Why go with The Expedition School?
The Expedition School offers its own single expeditions, workshops, seminars, and camps. It also provides consultation and assistance for schools, non-profit and for-profit organizations, and groups of families or friends who may need guidance in planning or carrying out their own expedition.
No other school or outfitter explores these specific localities in the way we do – geographically and educationally. We utilize locally owned and operated businesses. The Expedition School believes in zero impact philosophy – meaning, regardless of a wilderness or urban setting, we strive to tread lightly wherever we go. Our mission is to learn from our experience in a sustainable way.
One percent of the School’s annual profits go to scholarships for people who need financial assistance.
The Expedition School guides are leaders in their respective fields. Published authors, professional photographers, physicians, teachers, rangers, artists, paleontologists, and other scientists offer expert insights while on the expedition.
The School’s prices are competitive. Prices listed include permits, food, lodging, lectures, and transportation (not including airfare) throughout the specified program.
What does the expedition cost include?
Program costs vary. All programs include accommodations, meals (with the exception of meals eaten in restaurants), course materials, park permits, entry fees, trip packet, ground transportation during program (other than airfare), services of The Expedition School faculty, staff, lecturers, guides, and agents. The Expedition School is not responsible for lodging and/or transportation before and/or after program dates.
What is not Included in the Program Cost?
The cost of the trip includes everything EXCEPT the following: airfare (international, national, inter island, and in country), airport or any other conveyance transfer to/from program destination, incidental transportation, lodging, food, and transfer fees on arrival and departure days, emergency service transport, medical and personal evacuation expenses; illness, passports, visas, gratuity, baggage/accident/cancellation insurance; personal spending money, and food eaten in restaurants.
What is the last date I can cancel in order to get a full refund?
A participant must notify The Expedition School 61 days prior the program start date in order to receive a full refund – minus the $250 nonrefundable, transferable deposit. If notification is received 60 – 31 days prior to the first day of the program – 50% of refund of the total program cost – less a $250 nonrefundable, nontransferable deposit. If notification is received 30 days prior to the program start date OR there is a voluntary withdrawal OR an early dismissal during the program, there will be NO REFUND.
Why do you disallow electronic devices?
The Expedition School wants each participant to be 100% present with their surroundings at all times. Moreover, we do not want to be held responsible if an electronic device is damaged, lost, or stolen during a program.
What type of gear will I need for the expedition?
Gear requirements for each expedition vary. Please read your gear list included in your travel packet on what to bring – and, more importantly, what not to bring. Borrowing gear is always the best and cheapest resource. Contact us anytime if you have any specific questions on gear.
Where will I sleep when I am on an expedition?
Some expeditions have students and clients sleeping in tents, other expeditions have individuals staying in locally owned and operated hotels, homes, lodges, cabanas, or huts. A picture of the lodging is included in the trip packet.
Can I have my own tent or room?
All lodging (tents, cabanas, homes, hotels, or huts) are based on a double, triple, or quadruple occupancy. We cannot guarantee fulfilling a single occupancy request. However, if we can accommodate this request, you will pay the difference in price for having your own room.
What will I eat when I am on an expedition?
The Expedition School strives to supply each expedition with a healthy, nutritious, well-balanced menu. We respect dietary restrictions and ask that you notify us well in advance on these specifications. We have a Nutritionist on staff that reviews and approves meals of each expedition.
What type of physical shape do I need to be in to partake on a program?
You should be healthy and physically and mentally fit from day one of the program through the program end date.
Do I need relevant wilderness experience to register for an Expedition School program?
You need some relevant wilderness experience to participate in any Expedition School program. Some programs do not require any field experience, others do. We have broken down our programs into 2 categories: novice and intermediate. The novice needs no field experience, whereas the intermediate needs atleast multi-day field experience prior to the program start date.
Where is the Expedition School based?
We have two offices located in Austin, Texas and Fairbanks, Alaska.
Is gratuity included in the trip cost?
Gratuity is not included on the trip cost. Moreover, tipping is not required nor expected – but always appreciated.
Do you offer customized trips for groups?
Yes, we offer a variety of customized expeditions for your group. We look forward to meeting your budget, goals, and destination of travel. Please feel free to contact us anytime to discuss the possibilities.
What is the minimum age a student must be to participate in an expedition, camp, seminar, workshop, or customized trip?
Students must be 11 years of age or older when participating on any expedition – whether it is a customized family trip or the overnight Surf Camp. Our expedition descriptions on our website list the minimum age requirements for each program.
What is the minimum/maximum number of participants for each program?
Five is the minimum number of participants for any program and 15 is the maximum.
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