Escorted Tours/Guides
Arctic Ladies adventure travel for women Inc. trips are fully guided and all trips are accompanied by an Arctic Ladies Inc. company guide and local guides in their native countries with certification (naturalists, biologists, historian/anthropologists, archeologists) in their respective fields of expertise. Whenever possible it is our goal to work with women owned/women operated companies and female guides for all services, and over time we have created a wonderful network and developed close relationships through partnerships based on trust and respect which guarantees you a wonderful and rich experience.
Trip Prices, Deposits and Payments,Cancellation, Tour Requirements
Trip prices shown are in US Dollar. After receiving your deposit, which is due at registration, your trip price for domestic destinations is guaranteed. Foreign currency changes in excess of 10% may increase or reduce the price of your travel package. (Government fees are subject to change, including, but not limited to taxes, visa fees, airport taxes, entrance fees etc. ) Please refer to our Registration Application Form for payment schedule and applicable cancellation fees. All tours require a minimum of participants.
Domestic and International Airfare
Arrival and Departure Transfers
Airfares are not included in our trip packages. Our services always begin and end at the following airports; Anchorage/Alaska (except South Eastern Alaska it would be Juneau), Honolulu/Hawaii, Athens/Greece, Dublin/Ireland, Lima/Peru, Cabo San Luca/Mexico and Johannesburg/South Africa. In order to facilitate group travel, especially for arrivals on our International trips, we ask you to contact us prior to making your flight reservation. If you like help with flight arrangements please contact us. All arrival and departure transfers are provided by us and are included in your trip package.
Accommodations
Trip package prices are based on double occupancy. There is no surcharge for single travelers if you agree to share a room with another participant. Unless otherwise noted in our programs you will be accommodated in carefully selected Bed & Breakfast's, hotels, Inns, haciendas, villas, lodges, cabins and comfortable tents depending on trip selection. Refer to the daily itineraries for specifics on type of accommodation listed for each trip. Our standard is double occupancy (may vary in remote cabins) but we will do all we can to offer you single, triple or quad occupancy if you wish. (Please note, single may not be available for all destinations, so please inquire early.)
Meals/Beverages
We serve a healthy and hearty variety of foods, local cuisine as well
as International specialties are part of your cultural experience. Most
meals and non alcoholic beverages are included as specified in your daily
itinerary. If you have any special dietary needs (vegetarian, dislikes,
food allergies etc. ) please inform us in advance, allowing us to make
all the necessary pre-trip arrangements. Alcoholic
beverages are not included.
Climates
Alaska: South Central and South East Alaska have temperate maritime climates during mid May - August. Summer temperatures can reach into the mid to high 70’s while winters bring snow and temperatures dipping into the low 20’s. In the Interior Alaska the average summer daytime temperature can range from 65 to 75 F, with temperatures in July to early August topping 80 or even 90 F.
Greece: Spring and autumn are the best times to travel to Greece. We visit Greece in May, where the temperatures are mild, it is sunny and flowers are in full bloom. You can expect temperatures between 70 - 80F.
Ireland: Spring is nice, it is usually mild 65 - 75 degrees F and sunny with those famous rain showers at any given time.
Peru: Lima is mild all year round with average temperature in the 75 F. Andes: Cuzco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are usually warm and pleasant during the day in the high 60 - mid 70 F, evenings around 65F and the nights can get cool and temperatures can drop in to the 40 F as well. Titicaca Lake has an average in the 50 F, but during the night temperatures can drop to 32 F, in the Amazon it is always warm (humid) average 80F but it can be well in the high 90 F as well.
Mexico and South Africa: time of travel not specified at this time
Equipment and Personal Gear
Arctic Ladies Inc. supplies the necessary trip equipment such as tents and camping equipment, canoes, kayaks, life vests, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, arctic gear, winter boots, fleeces, parkas etc. Before you go out and buy expensive items you may never use again, contact us, we have certain items for use available. You will be responsible for bringing your personal gear. Items to bring may differ for each trip. Please check the specific packing list you'll receive with your expanded trip information. Items, your packing list may include are a quality rain suit, good walking shoes or hiking boots, etc. An easy rule to remember is to dress in layers. You can add or remove what you need when you need it. Regardless of the season and place, casual, comfortable clothing and shoes are always in style.
Transportation
Arctic Ladies Inc. owes all new, fully equipped, spacious
Chevrolet Suburban sport utility vehicles for ground transportation purposes
in Alaska. Transportation in Ireland, Greece, Mexico, South Africa and Peru
are in private air conditioned mini bus for private portions of the tours,
and/or motor coaches on semi-private portions.
Liability disclaimer/Travel Insurance
Although we spare no effort to assure a safe trip, outdoor activities and travel of any nature are never entirely risk-free. We cannot assume responsibility for injury to participants or personal belongings or for time or expenses incurred. We also reserve the right to withdraw any tour described in our program at any time and to make changes and alterations as may be necessary for safety and proper handling of said tours. You will be required to sign a liability waiver prior to joining any tour. We highly recommend Travel Insurance for any trips. Please inquire about our Travelex Insurance carrier, or use your own coverage, which may be supplied by AAA, your credit card company or any other personal carrier you may have.
Activity Levels, Health/Health Documents and Travelers with Special Needs or Disabilities
We like everyone to be in good health. Each participant has to warrant that she is physically fit for the chosen trip and in good health to travel. Trips vary in activity levels so please call us if you feel uncertain about how to rate your personal fitness/comfort, and inform us if you have any special medical conditions and/or needs. It is your responsibility to make a true assessment of your fitness and state of health. Ask your physician for advice prior to signing for a particular trip departure. We will inform you of the necessary and/or recommended health certificates and/or immunizations needed for specific trips. Please read them carefully and ask your physician if you have health related questions. If you need special attention due to physical or mental impairment, please notify us prior to signing up for any trip. We try to accommodate all travelers, but are not able to pay special attention to any single traveler, to alter or adjust said itineraries. It may be best if you need assistance to bring a travel companion to help you with your needs and we make the best of efforts to suit your needs. Please be aware, that services outside the United States are not subject to the Americans With Disabilities Act. ("ADA") Arctic Ladies Inc. reserves the right to reject any participant if that person poses a direct threat (but not limited) to safety. Please make certain that your teeth and health, as well your prescription documents are in order, as it may be very expensive to render such services during your travel.
Passports/Visas
Travelers from overseas need a valid passport and a visa to enter the U.S. depending upon their country of origin. It is your responsibility to make certain, that your travel documents are valid and in order. Any Embassy or Consulate will supply the necessary information and Official State Department Web sites will give current information as well. Check these sites as requirements may change frequently. We will inform you of documents needed on our International Trips, depending on destinations and your country of origin they may vary. Travelers are allowed to bring all personal goods (including camping gear) into the U.S. free of duty. When leaving the U.S. keep in mind that the endangered species law prohibits the export of certain products made of bone, fur, skin, etc. We will provide detailed information on specific visa and custom regulation for overseas adventures within the respective tour information packages. No refund for participants who don't have proper documents.
Personal Expenses
Fees for passports, travel documents, health certificates, immunizations, phone calls, laundry, additional meals not specified in itinerary, room service, and additional services such as optional activities are not included.
Taxes, Fees, Tips
All taxes and fees are included in the trip package price. (but may be subject to change) Tipping in most of the countries we travel, as in the rest of the USA, is expected in restaurants to drivers, porters and local guides. Gratuity to our local guides are optional and voluntary. If this was your dream come true vacation, please show your appreciation and bring a little extra cash for your local guides. Our recommendations are included in your trip package.
