Frequently Asked Questions • Far Out Adventures : Far Out Adventures

Booking Your Adventure
Cancellation Policy
Flights & Travel
Preparing for Your Adventure
Prices, Payments & Inclusions
The Far Out Experience

How do I reserve my Far Out Adventure?

To reserve your Far Out Adventure simply click “check availability” on the trip information page, select your preferred trip date and then click “book now”. Once you have filled out the necessary information, and follow directions to pay your $200 trip deposit, your trip reservation will be complete. We will then send you an information package including your itinerary details, visa requirements, some tips for preparing for your adventure, and information on how to make your subsequent trip payments. Passport and travel insurance information is not required at the time of booking, but is required before trip departure.

Can I book the same trip as my friends?

Booking with your friends is easy! If you aren’t booking together as a group, just list your friends’ names in the “other travellers in your group” section of the booking form and we will make sure you are paired up with your pals. As long as the particular trip date is still showing on the “check availability” page, there will still be room for you to join your friends.

Can I share a room with my friend or partner?

Generally speaking we stay in rooms with two single beds and a private bathroom. We can make sure you and your partner are always in the same room together, but on certain trips we stay with hostels or guesthouses in dormitory style rooms. Dorm rooms are always private to the group and will only be occupied by Far Out Adventures trip participants. If you are not keen about sharing rooms with others, please contact us and we will do whatever we can to try and put you in private accommodations.

Does Far Out Adventures accept group reservations?

If you are booking for a group, simply select the number of travelers on the trip reservation form and fill in the required information for each traveler. Your deposit will be adjusted to reflect the number of people in your group.

Does Far Out Adventures offer group discounts?

We offer discounts for groups of three or more travelers. Group discount information can be found under Prices, Payments & Inclusions.

What's the best time to book?

The simple answer to this question is, as soon as you can. We operate a small number of trips with limited space, so trips can fill up fast. For most of our trips we are able to accept reservations up to 2 weeks prior to departure as long as there is still availability, but we generally recommend booking at least 90 days before your planned departure to allow us and yourself time to prepare for your trip, especially if you need help booking flights or need to make payments on your trip. Booking early will also ensure you aren’t planning a 20 day adventure of a lifetime, only to find out you waited just a bit too long and now the trip is full.

What are Far Out Adventures’ terms and conditions?

Please click here for our Terms and Conditions.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule my trip?

Having to cancel a trip can be a major bummer, and it’s usually because of something out of our control. We’ve been there before and we know it sucks, so we’ve made our cancellation policy as flexible as possible, so that if you do need to cancel or reschedule for any reason, not all is lost.

Cancelled Flights

For the tour portion of your costs, the initial $200 deposit is non-refundable in the event of cancellation, but should you ever re-book a different trip on a later date, that $200 can be applied to your new trip. Additional cancellation fees are as follows, and vary depending on when cancellation occurs relative to your scheduled departure. The good news is, any non-refundable cancellation fees incurred, minus fees incurred by Far Out Adventures as a result of your cancellation, can be applied to a future trip with us, so your money isn’t lost!**

Cancelled Tours

Each trip payment (click here for payment schedule) is 50% refundable until your next payment is due, according to the payment schedule indicated in your welcome email. After this point they become non-refundable.
If a trip is cancelled 120 days or more in advance of departure, all payments except your $200 deposit are refundable.
If cancelled 119-90 days in advance of departure, 50% of your first scheduled payment (first scheduled payment is 25% of total booking value) is refundable and the other 50% along with the deposit is non-refundable ($200+12.5% of total booking value).
If cancelled 89-60 days in advance of departure, 50% of your second scheduled payment (second scheduled payment is 25% of total booking value) is refundable and the other 50% of your second scheduled payment, along with the entire first scheduled payment and the deposit are non-refundable ($200 + 37.5% of total booking value).
If cancelled 59-3 days in advance of departure, 50% of your final payment (final payment is equal to the remainder of your booking balance after the deposit, first and second scheduled payments are applied ) is refundable and the other 50% of your final payment, along with the entire first payment, the entire second payment, and the deposit are non-refundable ($200 + 50% of total booking value + 50% of final payment value).
If cancelled within 72 hours of departure, 100% of your booking is non-refundable.
Trips paid in full at the time of booking are subject to the the same cancellation fees, based on the timing of cancellation.

**In the event of cancellation, non-refundable amounts, minus costs incurred by FOA as a result of cancellation, are transferable to new bookings for a period of 18 months, after which the credit will expire.

What are my flight options?

Whether you want to book yourself, or you need help, we’ve got you covered. Far Out Adventures usually offers the option to book round trip airfare to your destination from wherever you are located. If you would prefer to book your flight yourself, just leave the “departure city” field blank during the registration process. If you need assistance booking your flight just mention your departure city in the “departure city” section during check out. One of our trip leaders will contact you to discuss your flight requirements and flight prices. After your flight is determined, payment for the flight portion of your trip is required asap to guarantee pricing.

Generally speaking when we book flights for guests, we are trying to get everybody on the same flight if possible, or the least number of flights possible. For this reason all of our Canadian customers generally connect in Vancouver and our American customers in Los Angeles. Customers traveling from outside Canada and the USA are required to book their own flights, but if you contact us we will be happy to offer our advice in finding the best flight option possible from wherever you are departing.

Flight costs may be higher for trip departing or arriving during the months of December, January, July and August due to a higher number of travelers and high season pricing. To avoid higher flight costs, we recommend booking as early as possible. Normally (not always) flights will increase in price closer to the date of departure, as seat availability decreases. To avoid this, we generally recommend booking more than 3 months in advance (the longer the better). Within 4 weeks of departure we generally do not offer flight booking services as the flights available generally do not meet the standards we select for our guests.

If you are going to book your own flight, you must contact us asap with your flight information so we can make sure you aren’t arriving later or departing earlier than the rest of the group.

**Due to travel time and time zone differences, flights will normally depart 1 calendar day prior to the scheduled trip start date.

Will I be flying with the other group members?

We do make an effort to get as many group members as possible on the same arriving flight, although your departure city may make a difference in seat availbility. Ultimately having as many people arrive at the same time is our goal, and when you book your flight through us, we can guarantee a trip leader will be there at the time of your arrival to pick you up.

How do I meet up with group?

Whether you are flying on your own or we are arranging your flight for you, we will send you an email after you book, detailing the process for meeting with your group leader. In general, it is a very simple process. We will have a Facebook event page set up for each and all of our tours detailing the itinerary and including instructions for meeting at the arrival destination.

Airport pick up is generally free. All customers on flights booked by Far Out will be picked up at the airport with their fellow group members and transported to their accommodation free of charge. For customers booking their own flights we will make every effort to have a guide meet you and pick you up for free. If not possible due to schedule, we will give you all the necessary information and assistance to make your transportation from the airport to our accommodation simple and worry free.

Am I able to travel solo?

Many of our guests are solo travelers. Our groups are a great environment to meet people and make new friends, and if you travel solo we will always place you will someone of your own gender. If sharing a room doesn’t sound appealing we are usually able to arrange for private accommodations. Private accommodations come with an additional fee depending on the trip, so if you are interested in your own room please contact us to confirm the additional cost.

How many people are normally in a group?

Groups sizes can vary quite a bit depending on the tour and the time of year, but are typically between 8-18 guests plus 2 guides.

Can I arrive late or depart early? Ie) Is it possible to do just part of a trip?

If you would like to join us part way through a trip, or depart from a trip early, we are generally able to help you make such arrangements as long as availability isn’t limited. Just contact us and we can adjust pricing for you for an abbreviated trip. Any additional transportation costs incurred in meeting the group late or departing early would be the responsibility of the guest to pay.

If FOA books my flights, can I customize them to go elsewhere before or after my trip?

Generally speaking when we book flights for guests, we are trying to get everybody on the minimal number of flights possible, normally all on the same flight if possible. For this reason all of our Canadian customers generally connect in Vancouver and our American customers in Los Angeles. Customers traveling from other areas of the world are required to book their own flights. That being said, no matter where you are planning on arriving from before or departing to after your trip, you can contact us and we will assist you in finding a good flight to book on your own.

Can I arrange a one way flight, and leave my return flight open?

The answer to this is both yes and no. Each country we travel to has their own entry requirements, some of which require you to have a reservation for a flight departing the country before they will allow you to enter. Others however, are fine with you entering without proof of departure. If you would like to book a one way ticket, just contact us first and we will make sure you are all good to go. If you would like us to book a one way flight for you, we can do so for most departures from Canada and the USA.

What happens if I miss my flight?

Missing your flight is not an ideal scenario and can certainly be an expensive mistake. If you have missed your scheduled flight please contact us asap and we will help see what options are available to get you to your destination and with your group as soon as possible.

When do I get my flight itinerary?

Your flight itinerary will be sent to you via email at least 30 days before your scheduled departure, so long as you have already confirmed your flight option with us, and have paid for the flight portion of your trip in total. If you have confirmed your flight, paid for it and still have not received your flight itinerary less than 30 days prior to departure, please contact us asap so we can sort out any issues.

How do I get my boarding passes?

Once we have booked your flights we will email you a copy of your flight itinerary at least 30 days before departure. Just print this itinerary out and bring it to the airport with you on your departure date. Just go to the check in desk for your selected airline with your passport and they will issue your boarding passes.

Are airport transfers included?

If you have booked your flights through us, our trip leaders will be there at the airport to meet you when you arrive and take you to our accommodations. If you have booked your own flight, we will do everything we can to have a trip leader meet you at the airport and escort you to our accommodation free of charge. In the rare event this isn’t possible due to time constraints, we will provide you detailed instructions to get you to our accommodations quickly and hassle free. If you are heading back to the airport at the end of the trip, we will also arrange transportation to take you to your departing flight.

Can Far Out Adventures match a flight price I found online?

The internet is full of awesome flight deals that we unfortunately are not able to match. We book group reservations which normally have a price per seat which is established at the time of reservation. We generally look for the best combination of flight duration and price. A lot of the great deals you see online are with lower quality airlines, or involve lengthy layovers that make getting to your destination a long and frustrating experience. Our main focus is normally getting you there quickly and comfortably.

That being said, if you have uncovered a deal that is just too good to pass up, feel free to book it and we will try our best to pick you up from the airport when you arrive.

Is it cheaper to book my own flight?

There are a lot of great flight deals out there, and it is very likely that with some searching you will be able to find some cheaper flight options than what we offer. With that being said, we book group reservations which normally have a price per seat which is established at the time of reservation. We generally look for the best combination of flight duration and price. A lot of the great deals you see online are with lower quality airlines, or involve lengthy layovers that make getting to your destination a long and frustrating experience. Our main focus is normally getting you there quickly and comfortably.

If you have uncovered a deal that is just too good to pass up, feel free to book it and we will try our best to pick you up from the airport when you arrive.

What should I bring for luggage?

Whatever works best for you will be fine, but we are big believers in the efficacy of the backpack. There are times on certain trips when we may have to walk a little to get to our accommodations, sometimes over sand, or up stairs, so our trip leaders personally prefer backpacks because we find it easier than dragging a suitcase. That being said you can bring whatever kind of luggage you are comfortable with. We do suggest bringing at least a small backpack or “day bag”.

How much spending money should I bring?

Ultimately the amount of spending money you will need will depend on the country you are traveling to and your own spending preferences. In general, a minimum of $35-40 CAD a day is recommended for food, drink and basic necessities. It is POSSIBLE to eat for less than that, but you don’t always want to be eating street food or burning time hunting down the cheapest menu in town. If you want to partake in a few additional activities, do some shopping, and indulge in a few drinks in the evenings, then we would recommend increasing your budget accordingly.

What should I pack?

After you register and pay your deposit, we will send you a welcome email detailing your booking information and offering tips on how to prepare and pack for your trip. We go by the old adage “less is more”. You don’t want to lug around a heavy bag full of clothes, only half of which you’ll end up wearing. We recommend packing a few changes of clothes and leaving space in your bag so you have room to bring things back home. Laundry services are available everywhere we go.

Will I need to get travel insurance?

Everyone who travels with Far Out Adventures must provide proof of emergency medical travel insurance before departing for their trip. Please contact us if you have any questions about insurance.

What will the weather be like?

You have probably heard of terms like “wet season” or “dry season” used to describe the weather in warm places. While there are certainly seasonal weather patterns, we would be hesitant to say it never rains during dry season, or it always rains during wet season. While you are certainly likely to see more cloudless days during dry season, the downside is the terrain can often be dry and the vegetation brown. On the flip side during wet season, it may shower often, but it’s usually only for a few minutes and the sun is out often. The other bonus to wet season is the vegetation is lush and beautiful, and things like rivers and waterfalls are flowing at their full potential (perfect for tubing).

Weather doesn’t always stick to a schedule, but the following can generally be said about the countries we visit.

Thailand

It is usually said that there are 3 main seasons in Thailand; hot, monsoon (wet) and cool. The hot season runs from March through June, with April and May being the hottest months of the year.

The monsoon season can bring heavy rains and rough seas. This season can vary from year to year, and also varies from the west side of Thailand (Andaman side) and the east side (Gulf side). On the Andaman side Monsoon season can start as early as April or May, although the “official” beginning is considered to be June, and can last all the way until October sometimes, when the temperatures generally cool. In the far south the rains often don’t stop till November. On the Gulf side monsoon season is totally different. It can start as early as October, but officially begins in November, and lasts as late as May.

The cool season normally lasts from November to February. For visitors it will still feel quite hot during cool season. The North and Northeast of the country can get a bit chilly in December.

Cambodia

Cambodia experiences the southwest monsoon season, similar to the Andaman side of Thailand, usually lasting from May to October. July through September are the wettest months of the year in Cambodia, seeing 75% of the annual rainfall. During these months it rains an average of 2 out of 3 days. When it rains, it comes down hard, but normally lasts only 1 to 2 hours of the day. This can be a good time of year to visit despite the rain, because the landscapes are very green.

Dry season is Cambodia lasts from October till April, when the northeast monsoon arrives, blowing across the country like a hot hair dryer. This coincides with peak tourism season when people arrive in droves to enjoy the lack of the rain, the plentiful sun, and the relatively cool weather. This season generally starts quite cool (high 20’s) from October through January, and progressively gets hotter. By the time April arrives however, temperatures are often blazing and it is dry as a bone.

Laos

Wet season normally starts around May and lasts till October in Laos, similar to other South East Asian countries. August is generally the wettest month of the year. Also in line with other SE Asian countries, it is normally characterized by a couple hours of rain each day, rather than constant downpour. Due to Laos’ mountainous terrain, landslides are not uncommon during wet season and the rivers can become quite wild. While this can be great for activities like tubing and kayaking, it can also lead to a lot of road closures. Luckily boat travel comes into its own during the wet season with boats making much better pace in the high waters.

Laos has 2 distinct dry seasons. The cool dry season lasts from November to February, and is generally the high season for tourism. This is an excellent time to visit as the weather is pleasant, and the rivers are at an ideal level for river travel. The hot dry season usually only lasts the months of March and April, but it is very hot. Temperatures in the 40’s are not uncommon.

Philippines

The dry season starts in late November and ends in May in the Philippines. This coincides with high season for tourism. December to February are the cool dry months and see the highest number of travelers, while April and May are the hottest and driest months of the year. Dry season is when the skies are most blue and the water is at its clearest.

The rainy season in the Philippines starts in June and lasts till October. Like elsewhere in South East Asia, the rain isn’t constant and generally doesn’t affect travels. You will still have lots of hot sunny days, and you can also avoid the crowds and enjoy the lush green scenery. September and October are often the typhoon season in the Philippines, and the wettest time of year, bringing torrential rains throughout the country.

When do I receive more detailed information regarding my trip?

After you have registered for your trip and paid your deposit, we will send you a welcome email outlining everything you need to know for your trip, including a trip preparation guide and your exact itinerary outlining the places you will go, the dates you’ll be there, how you’ll get there, and where you will stay.

You will also be invited to join a Facebook group for your specific tour, where you can meet and introduce yourself to your fellow group participants, as well as access important information about your trip.

Will I need a passport?

Yes, you will need a passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of your return, to travel internationally with Far Out Adventures. Application times for Canadian passports vary so it is best to apply for one asap if you do not have one yet.

Will I need any travel visas?

Visa requirements are different for every country we go to, and are usually specific to the nationality of the traveler. The following requirements are applicable to Canadian travelers in the countries we visit. If you are not a Canadian passport holder please check the destination country’s visa requirements for your place of citizenship.

Thailand

Canadian passport holders do not need a visa for visiting Thailand for up to 30, as long as their passport has at least 6 months validity and they have a confirmed flight out of Canada. 30 days will be sufficient for any of our Thailand adventures. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a 60 day tourism visa with the Thai-Canadian embassy or consulate.

Laos

A 30 day tourist “visa on arrival” can be obtained at any international airport, and most international border crossings in Laos. You will require a passport with at least 6 months validity, two “passport photos” and the fee for Canadians is $43 US.

Cambodia

A 30 day tourist “visa on arrival” can be obtained at either of Cambodia’s international airports, or at major land border crossings. You will require a passport with 6 months validity, two “passport photos” and the fee for the tourist Visa On Arrival is $30 US.

Philippines

Canadians with 6 months passport validity are permitted to visit the Philippines for tourism purposes for 30 days with no visa. Extending your visit while you are in the Philippines is a simple and inexpensive process.

Will I need vaccinations and/or malaria pills?

As far as the countries we visit are concerned, none of them require any shots or vaccinations to enter. That doesn’t necessarily mean though that your doctor won’t recommend any. We have generally found in our experience that most travel health professionals will at least recommend having your shots for hepatitis, tetanus and typhoid.

The decision to take malaria pills is entirely up to you. Some travelers choose to take them and others don’t. None of the locations we visit are a high risk of malaria, and some travelers do report varied negative side effects from antimalarials including increased susceptibility to sun burns, dizziness and insomnia.

This being said, we are not health professionals and we won’t pretend to be. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the necessity of vaccinations and/or antimalarials, you should make sure to speak with your doctor before departure.

Will my allergies or other health problems prevent me from participating?

We know first hand the difficulties that traveling with allergies presents, but it has never stopped us from getting out and seeing the world. We have personally found google translate to be our biggest ally in the battle against allergies. If you inform us of your allergies, we will make sure to have a print out stating your allergies in the local language so that we can inform the person taking your food or beverage order can communicate your needs to the kitchen.

Following are couple of basic tips for those traveling with allergies.

If you have an epi-pen, bring it with you and carry it at all times. Be sure to inform your group leader of its existence and provide them any necessary instructions in the event it is needed. There will be a place to keep it cold in all of our accommodations.
Make sure you inform your fellow group members about your allergy and where to find your medication in the event of an emergency. This is important in the event you go on day trips without your guides.

We ask that you let us know about any health concerns you have that may potentially affect your enjoyment of your trip, so that we can properly assist you and help you avoid encountering any health problems in paradise.

Are your tours accessible?

Accessibility in South East Asia is unfortunately very far behind what we are used to at home. The availability of accessible shops, restaurants, accommodations, transportation and other services is virtually non-existent in most places other than the big cities. Traveling this part of the world with a disability can be very challenging at times, but it is certainly not impossible. If you have questions about traveling with a disability, please contact us and we will do whatever we can to help you plan the adventure of a lifetime.

How do the payment plans work?

At Far Out Adventures we understand that embarking on the adventure of a lifetime requires some time to save. That’s why we offer flexible 0% interest payment plans to all of our customers, that allow you to make payments over the months leading up to your trip without having to pay a penny more than paying for your trip all at once.

The following guidelines apply to our standard payment plan (all prices quoted are Canadian Dollars).

Your $200 deposit is due at the time of sign up, in order to secure your spot. Your initial deposit is non-refundable but can be transferred to another trip in the event of cancellation. The remaining balance will be quoted in your welcome email, along with your payment schedule.
25% of the remaining trip balance is due 120 days prior to your scheduled trip departure.
Another 25% of the remaining trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
The remaining trip balance is due 60 days prior to your scheduled date of departure.

When is the final payment due?

In general, we require that all trips be paid in full 60 days prior to your trip departure. It is possible in most cases to register for a trip less than 60 days prior to departure, but payment in full is required at the time of booking.

How do I pay, and what payment methods are accepted?

We offer several payment options including Email Money Transfer, cheque or money order in the mail, or credit card via PayPal. Please be advised that credit card payments incur a 3% surcharge.
For more information on payment methods, please click here.

Why does my trip cost more when I pay with a credit card? Can I avoid the 3% charge?

When paying online there is a 3% surcharge for accepting payment with credit cards. This surcharge is automatically added to your total when paying by credit card. To avoid these fees you can pay by Email Money Transfer, online banking transfer, or cheque or money order in the mail.

Is my deposit refundable?

The $200 deposit you pay to reserve your spot is non-refundable, however in the event on cancellation for any reason your deposit is transferable to any other trip on any future date AND it never expires! Your $200 deposit is good for life, meaning you can reserve your trip risk free. You can save your spot on any of our adventures, and if you need to change dates for any reason, your deposit will be credited to your new trip.

How does the Lifetime Deposit work?

All you need to pay to reserve your Far Our Adventure is a $200 Lifetime deposit. With your lifetime deposit you can select a trip and confirm your spot risk free! If you need to cancel your trip for any reason, or change dates, your Lifetime Deposit never expires and can be used on any future trip.

Does Far Out Adventures offer discounts for groups?

Do we ever! Far Out Adventures offers the best group discounts around. If you are traveling with a group of friends, you can save BIG on the trip of your dreams. We offer the following discounts on bookings, according to the number of travelers in your group:

3+ people = 12% off
6+ people = 15% off
10+ people = 20% off

**Group Discounts can not be combined with individual discounts or promos.

Do I need to tip my tour leaders/guides/drivers?

At Far Out Adventures, we do not accept tips. Our Group Leaders are there to show you a good time and have we do have a pretty darn good time doing it. The job itself is reward enough, and we would rather you to keep your money for having an awesome time. As far as the drivers and tour guides we use along the way, we do believe in rewarding good service, and our trip leaders always tip well on behalf of the whole group.

What’s included in the price?

The following is included in the price of your Far Out Adventure:

All accommodations.
All land, air and sea travel between destinations included in the itinerary (not including transcontinental flights).
All the activities listed on the tour information page, including at least one can’t miss activity in each destination.

A welcome package including information about your trip destinations, tips for preparing for your trip and a few cool gifts when we finally meet you at your arrival destination.

What’s not included in the price?

The following items are not included in the price of your Far Out Adventure:

Food outside that mentioned in the itinerary and beverages, including alcohol
Personal activities not listed in the itinerary
Transportation not included in the itinerary
Travel Visas
Travel Insurance

When is the deposit due?

Your deposit is payable at the time of reservation. If you are booking for multiple people, or multiple trips, your deposit will be adjusted to reflect the number of trips/travelers.

Why do tour prices occasionally vary by date?

You may notice that trips offered on certain dates are more expensive than others. This is due to high season pricing and increased costs during these particular dates. You will sometimes see this in December and January due to the holiday season in western countries, or in April due to the Songkhran Festival in Thailand, for example. If a tour costs more than usual it will be indicated on the trip information page under the check availability option.

Why should I travel with Far Out Adventures?

There are many great reasons to travel with Far Out Adventures, some of which we have outlined here in the “What Makes Us Far Out” section of our web page. Essentially, we have designed a group backpacking experience that offers you the freedom and options to experience your trip exactly the way you would like to. We have created a network of travelers who have been all over SE Asia for the last 10 years, and we have a lot of experience in the destinations we travel to. We know everything you need to know to help you experience the adventure of a lifetime.

What kind of overall experience will I have on my Far Out Adventure?

We don’t like to blow our own horn too often, but it is not unreasonable when you travel with Far Out Adventures to expect to have an amazing journey full of life changing experiences, with amazing people, in some of the most beautiful places on earth!! Each and every one of our adventures is designed to immerse you in the beauty, culture and history of our locations while providing you access to all the best activities and amenities, along with the freedom to choose what you want to do. This way you get the most out of your trip and you get to spend your time doing the things that interest you most.

Our travel concept is not to sell you a package where we have decided how you will spend your time, but to help you design the best experience for you. At Far Out Adventures we feel like this is YOUR adventure. Our trips are light on itinerary and heavy on choice. Our trip leaders are very knowledgeable and experienced in the destinations we travel to, so no matter what you have on your bucket list, we are able to help you do and see anything you have your mind set on. Even if there is a location somewhere not included on our itinerary that you want to take a couple days to explore on your own, our Group Leaders will be able to help you plan any such side getaways, and get you back to the group safely and easily to enjoy the rest of your journey.

As for the people you will be traveling with, your group will be mostly made up of like-minded folks who are all out here for the same reason; to experience something beautiful, new and exciting and to expand and broaden our world perspectives. One of the best things about traveling with a group of fun loving, like minded people is that in a matter of days you will find yourself making a number of new friendships that will last a lifetime.

In short, traveling with Far Out Adventures is an amazingly exciting, dynamic, and worry-free travel experience that is every bit a personal journey custom tailored to your individual needs as it is a group experience. We take you to some of the best places on earth, with some of the most amazing people you’ll ever meet, and give you the freedom to enjoy your trip doing the things you enjoy doing.

What’s the average age of trip participant? Is there a maximum age?

Being that we operate a more physically demanding, backpacking style tour with a lot of walking, climbing, hiking, etc. in some very hot climates, we do generally limit participation in our tours to travelers in 18-“30 something” range, with the majority of those falling between 23-30 years. The nature of our tours is admittedly a little more physically demanding than your average group tour.

That being said, we believe that anyone who is up to the task should have the opportunity to participate, so we do occasionally accept travelers outside that age, as long as they are comfortable undertaking the inherently active nature of our trips.

Will I get to experience other cultures?

In our opinion, and in our own experience, immersing yourself in new cultures is one of the most rewarding parts of traveling, so on our trips we give you plenty of opportunity to do just that. Whether you’re learning about a country’s history as we explore ancient temples, eating authentic local food, hanging with the locals in some of their favorite spots, or learning some of the local language, the opportunities to have authentic and meaningful interactions with local people and cultures is plentiful on our adventures.

Is this going to be a party trip?

Our trips are not designed to be party trips per se. Our focus is and always has been sharing our favorite travel destinations with others and helping you have the trip of a lifetime, whatever that entails for you. That being said, when people get together in sunny destinations with a shared interest in beautiful places and awesome times, it’s inevitable that some partying is going to happen.

That being said, our destinations have a lot to offer for the night owl AND the day adventurer alike. If partying isn’t your thing, there is absolutely no need to worry. We have 2 guides to compensate for the varied interests of the group, and you will never be at a loss for ways to have an amazing time. One of the great things about traveling in a group is that there are always people doing different things, so however you prefer to spend your time and socialize there will be plenty of opportunities to do so with like minded people.

We do occasionally plan parties for the group in certain destinations, but needless to say the revelry is always optional and not at all necessary to have a great time at our destinations. If partying is a concern of yours, we assure you there is no reason to worry. There will be lots of ways to fill your days with fun, and our trip leaders always put just as much emphasis on enjoying the surrounding environment and taking in the local history and culture, as they do on anything else.

Will there be Wi-Fi access?

Wi-Fi access is largely available everywhere you go nowadays, and our trip destinations are no exception. Wi-Fi is available at all our accommodations, as well as most bars and restaurants, so no worries, you will be able to post all those awesome jealousy-inducing pics to your social media, and your family won’t have to worry about being able to contact you.

Are there a lot of early mornings?

There may be a few early mornings on the days we need to hit the road to the next destination, but for the most part you are free to get up whenever you please. It’s your trip and we won’t tell you when it’s time for you to get out of bed.

I see there is a lot of free time. How much do additional activities cost?

We don’t load your daily itinerary with included activities essentially because we don’t want you paying for activities that you may have no interest in doing. That’s not to say that you will have nothing to do most of the time, because there will be loads of options available to you. We just want to make sure you have the best time possible, doing only the kinds of things you want to do. That’s why we only include 1 awesome activity in each place we go. We pick the one big thing that basically everybody wants to see/do in each place we go to, so we can be reasonably certain that everybody will be able to participate and enjoy it.

In terms of your overall budget, we can give you a pretty good idea here where we offer a general breakdown of costs for meals drinks, shopping, activities, etc for each country we travel to.

Will it rain a lot?

You have probably heard of terms like “wet season” or “dry season” used to describe the weather in warm places. While there are certainly seasonal weather patterns, we would be hesitant to say it never rains during dry season, or it always rains during wet season. While you are certainly likely to see more cloudless days during dry season, you still get plenty of beautiful days during wet season and when it rains its usually only for a short while and then the sun is back out. The other bonus to wet season is that the vegetation is lush and beautiful, and things like rivers and waterfalls are flowing at their full potential (perfect for tubing).

With the exception of Thailand, which has multiple rainy seasons, we generally plan our trips to avoid the wettest months of the year. Weather doesn’t always stick to a schedule, but the following can generally be said about the countries we visit.

Thailand

It is usually said that there are 3 main seasons in Thailand. Hot, monsoon (wet) and cool. The hot season runs from March through June, with April and May being the hottest months of the year.

The monsoon season can bring heavy rains and rough seas. This season can vary from year to year, and also varies from the west side of Thailand (Andaman side) and the east side (Gulf side). On the Andaman side monsoon season can start as early as April or May, although the “official” beginning is considered to be June, and can last all the way until October sometimes, when the temperatures generally cool. In the far south the rains often don’t stop till November. On the Gulf side monsoon season is totally different. It can start as early as October, but officially begins in November, and lasts as late as May.

Rain isn’t constant in the monsoon season, and in the early months it can actually be quite sporadic, raining for 1 or 2 hours in the afternoon or morning, then drying out. However, when it does rain it rains pretty hard. Late in the season is when it rains heaviest and most consistently. Flooding sometimes occurs at this time of year.
The cool season normally lasts from November to February. For visitors, it will still feel quite hot during cool season. The North and Northeast of the country can get a bit chilly in December.

Cambodia

Cambodia experiences the southwest monsoon season, similar to the Andaman side of Thailand, usually lasting from May to October. July through September are the wettest months of the year in Cambodia, seeing 75% of the annual rainfall. During these months, it rains an average of 2 out of 3 days. When it rains, it comes down hard, but normally lasts only 1 to 2 hours of the day. This can be a good time of year to visit despite the rain, because the landscapes are very green.

Dry season in Cambodia lasts from October till April when the northeast monsoon arrives, blowing across the country like a hot hair dryer. This coincides with peak tourism season when people arrive in droves to enjoy the lack of the rain, the plentiful sun, and the relatively cool weather. This season generally starts quite cool (high 20’s) from October through January, and progressively gets hotter. By the time April arrives however, temperatures are often blazing and it is dry as a bone.

Laos

Philippines

The rainy season in the Philippines starts in June and lasts till October. Like elsewhere in South East Asia, the rain isn’t constant and generally doesn’t affect travels. You will still have lots of hot sunny days, and you can also avoid the crowds and enjoy the lush green scenery. September and October are often the typhoon season in the Philippines and the wettest time of year, bringing torrential rains throughout the country.

Are you trips only for Canadian customers?

They most certainly are not. We are based in Canada, but we happily accept travelers from all over the globe. If you have any concerns about traveling from another country, please contact us. We are happy to assist and make your travel plans as breezy and easy as possible, no matter where you are.

What happens if I get sick or hurt?

While luckily it is not very common, one of the unfortunately realities of traveling is that sometimes people do get or hurt or sick. Our Trip Leaders always carry a list of all medical centers and hospitals located in or near the destinations we travel to. They are also trained in first aid, and carry a first aid kit with them.

In the rare event that a traveler requires medical attention, we will immediately have one of the two trip leaders escort them to the hospital or medical center to assist them with the insurance process and whatever else is required, such as helping the traveler get in contact with anyone they may need to inform of the situation back home.

Minor illnesses like traveler’s diarrhea are more common and generally caused by eating something your stomach isn’t used to like spicy food, or food that has been prepared differently, or something weird and exotic that caught your eye, like fried crickets or insect larvae. While it can be a pain in the butt (pun intended), you will always have access to bathrooms and if we have to make a pit stop along the way, it’s no problem at all. Sh*t happens (pun intended) and it happens to even the most seasoned travelers.