FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How long has your company been in existence?
Backwoods has been involved in the outdoor industry for over 35 years owning retail stores and offering adventure travel. In April 2004 Jennifer Mull, CEO of Backwoods and a lifelong adventurer, founded Backwoods Adventures.

 

Q2: Tell me about your guides?
We choose our guides and local operators based on their level of commitment to excellence, knowledge and experience in their specific region. All of our guides and local operators have met the Backwoods Adventures requirements to become affiliated with our company. We have personally witnessed their capabilities and can attest to their excellence. We use the best people possible and work with experienced and professional local guides and operators on all trips.

 

Q3: Why don't I just go straight to an outfitter in that country or state?
Backwoods Adventures is dedicated to assisting you with your trip from the moment you leave your front door to the moment you step back inside - whether it is 3 days or 3 weeks later. We will arrange transportation and lodging, be responsible for all permits and special travel requirements, provide you with equipment/gear lists, assist you in your physical preparation for the trip (should there be any required), and most importantly - take care of any issues that may arise during your adventure. Going directly to an outfitter requires a lot more effort on your part and a “guess” on the level of service you will receive. We are known for customer service and you'll experience it each and every day before and during your trip.

 

Q4: What is the group size for the trip?
We try our best to keep our group sizes small, but not too small. We know the right number of people for the right trip so we limit the numbers in the group according to the needs and demands of the specific adventure.

 

Q5: Why should I NOT search for an adventure trip based on price?
If embarking on an adventure, you want to be sure you have a great time. You want to feel confident that you are going to come back having had "the best time of your life". If you search only based on price, often the arrangements and organization of the trip will not meet your standards. Is the company conscious of safety, how are the accommodations, what is the food like, are the guides well trained, have all the permits been taken care of, does all-inclusive really end up being all-inclusive? These are just some of the questions that are often answered NO when low price is the number one focus. In our experience you most often get what you pay for and the money saved is often not worth it in the end.

With each trip offered we research the marketplace, and price our trips competitively based on what we offer. Our goal is to provide a fairly priced experience with all charges included (no hidden costs) so that you know when you come with us the cost of the trip won't change. We also take on the burden of planning the entire trip, including booking airfares. Many other companies charge you a (seemingly) lower land cost, but you have to arrange your own airline ticket, pay for airport taxes, transfers, hotels, departure taxes, etc., etc., all which can add up quickly not actually saving any money in the end. Pack your desire and leave your wallet at home!

 

Q6: I worry about traveling in a organized "group" trip. Should I?
Traveling with a group of people allows you freedoms and affords you opportunities to do things you would not have on your own or in a smaller group. We receive many calls from people who got a group of friends excited about a trip only to find out they were doing all the research and the work and that their friends dropped out at the last minute. If you book with us - we are going! And, we'll have enough guides, support staff, and people along so that if your buddy gets sick along the way or suddenly can't go, your adventure is still on.

You will have the opportunity to spend time with a wide variety of interesting people from all walks of life, share a meal, walk on a trail or ascend a peak together…..what a great way to meet new friends.

 

Q7: What is the general profile of your clients?
A typical Backwoods Adventurer is someone who is value driven not price driven, they want to be treated with respect and consideration, and they expect to receive service that is honest and sincere. They want to explore their world, have fun, and seek adventure. They are men, women, sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, grandfathers, grandmothers, elite athletes and people who are just embarking on their first adventure.

 

Q8: What is included in the price and what additional expenses should I expect?
We package each trip with virtually everything included so that you can make an informed decision on what the trip will cost you and that there are no "surprises". All costs of the trip are included except optional costs.

 

Q9: What are the food arrangements?
Our goal is to continually bring a smile to your face. In some countries we are limited and so as often as possible we bring in additional "Western" fare when necessary. The food arrangements do depend on the trip but our goal is to always be looking for ways we can surprise you with great, nutritious meals that you enjoy. Please contact us if you have specific dietary needs so we can discuss this with you.

 

Q10: What types of accommodations are provided?
Our accommodations will vary based on our location. However, all hotels are among the highest rated in the country both for location and amenities. We strive to deliver high quality and unique experiences in the country we are visiting. If your adventure includes a trek, we will be staying in spacious 4-person tents or in rustic lodges in the villages along the trail. All accommodations are on a twin sharing basis, unless otherwise arranged.

 

Q11: Do you provide clothing and equipment lists?
Yes, we provide you with a Backwoods Adventures gear list! Online - just go to the trip you are interested in, click on the gear list, and a list will appear that includes everything you will need for that particular trip.

 

Q12: How do you rate the ability level needed for your trips?
We are very protective of YOU! We want you to have a fantastic experience and that means that all the people on your adventure need to know what they should expect and if they are up to the challenge. We do not want to have people going on adventures for which they are not ready, not fit enough, not experienced enough, or not prepared enough. We will be very clear on all the trips about the skills and fitness level necessary to have a successful, fun trip!

 

Q13: What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Due to the amount of work for each trip Backwoods Adventures requires a pre-trip deposit, portions of which are non-refundable

Here is our policy:
*Domestic deposits, regardless of amount, include a $150.00 non-refundable registration fee.
* International deposits, regardless of amount, include a $350.00 non-refundable registration fee.
* All trip balances are due 90 days prior to departure date unless otherwise specified.

We also highly recommend travel insurance which allows you to get a refund on the cost of your trip if you need to cancel for emergency purposes.

 

Q14: Do you have any references I can contact about your company or this trip?
We certainly do. We have a list of people you can contact via email or phone to ask them about their experiences with us. Please contact us to receive this list. You can also check testimonies from past clients on our website.

 

Q15: If you could describe the "feel" and essence of your trips in a few words, what would you say?
We take care of the details and trip logistics so that you can relax and have a great time on the adventures you've always wanted. Our goal is to take the stress and worry out of adventure travel. We love traveling with friends and so design each trip as if it were our own vacation or dream trip. Explore the world with us and begin to enjoy all that it has to offer!

 

Q16: What kind of shape do I need to be in? What kind of physical condition do I need to arrive in? Is there a workout routine you suggest?
We will help people with training programs to prepare them for specific trips.

Our trips are graded in the following way:
Level 1: requires no particular fitness level and no special skills, and there is the option to just hang-out!
Level 2: requires a moderate fitness level, for example: 2-6 hours of hiking reaching possible altitudes of 8,000-12,000ft.
Level 3: requires a high level of fitness such as 6-8 hours of physical exertion reaching possible altitudes of 12,000 to 20,000ft.

 

Q17: Can you help me get my passport expedited?
We can direct you to services that will handle this for you.

 

Q18: Is there someone I can talk to about the trip?
Absolutely! You can call our adventure travel division office – 316.200.5780, or email us at: info@backwoodsadventures.com.

 

Q19: Do I need to purchase all the gear or can I rent some?
For many trips gear is supplied, i.e. tents, however most trips require you to buy or rent(if you choose) gear in the U.S.

 

Q20: Can I meet some of the people who have signed up?
Once you have made a deposit payment for the trip of your choice you will be invited to monthly conference calls prior to the trip’s departure. All trip members are encouraged to attend the calls, get to know the other Backwoods Adventures team members and hear suggestions and planning tips for your trip leader.

 

Q21: What is the medical backup?
We carry fully stocked first-aid kits on all trips and have an emergency contingency plan in place for all trips. We also highly recommend travel insurance which allows you to get medical expenses reimbursed should that be necessary. All Backwoods Adventures trip leaders have Wilderness First Responder training or the equivalent.

 

Q22: Will there be a satellite phone?
Yes.

 

Q23: How long will it take me to get used to the altitude?
It depends on you and your body. ALL trips are designed to allow everyone in the group to adjust to the altitude and achieve the objectives of the trip. We are conservative in this regard and our schedules are planned carefully to allow people to adjust to the altitude. However, nobody knows how an individual will adjust to the altitude. We brief people before the trip on what they can do to prepare physically for the trip they are going on and what they can do during the trip to maximize their chances for success.

 

Q24: What is the political stability of the region?
It depends on the region/trip. We are in constant contact with our outfitters in each destination weekly and even daily before a trip and would make a decision on a particular trip right up until the day before we leave if necessary. We also highly recommend travel insurance which allows you to get a refund on the cost of your trip if you need to cancel for emergency purposes or if the outfitter (or Backwoods Adventures) cancels the trip for any reason, or in some cases if the US government issues a warning not to travel to that country after you purchased your trip.

 

Q25: Do I have to carry my own luggage and gear?
Many of the Backwoods Adventures trips are fully supported and gear will be transferred by the trip leaders. Unless otherwise specified in the trip details, you will only be required to carry packed lunch, water, and personal gear and clothing for each day’s events.

Q26: Are children allowed on Backwoods Adventures trips?
In general, participation of children under 18 years old is discouraged; however Backwoods Adventures will consider younger participants based on an individual trip basis. Q27: If I choose to travel alone will you find me a roommate or will I be subject to additional charges? Yes, we will find you a roommate for the duration of the trip. Should you travel alone and no roommates are available you will not be subject to additional charges. If you wish to have your own accommodations a single supplement fee will apply.

Q28: How far in advance should I sign up for a trip?
We encourage you to sign up as far in advance as possible so you can begin preparations for your upcoming adventure. Anyone who signs up within 90 days of departure will be subject to additional charges based on increased outfitter and airfare fees. Those choosing to sign up within 90 days must pay in full at that time.

Q29: How can I reach Backwoods Adventures?
You can reach Backwoods Adventures by phone at 316.200.5780 or by email info@backwoodsadventures.com or online at www.backwoodsadventures.com