Adventure Safely on an Explore Tour

To give guests confidence that they can book future travel confidently and travel safely when the time is right, Explore’s post COVID protocols are guided by the WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council), UNWTO (World Tourism Organisation), the European Commission and local government regulations. Their protocols include personal protection, extensive disinfecting and social distancing measures.

So when you travel with Explore you can be assured that they are doing everything possible to keep you safe. Read on to find out more about the steps they are taking to ensure you can enjoy your trip and travel with confidence.

General guidelines

Given the ever changing nature of local rules and protocols relating to COVID-19, Explore’s itineraries are under regular review and will be tweaked according to local requirements to ensure a safe experience. Should any major change be required, you will be informed prior to departure.

Explore leaders, trained on COVID-19 protocols and travelling in the ‘new normal’ will make judgement calls during the trip to modify the itinerary if appropriate social distancing can’t be achieved (for example to avoid a large crowds).

In fact, all Explore’s staff and third party suppliers will continually be updated on any new health and safety protocols. You will be briefed on arrival on the usage of face masks and social distancing during the trip, based on local government guidelines.

On tour you will eat only in restaurants with strict protocols that comply to local requirements for food hygiene and social distancing will be used and where possible will eat in outdoor eating spaces.

Transport

Explore’s drivers will follow local protocols on the usage of face masks and required social distancing. Alcohol-based hand sanitiser and paper tissues available in the vehicle and all guests will be encouraged to clean their hands when they get into the vehicle.

Plus, all relevant touch points (seats, door handles, etc.) in vehicles will be disinfected regularly throughout the day.

Accommodation

Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. Local teams will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.

If you become unwell

All Explore leaders are trained to support any customer who becomes ill during a trip. Explore has a country-specific response plan in place to enable coordination of the most appropriate medical support and local assistance in the event of a suspected COVID-19 case within the group. Explore leaders are supported by our 24/7 UK based operational team and local in-country partners.

Recommendations for Your Trip

Explore recommend you should take your own face masks (minimum x2 reusable) and alcohol based hand sanitiser. Even if not required in your travel destination face masks are necessary for your flight there, and local rules can change.

Before you leave, check with the airline on their individual COVID-19 requirements so you are ready with these before you depart for the airport. You should carry your final documents on you in your hand luggage as some airlines and arrival airports are requesting that you fill in a ‘passenger locator declaration’ which will require you to fill in your overnight hotel stops.

It is important that you check your travel insurance cover carefully – not all polices provide cover for medical and cancellation claims related to COVID-19.

Ensure you download Explore’s important pre-departure information, including current COVID-19 testing requirements and pre arrival health questionnaires, for each country.

Also, keep up to date with the latest information on government travel websites such as smart traveller as well as the World Health Organisation so you are informed with the most up to date information.

Explore have the steps in place to ensure you can confidently plan your next adventure and travel safely in each destination they will take you to.