Frequently Asked Questions
Country Walkers often receives questions about our trips, our travelers, and our destinations. We have collected the most popular questions here for your information. Below you'll learn that someone just like you, young or young at heart, has recently experienced a walking trip of a lifetime. You'll come to understand that Country Walkers will nourish and pamper you at the end of each day's delightful journey. Plus, we let you know what to expect from a trip, and what to take to make the most of your walking experience. As always, please call one of our travel experts if you need any further information, or have your own questions.
Someone Just Like You
Who travels with Country Walkers?
Someone just like you, very likely. Perhaps one of the most delightful experiences of your vacation with Country Walkers will be the camaraderie that manifests from your first encounter with your fellow travelers. Each group is comprised of people who are adventurous, inquisitive and well-educated. They all love the out-of-doors and to immerse themselves into a country's regional history and traditions. Also, please read what past guests say about their trips.
Will I feel comfortable as a solo traveler?
Over and over, we hear from our solo guests that a Country Walkers trip is an excellent, congenial way to travel. All trips comprise a pleasant mix of couples and single travelers. We can assign you a roommate, or you may choose to secure a single room and pay the single supplement fee, although please note that this option varies from tour to tour. For further information regarding single accommodations please click Single/Double Accommodations.
How many walkers will be on a trip?
We limit the size of our groups to 18 guests, while we still operate tours with as few as 6 guests. Also, some of our departures require limitations in the maximum group size due to the accommodations available in a specific region. Private or family groups allow even more flexibility in size.
Who can I speak with that has been on the tour in which I am interested?
Our staff! Each trip is designed from start to finish by one of our managers, and everyone in the office receives extensive and ongoing training on each trip. Our staff is eager to share their expertise. We are also pleased to refer you to past guests who have been on the tour you are considering
You Can Do It
Can I physically do it? How long and strenuous are the walks each day?
Any reasonably fit person can undertake a Country Walkers vacation. We take special care to accommodate varying fitness levels and preferences. This is why walkers are presented with options on most days. After all, even the hardiest person may wish to spend an afternoon exploring a local museum or strolling through a bustling market. While you can note each trip's rating for terrain and distance within each trip's description, you may gain further insight into which trip best suits your ability and interests by speaking with one of our knowledgeable staff.
Who will be guiding the trip?
We know that the positive impact our exceptional guides can have on a trip is a key to our success and sets Country Walkers apart. According to our legions of happy returning guests, our guides distinguish themselves as well-educated and experienced individuals. Take bird-watching tips from an expert ornithologist in Costa Rica. Marvel at Italian Renaissance art treasures in the company of a guide with extensive training in art history. Explore Western canyon country with a professional map maker. Or stroll coastal New England with an author of books on sailing. Our guides' talents extend well beyond the trail. They are musicians, educators, photographers, authors, artists, storytellers, comedians, farmers, ecologists, and lawyers- to name just a few of their specialties.
Nourish & Pamper
What will the accommodations be like?
Country Walkers has discovered some of the finest, most authentic accommodations available in each region. We have chosen small, first-class hotels, inns, lodges, châteaux or villas that typify the area and are noted for their hospitality and character. Remember that even the finest hotels in certain regions, such as parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America, may not offer the same amenities found in a similar U.S. hotel. What they may lack in luxury, however, they make up for in views, regional charm and unique cultural or natural beauty. Each room on every trip has a private bath (excluding the trip-specific snowshoe lodges as noted in the confirmation materials). Discover more about accommodations by clicking Lodging & Cuisine.
What will the meals be like?
Wherever you travel with Country Walkers, the cuisine reflects that destination's most discriminating taste. Ingredients are always fresh and painstakingly prepared, featuring local specialties. With advance notice, we can accommodate special dietary requirements. Discover more about accommodations by clicking Lodging & Cuisine
The Young and Young at Heart
Are there age limits for travelers?
With the exception of private or family groups, we accept guests older than twelve years of age. While our guests' ages generally range from the 30's to 60's, we have had guests as old as 89 who have enjoyed the unique experience that only a Country Walkers vacation can offer.
What are the options if I wish to have my children travel?
If children are twelve years of age or older, they are welcome on any of our tours. However, it has become popular to plan a private family trip that can include many generations. Or, choose from our new Family Trips, planned for the young and young at heart.
Details
What is included in the trip price?
- All accommodations with private baths, breakfasts, most lunches and dinners each day*
- Experienced guides, and we guarantee two guides with each trip of eight guests or more, and additional city guides or naturalists for selected trips
- Internal flights on trips within Belize, Ecuador, Nepal, Australia and Turkey, and where noted
- Gratuities for all hotels, porterage and meals
- Airport transfers*
- Transportation from the meeting point to the departure point (at designated times) and for the duration of the tour whether by bus, boat, train, plane, gondola or funicular*
- Special events entrance fees included in trip itinerary, such as park entry fees, museums, villas, archaeological sites, etc.
- Welcome refreshment, wine or beer on first and final night
- Drinking water provided for each day's walks
- Daily trail snacks
- Local maps with highlighter to trace your route
- Country Walkers special gift
- The unbeatable cumulative experience of the Country Walkers staff and memories that last a lifetime!
*except where noted within the individual trip description
If I take more than one trip, do I receive a discount?
For every additional trip you take within the same calendar year, you receive a 5% discount. Many of our guests, for example, design a longer trip by combining two or more of our Country Walkers trips. Back-to-back trips that begin in one year and continue into another are also eligible for the 5% discount. Plus, once you've taken two Country Walkers trips, you automatically become a CW Encore member, and you'll be celebrated and recognized with various levels of rewards, benefits and special amenities.
Ready To Go
What do we do if it rains?
We walk! When was the last time you walked in the rain? It can be a wonderful experience, especially when you're dressed properly. Your confirmation materials will contain a detailed list of what to bring. Of course, if you choose not to walk, your guide can suggest alternative plans for the day.
Do I need any special gear to take on a Country Walkers vacation?
A comfortable daypack, a broken in pair of above-ankle hiking boots, rain gear, sunscreen and a water bottle are the only requirements. Hiking boots with ankle support are a mandatory requirement on all Country Walkers tours. A detailed list of what to bring is customized for each trip and included in every confirmation packet.
