Expedition FAQs
Will any one meet me at the airport?
Generally our participants make their own way to the hotel as we pick well known hotels at the starting cities and we always give plenty of instructions and estimated time and cost for your reference. If a large group is arriving together then we can arrange a mini bus for airport pick-up or our trucks, to the hotel at our costs.
Does your company have insurance and if so what does it cover?
You will be covered in the country you are touring for 3rd Party Public Liability, Hospitalisation Costs, and Repatriation costs to your home country.
Will I need visa to travel to those countries?
Yes, more than likely. We have a “Visa” section under “Need to Know” which will help point you in the right direction to learn if your citizenship needs visas to enter the countries you desire to travel in with us.
I have a criminal record. Is it still possible to travel to those countries?
Each country has its rules and regulations so it really depends on what the crime was you committed and when. It is best to contact the embassies of the countries you wish to travel in before you precede with any travel plans.
What will happen if I am refused entry into a country at a border?
We will try our utmost to resolve the problem there and then in the best way possible without putting the expedition in jeopardy. If this fails, then we have to refer to a higher authority at the country’s capital city. If all still fails, then flying pass the country that refused your entry would be the next appropriate option. With all the required visas formalities for the countries we visit and with our behind the scenes diplomatic liaising with Embassies and Foreign Missions prior to our arrival, this situation has never happened before.
I have need for a special diet. Will this be a problem?
As in all groups it is very difficult to cater for everyone’s preferences, however food is very important, as we all know “You can not march an army on an empty stomach”. So we always try our very best to give varied options at every meal time which includes, where possible, a vegetarian option. However for lunches we eat wherever we find a places that looks like it sells food and for this it is an adventure for food! For those who are religious who need Halal or Kosher, for example, then this can be tough when not in countries who adopt these religions. Please be very prepared for this. You can see more in our “Food” section under “Need to know”. For those who have allergic reactions to foods, you must state this in your booking form and inform the expedition leader before the expedition. Please also prepare for this with appropriate medicines and let your travelling companion and expedition leader know where these medicines are kept.
Do I need any vaccinations?
Depending on the region of the world, you will be advised accordingly. See our Healthcare section.
I have a medical condition. Can I still come?
This all depends on the medical condition. We require a Medical record from your doctor and you will need to bring your own specific medicines. Please state all these in the booking form and contact us for specific answers to this questions in this matter. Generally you will need to be in good health. Please see health care for more details.
Are there any doctors on the expedition with us?
On most expeditions we have. It also depends on the region of the world we are going to.
Do I need to bring a first aid kit?
You only need to bring your personal first aid kit for minor cuts, bruises, sprains, insect repellent, headache, plasters, etc.
Some people would say I am a senior citizen. Am I too old to travel on expedition?
If you are young at heart and your Spirit of Adventure is burning brightly then you are instantly in the league of the unique form of travel. Our oldest participant was 77 years old and after a long day’s drive and all of us were crawling to our beds, he was in the hotel gym working on a set of muscles that driving doesn’t work on! A lot of it is state of mind but you do have to have a reasonable level of fitness. This does not mean you have to be fit enough to do bungee jumping off bridges in Zambia over looking the Victoria falls (2008 Trans-Africa Expedition) but being strong enough to cheer them on is good enough!
What sort of level of accommodation will I expect on the expedition?
We always select a wide range of accommodation to give you a flavour of the region but in major cities we tend to use 4 - 5 star centrally located hotels, particularly at starting points as participants flying in can ask the airport taxi drivers who know where they all are. We also try to find unique and home style accommodation, some being out the way is not an issue as our trusty vehicles can get to these locations with easy.
Will I be sharing a room with anyone?
We always pair people up to sleep in twin rooms during the expedition.
Is it possible to have a single room?
Yes but this will be at an extra cost and must be made known to us before booking.
I will bring my partner, is it possible to have a matrimonial bed at each overnight stop?
Although we can not guarantee every accommodation we stay in will have a matrimonial bed we will try our utmost to satisfy your requirements. If you let us know in advance a particular location you wish to have this then this will increase the probability.
Will there be any camping?
Some expeditions have camping and some don’t. If there is camping then we will let you all know well in advance so you can prepare the necessary equipment.
What will the weather be like?
We will inform all participants on what to expect in the locations we go to but please note that we strongly advise to do your own personal research.
What will I need to pack?
Please refer to our “Need to Know” section under “Equipment” however most of this is common sense once research has been done on the terrain and environments that we’ll be travel through. We will provide this information but strongly recommend that you do your own independent research.
Do I need to bring any weapons with me, like knifes and guns?
As funny as this sounds people have actually asked this. In short NO, however bringing a good working knife would be advantageous but just remember to pack it in your check in luggage while transiting in air! (see our “Equipment” list in “Need to Know”)
Will I need to attend any official functions?
Some times we have an official “flag off” or “reception” from people such as Diplomats and City Mayors. We encourage our participants to be involved but this is purely a personal choice.
What sort of attractions am I expected to see?
Mind blowing, out of this world attractions! The best the location can offer.
Is it possible to not attend to some of the attractions on the itinerary and do my own thing?
It is important we keep the group intact for as much as possible for logistical and safety reasons however should a participant really not want to see the wonderful attractions we have planned for them then the expedition leader must know where you will be and be able to contact you at any given moment.
I can only speak my country’s language. Will this be a problem?
Going to another country and not being able to speak or understand the language is all part of the adventure. There are of course many advantages to being able to speak the local language but if you do not then do not worry. It is our business to make sure you get the most out of each country as we will have local guides with us at significant parts of our expeditions.
Do any of your officials speak the local language?
Well this depends on the countries we are in. We at 4x4 World Explorer speak English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Malay fluently. Where we go in countries that do not speak those languages, then we generally have a tour guide with us who is a local who not only knows the language but also the culture and environment extremely well.
There is a place I would love to visit which is not on the itinerary. Would it be possible to still go there?
Yes, you can break your journey with us and rejoin at the forward overnight stops. The expedition leader must be informed of your travel plans and able to contact you while away from the convoy.
How much free time do we get to ourselves on the expedition?
In every expedition, we allocate own leisure time from a few hours to up to 2 days for your free time at any overnight stop.
Has there been any break in to expedition vehicles before and what if my bags are stolen?
Despite our get safety record of course the law of averages dictates that something of this nature will happen. In one case a window was smashed and a bag stolen but fortunately it was mostly full of dirty underwear, which would have surprised the perpetrator. We always brief our participants on basic measures to avoid anything important getting stolen and this has worked very well.
What happens if my passport is lost or stolen? Will the convoy wait for me to get a new one?
First, we will make the required police report. If we are not crossing any borders, we will recommend that you carry on with the expedition, and then return to a city where your passport can be re-issued. Then you can re-join the expedition at a forward city. Depending on the situation, an official of the event may accompany you but the expedition will continue as scheduled.
I wish to bring my children, is there a minimum age?
Yes, your children will have possess a passport and be above 12 years of age.
I am a religious person and need time for my prayers. Is this possible while on an expedition?
During the expedition we travel for most of the day, so to stop for prayers is not practical or possible however every morning after breakfast our expedition leader will brief the group, do some warm up excises and a few minutes of silent time for meditations or prayer before we hit the open road!
If any of your questions are not answered in the above then please feel free to contact us.