Joining Your Tour


Sometimes it just makes more sense to book an Explore tour on a 'Land Only' basis (i.e. making your own way there and joining your group abroad) and in fact every Explore itinerary is available on a 'Land Only' basis.

Perhaps you're creating your own round-the-world itinerary, or have your own flights arranged, or are residing outside of the UK. Whatever the reason, our 'Land Only' itineraries offer all the benefits of an Explore itinerary, just without the international flights from the UK to/from the tour.

Please note, however, that you must join the tour on the specified day and time - this is normally the first hotel on your itinerary.

We recommend that you only purchase flights (or train/bus tickets) that are totally flexible and refundable. Due to the nature of adventure holidays, days of operation and itineraries can change. It is important that all customers are able to amend their connecting travel arrangements should the need arise. Also in the event of a tour being cancelled (for whatever reason), it is important that customers are able to get refunds if they no longer wish to use the flights, bus or train.

Here are a few pointers to help you.

Your joining instructions

Rhino charging, Namibia

White Rhino, Namibia

Special comprehensive joining instructions, including the name and address of your hotel/joining point, will be sent with your final travel documents (the joining instructions).

Occasionally, joining instructions may change. We therefore ask 'Land Only' customers to contact their travel agent or Explore one week prior to the start date of the tour, to verify that no changes have occurred.

On arrival at the destination

Stalking his prey

Leopard skyline

On arrival at the joining city/airport, you are required to make your own way (at your own cost) to the joining point/hotel on the appointed day as specified in your joining instructions.

A taxi is normally the most convenient mode of travel (approximate costs will be quoted on your joining instructions). For certain destinations, Explore can arrange individual pre-paid transfers. Please note, however, that this may well be more expensive than simply catching a taxi locally. Ask us or your agent for details of destinations where this service can be offered.

If you are making your own flight arrangements, please advise your travel agent or Explore of your expected arrival time at the airport.

When the joining point is a hotel, please note the following additional points:

  • If checking-in, advise the hotel reception staff that you are joining an Explore group and also mention the local agent in whose name your reservation may be held.
  • If travelling solo, ask the hotel staff to check the Explore rooming list to see with whom you are sharing. If not, you may be charged the regular public rates as opposed to the special group rates negotiated by Explore.
  • You can normally check-in from 12.00 noon on Day 1 of the tour (please refer to the information contained in the joining instructions).
  • Check the hotel noticeboard for any information that may have been posted up by your Tour Leader.
  • Contact the Tour Leader at the hotel at your earliest opportunity.

Local payment

Should a 'Local Payment' apply to a tour, this is paid directly (if applicable) to the Tour Leader on arrival at the joining point of the tour (and not to Explore or the travel agent you made the booking with). The payment must be in cash or Traveller's Cheques and in the currency specified in our brochure and website.

Meeting the Tour Leader

The time that you should rendezvous with your Tour Leader is shown on the joining instructions.

In case of delay or difficulty

Should your flight be delayed, or if you are unable to meet your Tour Leader at the appointed time for any reason, you must immediately contact the local agent, who will pass a message to the Explore Tour Leader. They will assist in making any new arrangements necessary for you to join the group.

In case of emergency, or if you are unable to make contact with the local agent, then you must contact the 24 hour Explore Duty Operations Manager whose number will be supplied with your final tour documentation.