Question 1

Are you a tour guide or group leader?

Accepted Answer

Not exactly! While I lead, plan, and execute each adventure, these are my personal bucket list experiences that I share with others. I handle logistics and planning so you can relax and enjoy, but I’m also participating alongside you. Think of me as a group leader rather than a traditional tour guide.

Question 2

UM WHAT IS GROUP TRAVEL AND WILL I HAVE ME TIME?

Accepted Answer

Well , the purpose of group travel is to connect to like minded people.  There is a mix of people ages 21 and up who will join in these adventures. We will have some trips with travelers who are 18.   You will be amazed at the power of the human connection.  Many that come are solo travelers who may not have friends or family who like to travel. Many like the affordability and the practicality that comes when someone (me) plans an awesome trip for a fraction of the cost and all you have to do is show up.  Most trips will be small sizes of no more than 14 people.

You will NOT be stuck with the group the whole time. When your join my adventures the itinerary is set with built in room for flexibility. At each location there will be time limits given so people can branch off by themselves or in small groups.  Some nights we will have group dinners and others will be free for all.  I try to build in down time for self exploration but that depends on the trip.

I truly understand the need to have space but also connect with people.

Question 3

GETTING THERE

Accepted Answer

Depending on the trip two options are available:

Group Airfare

Wanderlust Explorations will handle the booking and contracting of all airfare tickets if you want to fly with me. This would be as a business contract or as a group leader purchasing for smaller groups to ensure all travelers are flying together.  All tickets are digital, meaning travelers will get their boarding passes at the time of airport check in (onsite).  All seats are booked in economy standard seating. Seat upgrades may be available at the time of check in for an additional fee.  Typically we fly out of Dulles near Washington D.C, but also surrounding airports including but not limited to Baltimore, Richmond, Newport News, or Norfolk.  Depending on the general location of travelers, flight patterns, and overall cost is how the airport location is determined.  All airline ticket pricing is included in the package which allows the ability to finance the ticket price as most airline tickets cost about 30-50% of a group trip total. There is typically a group minimum to get the best deals. BUT you do not have to worry about any hassle to get there and back that is all handled for you.

If at any time the trip drops below the minimum for airline tickets communication will be sent and the trip reverts to book your own.

Book Your Own

When selecting this option, it is the responsibility of the traveler to arrive at the trip meeting point at the date and time required for the beginning of the excursion.  
Wanderlust-Explorations will not delay the trip if a traveler does not arrive at the departure point on time.  With this option there may be additional costs such as overnight stays and transportation that is the responsibility of the traveler. Do not book your tickets until you are communicated with the trip flight times so I can provide you the when and where.  (I am not able to book flights until the airlines open up those dates) Booking your own flights may include some additional fees such as lodging and transportation while you wait for the group.

Question 4

WHERE WILL I FIND ALL OF MY TRIP INFORMATION ?

Accepted Answer

This will be in several places.

On the main trip page on Wanderlust-Explorations.com  there will be a general overview of all the information you need to be able to book the adventure. Please fully read everything as my style of travel and planning may not be your cup of tea
Once you are registered there will be a private password protected resource page that will have a storage of all emails, itinerary's, and anything related to the trip.  This is typically sent 30 days out 
Via Email: all travelers will be emailed frequently up until the trip date key information, videos, suggestions, and more in order to help them be fully prepared for their selected adventure.

Question 5

ACTIVITY/FITNESS RATINGS

Accepted Answer

#5 OMG! I need oxygen. WTF my legs are like rubber. What was I thinking?
#4 I don't think I am going to make it. I may need Bengay and a hot bath tonight. 
#3 Out of breath (I am being dramatic). I may need to take up more spin classes when I am back. Hey at least I am getting my steps in. 
#2 I will sleep good tonight
#1 Just got to put my shoes on. get up and go

Question 6

CAN I MAKE ANY CHANGES TO MY GROUP ITINERARY BEFORE OR DURING THE TRIP?

Accepted Answer

Please make sure you are read through your trip page before booking because  I cannot change something for one traveler.  While an itinerary is flexible and may need to be tweaked based on weather or environmental factors, I cannot add things after the fact.  There are a lot of things to take into consideration of any trip such has human factor, weather, environment, and unplanned situations.  While I appreciate suggestions of things to add to a trip I am unable to do so. I want to ensure that our time isn't rushed and I am able to deliver what I already promised.

You do have designated down time where you are free to explore.  When you have your own down time you are responsible for any of your arrangements and travel. Wanderlust Explorations will not be able to taxi travelers to personal excursions on down time.  This is the perfect time to do research and see what you want to do.

But if you and a group of friends or family want to have an awesome trip where you call the shots but simply do not want to do the logistics and plan it, I am happy to set up your own private trip with or without a trip leader.  Just let me know.

Question 7

WILL YOU DO A TRIP MORE THAN ONCE?

Accepted Answer

Sorry you are stuck hanging with me for awhile. Right now I am a small business and my love of travel  means my list is too big  that I will be doing all the trips for the near future.  Down the road ,  I am sure I will grow, teach, and train others to rock these trips like me, but for now each trip is unique.  I am living my dreams through taking each of  you on these trips. I am planning my own bucket list adventures and inviting you to join.  I am not ready to duplicate my awesomeness yet.

Question 8

HOW DO YOU PICK YOUR VENDORS, LODGINGS, AND MORE?

Accepted Answer

There is a lot of planning that goes into every trip. I would say about 80 hours before I even post a trip page. If anyone ever saw the amount of behind the scenes I do and how much research and planning I put in, I am sure you would be overwhelmed. LOL.   Will there be times I plan something and we get there and its a dud? Absolutely.  That is why I focus on the overall experience of the trip and not get hung up on the small things.

I believe in the power of connection. As a photographer I have connected with a lot of people around the world. I use my little black book of connections to help find the right people to work with.  I also have to use my intuition to ensure that I am picking the people that will fit my ideas and expectations for each trip.   I personally connect with, chat with, skype with, and more any vendor or guide I work with.  Sometimes I will not be driving the vehicles because trust me I know when to trust a local.   This part of the planning process is part of the integrity I have of myself to support local businesses.  I believe I have to feel that connection in order to work with someone.  I work off references and while it may take a lot more leg work to plan, this practice means I am not a cookie cutter organizer.  I know a trip will never be perfect and something will always go wrong, but when I am planning a trip for others I want to make sure I plan a trip I can enjoy and will be proud of.

Lodgings are typical local to the culture and emphasize the area that we are in. This may mean in Europe you have to walk up the stairs with your bags.  I will not book lodgings to accommodate 5 star amenities. I believe in building the experience from the ground up.

Most of my trips are outdoors and do not follow traditional tourist trap destinations.  Sunrise and sunset is quite frequent on these trips because I find the most ideal times of the day to avoid as many tourists and others as possible so our group can enjoy the experience.

Question 9

WHAT DOES UN RECOVERABLE EXPENSES AND NON REFUNDABLE BOOKING DEPOSITS MEAN?

Accepted Answer

Unrecoverable expenses

Many times when booking things for groups,  payments to venders are not always refundable.  As I have learned in 2020, many local vendors I work with cannot afford to return money when deposits are the overhead they work with.  While I will work to keep the unrecoverable costs down to your non-refundable deposits, this may not always be the case.  Each trip has a cancellation policy based on that trip.  Travel is a risk and my goal is to minimize any large financial losses to you.  As I learned in 2020 it is very difficult to reschedule a trip because it impacts that year's schedule, and I had to personally watch some of my close networks close their business for good.  With airlines, please note on group travel,  I do have to be at the mercy of the airline and a portion of your trip may be added to the unrecoverable costs.

Non-refundable deposits and cancellation fees.

When you book the deposits now retain Wanderlust Explorations services.  Not only do you take a spot on the trip list but items like lodging etc. depend on the traveler and there is a lot of planning to do once each traveler registers.   Time is valuable and while it is a conception that you can just fill my spot if I cancel, there is an impact to redo a trip spot for another traveler and costs are incurred to change arrangements.  Again time is valuable and a lot of work goes behind the scenes on the part of Wanderlust Explorations.  This is a small price to pay for the experience provided.  Please read the cancellation policies of the trip before registering.

Question 10

IS THERE CELL PHONE SERVICE AND WI-FI?

Accepted Answer

We all know that there maybe someone you may need to contact at home or things to take care of while you are away. Please make sure you contact your cell phone provider to ensure you have the necessary international plan for calls and data.  While we do our best to get Wi-Fi at our locations it may not always be feasible.  Expect to be off the grid with texting being your best friend. (international calling isn't cheap)  Remember traveling is a good time to unplug but make sure you have responsible communication practices for your friends and family at home.

Each trip will have email communication regarding cell phones and wi-fi once the trip is finalized and we know what providers work in the areas we will be in.

Question 11

WHAT IS TRAVELER RESPONSIBILITY?

Accepted Answer

As a traveler there are many things you need to do for yourself. Some of these include researching clothing options, making sure your travel paperwork is up to date as well as any physicals or shots needed for travel.  Unless you are a preferred member (check out our membership page) you will need to research the adaptors to use because if you don't your cell phone won't charge and you can't use a hairdryer.

Once a trip is posted, most places do not provide communication after that until trip date. Wanderlust Explorations is different. I provide emails, suggestions, and more but as a business I cannot provide everything. Resources I share have to be verified and informative as it will directly reflect on my business.  Travelers will have to do extra research regarding their trip and what directly impacts them.

Wanderlust Explorations provides a lot of information in a variety of places to ensure travelers are ready for their adventure.  There is a trip page with facts, payment schedules, itineraries and more that you can visit anytime.   I also send out supporting emails so please don't delete them.

Please understand there are things related to health and safety, vaccinations, and more that I cannot make recommendations on due to legal reasons and will only provide the proper websites. You will have to ensure you are able to meet travel requirements on your own.

Make sure you pack what you need. It is not always available or accessible to replace your forgotten items meaning Wanderlust Explorations cannot make special trips once we are onsite to ensure travelers are prepared as it impacts the rest of the group.

Have a fun attitude. If you go in expecting everything to be perfect you will be highly disappointed.  Wanderlust Explorations will strive for the best of the best but we have to be flexible. I may hope for sun and it rains. You may break your shoes and walk in flip flops (I have done this), you may have a room mate who snores (but I will give you ear plugs) but in all honesty when things go wrong  it adds to experience.  The biggest thing is have an open mind, try new things, and live life.

ALSO: If you do not read your emails, the trip page, watch the videos, and more then you aren't doing your responsibility as a traveler and you cannot blame anyone for being uninformed.   I promise you will have all you need if you read things.

Question 12

WHAT HAPPENS WITH TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS?

Accepted Answer

Travel restrictions change every day.  Traveler responsibility is to ensure you are able and willing to meet those guidelines.  This could include vaccinations, testing, passport guidelines, and more.   These extra requirements will not be covered by Wanderlust Explorations and there will be no refunds is a traveler is unable to meet/produce what is needed for the trip.

Question 13

What are the payment options and policies?

Accepted Answer

We accept Venmo, check/money order, PayPal, and credit card payments (with a service fee of up to 4%). After registering, you'll receive a welcome email with payment details. You can pay more than the scheduled amount or pay off your balance anytime. Late payments incur a $50 penalty fee, and non-communication may lead to cancellation with a fee. Please reach out if you anticipate delays.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS