What is included in the trip price and what is not?
Our trips typically include all lodging, some meals, internal tour transportation, entrance fees, leadership and instruction, as described on each tour’s web page.
Not included are bar bills, communication costs, laundry, items of a personal nature and airfare to and from the tour’s starting point. Contact us if you have any questions about what’s included in a particular trip.
Is the price per room or per person?
The price is per person.
How many people are usually sleeping in one room?
Usually prices are based on double occupancy, which means that you’ll share a room with someone else. There is a possibility to have your own room, but that will cost extra (see single occupancy). In consideration of other guests, please consider single accommodations if you snore heavily, use a CPAP machine, or are an erratic sleeper.
What kind of a hotel/accommodation should I expect?
We normally book an upscale or “best available” accommodations, but we generally refrain from extravagance. Comfort, proximity to transport (and/or photo subjects) are primary considerations when choosing accommodations.
What about meals?
Please read each tour description.
I’m not a photographer. Can I join a tour or a workshop?
Absolutely! Non-photographing participants who join our trips often tell us that they appreciate the pace of our trips and learn a lot about natural history, wildlife, culture, etc. from our trip leaders. A GoPro or other video camera (or a phone!) is often a great way to involve friends and family with your photography travel.
How do I sign up for a trip?
From the website:
Use the “REGISTER NOW” button featured on each trip page with the following:
- Full names of all travelers
- Roommate requests (include genders of all requesters)
- Best phone number to reach you during our regular business hours
Please allow 1-2 business days for response and confirmation if space is available.
By phone during normal business hours (US Pacific Time)
We will confirm your place(s) on a tour during your call. To complete your registration please have a credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express) in hand for the trip deposit. We will immediately email you a registration form to complete and return to us. Then your registration is complete. To register by phone, call 650-200-3685, Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm, US Pacific time.
Travel insurance – should I buy it?
All participants are strongly urged to purchase medical and travel protection insurance by themselves.
You should purchase medical / comprehensive insurance by yourself. We can provide a “cancel for any reason” insurance.
Evacuation and medical insurance is MANDATORY on all of our trips. Please check the Terms and Conditions section in the individual tour pages in this website or contact our office by telephone or email for details.
Who books air travel and takes care of the visa issues?
You should book airline tickets and take care of all visa-related questions yourself.