Chessell Adventures' trip web pages and pdf info packs have lots of info about each specific adventure (
search for your adventure here). You may also like to look at our
photo galleries or
videos for a taste of adventure, or download a
wallpaper to inspire you! This page has answers to some general Frequently Asked Questions about booking.
When should I book?
Please book as soon as you have decided to join us. Your booking secures your place on the adventure (so you won't miss out!). It also helps us to get our planning in order, so we can make sure we have the best guides, sufficient gear and hotel and flight bookings and so on. And of course it will get you started on your journey to adventure - it gives you access to valuable information about preparing for your trip, and the ability to meet up with other local participants for training if you wish - which all adds to the experience. Happy preparing!
When should I take out travel insurance?
We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance that covers cancellation at the time of booking. You will also need travel insurance for medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation. Your travel agent can help you with arranging suitable travel insurance.
Do I have to book online?
Many of our clients find an online booking more convenient, but if you are not one of them, please
ask our sales staff for a paper booking form.
Nothing happens when I click the "Book" icon
This is most likely because you have the "Block Pop-Ups" check box ticked in your browser's preferences. After un-ticking it, you may need to restart your browser (you might want to bookmark the relevant page before you do!)
Can I pay by credit card? By cheque? Direct to your bank account?
Our sales staff can accept payment by direct deposit (e.g. by internet banking), cheque or credit card. Please see the
PDF of payment options and remember to mark the payment with your name and advise the details (payment amount, date etc) of your payment.
Bank transfers to USD accounts
Depending on your bank, you may be able to transfer funds by internet banking to our agent's
USD account. Alternatively, a branch of your bank can arrange an international telegraphic telegraphic transfer to the USD bank account. It should be a simple matter of asking the customer service or foreign exchange desk to do an "International Telegraphic Transfer" (or TT), specifying the amount in USD, the bank account that the funds and fee (often $20-30) will come from, and giving your bank our bank account details.
It may be wise to make an appointment for this transaction if this is not the main branch of your bank, or if you are short of time. Ask your bank if there will be additional fees such as those for an intermediary bank.
Depending on your bank this can be an easy process or it may take some time. For small amounts it might be quicker to pay by credit card.
Contact our agent to arrange that.
Includes and excludes
A Chessell Adventure strives to achieve a great experience for you the participant. That means we carefully tailor what's included in the cost of your adventure, and there is a comprehensive list of includes and excludes for each trip (search for your adventure here). Generally you will need to bring your own personal clothing and personal equipment - please consult the adventure's gear list - you may find that some of the items (back packs, climbing harnesses, mountaineering boots etc) are available to rent. Accommodation outside the trip dates and add-ons such as side trips can be arranged through our sales staff.
Those dates don't work for me... There aren't any adventures scheduled for when I want to go...
Please let us know if you like the look of a trip, but the dates just don't work for you. We may be able to schedule the trip on our website so others can join, arrange a special group departure for your group, or suggest a similar trip that might work for you.
What if I have to cancel?
What if I get sick or have an accident?
Despite the best precautions, people do sometimes fall ill, sprain something or develop symptoms of AMS. Our expedition leaders will manage your care keeping in mind what's best for you and the rest of the group. Our precautions include first aid qualifications and kits, emergency communications, evacuation plans, your travel insurance cover and our pre-preparation and medical advisors. We will help you contact your travel insurer if medical treatment evacuation or repatriation are required.
I've heard there is good rafting/safaris/diving. Can I do that?
Our agents can certainly arrange for you to visit one of Nepal's several national parks where you may be lucky enough to spot a tiger or leopard, bear or rhino from atop an elephant, on foot or in a jeep. You may also like to take a white water raft down one of the fabulous Himalayan rivers for a few hours or a few days. Or a mountain biking trip, a leisurely stay by lovely Lake Phewa in Pokhara (where, incidentally, you could fly with the eagles in a tandem paraglider), or have a guided tour of one of the Kathmandu Valley's ancient cities. There are adventures enough in Nepal to keep you busy for months! Our PNG operations base at the
Loloata Island Resort outside Port Moresby services 20-odd dive sites which rank among the worlds best - our agent can organise dive or snorkelling day trips, multi-day trips or even a PADI dive course. And of course our African base near Arusha is in the heart of East African safari country. Side trips or extras are often available through our options packs, but if you have something else in mind,
just ask.
My friend would like to visit, but isn't really interested in the trekking/climbing etc...
Your friend, spouse, family, colleagues may like to join you in our base city at the beginning or end of your trek. Our agent can easily arrange extra accommodation, and places on our day tours, but may also be able to arrange a series of day trips, a short relaxing trip into the country-side or an island, scenic flights above the Himalayas, wildlife safaris and so on. Your friend may also wish to trek with you but opt out of the climbing - easy!
Ask us for ideas, or suggest your own.