Before your trip...

Q: Will you help me plan my trip?

A: We will not tell you where to go and what to do, but we will try to give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to go out and research the countries that you are interested in visiting, so that you can plan your trip on your own.

Q: How much money do I need to budget for travelling?

A: This depends entirely on your personal comfort zones and requirements. However, don't skimp when it comes to gaining fantastic experiences such as walking up Sydney Harbour Bridge or horse riding through Monument Valley. If you budget on an average of about $20 per day, then you'll need somewhere in the region of $7500 for a whole year in order to survive, This doesn't include your flights though, insurance, visas etc.

Q: Do I really need travel insurance as I'm only going for a short while?

A: YES, YES & YES!! Planet Wise has a link in with Endsleigh Insurance, so why not take a trip to their web site.

Q: Can you advise me on the right equipment to take on my trip? Where do I get this?

A: All Planet Wise staff and instructors keep bang up-to-date with the latest travel gizmos and gadgets. On our courses there is a whole module dedicated to buying and using the correct travel kit.

Q: Where can I find out about visa requirements?

A: By visiting the Foreign and Commonwealth web site. There is a module on our courses about this very important necessity of travelling.

Q: Where can I find out about inoculations?

A: By visiting your local GP or health centre. There is also a module on our courses regarding this topic.

Our courses...

Q: Can you offer bespoke courses at my university/college/home town?

A: Yes, if there are enough people that wish to attend the course. Our minimum numbers for a course of this nature is 10.

Q: Do I need to bring any specialist kit or clothing to the course?

A: No not really, although we do spend about 50% of the course time outside and it does rain a lot in Britain! Prior to attending one of our courses a comprehensive kit and clothing list will be sent to you. If you do go and buy boots or other such personal items then please make sure they fit and are comfortable.

Q: How fit do I need to be for the course?

A: In order to have a safe and enjoyable travelling experience then a moderate level of fitness is required - can you imagine trekking to Everest Base camp with a low level of fitness!? Our courses however do not require you to be an Olympic athlete but we aim to get you into the mindset that fitness is important.

Q: How do I find the course venue?

A: You will be sent maps etc in your joining instructions - you'll have to learn how to understand maps in order to go travelling!

Q: What happens if I have to cancel my attendance on the course?

A: There are cancellation charges applicable the closer you are to the course date. These are outlined on our booking forms and in our Ts & Cs.

Q: Are the courses safe?

A: Without a doubt - YES! We have an unblemished safety record and intend keeping it that way!

Q: What safety standards do you abide by?

A: Most, if not all, of our instructors are qualified in outdoor pursuits. We do not run any activity unless we have the correct and qualified staff and instructors available. All our venues and centres have good safety records and facilities.

Q: Why do I need to come on a course?

A: As Mark O'Shea, the explorer stated...

"Expedition preparation and research are extremely important. People ask me how I can just jump into a swamp in Louisiana or Papua New Guinea without worrying about what is in there. My response is I can do it because I know what is not in there. I am familiar with the wildlife of the swamp, from parasites to predators, long before I get my feet wet. That's because I have done my research.

Not everyone wants to jump into swamps but plunging into adventurous travel without doing your research is rather like diving into murky water. There are plenty of ways to get bitten or stung and not all involve swamp denizens. Any adventurous project, by its very definition, can be hazardous but it is much more hazardous for the person who is not prepared and does not know what to expect. There can be no substitute for good planning."
Mark O'Shea, January 2004

Q: What is included in the price?

A: All food and accommodation, all instruction and a goody bag. On the three-day course you will also get a first aid certificate.

Q: I am going travelling in 4 weeks time - am I too late to book on a course?

A: No, if we have space on a course we will slot you in at a moments notice!

Q: I am going travelling around Europe for three weeks - do I need to go on a course?

A: Travelling anywhere has its dangers and unexpected problems - even in the UK and Europe. It was only a few years ago that the Balkans were more dangerous than some other parts of the Middle East. The one-day course would be ideal, since it will prepare you for near enough everything that Europe can throw at you.

Q: How can I pay for the course?

A: Cheques, cash and cards please. No shiny pebbles or goats!

Q: Do I have to pay for my course all at once?

A: We usually ask for full payment on booking.

Q: Are courses and dates transferable if I can't make the dates that I have booked?

A: Yes, depending on availability and timescales.

Q: How else can the course that I attend benefit me?

A: Our courses not only prepare you for travelling around the world, but also for the great journey that is life! Employers nowadays look at the extra things and experiences that people put on CVs, not just academic qualifications.

When you are travelling..

Q: Does Planet Wise offer a 'whilst travelling service'?

A: Unfortunately not, but feel free to email us with your travel tips as you go!

Q: Are you a problem-solving place for when I am travelling?

A: We do not offer this service, however, Planet Wise have teamed up with Red ²⁴ to provide information and intelligence on your destinations. The package also delivers regular updates and briefings whilst you are travelling via email or SMS.

 

Happy travelling folks!