Question 1

Accommodation

Accepted Answer

How are the rooms assigned?

If you are travelling with others, let us know and we will put you together. If you make a booking for multiple people you will be grouped automatically. If you are travelling solo, we will always place you in a room with someone of the same gender if it's a twin room. If any accommodation are multi-share rooms, we will do our best to keep it to the same gender, however, occasionally it may be mixed.

Can I book pre-tour accommodation with you?

If you are arriving before the start date you can book extra nights at the tour accommodation. To do this, simply log into the Manage My Booking area of our website, add the extra nights and pay for them.

Can I book post-tour accommodation with you?

Your group leader will book post-tour accommodation for you when you are on tour. Just let them know when you arrive.

Question 2

Travelling solo, with a friend or a partner

Accepted Answer

If you're struggling to convince your friends to join you on an adventure, you're not alone! Travelling solo on a group tour can be one of the most exciting ways to experience a new destination, and you won't have to wait around for your mates to be ready. You leave yourself open to meeting amazing people, making new friends, and can keep yourself and your onward travel plans flexible. The majority of our group members are solo travellers, so joining one of our group tours is a great way to meet people and make friends. And after the trip a lot of people continue travelling with the new friends they've made! What if I'm travelling with a friend/s or partner? Once you’ve made a booking just let us know who you’re travelling with and we can make a note that you are travelling together, and can put you in the same room.

Question 3

Is this trip for me?

Accepted Answer

This is a backpacker style trip, aimed at those happy to stay in nice, budget 2-3 star style accommodation. During the 3 day/2 night Boat Expedition from Coron to El Nido the accommodation is basic and rustic style Filipino Huts with mosquito nets. There is limited power supply, no phone signal and you will shower with buckets of water. A truly memorable experience immersing yourself in the local Filipino culture. Due to the nature of the Philippines being an archipelago country, there are some long travel days which includes a couple of internal public flights, a public ferry, and private minibuses. This also includes travelling on a boat from Coron to El Nido on a 3 night/2 day Boat Expedition, where you will sleep on 2 different remote island camps for the 2 nights. A truly exotic and magical experience! This tour includes a lot of water activities, such as canyoneering, swimming and snorkelling. This also means quite a bit of time spent on boats, and some activities are slightly physical and weather dependant. We do not run tours during monsoon season; however, due to where the Philippines is geographically located, the weather can be unpredictable at times and can affect some of the activities.

Question 4

Flights

Accepted Answer

Are flights included in the price?

Flights to and from your tour destination are not included in the price of the tour and will need to be booked separately. However if your tour has an internal flight as part of the itinerary, then this is included! You can get a quote on a flight to your destination here. When should I book my flight to arrive?

It’s best to arrive on the actual start date. This is when most people arrive. There are no activities on the first day but the group gets together in the evening for a welcome dinner at around 7pm. Sometimes people like to arrive a day or two before the trip starts so they can do their own exploring or just have a bit of time to chill before all the fun begins.

Question 5

Your airport transfer

Accepted Answer

This tour includes an airport transfer for when you arrive. Once you have booked your flights simply log into the Manage My Booking Area of our website and let us know your flight arrival details. If you are arriving early and staying at the tour accommodation we will still arrange your airport transfer. Please let us know if you do not require an airport transfer.

Our INTRO Travel App has all the important information about your airport transfer and where to meet when you arrive.

Question 6

Travel insurance

Accepted Answer

Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof of your policy to your group leader upon arrival (on your phone or printed). You can get a quote and purchase your travel insurance here.

Question 7

Arrival information

Accepted Answer

When should I arrive for my tour?

It’s best to arrive on the actual start date, as that’s when most people get in. While there are no activities on the first day, the group usually meets up for dinner around 7PM. Sometimes people like to arrive a day or two before the trip starts so they can do their own exploring or just have a bit of time to chill before all the fun begins. Our INTRO Travel App has all the important information about arriving into the country, your airport transfer and where to meet when you arrive.

Where can I update my arrival information for my tour?

Once you have booked your flights please log into the Manage My Booking area of our website and let us know your flight arrival details. If you are arriving early we can still arrange your airport transfer for you. You can book and pay for any extra nights accommodation in the Manage My Booking area of our website. The cost and availability of extra nights will vary depending on which tour you have booked.

Which airport do I need to fly into?

You can find information on which airport to fly into and out of in the 'Arrival Info’ and ‘After Your Trip’ sections of our INTRO Travel App.

Question 8

Visas

Accepted Answer

Do I need a visa and can you arrange it for me?

Visa requirements vary depending on the country you are travelling to and your nationality.

It’s your responsibility to check the visa and entry requirements for the country/s you will be travelling to.

There is some information about visas in our INTRO Travel App.

IMPORTANT: We cannot apply for your visa for you and strongly recommend that you check on the relevant embassy or consulate website for the country/s you’ll be travelling to well in advance of your departure, as requirements can change and some countries require you to apply for a visa before you travel.

Question 9

Packing & luggage

Accepted Answer

What should I pack for my tour?

Whether you have a backpack or a suitcase the main thing to keep in mind is not to bring too much stuff! We strongly recommend that you bring less than 20 kgs of stuff with you. If you haven’t got a backpack yet, try and get one that zips open along the side. There will be places on the tour where you can do laundry, so you don’t need to bring 16 pairs of shorts with you. You can view a packing checklist on our INTRO Travel App.

Question 10

When is the best time to visit the Philippines?

Accepted Answer

The great thing about the Philippines is it’s usually quite hot and dry whilst we are operating, so it’s great to go at any time between October to June. Please keep in mind that we don’t operate our tours during the main wet season (July, August, September). And in Asia, if it does rain it’s normally just for an hour or two and then it will stop.

Question 11

Money

Accepted Answer

How much spending money will I need?

All your activities, transport, accommodation and some meals are included in the tour, so you will mainly just need money for extra meals, drinks, shopping and onward travel. The amount of money you’ll need depends on the tour you are doing. There’s information about how much money you’ll need for each tour in our INTRO Travel App. What’s the best way to access my money?

We recommend getting a Wise travel card, which will allow you to pay for things in local currency and avoid getting charged high foreign exchange fees by your bank. Getting a Wise travel card is easy! You can get a Wise travel card here. (If you are from the United States, your WISE account may not work in certain destinations).

Question 12

After your trip

Accepted Answer

A big part of the INTRO Travel difference is our after-trip support. Your group leader will spend enough time as needed to ensure you are totally comfortable and confident with where you’re going next. And can help organise and book whatever you need, including any transport, accommodation or trips you may want. We'll also provide 24/7 support and advice after your trip, and will always be there to help when you need it.

Question 13

Accommodation

Accepted Answer

How are the rooms assigned?

If you are travelling with others, let us know and we will put you together.

If you are travelling solo, we will always place you in a room with someone of the same gender if it's a twin room. If any accommodation are multi-share rooms, we will do our best to keep it to the same gender, however, occasionally it may be mixed.

Can I book pre-tour accommodation with you?

If you are arriving before the start date you can book extra nights at the tour accommodation. To do this, add them during checkout on the 'Tour Options' window or log into the Manage My Booking area of our website, add the extra nights and pay for them.

Can I book post-tour accommodation with you?

Your group leader will book post-tour accommodation for you when you are on tour. Just need to let them know when you arrive.

Question 14

Your group & group leader

Accepted Answer

Most of our Philippines Island Explorer groups have between 10 and 18 people with a maximum group size of 22. Our group members are usually aged between 18 to 40s. We get people from all over the world on our tours, so you’ll get to bond with a wide range of travellers who all share that same passion for adventure! As long as you have an appetite for adventure and are happy bonding with people of all backgrounds, you’ll fit in perfectly! How can I get in touch with my group?

You can reach out to your fellow travellers in our designated Facebook groups. We have a Facebook group for all our destinations, if you go to our INTRO Travel Community Facebook page you will be able to find the relevant group for your destination. How can I get in touch with my group leader?

You will receive a ‘welcome email’ from your group leader approx. 2 weeks before your tour begins.

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Philippines Island Explorer

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