Questions to ask your tour operator

Posted by Paul Deegan on 28/03/2005

In order to decide which company is most likely to offer the service that you require, you might want to raise some of the following issues before parting with any cash.

Is the money that you pay held in a trust until your return, or is the company bonded to an organisation that protects your money? In the event that the company runs into financial difficulty - or should you make a claim for compensation - a bond or trust will increase the chance of a full or partial refund.

What training has the leader of your trip received? What relevant experience do they have? Do they speak your language or do you speak theirs? It is essential that leaders of trips above 25OOm have an understanding of the risks posed by altitude-related illnesses.

What arrangements (including communications) are in place for an evacuation of a client or member of staff in the event of an emergency? Will you be expected to pay up-front for a rescue, or will the operator liaise with your insurance company on your behalf?

Are all staff (including porters) adequately clothed, equipped and insured?

What is the minimum group size, and how soon before departure might the company cancel the trip if there are insufficient clients?

What is the maximum group size, and does the company guarantee that additional clients will not be attached to the party at the last minute?

Does the company feel that it has a responsibility to protect the environment? Do they have a written environmental policy? Do they adhere to it? Can you see a copy of it?

Can you visit the company's offices to discuss the trip with a member of staff before parting with any money?

Remember, reputable companies will always be happy to answer these and any other questions that you might have. Further information on good practice for tour operators is available from:

Tourism Concern
www.tourismconcern.org.uk

The International Porter Protection Group
www.ippg.net

This advice is taken from "The Mountain Travellers Handbook" by Paul Deegan, which contains essential advice for anyone travelling into the mountains outside of the UK, be they backpackers, trekkers or mountaineers.



« Back

Post a comment Print this article

This article has been read 1273 times

TAGS

Click on the tags to explore more

RELATED ARTICLES

UIAA mountain medicine advice sheets
0
UIAA mountain medicine advice sheets

The UIAA (the international body for mountaineering) has produced a definitive series of mountain medicine advice sheets. Read them all here.
Read more »

Britain's 8 best wildlife-spotting walks
0
Britain's 8 best wildlife-spotting walks

From rutting stags to leaping salmon, this is one of the best times of year to witness majestic natural sights amid beautiful autumnal colours. That gave us an idea, so here’s a calendar of easy family walks giving you the chance to spot the best British wildlife spectacles year round: breeding puffins to red squirrels, reindeer to sea eagles, otters to dolphins.
Read more »

5 reasons to go trekking in Europe
0
5 reasons to go trekking in Europe

From top tips for ultra-classics like the Tour du Mont Blanc, to insider secrets on lesser-known gems, five trekking leaders offer their favourite routes in Europe. If in any doubt of your ability, you know the score: hire a guide.
Read more »

Post a Comment

Posting as Anonymous Community Standards
3000 characters remaining
Submit
Your comment has been posted below, click here to view it
Comments are currently on | Turn off comments
0

There are currently no comments, why not add your own?

RELATED ARTICLES

UIAA mountain medicine advice sheets
0

The UIAA (the international body for mountaineering) has produced a definitive series of mountain medicine advice sheets. Read them all here.
Read more »

Britain's 8 best wildlife-spotting walks
0

From rutting stags to leaping salmon, this is one of the best times of year to witness majestic natural sights amid beautiful autumnal colours. That gave us an idea, so here’s a calendar of easy family walks giving you the chance to spot the best British wildlife spectacles year round: breeding puffins to red squirrels, reindeer to sea eagles, otters to dolphins.
Read more »

5 reasons to go trekking in Europe
0

From top tips for ultra-classics like the Tour du Mont Blanc, to insider secrets on lesser-known gems, five trekking leaders offer their favourite routes in Europe. If in any doubt of your ability, you know the score: hire a guide.
Read more »

BMC MEMBERSHIP
Join 82,000 BMC members and support British climbing, walking and mountaineering. Membership only £16.97.
Read more »
BMC SHOP
Great range of guidebooks, DVDs, books, calendars and maps.
All with discounts for members.
Read more »
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Get covered with BMC Insurance. Our five policies take you from the beach to Everest.
Read more »