On day 4, now it's your turn to join the mahouts to control them during the elephant show. After a well earned success, you'll receive a certificate to keep - a wonderful souvenir of an experience that is hard to forget. Say good bye to the kind mahout and gentle elephants before transferring back to Chiang Mai for the night. Arrive Chiang Mai in the afternoon. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Meals included: Days 2, 3 & 4 breakfast, Days 2 & 3 lunch, Days 2 & 3 dinner
Overnight days 2 and 3: Elephant Conservation Centre Camp
The accommodation at the camp is basic, with bamboo furniture and private bathrooms.
Overnight day 4: Raming Lodge

Day 5 Chiang Mai

Enjoy a leisurely morning until your transfer to Chiang Mai airport for your departure/onward travels (please advise flight departure details at time of booking). Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.

Meals included: breakfast

After the trip: Your feedback is important to us. We have made many trip changes over the years based on past traveller feedback. So if you want to tell us anything, from how great the service was at a particular hotel or how delicious an included meal was or if you have any improvement suggestions then please go to www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback
We'll even give you 5% off your next Intrepid trip if you fill in feedback within 4 weeks. Thanks!

Itinerary Disclaimer

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

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Culture Shock Rating

Rated 3/5 rating definitions

Expect to rough it every now and again, whether it's very simple group-share accommodation at a homestay, a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, the odd cold shower or an encounter with a squat toilet.

Physical Rating

Rated 3/5 rating definitions

Activities include treks of 3 to 4 hours per day in hilly terrain, flat water kayaking or a long day's bike ride, in conditions which are likely to be hot and muggy. You will raise your heart rate on these trips, so a basic level of aerobic fitness is required.

Included Activities

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.

Roundtrip airport transfers
Three day Elephant Mahout Training Course - Lampang

Optional Activities

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.

If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides and drivers 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 Intrepid destinations.

Restaurants: Local markets and basic restaurants round your bill up to the nearest US$1. More upmarket restaurants we recommend 5% to 10% of your bill.

Local guides: W recommend US$1-US$2 per day for local guides.

Drivers: We would recommend a higher tip for those more involved with the trip however a base of US$1 per day would be appropriate.

Local transport: For a city tour we suggest US$1 per day.

Please note the following are approximate entrance costs and do not include transport to the sites if required, unless specified below.

Bicycle tour, Chiang Mai - US$25

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Spending Money

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.

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Important Notes

Surcharges
Compulsory New Years Eve Dinner applies at hotel in Chiang Mai on 31 December.

Deposit
A certain time of the year (peak season) you may be asked to deposit 50% of the trip price at time of confirmation in order to secure your booking. This deposit will be non refundable.

Elephant Riding
Elephant riding is great fun and should not be missed. However please note that we strongly advise against riding on the elephant's neck. Though some find this challenging it can be dangerous and if you choose to do so, the activity is undertaken at your own risk.

Triple Rooms
Please note that Triple rooms booked at the advertised rates may have one bed as a foldout bed.

Transfers
Please note if you are organising your own pre/post tour arrangements then arrival/departure transfers are not complimentary. Intrepid will only provide one complimentary arrival/departure transfer even if clients are arriving/departing at different times.

Local Operator
Please note this Intrepid trip is operated by our experienced local partners.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotels (2 nts), bamboo hut (2 nts)

Some of the accommodation along the way is very basic, staying in local guesthouses and homestays with limited facilities. Some facilities are shared and some accommodation has cold water only.

Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi share basis. Please note there may be times when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.

Please note that triple rooms booked at the advertised rates may have one bed as a foldout bed.

Please keep in mind that accommodation as shown in the itinerary is subject to availability at time of booking. The closest available alternative will be substituted if our first choice hotels are not available. Deductions or supplements may be applied to the trip price as a result.

Meals

While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Generally, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where and what to eat, not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section below for details of meals included.

Allow USD $40 for meals not included.

Meal Inclusions

4 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Compulsory New Year's Eve Dinner applies at hotel in Chiang Mai on 31 December.

Transport

Private vehicle, elephant

Group Leader

Intrepid Short Break Adventures are not accompanied by an Intrepid Group Leader.
Local guides may be used on some itineraries.

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Joining Point

Please note, there may be an alternative joining point location depending on your date of departure. Please pay close attention to the alternative details listed below.

Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel
92 Sri Donchai Road
Chiang Mai
Thailand
Phone: 066 5327 0036
Fax: 066 5327 2230

Joining Point Instructions

An arrival transfer is included on day 1 of this trip. Transfers cannot be arranged on arrival. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you plan to arrive earlier, this arrival transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre-tour accommodation booked through Intrepid. Intrepid provides one complimentary arrival transfer per booking even if clients are arriving at different times. Our local representative will be holding a sign with your name when you exit the airport terminal. If for any reason you cannot locate the person please call the local operator (phone numbers provided on your voucher).



For travellers not arriving at Chiang Mai airport please make your own way to the joining point hotel and contact the local operator to confirm your arrival. A taxi from the airport to your hotel in Chiang Mai costs about THB100. Buy a ticket at the taxi kiosk outside the baggage claim area in the airport.



Normal check in time at the hotel is after 14:00.

Our Joining Point Hotel

The Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel is centrally located really close to the Anusan Food Market, which has a fantastic selection of eating places, and only 5 minutes walk from the famous Night Bazaar. All rooms have recently been refurbished and have air-conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, phone, TV, fridge, bathrobes, slippers and a hairdryer. There is a large swimming pool, fitness and business centres, as well as a restaurant and a great coffee shop.

Alternative Joining Point

Trips booked after 3 February 2009 will start at the Raming Lodge.

Raming Lodge
17-19 Loikroh T.Changklan A.Muang
Chiangmai
50100
Thailand
Phone: +66 53 271 777
Fax: +66 53 270 039

Our Joining Point Hotel

Situated in central Chiang Mai and steps to the Night Bazaar, Raming Lodge is only 10 minutes from Chiang Mai Intenational Airport.

Arrival Complications

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.

Finishing Point

Please note, there may be an alternative finishing point location depending on your date of departure. Please pay close attention to the alternative details listed below.

Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel
92 Sri Donchai Road
Chiang Mai
Thailand
Phone: 066 5327 0036
Fax: 066 5327 2230

Our Finishing Point Hotel

The Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel is centrally located really close to the Anusan Food Market, which has a fantastic selection of eating places, and only 5 minutes walk from the famous Night Bazaar. All rooms have recently been refurbished and have air-conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, phone, TV, fridge, bathrobes, slippers and a hairdryer. There is a large swimming pool, fitness and business centres, as well as a restaurant and a great coffee shop.


Finishing Point Instructions

A complimentary departure transfer is included on the last day of this trip. Please advise your flight details at least 14 days prior to your trip. If you plan to leave later, this departure transfer can only be offered in conjunction with post-tour accommodation booked through Intrepid. Intrepid provides one complimentary departure transfer per booking even if clients are departing at different times.

Normal check out time is 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.

Alternative Finishing Point

Trips booked after 3 February 2009 will start at the Raming Lodge.

Raming Lodge
17-19 Loikroh T.Changklan A.Muang
Chiangmai
50100
Thailand
Phone: +66 53 271 777
Fax: +66 53 270 039

Our Finishing Point Hotel

Situated in central Chiang Mai and steps to the Night Bazaar, Raming Lodge is only 10 minutes from Chiang Mai Intenational Airport.

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Emergency Contact

In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Thailand Office can be reached on Tel: +66 898 103 722 (Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, Borneo & Indonesia) contact Tel: +855 92 555 969 (Cambodia). For all other enquiries please contact our Reservations department which is open 24 hours, 6 days per week (excluding Sunday). For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/.

Emergency Funds

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.

Visas

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.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date. Be sure to check the date you require a visa from and the length of time you will need to cover, especially if you change countries during your trip.

Thailand: Citizens of Australia, NZ, UK, USA do not need visas to visit Thailand as a tourist. If entering by air you will be granted a 30 day stay. If entering by land you will be granted a 15 day stay only. In addition for those coming overland into Thailand you will require an onward ticket out of the country to obtain the visa. A visa extension can be obtained in Thailand at an immigration office and the cost is 1900 THB. Alternately you can obtain a visa before departure at your local Thai Embassy or Consulate that will allow a 30 day stay when entering at an overland border. Citizens of other countries should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required.

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Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. In addition, laundry services can be found outside our hotel in all major cities. There may be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non polluting/biodegradable soap.

What To Take

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.

The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by bringing and using a water purification method. Some of the options are:
Water purification tablets available from camping stores or pharmacies eg. Micropur.
2% tincture of iodine available from pharmacies - used at 4 drops per litre of water and left for at least 20 minutes. Longer in very cold weather.
Your day pack will need to be big enough to carry a spare set of clothes and basic necessities for the few days in the jungle. Baggage which is not required may be left at the hotel in Chiang Mai and collected upon your return from the jungle adventure.

We do not recommend bringing video cameras when walking through the hilltribes as they can be perceived by the local people as highly intrusive.

Local Dress

When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. In many rural areas in Asia women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong.

Checklist

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.

Travel documents: passport, visas, travel insurance certificate, air tickets, Intrepid voucher
Health requirements arranged
Money: traveller's cheques/cash/credit card and money pouch
Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
First aid kit (including Antihistamines)
Medication/prescriptions (it is a good idea to have a doctors letter if you are carrying a large amount of medication), travel sickness tablets if required
Prescription glasses and contact lens solution if required
Alarm clock
Torch/flashlight
Travel plug/international adapter
Insect repellent
Refillable water bottle and water purification method
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Swimming costume
Lightweight travel towel
Ear plugs/eye mask
Comfortable walking shoes
Local language phrase book (mp3 language downloads available from www.intrepidtravel.com/languageguides)
Camera, film and/or memory cards with spare batteries
Personal audio player with spare batteries
Raincoat/umbrella
Waterproof jacket

Adventure sandals with good grip
Inner sheet/sleeping sheet
Winter sweater and trousers when travelling Oct-Feb
Waterproof bags for clothing (May-Sep)
Swimming gear - a T-shirt and shorts worn over your swimmers is more appropriate to the local culture
Sarong for bathing - can be bought cheaply in Thailand

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Money Exchange

Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website: www.oanda.com.

Generally the most convenient and cheapest way to obtain local currency in Asia is via an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or Bancomat - this can draw from your home account or from a credit card (debit card). Most ATM's will also give you a cash advance on your credit card. Check with your bank for information on their international fees. When leaving home don't forget your PIN and make sure you know the telephone number for cancelling your card if it is stolen. Please ensure you have advised your bank of your intended travel and withdrawal locations. While traveller's cheques have security advantages exchanging them can be a lengthy process, commissions can be high and they can be difficult to change in rural areas, on weekends and public holidays. If you choose to bring travellers cheques, make sure they are a major brand and major currency.

Please note that most establishments in Asia will not accept foreign currency notes that are old, torn or faded and they can be very difficult to exchange or extra fees added when exchanging at banks. Please ensure that you have new, clean notes. This applies to your Local Payment as well as everyday spending money. Where USD is required, we recommend that you arrive with your local payment money already exchanged.

Thailand: The official currency is the Thai Baht (THB). Travellers cheques can be difficult to change. The use of credit cards in businesses is restricted; however ATM's are now available just about on every corner.

Departure Tax

All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.

keeping in touch - communication while on the road

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.

Issues On Your Trip

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.

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Health

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.

There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions before your departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that for legal reasons any leaders/guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets and antibiotics.

Please contact us at help@intrepidtravel.com should you require any clarification on what is involved on your itinerary. For travellers over 70 years a completed Intrepid Self Assessment Form is required.

Intrepid is very aware of the health issues raised by bird flu and SARS and these have been taken into consideration for all aspects of the trip you are about to take. Intrepid reserve the right to make changes to any itinerary in the very unlikely occurrence that an area should suddenly be deemed to be unsafe because of an outbreak of bird flu, SARS or other disease.

Safety

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.


Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities differ from those in the western world and not all the accommodation which we use on this trip has fire exits, smoke alarms or fire extinguishers.

While life jackets are available on water craft in Asia, there may be occasions where child size life jackets are not readily available. If travelling with children and this safety issue concerns you we will be able to advise alternative methods of transport (where available) for you to travel to the next destination. You can choose to travel independently for this leg of the journey. This would be at your own expense.

Elephant riding is great fun and should not be missed. However please note that we strongly advise against riding on the elephant's neck. Though some find this challenging it can be dangerous and if you choose to do so, the activity is undertaken at your own risk.

The rafts are about 1.5 - 2 m. wide x 15-18 m. long and can carry approximately 7-8 persons. The rafting can take longer in the summer when the water level is shallow and the current is slow. Along some parts of the river there are a lot of snags (dead trees, large rocks, broken wood, etc.) which can sometimes upset the raft. A life jacket is essential as it will not only keep you afloat if by chance you should fall off the raft but will also help prevent injury if the raft hits any of these snags.

During the rainy season (or in the dry season following heavy rainfall) the current will be quite strong and the guide will decide whether the rafting should proceed or not. Their advice on this matter should be strictly followed.

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Single Travellers

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.

responsible travel

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.

a couple of rules

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.

participation form

All OUT Adventures travelers are required to sign a Participation Form on day 1 of the trip. Please note that signing the form is a prerequisite of travelling with OUT Adventures. The wording of this form follows: "I understand that travelling with OUT Adventures may involve risks (and rewards) above and beyond those encountered on a more conventional holiday, and that I am undertaking an adventure trip with inherent dangers. I understand that I am travelling to geographical areas where, amongst other things, the standard of accommodation, transport, safety, hygiene, cleanliness, medical facilities, telecommunications and infrastructure development may not be of the standard I am used to at home or would find on a conventional holiday. I have read and understood the OUT Adventures Trip Notes for the trip I am undertaking and have provided details of any pre-existing medical conditions I have to OUT Adventures' representatives.

I accept these risks and obligations and I fully assume the risks of travel. I release OUT Adventures from any liabilities connected to these risks to the maximum extent permitted by law."

feedback

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

we want your photos

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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