Families and Private Groups
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Can we go as a private group?
Of course! If there’s a minimum of four people, pick an existing itinerary and contact us and we can arrange the trip as a private tour. Or if you’re after something a bit different, if you have a minimum of seven people for a trip, contact us and we can put together a tailored and personally designed itinerary for you.
We have a Privates Group team that works with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip for them. Our team can help you decide on a country or destination that best suits your needs, provide specialist advice on your chosen destination such as the best time to visit, cultural expectations and so on, and provide support while you make decisions on which itinerary works best for your group.
Getting Prepared
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Will my mobile work overseas?
Do you really want to take your phone with you? One of the biggest pleasures about getting away is leaving telephones and computers behind! However, if you really do want to take your phone with you, there is a good chance that it will work in most major cities. Check with your service provider before you go if they have a reciprocal agreement with the countries you are travelling to, and make sure you remember to get international roaming turned on.
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Can I get online whilst travelling?
Internet cafés are plentiful throughout much of the world, particularly in major cities – an internet email address and a webcam/phone account (such as skype) are good ways of staying in touch.
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Do I need to take Travel Insurance?
It is compulsory that you have comprehensive travel insurance. Domestic government medical insurance and private health schemes will not cover you in most overseas countries. Gecko's has a policy designed to cover participants in our programs, please ask your consultant for full details. You may take other cover, of course, but we require you to be adequately insured before we can allow you to participate in our tours. Please check the terms of the policy carefully, particularly with regard to limits of cover (eg for replacement of photographic equipment, baggage loss, etc) and the procedure for making claims (for example, most policies stipulate that claims must be made within a certain time after completion of your journey). Your policy MUST cover medical costs in case of hospitalisation, emergency travel and repatriation. Once you have paid your deposit or full payment, certain fees will apply if you cancel your holiday. Insurance should therefore be organised at the time of booking to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances that would require you to cancel before travelling. Your Gecko's leader will need two copies of your policy - the Tour Leader and our Ground Operator will keep one copy each in the unlikely event of an emergency. The copies must show the policy number and the emergency hotline phone number.
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Do I need to get a visa for my trip?
Many of the countries we travel to require you have a visa before arrival. This will vary greatly depending on which country you are travelling to and which passport you hold. We will send out a trip-specific info pack with your confirmation which has all the relevant visa information and the best way to obtain them if they are needed.
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How fit do I need to be?
Our holidays are fun and can be enjoyed by anyone who is reasonably fit. However, some trips visit remote areas where medical facilities are very limited or non-existent, so you must be in good health. Some trips may include a trekking element, so some pre-trek preparation will be an advantage. There are some other factors to consider: bumpy roads, dust, traffic, delays and unfamiliar customs and cultures may all create additional demands. You will also have to carry your own bags so bear that in mind when deciding if you really need that other pair of shoes. Our trips are all graded. An ‘easy’ trip is just that; they can be enjoyed by anyone and no particular level of fitness is required. ‘Moderate’ trips normally include some moderate physical activities. ‘Moderate Plus’ trips usually include some trekking, may have some long travelling days and the accommodation can be fairly basic. On all holidays, physical preparation is useful and a flexible, open-minded approach is essential.
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Do I need a sleeping bag?
Sometimes. This varies depending on which trip you are booking on, and we will let you know in the info pack that we send to you on confirmation of your booking.
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Will I be able to do any laundry?
Many of the places we stay have laundry facilities nearby, especially within cities. It is also a good idea to bring some ‘travel wash’, and a travel clothes line, to wash the necessities. This will help you cut down on packing space, and hence the amount you have to lug around with you!
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How much luggage can I take?
As a general rule, the less luggage you bring with you, the better. You’ll probably be buying souvenirs and the like along the way, so leave some space! There will be times when you will be carrying your luggage on and off public transport, so you should consider travelling with a backpack or a soft duffel bag. Suitcases aren’t suitable for these types of holidays. Each airline has specific rules as to luggage allowances, so check directly with them or ask your travel consultant to confirm for you.
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Do I need to take any medical supplies?
A suggested list of items to take with you will be sent out to you with your trip-specific info pack on confirmation of your booking. Please note however that this list doesn’t cover what medications to bring. We recommend you carry personal medical items for managing common minor ailments such as colds, diarrhoea, blisters and sore throats etc. Travellers who take regular medication should take an appropriate supply. Asthma sufferers should ensure that they have an adequate supply of their routine medicine, as some major cities have high levels of smog.
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What immunisations do I need?
Immunisations vary from country to country and we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations. In some places anti-malaria medication may also be required. Some vaccines need to be administered a few weeks before departure, so allow plenty of time. It is also important that you obtain a certificate of vaccination and you must carry this with you on your trip. Please note that in some cases a certificate of vaccination is compulsory in order to obtain a visa.
Booking the Trip
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Can I book through a travel agent?
Yes, of course. If you have a favourite travel agent, by all means book through them.
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When is the final payment due?
The final payment is due in full 56 days before the departure of your trip. If you’ve booked your trip within 56 days of the departure date, full payment is needed.
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How far in advance do I need to book?
There is no guarantee as to when other people will book and hence when the tour will fill up. Our advice is that as soon as you know which one you want to book, don’t delay - put your name down as soon as possible, that way you won’t be disappointed. However, we can usually take bookings for most of our tours right up until the departure date if there are spaces left, so have a look at the availability, and if there’s still space we’ll gladly take your booking!
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Does the tour price include international flights?
The prices quoted on the site do not include international flights. Our team of adventure consultants are able to assist with all your travel plans, including your international flights – just ask us!
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Can I just do part of the tour?
Unfortunately it is not possible to just do sections of the tour. Some of the longer tours are made up of smaller tours completed back-to-back, and hence might be possible to book separately.
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How do I know which trips are available?
For each trip, we give details of the booking status – whether the trip is closed, places are available and if so how many remain to be filled. Also check the ‘guaranteed’ column – if a trip is listed as guaranteed, that means we’ve reached the minimum number for the trip to go ahead but that there may still be limited places remaining. Alternatively, you can telephone our travel experts.
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If I’m booking a few trips at once, can I get a discount?
Of course we reward loyalty. On your second Gecko’s trip we offer a five percent discount and on your fifth trip, a ten percent discount is offered.
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Do I have to book online?
No. Whilst this site is designed to make booking as easy as possible, we appreciate that sometimes it’s nice to talk to a human being, so give us a call! We can do the whole booking procedure over the phone, or you can come in and see us. Alternatively if you have a favourite travel agent, then by all means book through them.
You and Your Travelling Companions
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Do I need to be able to swim?
Several of our holidays include travel by boat, ship or canoe. It is assumed by us that you can swim, unless you advise us otherwise. If you cannot swim, you must let us know, so we can let your tour leader know. However, swimming is by no means compulsory at any stage in our trips.
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How many people will be on the trip?
The maximum group size on all trips is 15 (the exception is Africa where the maximum is 24). Group usually consist of about 9 travellers.
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Are there any age limits?
There is no specific upper age limit on our tours; they’re more of a suggestion. The majority of travellers are in their 20s and 30s, but if you are on the ‘other side’ of 40, then that’s great too! Essential on your list of things to pack are an open mind, sense of adventure and an easy-going attitude. In general, Gecko’s do not take people under the age of 18. If you are interested in taking your family away, let us know and we’ll see if we can organise a private departure for you.
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Who will I be travelling with?
Every group is different, however you'll generally travel with a mix of nationalities including Australian, British, New Zealander and North American, amongst others. The vast majority of Gecko’s travellers are in their 20s or early 30s, although we see plenty of older travellers as well.
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I am a single traveller, is that a problem?
Most of our travellers are ‘flying solo’ and like the thought of travelling with like-minded souls. Unlike some of our competitors, Gecko's does not believe in charging a single supplement. You'll probably be sharing a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room, you won't be charged extra. Because many of our travellers are travelling alone, your tour will have a strong social element and you'll almost certainly come home with some new friends.
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Is this a typical group tour?
Most Gecko’s travellers consider themselves independent travellers, rather than typical group travellers. This is just as well because Gecko’s is a long way from your typical group tour - freedom and flexibility are fundamental! There are usually around 9 people on a Gecko’s trip (the maximum is 15, or 24 in Africa), and you’ll find that the excellent tour prices offer a real alternative to backpacking. Gecko’s travellers want to explore places at a grassroots level, and have a great time while they do this.
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Is Gecko’s group style travel for me?
Gecko’s appeals to people who want the fun, freedom and flexibility of independent travel, but want to make the most of their time and prefer that someone else takes care of the hassles and organisation – queuing for tickets and looking for a hotel at night can be a real drag! Gecko’s is also for people who want to get a deeper understanding of the region they visit - our innovative itineraries and exceptional team leaders make this happen. Or perhaps you are a single traveller and like the safety and companionship of travelling with a few others, sharing the experiences and adventures together. The majority of travellers are in their 20s and 30s, but if you’re on the ‘other side’ of 40, then that’s great too! Please bear in mind that Gecko’s adventures are designed for younger travellers and our trips are go, go, go! Essential on your list of things to pack are an open mind, sense of adventure and an easygoing attitude. On a Gecko’s trip you don’t pay for unnecessary extras – that’s why the prices are so good. We include many of the must see sights, but keep plenty of free time aside so you can go on your own way and make your own discoveries. Your lodging will be basic, but clean and comfortable, locally run, and usually reflecting the character of the region. Aside from being a more interesting place to stay than a bland internationally-run hotel, this also helps to keep the cost down. You might spend a night or two in a ‘home stay’, lodge or hacienda - these could be fairly basic, but certainly a real highlight, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture. Many of the tours have several long travelling days, often on local transport, and sometimes on rough roads. The trips are packed with highlights and the pace is fast, so we can see as much as possible - although there’s always time to chill out, enjoy a cold drink and watch the world go by if that’s what you feel like doing. Gecko’s is not for everyone. If you think Gecko’s might not be your style, have a chat with one of our travel consultants and perhaps consider our ‘premium’ adventure brand, Peregrine - www.peregrineadventures.com
Money Matters
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Can I bring gifts for people?
If you want to give something to the local people please bring something useful like pens or school books, not lollies. The other thing we insist upon is that gifts are distributed in an organised and responsible manner - either through the headmaster of a school or ask your tour leader what the most beneficial approach is. Some children, and even adults, may ask for things on the street, in villages, etc, and although giving a ‘present’ may give both of you a brief moment of joy, handing things out like this only encourages begging and is destructive in the long term.
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Do I need to tip the local guide?
Your tour leader works hard to ensure you have a great trip, so please don’t hold back if you feel they have earned a tip for their efforts. If you would like to reward your leader for his or her services, you can choose to do so individually or make a group presentation at the end of the tour. Full details of tipping are covered in the trip-specific info pack that we send out to you before your departure.
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What is the best way to take money with me?
A combination of cash, an ATM card and perhaps a credit card as back-up is good. Travellers cheques are a safe way to carry money, however travellers can find it difficult in some areas to exchange them. As a general rule, American dollars are accepted throughout the world, but make sure you have small denomination bills, and that they are not ripped or marked, as this may affect your ability to change them. And remember to check with your bank about using your bank cards overseas.
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How much spending money do I need?
Not a lot! Your accommodation, transport, local leader and some meals are included. Depending on where you are, you'll generally get by on about US$20 a day, covering meals, drinks etc. Your Pre Departure Information that you receive after you book will carry full details of extra expenses.
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Can I pay the local payment in the local currency?
The local payment needs to be paid in the currency indicated in the itinerary and final invoice.
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What's a Local Payment
Local payments are only payable for our tours in Africa and are to be paid in cash, in the currency indicated, to your tour leader at the start of your trip. Local payments are so that the tour leader can arrange for payment for items locally throughout your adventure – meals for example. Having a local payment helps us to pass cost savings on to you.
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What’s included in the trip cost?
Included in the price of each trip is your tour leader, accommodation, transport on tour, entrance fees to all the major highlights, and you’ll also find we include several meals on many trips. On a Gecko’s trip, you don’t pay for unnecessary extras - that’s why the prices are so good.
On Tour
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What will the weather be like?
Your best bet with this question is to ask your travel consultant or visit the country pages of our website for an overall indication. More information is contained in the trip-specific info pack, which you will be sent on confirmation of your booking.
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Are there any long travelling days?
Many of the tours have several long travelling days, often on local transport, and sometimes on rough roads. The trips are packed with highlights and the pace is fast, so we can see as much as possible. Although there’s always time to chill out, enjoy a cold drink and watch the world go by if that’s what you feel like doing. The trip notes for each trip will give you a strong indication of the travelling times for each day.
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What form of transport do we use?
As a general rule, we travel on local transport, mixing with the locals and getting involved. In some places, the best way to explore is on foot, in others we’ll jump on boats, bemos, canoes, camels, tuk-tuks, songthaews… you get the picture. The style of transport will be as varied as it is fun…. we don’t like sealing you up in a 50-seater coach. Sometimes, however, local transport is not practical – you just can’t jump on a No. 96 bus in northern Thailand – so in these instances, we hire our own vehicles.
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Can I book extra accommodation for the start or end of the tour?
Yes. In all cases, we can organise extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour. Just let us know and we’ll organise a quote for you.
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How do I get to the start of the tour?
Tours will always start in a specified hotel and we will let you know exactly when you need to be at that hotel. We can organise airport transfers, if you wish.
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I’m a vegetarian or have special dietary needs, is that a problem?
No problem at all! The only important thing is that you let us know in advance, so we can inform our local leaders. That way, they can look out for you and make sure you are looked after in the local restaurants. It is important to realise that in some places your diet might be slightly limited, as meat can form an integral part of the local diet. If in doubt, ask our consultants for their first-hand knowledge of each individual destination.
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What will the food be like?
Experiencing the local flavours is definitely a highlight on our trips. Our local leaders take you to out of the way places and experience the best and most interesting cuisine of the cultures you visit. The leaders’ local knowledge will mean you can decipher menus, get useful tips on what to try, and visit all the most interesting restaurants and markets. There will always be a very strong local influence in the food, which we believe is what travel is all about.
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What standard of hotels should I expect?
Your lodging will be basic, but clean and comfortable, locally run, and usually reflecting the character of the region. Aside from being a more interesting place to stay than a bland internationally-run hotel, this also helps to keep the cost down and by supporting local businesses you help the local economy. You might also spend a night or two in a ‘home stay’, lodge or hacienda - these could be fairly basic, but will almost certainly end up being one of the highlights, offering a chance to really immerse yourself in the local culture.
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Will there be time to explore the cities we start and end in, or should I allow extra time?
With all of our tours, we strongly believe we have well balanced itineraries to enable you to explore all the places you are visiting. There is generally no need to arrive early or leave later. However, there is always more to discover and we can arrange additional accommodation, should you need it.
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How much free time is there?
It is an integral part of all Gecko’s trips to give you enough free time to explore by yourself. Many of your most memorable experiences will occur when you branch out and do your own thing. We understand that different people have different interests, so we build in free time to make your own discoveries. The framework is in place and the details are taken care of, but on many days, you decide what you want to see and do. After all, you might be thoroughly sick and tired of temples, while another group member just can’t get enough of them. It’s your holiday, so it’s your choice.
