ABOUT MOUNTAIN TRAVEL SOBEK TRIPS

How many years has Mountain Travel Sobek been in business?
What kind of trips does MTS offer?
How does MTS rate the trips in terms of difficulty?
How do I know if I'm fit enough?
Who travels with MTS and what is the maximum group size?
What's included in my MTS trip?
What kind of accommodations can I expect?
What is the food like? What if I have special diet requests?
Who are the trip leaders?
What do I need to bring?
Can I create a custom itinerary, and/or book a private trip?
Does MTS offer any group discounts?
Does Mountain Travel Sobek offer "Back to Back" Travel Discounts
Can I give an MTS trip as a gift?
Does MTS offer a Wedding Registry?

READY TO GO? WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW.

How do I sign up for a Mountain Travel Sobek trip?
Why do I sometimes see more than one price quoted for a trip?
What kind of deposit is required and how often are payments due?
What are my rooming options if I'm travelling alone?
Should I buy travel insurance?
What kind of information will I receive to prepare for my trip?
Will I need a visa?
Can I change my mind and transfer to another trip?
What are the penalties for canceling my trip?
What if MTS cancels a trip?
Are trip delays and cost increases a possibility?
What are the responsibilities of the airlines?
What MTS needs to know about my health situation and why?
Can MTS take or use my picture?
What are my responsibilities as a trip member?
What are Mountain Travel Sobek's limitations of liability?

TRAVEL TIPS AND OTHER INFORMATION

Passport and Embassy Information
Visa Services
Destination Information
Travel Planning
Money Matters
Health Information
News & Weather

About Mountain Travel Sobek Trips

Mountain Travel was founded in 1969 by Leo Le Bon, Allen Steck, and Barry Bishop. Mountain Travel's first-ever trip was a trek to Nepal which took place in January of that year. In 1973 Richard Bangs and John Yost founded Sobek Expeditions. Sobek's first commercial trip was on Ethiopia's Omo River. In 1991, Mountain Travel and Sobek Expeditions combined operations. (That's how we got our name, Mountain Travel Sobek!) For more on our origins, see Mountain Travel Sobek's History.

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What kind of trips does MTS offer?

Our roots are in trekking and river rafting, but over the years we have added a variety of other adventures to our program—like safaris, sea kayaking, hiking, wildlife and natural history, cultural journeys, small boat cruising, photo expeditions, and even camel treks! For more information, please go to About Our Activities, email us at sales@mtsobek.com, or call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or 1-510-594-6000.

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How does MTS rate the trips in terms of difficulty?

Each trip is rated within four categories: "Easy," "Strenuous," "Moderate," and "Ultimate Challenge!" Except from a few trips, porters, pack animals, or support vehicles (or other conveyances such as rafts and kayaks) carry all the gear. All you carry is a light daypack. That said, you'll get more enjoyment out of any trip if you are in good physical condition, so the best advice we can offer is to get in shape. Check with your doctor before undertaking any new fitness program.

Easy
Many activities are optional and involve fairly easy travel. Trips may include short hikes of two to three hours or optional walks at low elevations. Includes less demanding sea kayaking and river rafting trips with Class I-II rapids.

Moderate
More active trips involving hiking over moderate terrain, usually - but not always - with vehicle support and at elevations less than 10,000 feet, or trips with long hiking days, multiple sea kayaking days, wilderness camping, or other invigorating activity. On many trips, you can elect to skip a day's activity, depending on logistics. Includes more demanding sea kayaking trips and river rafting trips with Class III rapids.

Strenuous
Hiking and trekking over steeper or more rugged terrain or where elevations may exceed 10,000 feet - often several days in a row. Includes more demanding sea kayaking trips (4-5 hours paddling a day) and river rafting trips with Class IV-V rapids.

Ultimate Challenge!
Our most demanding trips: trekking over steep, rugged terrain at high elevations (no vehicle support) or with substantial altitude gains and losses; trips to remote, extreme wilderness; mountaineering trips. Includes our most demanding sea kayaking (5-7 hours paddling a day) and river rafting trips with Class IV-V rapids.

For more detailed information about the rating of our paddlesport adventures please go to About River Rafting or About Sea Kayaking. You can also contact us at sales@mtsobek.com, or call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or 1-510-594-6000.

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How do I know if I'm fit enough?

Besides the destination and the activity, the most important thing about choosing your trip is making sure it best suits your interests and physical abilities. You can find a detailed description of physical requirements for each trip in the detailed itinerary (What to Expect) but we also strongly encourage you to contact our trip consultants and discuss the physical requirements with them. They will be happy to assist you in choosing the trip that's right for you by asking detailed questions about your outdoor background, physical activity, and preferred style of travel.

Most people will be able to get in shape for their upcoming adventure—if they start several months before departure and take their training program seriously. When signed up for a trip, we will send you a suggested training program for the trip you have signed up for. These are only guidelines and can of course be adapted to your preferences. Consult a physician before commencing any new workout program. Take your training program seriously—it'll be worth it!

We want you to be on the right trip just as much as you do. Therefore, if you have any questions about your (or the trip's) fitness level, please contact us at sales@mtsobek.com or call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or 1-510-594-6000.

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Who travels with MTS and what is the maximum group size?

You're probably wondering about the people with whom you'll share your adventure. Chances are, they're a lot like you. Our guests include families, couples, friends, and solo travelers from all walks of life. Spirited travelers, they share a passion for our wonderful world. They range in age from their late 20s to mid-70s, reminding us all that you can never be too young or too old to have fun!

While you're here, let us dispel any misconceptions you may have about "group travel." Our groups are intentionally kept small—usually less than 15 people—so you will not feel herded around. With such a small number of people, we can take advantage of many unexpected invitations that would be impossible to extend to larger groups. The guides often have very close ties to the local community and we are readily welcomed into the lives of the local folk.

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What's included in my MTS trip?

The land cost for most trips includes the following:
Expert leadership
Accommodations in hotels, inns, or lodges in cities and villages
Field arrangements, including camp and cook staffs, tents, kitchen and dining tents (on most trips), group camping and commissary equipment, necessary trip equipment (e.g. sea kayaks, rafts, personal floatation devices, etc.)
All or most meals  
Sightseeing as noted in the trip itinerary
Group airport transfers
Ground transportation and support vehicles
Additional guides and porters if needed
Entrance fees and permits
Basic medical and evacuation insurance
 
Each trip varies slightly. To see specific information on what's included for each individual trip, please review the detailed itinerary or call and speak with our Adventure Sales team. International airfare, optional gratuities, and personal items are not included.

Items that are typically not included in the land cost for our trips:
International airfare, charter flights or internal airfare, park fees, meals not noted on itinerary, insurance of any kind (other than basic medical and evacuation insurance noted above), optional tipping to leader, guides and local staff, excess baggage charges, airport taxes (if any), cost of medical immunizations, and items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).

Specific day-by-day itineraries for each departure will give you more complete information on what is included and what isn't for your trip (please see the "What's Included" section). Please check your itinerary for more information, email us at sales@mtsobek.com or call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or 1-510-594-6000.

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What kind of accommodations can I expect?

Hotels, Lodges & Inns
Many of our trips feature accommodations in cozy country lodgings with a delightful ambiance and character. Often family-run, you'll be treated as an honored guest and feel right at home. Lodgings may range from an "eco-lodge" in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon to a delightful renovated farmhouse in the hills of Tuscany. In larger cities, we use first-class hotels with all the amenities. They are often located in the old part of town, away from the main tourist scene but close to local points of interest like small shops and colorful markets.

Small Boat Cruises
Our small boat cruises are just that: adventurous outings on small boats that allow an intimacy with the environment. No formal dinners, gambling casinos, or nightly entertainment (other than the kind we can cook up for ourselves!). All boats feature spacious common areas (dining area, bar, decks) where you can relax and take in the views. All boats are captained by experienced crews. Please see each of our small boat cruising adventures for more information about individual boats, including deckplans.

Camping in Comfort & Style
Many of our trips take you to destinations far from well-traveled routes and suitable nearby lodgings. On these trips we stay in our own mobile camps. By their very nature, they feature more rustic accommodations, but you'll be pleasantly surprised by how comfortable we can make you feel. We provide roomy tents, dining tent or canopy, bathing facilities (ranging from "bucket baths" to solar showers), and "toilet" tents or other private toilet facility. African safaris are the most elegant, with spacious tents (the kind you can stand up in), comfortable bedding (cots or beds with foam pads, pillows, blankets and cool, crisp sheets), a dining tent with tables and stools where we share some spirited conversations (and great meals!), bathroom tents, and shower tents so you can rinse off the dust after an exhilarating day of game viewing.

On most of our camping trips, a friendly support crew takes care of all the details while you relax and enjoy yourself. They'll set up tents, prepare tasty, wholesome meals, clean up, and see to it that you stay healthy. However, on most of our rafting, kayaking, exploratory trips (and a few trekking trips) everyone helps with camp chores, which adds to the teamwork required for these trips.

For questions about accommodations, please contact us at sales@mtsobek.com or call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or 1-510-594-6000.

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What is the food like?

One of the nicest things about traveling in foreign lands is discovering fantastic regional cuisine. We include most or all meals on our trips, so when we stay in hotels or inns we dine in intimate restaurants and sample a variety of tempting local dishes, usually topped by a glass or two of the regional wine. (Good thing we have pretty active days, otherwise we'd all put on a few pounds.)

Even in more rustic settings, like camping, you'll dine equally well. The camp cooks are experienced professionals who manage to prepare amazing culinary treats in the most remote places. (Imagine feasting on fresh blackened salmon and pesto while sitting on the banks of Alaska's Alsek River.) In some regions the supply of produce may be more limited and consequently the food will be less varied. But you can rest assured that it will always be hearty, healthy, and tasty.

We will try to accommodate any special diet requests you may have (e.g. vegetarian and vegan), but ask that you please discuss your requests with us when signing up for a trip.

For questions about the cuisine on our trips, please contact us at sales@mtsobek.com or call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or 1-510-594-6000.

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Who are the trip leaders?

We know well that it's more than just a matter of the destination, state-of-the-art equipment, or gourmet food that gives a trip its greatness. That greatness, without a doubt, comes from the trip leaders—and we are proud to offer you the best of the best. Your trip leaders are your link to other places and other cultures and are often the key to an unforgettable experience (as evidenced by the thousands of glowing reviews we receive each year about them!). You'll learn more from them than from any guidebook and their expertise, undying enthusiasm, language skills, environmental appreciation, cultural understanding, and safety training are unparalleled. Besides showing you wonders you'd never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch.

Please go to "The Leading Edge" for a sampling of the MTS trip leader crew. For questions about your trip leaders please contact us at sales@mtsobek.com or call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or 1-510-594-6000.

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What do I need to bring?

All you need to bring—besides your spirit of adventure—is your personal gear. Don't worry, we'll send you a detailed clothing and equipment list in your pre-departure information package so you know what you'll need. We provide the rest: top-quality, state-of-the-art tents, rafting and sea kayaking gear, camping and commissary equipment, and vehicles.

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Can I create a custom itinerary and/or book a private trip?

Yes! Our trips are a perfect way to share and celebrate special occasions with friends and family and ideal for special-interest groups and corporate training programs. You can reserve an entire trip departure just for your group or let us create a special trip tailored to your specific needs and wishes. If you can imagine it, we can make it happen! We take care of all the details: guides, accommodations, meal arrangements, transportation, and equipment.

For more information please go to Private Trips, contact us at privatetrips@mtsobek.com or call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or 1-510-594-6000 for details.

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Does Mountain Travel Sobek offer any group discounts?

We offer a group travel discount for seven or more people traveling together (not valid for private trips). Please contact us at sales@mtsobek.com, call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or 1-510-594-6000 for details.

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Does Mountain Travel Sobek offer "Back-to-Back" Travel Discount?

Yes, we offer a discount if you take two or more trips "back-to-back." In fact, some of our trips are specifically timed to help you do this! Please call us for the details. Some exceptions apply. 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235)

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Can I give a Mountain Travel Sobek trip as a gift?

Want to make someone really happy? Give them a Mountain Travel Sobek adventure for the best birthday, anniversary, graduation, wedding (we also offer bridal registry!), or other special occasion gift ever! Also makes a great reward for that top salesperson in your company or other incentive gift. We'll even provide a gift certificate. Just contact us at sales@mtsobek.com or call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or 1-510-594-6000 for the details.

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Does MTS offer a Wedding Registry?

Yes! Instead of wedding presents that will gather dust on the shelves, you can now get honeymoon memories that will last a lifetime with our Wedding Registry Program. Whether your dream is to sail the Galapagos Islands on a deluxe yacht or safari through Botswana while staying in luxury tented camps, we have the perfect honeymoon for adventurous couples. For more information, please go to MTS Wedding Registry (PDF file) or call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or 1-510-594-6000.

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READY TO GO? WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW.

How do I sign up for a Mountain Travel Sobek trip?

Signing up is easy! Please go to Reserve a Trip, email us at sales@mtsobek.com, or call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or 1-510-594-6000 and reserve a space with a deposit on your Visa, MasterCard, or American Express card.If you have a favorite travel agent, he or she can book your trip at no extra cost and provide other helpful assistance (some trips may be excluded).

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Why do I sometimes see more than one price quoted for a trip?

Adventure travel works best with a small group of people. In order to operate these small groups, our trips are priced according to the number of full-price travelers on the trip. Mountain Travel Sobek staff, trip doctors, and other discounted travelers are excluded from the count for this purpose. We invoice you at the highest tier price (the smallest group size we can operate) until final payment is due. If the price drops due to an increase in group size before your trip departs, you will be refunded the difference.

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What kind of deposit is required and how often are payments due?

Regular Departures
At time of reservation                          $400
120 days prior to departure                 $800
60 days prior to departure                   Balance

Galápagos, Greece, Turkey & Patagonia Explorer Cruise Departures
At time of reservation                          $400
120 days prior to departure                 $1200
90 days prior to departure                   Balance

Antarctica, Svalbard, & High Arctic Explorer Cruise Departures; Bears of Katmai, Arctic Refuge Hiking, Kongakut, & Hulahula Departures
At time of reservation                          $750
120 days prior to departure                 $1200
90 days prior to departure                   Balance

Private Adventures, Custom Adventures, John Muir Trail, & Special Departures
At time of reservation                          $800 or 25% of Land Cost, whichever is greater
120 days prior to departure                 25% of Land Cost
90 days prior to departure                   Balance

Extensions & Extra Services (including extra hotel nights)
At time of reservation                          $100
                                                 (non-refundable)
The balance will be added to the cost of your trip, and payment will follow the applicable schedule above. Requests made 29 days or less prior to departure are subject to a $100 late booking fee. Once booked, each change is subject to a $50 change fee.
*Some exceptions apply

All payments may be made by check or major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express). Prices are in US dollars and all payments are to be made in US dollars.
 
Immediately after we receive your deposit, you will be emailed or faxed a Booking Verification Form that must be completed and faxed to us within 24 hours. You will then receive a detailed pre-trip packet with a clothing and equipment list, visa kit (if required), invoice, insurance information, Medical History and Certificate, a trip Participant Information Form (including a Release From Liability Agreement that you must sign and return to us), and other information needed to prepare for your trip. Rendezvous instructions and final trip details will be sent about three weeks prior to trip departure.

For questions about deposits and payments please contact us at sales@mtsobek.com or call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or 1-510-594-6000.

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What are my rooming options if I'm traveling alone?

Accommodations (hotels, tents, and cruise cabins) are based on double occupancy. If you prefer single accommodations, you must pay a single supplement fee, which is listed in the Trip Itinerary. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate of the same gender. If there is no one with whom you can share, you are required to pay a "forced" single supplement fee, which is usually half of the regular single supplement (shared accommodations are guaranteed on some trips). On a few trips, single accommodations are not available.
For questions about single supplement please contact us at sales@mtsobek.com or call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or 1-510-594-6000.

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Should I buy travel insurance?

Mountain Travel Sobek purchases a Medical Protection Plan for both Mountain Travel Sobek and Alaska Discovery adventures. These plans contain $50,000 emergency evacuation/repatriation, $5,000 accident medical expense and $5,000 sickness medical expense protection on your behalf and come included with any travel booking you make with us. However, we do recommend the purchase of our optional Passenger Travel Protection Plan (available for both Mountain Travel Sobek and Alaska Discovery adventures) to provide you with protection from cancellation fees, as well as to provide you with important protection while traveling, as well as to increase the coverage limits for the emergency evacuation and medical expense protection we purchase for you.

The optional Passenger Travel Protection Program includes trip cancellation and interruption protection (for covered reasons as cited in the plan), trip delay, baggage protection for lost, stolen, damaged or delayed luggage and personal effects, as well as emergency evacuation/repatriation, an additional $5,000 accident medical expense and additional $5,000 sickness medial expense coverages. In addition, the plan contains 24-hour worldwide emergency assistance services provided by On Call International.

We include the cost of this optional travel protection as an item on your invoice. THE PLAN BECOMES EFFECTIVE THE DAY WE RECEIVE YOUR DESIGNATED PAYMENT FOR THE TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN OR UPON THE DAY YOUR FINAL BALANCE IS PAID. PLEASE NOTE THAT DEPOSITS ARE NOT APPLIED TOWARD YOUR TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN PURCHASE. If you do not wish to purchase travel protection, you have an option to opt out upon receipt of your invoice.  You need only to deduct the plan cost amount from the total balance due on your invoice or notify Mountain Travel Sobek in writing by time of final payment and we will remove the plan cost amount from your invoice.

While the above is not a complete description – a full plan description detailing the terms, conditions and exclusions may be viewed by selecting the link(s) to the plan description(s) provided above – we have highlighted just a few of the plan benefits. If you have any questions, or would like to request a copy of the plan description, please call our plan administrator, BerkelyCare, at 1-877-892-7946.

This plan was designed and is administered by BerkelyCareSM.
IN CALIFORNIA: BerkelyCareSM is a service mark of Aon Direct Insurance Administrators, CA Insurance License # 0795465.

1. IN ALL OTHER STATES: BerkelyCareSM is a division of Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. in all states other than CA, except: AIS Affinity Insurance Agency, Inc. in MN and OK and AIS Affinity Insurance Agency in NH and NY.

The Mountain Travel Sobek Medical Protection Plan and Passenger Travel Protection Program are provided in addition to other applicable indemnity or insurance programs, where permitted by law and shall apply only after benefits have been paid.

The Mountain Travel Sobek Medical Protection Plan and Passenger Travel Protection Program, Policy Numbers MZ0911026H0002A and MZ0911026H0000A are underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio.

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What kind of information will I receive to prepare for my trip?

After we receive your deposit, we'll send you a detailed document with a clothing and equipment list, visa kit (if required), invoice, insurance information, a Participant Information Form, a Medical History and Certificate, and other information needed to prepare for your trip. Final trip details and rendezvous instructions are sent about three weeks before departure.

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Will I need a visa?

Visas may be required for your destination and are not included in the Land Cost of your trip. You can avoid the potential hassles of getting your own visas and let Zierer Visa Service purchase them for you. We will send you the necessary forms (if your trip requires a visa) to help you obtain visas through Zierer Visa Service in your pre-departure package. You must apply 45 to 90 days before departure because the process takes time.
For questions about visas, please contact us at sales@mtsobek.com or call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or 1-510-594-6000.

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Can I change my mind and transfer to another Mountain Travel Sobek trip?

You may transfer to another trip without a fee up to 90 days before departure. If you transfer from one trip to another within 89 days of departure, however, you are subject to the usual Cancellation Fees (appropriate to the date you notify us of your wish to transfer). No transfers are allowed on Galápagos, Fiji, Turkey, Antarctica, Svalbard, High Arctic Explorer Cruises, Private Trips, Special Departures, Explorations Trips, and Allen Bechky Departures. We recommend that you purchase the travel insurance package to protect yourself.

For questions about transfers, please contact us at sales@mtsobek.com or call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or 1-510-594-6000.

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What are the penalties for canceling my trip?

At the time we receive written notice that you must cancel your trip, the following fees will apply (all dates are from departure date):

Regular Departures
From time of reservation until 90 days prior to departure -
$150
89 to 60 days prior to departure -
$400
59 to 30 days prior to departure -
50% of Land Cost
29 days or less prior to departure -
100% of Land Cost

Galápagos, Fiji, Greece, Turkey & Patagonia Explorer Cruise Departures
From time of reservation until 120 days prior to departure -
$400
119 to 90 days prior to departure -
25% of Land/Cruise Cost
89 to 60 days prior to departure -
50% of Land/Cruise Cost
59 days or less prior to departure -
100% of Land/Cruise Cost

Antarctica, Svalbard, & High Arctic Explorer Cruise Departures; Arctic Refuge Hiking, Kongakut & Hulahula Departures
At time of reservation until 120 days prior to departure -
$750
119 to 90 days prior to departure -
25% of Land/Cruise Cost
89 days or less prior to departure -
100% of Land/Cruise Cost

Private Adventures, Custom Adventures & Special Departures
From time of reservation until 90 days prior to departure -
$800 or 25% of Land Cost, whichever is greater
89 to 60 days prior to departure -
50% of Land Cost
59 days or less prior to departure -
100% of Land Cost

Extensions & Extra Services (including extra hotel nights)
At time of reservation until 60 days prior to departure -
$100*
59 to 30 days -
50% of Extension Cost
29 days or less -
100% of Extension Cost

Please Note: No refunds will be given for unused hotel rooms, meals, sightseeing trips, or trek arrangements for any reason whatsoever. Land Cost is quoted as a package and credits are not given for services not used. (Note—Extra hotel nights cancelled within 60 days of departure are subject to 100% of the hotel cost or $35, whichever is greater.) We recommend you purchase the optional supplementary travel insurance package to protect yourself in case of an unexpected medical emergency. *Some exceptions apply.

For questions about cancellation policy, please contact us at sales@mtsobek.com or call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or 1-510-594-6000.

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What if MTS cancels a trip?

Mountain Travel Sobek reserves the right to cancel any trip due to inadequate sign-up or other cause that makes the trip unfeasible for us to operate, but will inform you at least 45 days prior to departure. In such a case, a full refund of Land Cost is given, but Mountain Travel Sobek is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by members preparing for the trip (e.g. nonrefundable "Advance Purchase" air tickets, visa fees if applicable, clothing, equipment, medical expenses). Do not purchase your air tickets before speaking with your Adventure Coordinator.

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Are trip delays and cost increases a possibility?

The cost of delays is not included if any trip is delayed due to bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, sickness or other contingency for which Mountain Travel Sobek or its agents cannot make provision. Trip Costs and/or Land Costs are subject to increase without prior notice, even after you have signed up on the trip. We often publish our prices more than a year in advance. Between that time and the time of the trip's actual departure, we are occasionally faced with significant cost increases that we cannot absorb, i.e. international currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, or increases in cost of services. We regret this situation, and we do everything we can to avoid raising prices, but sometimes it is unavoidable. We will do our best to limit such increases and will notify you at least two months before departure.

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What are the responsibilities of the airlines?

The airlines are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their planes or conveyance. The passage contract in use by the airlines concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and such purchasers of these tours and/or passenger. Such conveyance, etc. is subject to the laws of the countries involved.

Airlines used vary in degree of safety and risk. Many air carriers have an unknown safety and maintenance record. Mountain Travel is not liable for incidents involving airline safety, cancellations, service, risk, delays, etc., or incidents that result in injury or death as a result. Please read the conditions on the back of your airline tickets. If Mountain Travel is handling your air, please read the back of your air itinerary

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What MTS needs to know about my health situation and why?

It is vital that persons with medical problems make them known to us well before departure. The trip leader has the right to disqualify anyone at any time during the trip if he or she feels the trip member is physically or mentally incapable or if a trip member's continued participation will jeopardize the individual involved or the group. Refunds are not given under such circumstances.
 
Hospital facilities for serious problems are often unavailable and evacuation can be prolonged, difficult, and expensive. Mountain Travel Sobek assumes no liability regarding provision of medical care. Trip members will receive appropriate health information and a Medical History and Certificate to be filled out and returned to us. You will need to provide us with your accurate and complete medical information history for the last three years, as well as any special dietary needs. If you are age 65 or older (or on certain designated trips, including those with the Activity Level of "Ultimate Challenge"), the Medical History and Certificate must be signed by your physician. Once you have been confirmed on a trip, normal cancellation fees apply if your doctor does not approve the Medical History and Certificate. We can send you this form prior to making your reservation so your doctor can pre-approve you.

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Can MTS take or use my picture?

Mountain Travel may take photographs and/or video of its trips and trip participants and participant grants Mountain Travel permission to do so and for it to use such for promotional or commercial use without payment of any compensation to participant.

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What are my responsibilities as a trip member?

Trip members have certain responsibilities to Mountain Travel Sobek and to other trip members. Trip members are responsible for understanding the conditions implied in the Trip Itinerary and selecting a trip in consultation with Mountain Travel Sobek that is appropriate to their interests and abilities, and for preparing for the trip by studying the trip itinerary and supplemental trip information sent by Mountain Travel Sobek. Screening for fitness (for trips rated "Strenuous" or "Ultimate Challenge") is made by our Adventure Sales consultants at the time of booking. At the trip leader's discretion, a member may be asked to leave the trip if the leader feels that the person's further participation may be detrimental to the individual or to other trip members.

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What are Mountain Travel Sobek's limitations of liability?

“Mountain Travel Sobek” is defined to include its owners, agents, directors, officers, employees, representatives and affiliates (collectively “Mountain Travel”). Except for the Alaska Discovery Inn, some small craft and some vans in Alaska, Mountain Travel does not own or operate any entity that provides goods or services for your trip including, for example, ownership or control over hotels or other lodging facilities, airline, vessel, bus, van or other transportation companies, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Mountain Travel is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, or of any other third party. Without limitation, Mountain Travel Sobek is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God, force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, structural or other defective conditions in hotels or other lodging facilities, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely, dangers associated with animals, marine life or vegetation of any sort, dangers incident to recreational activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, sailing, canoeing, rafting, hiking, bicycling, rock climbing, etc., sanitation problems, food poisoning, lack of, access to or quality of medical care, difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency, or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Mountain Travel. In addition, participants release Mountain Travel from its own negligence and assume all risk thereof. On advancement of deposit to Mountain Travel, the depositor therefore agrees to be bound by the above recited terms and conditions. These are partial conditions. Your participation is contingent on your signature on the full list of terms specified in the four-page Participant Information Form.

Arbitration
Any dispute concerning, relating or referring to these Terms and Conditions, to any literature concerning this trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration in San Francisco, California, according to the then existing rules of the American Arbitration Association. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive California law without regard to the California Arbitration Act.

Conditions of Participation
Your participation on a Mountain Travel Sobek trip is subject to the conditions stated in the four-page Participant Information Form, which includes the Agreement and Release from Liability and the Booking Conditions. Specific information on payment and cancellation policies is also contained within this document, as well as in our current catalog and here on our website. We urge you to read this information carefully, and to call us if you have any questions at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235).

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TRAVEL TIPS AND OTHER INFORMATION

By taking care of all the details, we make it as easy as possible for you to fully enjoy your trip. But just in case you're curious to know how many Nepalese rupees you'll get for a dollar in Kathmandu, what the weather's like in Cuzco, or how many hours ahead (or behind!) your home town is from Zimbabwe, this list of travel links will help you get answers to your questions. These links can also be very helpful if you're planning to be on your own for a few days before meeting your MTS group, or if you're extending your stay. If you know of other sites you think would be useful to your fellow MTS travelers, please let us know by emailing your suggestion to webmaster@mtsobek.com.

For a list of recommended outdoor clothing and gear providers, and please go to Gear, Books, & Stuff.

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Passport and Embassy Information

Everything you need to know about passports, plus a list of embassies worldwide

The US State Department (Passports)
The US State Department site with everything you need to know about passports and the overseas services this agency offers travelers.

Embassies
A list of all embassies in Washington D.C.

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Visa Services

Need a visa?

Zierer Visa Services
Zierer Visa Services has offices in San Francisco, New York, Houston, Miami, Washington DC, and Florida (call center).

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Destination Information

U.S. State Department information and other sites that provide an "a to z" on countries everywhere.

The US State Department
The US State Department site with current travel warnings, public announcements, and consular information sheets.

The CIA Factbook
The CIA Factbook is an encyclopedic summary of every country's key statistics and details (geography, politics, climate, economy, demographics, communications, etc.)

Geographia
Published by Interknowledge, this site contains concise profiles of major countries in Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America.

Country Watch
Country Watch is an information provider for individuals who need up-to-date information and news on the countries of the world.

World Time Server
Find out what time it is, just about anywhere on the planet.

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Travel Planning

Getting to know the destination and prepare for your adventure is (almost) as fun as being there.

Longitude Books
Longitude books has expert book and map recommendations, featuring hard-to-find maps, field guides, classic accounts of exploration, travel narratives, books on art and archaeology, novels, and essays.

Longitude/MTS Custom Reading Lists
Longitude also provides us with custom made reading lists for all our adventure.

Lonely Planet
With content sections labeled The Thorn Tree, World Guide, On the Road, and The Scoop, you know Lonely Planet's site is much more than just their terrifc guidebooks.

Time Out
If you like shopping, dining out, sightseeing, and exploring the different neighborhoods in some of the world's most exciting cities, rely on the excellent Time Out city guides.

Odyssey Guides
Odyssey Publications makes guide books of little-known destinations as well as more familiar ones, and take the reader to the heart of a country, region or city.

Frommer's
Explore your travel destinations the way locals do. The Frommer's collection of travel products has expanded to include over 300 guidebooks.

Maps
An online World Atlas which covers 7 continents, 12 regions, 190 countries, and 50 US States. Maps, flags, statistics, and more.

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Money Matters

Sites to help you convert currencies and locate automated teller machines (ATM's) worldwide.

Currency Converter
Universal Currency Conveter for just about every currency in the world.

Visa
Locations of Visa Card ATM's worldwide.

MasterCard
Locations of Mastercard ATM's worldwide.

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Health Information

Information on vaccines and advice on how to stay healthy while traveling.

Center for Disease Control
Travel health information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Includes reference material, recommendations by geographic region, and much more.

High Altitude Medicine
The High Altitude Medicine Guide provides current medical information on the prevention, recognition, and treatment of altitude illness, as well as other health issues affecting travellers to high mountainous regions of the world.

Travel Health Online
This site will help you have a safe, healthy adventure. Loads of useful information organized into three categories: Destination Information; Traveler Information; and Travel Medicine Providers.

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News & Weather

The latest world and national news plus weather conditions worldwide.

CNN World News
CNN's portal with world news, travel, health, etc.

BBC World News
BBC's portal with world news, travel, health, etc.

The Weather Channel
The Weather Channel's site has forcasts and maps galore.

Intellicast Weather Site
Intellicast bills itself as the weather site for active travelers.

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