A message to our Explorer Chicks
Updated: November 12, 2021
Written by: Nicki Bruckmann – Explorer Chick CEO and Founder
As the world slowly reopens, we too are slowly starting to get back on those dusty trails, into the backcountry, and out of our homes.
We are regularly monitoring government websites and staying in communications with our travel partners. We are personally reaching out to our Explorer Chick travelers on upcoming trips with Covid Updates and travel requirements.
Our Payment and Cancellation policy has been modified to keep up with the changing times. You can scroll on down for the updates plus common FAQs.
We remain in a dynamic environment that changes frequently. Please understand that we reserve the right to change these policies without prior notice. We appreciate your flexibility during this unpredictable and unprecedented time.
I also want to say THANK YOU for your continued support, understanding, and flexibility. We have been sincerely blown away by the love and support from our Explorer Chick community over the past several months.
During a time when the state of travel is still a bit murky YOU, our Explorer Chicks, are giving us your love and support.
In our worst hours, you have been standing by our side. Not giving up on us, but being there to make sure we can keep being there for you. Then showing up as we reopen and trusting us with your safety.
I can’t think of a better compliment to a company.
Thank you – to all of our Explorer Chicks. Thank you for all of your messages of encouragement and accolades.
It’s total validation for the values that this company was built upon and we’ve stuck to.
With you, we have certainly built one hell of a community that I am so proud to be a part of.
All of my gratitude Explorer Chicks. You get all of it – seriously, bleed me dry.
Together, we will press on and travel fearlessly.
In the meantime, keep dreaming up that bucket list.
Cheers to boundless adventures, Explorer Chicks!
Nicki Bruckmann
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Vaccination, Testing, Travel Requirements
Although Explorer Chick does not require vaccination or testing for travel, we do travel to and from destinations that have policies and restrictions in place. Explorer Chick will communicate travel requirements to booked travelers leading up to a tour. It is the responsibility of the traveler to meet all requirements and restrictions. We advise that you understand the most up to date travel requirements before booking a tour to a destination.
At booking, you will be asked to share your vaccination status for time of travel. This information helps us in planning for Covid-related travel mandates.
Explorer Chick reserves the right to require testing or vaccination for all tours. For example, although Mexico does not have testing or vaccination requirements for entry, Explorer Chick requires all of our guests – regardless of vaccination status – to provide a 72 Hour PCR test upon arrival.
Testing for Re-Entry
The United States currently requires a negative Covid test for all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, for entry into the United States. Explorer Chick plans as part of your itinerary or provides testing location information for testing. Travelers will be responsible for all costs associated to testing.
Travel Insurance
With coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks around the world, it’s more important than ever to get trip protection even when vaccine rollouts are underway.
World Nomads plans build in benefits that support you should you unexpectedly get sick while traveling. The medical coverage includes benefits for serious illnesses, such as COVID-19, or being placed under strict quarantine by a physician or government mandate, among other scenarios.
- You need Medical help for sudden illness or injury.
- You need emergency medical evacuation for sudden illness or injury.
- You have to cancel your trip due to unforeseeable events outside of your control.
*Please note that cancellations due to fear of travel are not covered. Please read your insurance plan documents carefully.
All of the information provided about travel insurance is a brief summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage. WorldNomads.com is supported by different insurers from around the world.
Will I have to share a Room or Tent?
Solo travelers can reserve a guaranteed single room by paying the “single supplement” fee. Otherwise, we assign roommates at random and based on guests traveling together. Guests traveling together may also be roomed with other travelers based on rooming configurations. Not every trip has a single supplement option and some trips only have partial single supplement options. Single supplements are outlined on specific trip pages.
Can I Transfer my Trip?
Explorer Chick will transfer 100% of funds paid including the Non-Refundable deposit if transfer is made outside of our cancellation policy. Transfer can be made to any scheduled tour.
Our normal cancellation policy is in place for all other transfer requests.
Payment Policy
We’ve returned to our standard payment policy.
Payment is required at booking.
If your Multi-Day Trip requires a Deposit, then the stated deposit is due at the time of booking. The deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE. You will have the option to pay the deposit or the entire balance at booking.
You will receive payment reminders with a payment link leading up to your adventure. This link will only allow you to pay the entire remaining balance due.
To make smaller payments than remaining balance due – Please send an email to: Payments@ExplorerChick.com
Please include your Order Number, Name, Trip, Dates, and Amount you wish to pay. We will run the card used at booking and send you a confirmation by email. Please allow up to 2 business days for us to process.
The entire balance of your trip is due as stated below based on the duration of your trip.
| 4 or Fewer Days | 90 Days prior to arrival |
| 5 or More Days | 120 Days prior to arrival |
Failure to pay balance in full by balance due date will result in automatic removal from trip without refund.
Updated Cancellation Policy
For all trips scheduled through December 31, 2021.
Please contact us before these cut-off dates to either cancel or rebook. – info@ec-old.design-works.com
If your trip is scheduled and confirmed due to destination reopening.
*ALL USA domestic trips are confirmed and operating.*
- Domestic Trips – Cancel up to 45 days prior to arrival
- International Trips – Cancel up to 60 days prior to arrival (some non-refundable fees may apply).
- Cancel for travel voucher credit net non-refundable deposit.
- Rebook to future date net non-refundable deposit.
If your trip is scheduled but not yet confirmed with reopening:
- Your balance will be due according to the updated balance due date policy above.
- You may cancel at any time and receive a travel voucher in the full amount paid.
- You may rebook to a future date at any time.
- As soon as the trip is confirmed due to reopening, the cancellation policy for scheduled and confirmed trips applies.
For all trips scheduled January 1, 2022 and beyond.
Our normal cancellation policy is in place.
Travel Vouchers
All of our travel vouchers issued during this time are valid until December 31, 2025. This gives you plenty of opportunity to choose the right time for your to get back outside, step on an airplane, laugh with new friends, and experience the planet.
They work like an eGift Card that can be used toward any Mini Adventure or Trip of your choosing until the balance is depleted. This means more flexibility for you.
What if my trip gets cancelled due to COVID full travel restrictions?
Explorer Chick will issue you a travel voucher equal to the amount paid to be used for future travel with us. Vouchers are good through December 31, 2025.
We recommend reviewing your travel insurance as well to understand what is covered. Please review in detail your coverage and direct coverage questions to your provider.
We will run ALL scheduled 2021/2022 trips and beyond, unless travel restrictions are put into place.
Please plan for all trips to take place in 2021/2022 and beyond. We continue to monitor all advisories and will reach out to travelers on a destination by destination basis as we learn more about reopenings. We will continue to review our policies as the situation evolves.
Please understand that we reserve the right to change these policies without prior notice. We appreciate your flexibility during this unpredictable and unprecedented time.
What about my Mini Adventure?
Our standard cancellation policy applies. No refunds will be given 7 days prior to your adventure. If we must cancel your Mini Adventure due to Covid, you will be issued a full refund.
How are Explorer Chick’s operational procedures adapting?
For all of our upcoming trips, we are working as a team to adapt our operations. All of our trips are different, so specific plans will be circumstantial with consideration of local restrictions. I am working with guides on a case by case basis to develop best practices for every destination. That being said, we have blanket procedures that will be practiced on ALL of our trips. This includes gloves and face masks worn during all food prep and water filtration. Requiring guests to pack face masks and hand sanitizer. Face masks may be required at certain point during your trips. Social distancing on the trail will be encouraged, but enforced when approaching outside groups/individuals. Wearing face masks when transferring in vehicles. We’ll be cognizant in spacing out during meals and in lodging. Your guides will have more specific procedures for your trip. (Assigning bathrooms, reducing touch points, wiping down vehicles, etc.)
We are also asking that YOU practice self leadership. (Hey, we’re in this together!)
- If you are at a higher risk, we strongly recommend that you choose to not travel.
- If you have shown any symptoms of Covid, we ask that you do not travel.
- Fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher) or chills?
- Cough that you cannot attribute to another health condition?
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing that you cannot attribute to another health condition?
- Sore throat that you cannot attribute to another health condition?
- Muscle aches that you cannot attribute to another health condition, or that may have been caused by a specific activity (such as physical exercise)?
- Loss of taste or smell?
- If you’ve been in contact with someone showing flu like symptoms in the 14 days leading up to your trip, we ask that you do not travel.
Lastly, please only travel if you feel comfortable. During this time, it is a very personal choice. There is no wrong or right answer, only what is best for you.
What if I travel and get sick or quarantined by the local government?
We will follow policies and advice of the local authorities and your Explorer Chick team will assist you as much as possible – including contacting your emergency contacts and assisting with local medical facilities.
We strongly recommend checking your travel insurance policy before you travel to determine what level of insurance coverage you may be eligible for in the event that you are quarantined or get sick while traveling. Direct all coverage questions directly to your provider.
We recommend a contingency fund for unavoidable situations such as severe weather, natural disasters and civil unrest when you travel. With this in mind, we recommend you carry US$500 for medical expenses in case it is needed.
Please note that Explorer Chick is not responsible for additional costs due to quarantines and/or medical sickness.
What screening procedures are in place at my destination?
Every port of entry will have its own screening requirements in place. If you have traveled through a country affected by Covid-19, you may be denied entry or be required to quarantine for a period of time.
Before arriving at your destination, you will need to make sure you meet all entry and exit requirements. Many countries have put in place new entry measures due to the Covid-19 outbreak and these are changing daily.
We strongly recommend that you check this information frequently. The link below has information on screening and COVID-19 per country.
COVID-19 Country Specific Information
Helpful Resources for COVID-19
Below are helpful links to Facts and Stats for you to reference as you gear up for all of your travel domestically and abroad in 2020.
Facts about Coronavirus- Symptoms/Transmission/Precaution/Treatment
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
CDC Entire Situation Summary
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
US State Department Travel Advisories – Country Specific