Travel with confidence

Our protocols are guided by the WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council), UNWTO (World Tourism Organisation), the European Commission and local government regulations and include personal protection, extensive disinfecting and social distancing measures.

So when you travel with us you can be confident that we are doing everything possible to keep you safe. Read on to find out more about the steps we're taking to do this.

This page is a summary of the steps we are taking. Download the safety guidelines we've provided to our staff for a more detailed breakdown of the measures we've put in place.

Download our safety guidelines

General guidelines

• Given the ever-changing nature of local rules and protocols relating to COVID-19, our itineraries are under regular review and will be tweaked according to local requirements to ensure a safe experience. Should any major change be required, we will inform you prior to departure.

• Our Explore leaders will make judgement calls during the trip to modify the itinerary if appropriate social distancing can’t be achieved (for example to avoid a large crowds).

• Our Explore leaders will undergo detailed training on COVID-19 protocols and leading our trips in the ‘new normal’.

• Our Explore leaders will brief you on arrival on the usage of face masks and social distancing during the trip, based on local government guidelines.

• Only restaurants with strict protocols that comply to local requirements for food hygiene and social distancing will be used. We will encourage outdoor eating spaces where possible.

• All our staff and third party suppliers will continually be updated on any new health and safety protocols.

Transport

• Our drivers will follow local protocols on the usage of face masks and required social distancing.

• Our drivers will make alcohol-based hand sanitizer and paper tissues available in the vehicle and encourage customers to clean hands when they get into the vehicle.

• All relevant touch points (seats, door handles, etc.) in vehicles will be disinfected regularly throughout the day.

Accommodation

• Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines.

• We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.

If you become unwell

• All Explore leaders are trained to support any customer who becomes ill during a trip.

• Explore has a country-specific response plan in place to enable us to coordinate the most appropriate medical support and local assistance in the event of a suspected COVID-19 case within the group.

• Explore leaders are supported by our 24/7 UK based operational team and local in-country partners.

Our recommendations for you

• You should take your own face masks (minimum x2 reusable) and alcohol based hand sanitizer. Even if not required in your travel destination face masks are necessary for your flight there, and local rules can change.

• You should check with airline on their individual COVID-19 requirements before departure.

• You should carry your final documents on you as some airlines and arrival airports are requesting that you fill in a ‘passenger locator declaration’ which will require you to fill in your overnight hotel stops.

• Check your travel insurance cover carefully – not all polices provide cover for medical and cancellation claims related to COVID-19. Campbell Irvine are able to offer a policy which does cover for medical and cancellation claims.

Pre-departure information by country

Check our important pre-departure information, including current COVID-19 testing requirements and pre-arrival health questionnaires, for each country.

Whilst we strive to update this on a regular basis we recommend you also check the FCDO website for up to the minute latest advice on entry requirements in this fast evolving situation. Information can change at any time.

Many countries have introduced a requirement to carry proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within a defined timescale on arrival. The defined timescale is for when the sample was taken, not from the date on which the result was delivered. We strongly advise you also check the necessary time scales and that you check with the relevant Embassy travel advice that the test you decide on meets their entry requirements.

There are several private and local testing facilities available, please note fees can vary.

In the UK, our recommended service is Diamond Air based at London Heathrow, who are currently providing a fast-track service under 24 hours. Other regional centres are also available including Boots, Lloyds pharmacy and Nomad clinics.
The FCDO advice is stating that tests for travel must not be done on the NHS and that you should find a private Covid testing facility.

Check COVID-19 entry requirements

✓ Book with confidence

As well as being confident in travelling with us, you can be confident in booking with us.

Discover our flexible booking conditions, including our new COVID-19 refund promise.

Find out more