To secure a booking we require a non-refundable deposit of 10% of the tour price. Occasionally, a higher deposit is required but you will be advised about this at the time of booking. If your travel starts within 70 days of booking, full payment will be required when your booking is confirmed by us. If you book online you will have the option to pay only the deposit right up to departure, and we will call you to pay the remainder.
Our tours fill up quickly, so to guarantee your choice of tour and departure date it is best to book as early as possible.
Flexible deposits
If anything comes up that prevents you travelling, such as a work commitment or family event, you have the flexibility to switch your booking to a different tour or a different date, with no financial penalty. Even if you just change your mind and decide you’d prefer to travel at a different time or to a different destination, you can do so. Just let us know and we’ll issue you a credit voucher for 100% of your deposit payment, which can be redeemed against another booking.
Which tours can I transfer my deposit to?
You can transfer your deposit to any Explore small group tour, as long as it is booked within one year of the transfer date. The tour you switch to can be higher or lower value than the original booking – we will simply adjust your deposit to the new amount. Please note you are not able to transfer off a tour in order to re-book the same departure at a lower promotional price.
Can I transfer my deposit to a friend or another member of my family?
Yes, we can arrange this for you. As long as the credit voucher is redeemed within a year of issue it can be used by anyone.
Are there any exceptions to this policy?
The policy applies only on Explore small-group tours. Polar Voyages are excluded. The flexible deposit policy applies only up to your balance due date, and excludes any non-refundable services. These are services that Explore pays for in advance and cannot be recovered – eg. Inca Trail permits, flights booked with low-cost airlines such as Easyjet or any non-flexible flights.
A final invoice will be sent to you ten weeks before departure. This must be paid no later than your balance due date. For trips confirmed up to 31 December 2022 this will be 60 days before departure. For trips booked from 1 January 2023 onwards this will be 70 days before departure.