FAQ

How can Bigtrip offer such competitive prices?

Bigtrips unique style of off the beaten track not only allows you to really experience a country, but it also enables us keep the costs down. We spend your money on the trip itself not big chain hotels and western restaurants and we don’t spend it on huge advertising campaigns and high street offices. We don’t include everything but we include the main highlights things other companies charge for locally.  Everybody is different so we leave many other activities as options to provide you the freedom and flexibility to choose what you want to do.

Do the trips include international airfares?

No. Please feel free to call us we will give you impartial advice on the best deals around and best places to find the cheapest flights and you can book with your preferred travel agent.

Are airport transfers included in the trip price/ how do I get to the hotel?

No there are no transfers included. Details are in the trip notes on getting from airport to the start hotel. Transfers are available but are expensive and unnecessary.

Do you arrange visas?

No but we can tell you were and how to get them it’s a straightforward process details in the individual trip notes. If you don’t have time to do it yourself you can use a travel agent or a visa processing company. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the country you are visiting.

Do I need any vaccinations for this trip?

You may need some more details are given on the individual trip notes .But you should always consult your own doctor to discuss any medications or vaccinations and get the most up to date travel health information.

How many people will be in my group?

Groups will be a maximum twelve on “traveller”trips and ten on “plus” trips

Who will the group members be?

People from all over the world and from many different walks of life with one thing in common, a desire to get off the beaten track and explore some amazing countries.

Are there any age restrictions?

As long as you’re over 18 everybody is more than welcome. There is no upper age limit you must be fit enough to do plenty of walking and carry your own bag up and down stairs. Anybody with a pre existing medical condition should fill out a medical questionnaire.

I am travelling by myself will there be a single supplement?

Trips do not have a single supplement unless stated. All trips are on a twin share basis so you will share with a Bigtrip passenger of the same sex.

Can I book accommodation before and after the tour?

In most cases you can book accommodation for you in the start and finishing hotel we use (subject to availability) so give us a call the earlier the better.

Is a full list of all the accommodation available?

We will give you the start and finish hotels of the tour well in advance of your departure date and a complete list of all the hotels on your trip will be given to you on the first day. Your group leader will be contactable 24 hours a day and if anybody needs to contact you we can be reached 0207 183 9015 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

What type of transport will we be using?

We will be mostly using public transport; it’s a great way to meet the locals when necessary private transport will be used. On” Plus” trips it will be nearly all private.

What will the toilets be like?

Most hotels have western style toilets. When we are further from major centers toilets can become more basic. Most hotels in Asia now have western style toilets .You will encounter squat style toilets in some hotels, houses and restaurants.

What type of luggage should I bring?

Backpacks are the most convenient and practical way. Suitcases can be difficult to carry up and down stairs. Wheels on the cobbled streets of Europe can also prove a challenge.

What should I bring?

There’s a detailed list in the individual trip notes. Remember travel is all about freedom and carrying 25 kilos on your back is no fun. I would try for 10 kilos or less it’s more than enough.

What currency will I need and how will I access my funds?

You will need the local currency of the country you are visiting. Money matters differ from country to country. You can use your ATM card to access funds nearly everywhere (Visa, Maestro, Cirrus, Master, American express) and you can change money on route, check the trip notes for more details.

What is the local payment?

All of our Bigtrips involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your trip price; this is paid in cash in the requested currency on day 1 to your group leader. Paying locally gives us a flow of funds into countries that we travel through and saves the expense of money transfers to keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. You cannot pay the local payment at any other time.

Is my payment financially secure?

Bigtrip are members of the Travel Trust Association and as such abide by a strict code of conduct to ensure customers get the best possible service. When you make your payment the funds are deposited into a Client Trust Account administered by the association. The money stays in this account until your trip has finished. This is so that in the unlikely event of Bigtrip going broke, your money is still safe and you receive a full refund.

Is tipping included and if not how much should I budget?

No tipping is not included in your trip price. How much you tip is entirely up to you there are guidelines in the individual trip notes.