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Discover the Secrets of Melanesia aboard the Heritage Adventurer

Explore the Wonders of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu

Australia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu

17 Days

From $11,995

Level 1+

Easiest

Overview

    Contact Us Download Itinerary

    Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

    Please note
    Comprehensive travel insurance for emergency medical evacuation is required for this cruise.

    Early Booking Discount

    2025: 5% off all cabins
    2026: 15% off all cabins

    Valid on new bookings, offer expires April 30, 2025

    Overview

    Sail into a world few will ever experience where unique time-honored traditions and elaborately costumed dancers welcome you into their world as you explore the rich history, iconic WWII sites, cultures, and wildlife of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu on this authentic expedition cruise.


    Enjoy incredible cultural encounters on Loh Island, join Malaita's Kwaio people in a sacred dance, and observe the ancient Rom Dance on Ambrym Island, where indigenous culture continues unchanged. Discover one of the conservation jewels of the South Pacific on Tetepare Island and snorkel Marovo Lagoon, the largest saltwater lagoon in the world. Visit villages on culturally-rich Malaita Island where traditional Malaitan shell-money is still made, used as a dowry and worn as a status symbol. Experience a kaleidoscope of cultures in Vanuatu, where more than a hundred indigenous languages are spoken. This expedition embraces some of these cultures and languages, as you explore one of the happiest places on the planet.

    Throughout Melanesia there are spectacular reefs that are home to masses of fish and coral gardens of every color. These waters offer some of the greatest marine diversity and snorkeling in the world and you will have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty beneath the waves. Whether you are snorkeling, swimming, or kayaking, this ocean aquarium is waiting to be explored and discovered.

    For birders, this itinerary offers once-in-a-lifetime species on remote islands where few have been before, and endemic birdlife such as the Solomon sea eagle, or the Vanikoro white-eye, may be seen. The birding potential is exceptional, and to allow birders to maximize the opportunities on the expedition there is an optional specialized birding program with customized excursions.

    Arrive: Cairns, Australia

    Depart: Port Villa, Vanuatu

    Highlights

    • Experience a kaleidoscope of the island cultures of Melanesia
    • Search for a tremendous variety of birdlife including Solomon sea eagles and Vanikoro white-eyes
    • Active options including snorkeling and kayaking

    Overview

      Contact Us Download Itinerary

      Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

      Itinerary

      Download Itinerary Expand All Days

      Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.

      Arrive in the urban tropical paradise of Cairns, gateway to the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest, and transfer to your hotel where the group will spend the first night of the expedition. This evening meet your fellow voyagers and expedition guides over dinner at the hotel.
      Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before boarding your flight to Port Moresby, the bustling gateway and capital of Papua New Guinea where village and urban life exist side-by-side. Enjoy a visit to the National Museum and Arts Center, exhibiting one of the finest collections of primitive art in the world before boarding Heritage Adventurer this afternoon. The captain and expedition team will be waiting to greet you on arrival and show you to your cabin. You will have time to settle in and familiarize yourself with the ship; you will also meet your expedition team and learn about the voyage plans.
      After a morning at sea, arrive during the early afternoon in the Louisiade Archipelago, which stretches some 250 miles along the northern rim of the Coral Sea and is one of the great island arcs of the South Pacific. Rarely visited by outsiders, this area is a wonderland of literally hundreds of islands, lagoons, and extensive barrier reefs and home to the seafaring Dobu people. With two days set aside for exploration, there will be opportunities to snorkel, perhaps encounter the manta rays that are known to frequent these waters at recognized feeding stations or find a Japanese A6M2 Zero, the main fighter plane of the Imperial Japanese Navy, sitting intact in the shallows. Tagula Island is the largest in the archipelago. A gold rush in 1889 brought the island to the world's attention but today it is the rich tropical forest and endemic wildlife that you will seek including the Tagula honeyeater and butcherbird plus endemic frogs and lizards.
      Awake this morning in the volcanic island chain of D'Entrecasteaux Islands. One highlight will be exploring the island's geothermal area with hot springs and bubbling mud pools surrounded by lush vegetation. Nearby, snorkel among thousands of colorful coral and fish attracted by underwater hot springs flowing through small vents in the ocean floor that send bubbles toward the surface. Described as like “swimming in champagne,” the water is incredibly clear and the marine life is renowned for its abundance and the spectacular sizes the coral grows to. You will also visit Dobu Island; this small island is a critical link in the "Kula Ring" that was famously investigated and described by the anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski.
      Positioned in the Solomon Sea and historically known as the “Islands of Love,” the Trobriands offer a glimpse of traditional culture largely unspoiled by outside influence. During your visit you will enjoy picture-postcard white-sand beaches, colorful villages, aquamarine water, and enchanting marine life. Meet the Trobriand islanders and experience energetic, time-honored dances that celebrate fishing and the seasonal yam harvest. Learn about the history of the “Kula Ring,” a circular pattern of ceremonial trade relationships that binds the islands of Milne Bay and eastern Papua New Guinea together in a long-established network of friendship. These islanders are also renowned for the exquisite quality of their ebony wood-carvings, often decorated with mother-of-pearl shell inlays. You will also snorkel among kaleidoscopic coral reefs populated by parrotfish, neon damsels, and other brilliantly-hued species.
      Blessed with both biological and mineral treasure troves and more than 2,000 years of human culture, Papua New Guinea's remote outpost of Woodlark Island and its people are caught up in the push and pull of conservation versus mining. Its local community remains one of the few self-sufficient, subsistence-based populations in the world while its flora and fauna, left to evolve in seclusion on this unique rainforest island, include more than 40 species found nowhere else on Earth, with scientists predicting many more still awaiting discovery. Recent discoveries include a new species of frog and lizard. At loggerheads with this, Woodlark has also been deemed one of the largest and most profitable gold mine developments of recent years. During your time here you will enjoy village visits and look for some of the island's unique wildlife including the IUCN Red List endangered Woodlark cuscus, endemic lizards, plants, amphibians, and insects, and perhaps even discover new species.
      Today we discover the treasures of Bougainville, long isolated and in a strange way protected due to the conflict that swirled around its shores. High on many travelers' wish lists, this autonomous region within Papua New Guinea magnificently marries rugged, jungled terrain with amazing coral reefs offshore and is home to some of the greatest biodiversity in the region both above and below the water. Lying to the east of the country's mainland and north of the Solomon Islands, it comprises two main islands and several outlying islands and atolls, making it both remote and hard to reach, but perfect for exploration by expedition ship. Discover Bougainville's strong ties and connections with the Solomon Islands, which is reflected in their music, culture, and language.
      The volcanic New Georgia Islands are found in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands and are characterized by extensive reefs and lagoons, rugged terrain, and an abundance of rivers. Nature enthusiasts will relish landing on Kolombangara Island, where the plan is to visit the Imbu Rano Eco Lodge and Conservation Area that protects the island's central peak, and search for the rare Roviana rail along with other endemic bird species. Snorkel the wreck of a US Navy Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat (carrier version) WWII plane off a nearby tiny island where the surrounding reefs are home to some of the highest fish counts in the world. Stock up on the local currency to purchase the wood or stone carvings the people of the Western Province are so famous for.
      Uninhabited for 150 years, this rugged island cloaked in rainforest and fringed with coral reefs is home to one of the Solomon Islands' leading community-driven conservation projects: Tetepare Descendants' Association. Receiving international recognition for its conservation and archaeological significance, three species of turtle, including the endangered leatherback, nest on its beaches while other species inhabiting the island and surrounding waters include dugong, the world's largest skink, endemic Tetepare white-eye, and many more. A highlight of the voyage, this afternoon the plan is to explore and snorkel Marovo Lagoon, the largest saltwater lagoon in the world. Breathtaking both above and below the water, Marovo features a unique, double-barrier reef surrounding the extinct volcanoes of the main central islands and light-filled cave systems teeming with marine life. Globally outstanding marine biodiversity, coral reefs, estuarine and island complexes, mangrove forests, and sea grass beds await exploration.
      Mountainous Malaita is home to one-third of the Solomon's total population and features pristine rivers and unexploited tropical forests. This morning you will explore the clear and calm waters that surround the island. In the afternoon, the group has been invited by the world-renowned Kwaio People, led by Chief Esau, to discover their traditional way of life that the community has fiercely guarded alongside their ancestral lands. This invitation represents a rare privilege and is made possible by our ongoing connection with the community and our assistance with the development of innovative community conservation programs. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to spend time in the company of some of the most authentic, yet innovative, communities in the region.
      Makira is the most easterly of the main islands in the Solomon's archipelago. This morning we anchor in the calm waters of Star Harbour. Join the naturalists for a Zodiac exploration of the abundant mangrove forests that line the shores, and take a short walk to Makira's south coast where the villagers live much as they have for millennia. You will spend time with the locals, who share with you their traditional song and dance. If you are lucky, the local boys might be surfing on their hand-carved palm wood boards.
      Nendö is the largest of the Santa Cruz Islands, which lie to the southeast of the Solomon Islands. The Spanish navigator Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira unsuccessfully attempted to establish a colony in 1595. Biologically these islands share more in common with Vanuatu. It is also the home of red feather money, sourced from the scarlet honeyeater. Watch the manufacture of red feather money, and join the locals in dances that reverberate through the ages.
      Today you'll explore the archipelago of Vanikoro, with its five islands encapsulated by a dramatic barrier reef that offers superb snorkeling. French explorer Jean-Francois de Galaup, comte de La Pérouse, famously disappeared here after both his vessels, La Boussole and Astrolabe, struck the reef in 1788. On the shore you will visit a monument to Le Pérouse, erected by fellow explorer Dumont Durville in 1827. Join the naturalists on a forest walk in search of the endemic Vanikoro white-eye and monarch, or marvel at the delicate Vanikoro orchid. You also have a good chance to see the recently rediscovered Vanikoro flying fox, considered extinct until just recently.
      Today you will explore Vanuatu's largest Island, Santo, the location of James Michener's Tales of the South Pacific. Indulge in a swim in the crystalline waters of Champagne Beach with its famed powdery white sand. This afternoon, enjoy Zodiac cruises to the iconic blue holes of Santo. For those with an interest in the history of the island, there is a visit to Luganville and Million Dollar Point.
      Visit Ambrym, renowned as the island of volcanoes and magic throughout Vanuatu. You'll head ashore at Ranon on the northern coast where the traditional Rom dance is still practiced and custom carving is alive and well. A walk through the forest brings you to the "arena" where masked dancers emerge from the forest. The forests of Ambrym offer some excellent walks to go in search of the local birds and plants, accompanied by the naturalists. This afternoon, enjoy a final snorkel excursion.
      Arrive in Port Vila in the early morning and disembark. Upon disembarking, a transfer to your central city hotel or the airport will conclude your voyage. To allow time for disembarkation procedures we do not recommend booking flights from Port Vila before midday.
      Day 1: Cairns, Australia
      Day 2: Cairns to Port Morseby, Papua New Guinea / Embarkation
      Day 3: Doini Island
      Day 4: Cape Nelson, Tufi Harbour
      Day 5: D'Entrecasteaux Islands
      Day 6: Trobriand Islands
      Day 7: Rabaul, New Britain
      Day 8: Nissan Island
      Day 9: Bougainville, Island
      Day 10: Kolombangara Island, Solomon Islands
      Day 11: Tetepare Island
      Day 12: Nggela Sule & Tulagi Islands
      Day 13: Santa Ana Island
      Day 14: Nendo Island, Temotu Province
      Day 15: Vanikoro Island
      Day 16: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
      Day 17: Ambrym & Efate Islands
      Day 18: Port Villa / Disembarkation

      Please contact our office for 2026 detailed itinerary

      Dates & Pricing

      Payment & Cancel Schedule

      At time of reservation: 25% of trip cost
      100 days prior to departure: Balance

      Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

      Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

      Minimum fee: $750 per person
      91-179 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
      90 days or less: 100% of trip cost

      Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

      Included
      • Pre/Post cruise transfers
      • One night hotel accommodation in a twin share room (incl. dinner/breakfast)
      • All onboard ship accommodation with meals
      • All shore excursions and activities, excluding optional specialized birding and kayaking program
      • Program of lectures by noted naturalists
      Not Included
      • Airfare from your home city to Cairns, Australia, and return from Port Vila, Vanuatu
      • Excess baggage charges
      • Transfers for independent arrivals and departures
      • Gratuities
      • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, internet, and other incidentals
      • Emergency medical evacuation insurance (required)

      Accommodations

      Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

      Heritage Adventurer

      Days 1-16 (16 nights)

      Purpose built for adventure in 1991 at Finland's Rauma shipyard, the 140-guest Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) is 406 feet long, boasts the highest passenger ship ice-class rating (1A Super), and has an impressive history of remote region exploration. On board, enjoy stylish, sophisticated accommodations spanning...

      What the Trip is Like

      The trip is rated Level 1, Easiest, and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active.

      Review Trip Level Details

      Client Testimonials

      "My family had an awesome time on this trip, and the way the trip was executed was really amazing. There was a really great balance between village visits, swimming and snorkeling, and zodiac cruising (there were always several options). I was really impressed by the availability of vegetarian food; often, in the past I have been served a side of vegetables as a "meal," but not this time! I was also impressed with how the whole ship operated with a small crew, and everybody was so friendly."

      Ann S.

      Brookfield, IL

      Book your trip today

      Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

      Itinerary

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      Trip Levels

      With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.

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You will spend time with the locals, who share with you their traditional song and dance. If you are lucky, the local boys might be surfing on their hand-carved palm wood boards.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":13,"DayTo":13,"Headline":"Nend&ouml;, Temotu Province","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Nend&ouml; is the largest of the Santa Cruz Islands, which lie to the southeast of the Solomon Islands. The Spanish navigator &Aacute;lvaro de Menda&ntilde;a de Neira unsuccessfully attempted to establish a colony in 1595. Biologically these islands share more in common with Vanuatu. It is also the home of red feather money, sourced from the scarlet honeyeater. Watch the manufacture of red feather money, and join the locals in dances that reverberate through the ages.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":14,"DayTo":14,"Headline":"Vanikoro","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Today you'll explore the archipelago of Vanikoro, with its five islands encapsulated by a dramatic barrier reef that offers superb snorkeling. French explorer Jean-Francois de Galaup, comte de La P&eacute;rouse, famously disappeared here after both his vessels, <em>La Boussole<\/em> and <em>Astrolabe<\/em>, struck the reef in 1788. On the shore you will visit a monument to Le P&eacute;rouse, erected by fellow explorer Dumont Durville in 1827. Join the naturalists on a forest walk in search of the endemic Vanikoro white-eye and monarch, or marvel at the delicate Vanikoro orchid. 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There was a really great balance between village visits, swimming and snorkeling, and zodiac cruising (there were always several options). I was really impressed by the availability of vegetarian food; often, in the past I have been served a side of vegetables as a \"meal,\" but not this time! I was also impressed with how the whole ship operated with a small crew, and everybody was so friendly."}],"Extensions":[{}],"SimilarTrips":[{"TripID":10435,"SimilarTripID":10496,"Trip_Code":"BALI2KOM","Trip_Name":"Bali and Komodo Expedition Cruise"},{"TripID":10435,"SimilarTripID":10507,"Trip_Code":"FIJITONG","Trip_Name":"Fiji, Tonga, Cook, and Society Islands"},{"TripID":10435,"SimilarTripID":10376,"Trip_Code":"MARQUESA","Trip_Name":"Marquesas, Tuamotus, and Society Islands"},{"TripID":10435,"SimilarTripID":10495,"Trip_Code":"KIMBEXPE","Trip_Name":"The Kimberley Expedition Cruise"}],"Specialists":[{}],"TripSegments":[{"VendorID":73376,"ProductID":84024,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Vendor Ops Payment","Vendor":"Heritage Expeditions","Address1":"53B Montreal St","Address2":"","City":"Christchurch","State":"","Postal":"8023","Product":"Discover the Secrets of Melanesia","Day":1,"Sequence":0,"Duration":16,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":73257,"ProductID":86639,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Cabin Category","Vendor":"Heritage Adventurer","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Cabin Category","Day":1,"Sequence":0,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"Purpose built for adventure in 1991 at Finland's Rauma shipyard, the 140-guest <em>Heritage Adventurer<\/em> (formerly known as MS <em>Hanseatic<\/em>) is 406 feet long, boasts the highest passenger ship ice-class rating (1A Super), and has an impressive history of remote region exploration. 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We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 or email us at <a href=\"mailto:\/\/info@wildernesstravel.com\">info@wildernesstravel.com<\/a>.<\/p>","System_References":"<p>We&rsquo;d be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can book your trip online or find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and one-time Limited Edition adventures that aren&rsquo;t listed in our catalog. You can also access our complete library of detailed itineraries filled with enticing photos and videos, read bios of our Trip Leaders, find descriptions of trip accommodations, and check real-time availability of any trips that interest you.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"\r<p>This is a new adventure and one that we are particularly excited about offering. However, as with all new departures, flexibility and a spirit of adventure are always appreciated! Activities are described in the itinerary but they can vary, sometimes considerably, depending on weather conditions, the group, and other factors.<\/p>\r","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions&mdash;and enjoy the WT touch on all aspects of the journey.<\/p>","System_Limited_Edition_Adventures":"This is a Limited Edition adventure&mdash;which means a unique trip we've never run before or offer only every few years. Led by our most experienced Trip Leaders, these journeys often take place in remote destinations with only the most basic infrastructure for tourism. If you see a Limited Edition trip scheduled for this year, now is the time to sign up, as spaces fill very early and the trip may not be back for a while! Planned daily activities and actual timings may vary due to local conditions or the discretion of your Trip Leader&mdash;it is important to bring your spirit of adventure for these special exploratory journeys!","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office, as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<p><strong>PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION<\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>Please review your Pre-Departure Information booklet included in this packet for important information regarding Wilderness Travel's COVID-19 protocols, packing lists, recommended reading, tipping, etc.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer a plan designed for Wilderness Travel and provided by Travelex. Please visit our Travel Insurance <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/resources\/travel-insurance\/\">webpage<\/a> for more information. You can purchase travel insurance with your final payment using the link above. <\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"Please remember to bring a copy of your Travelex Confirmation of Coverage and State Specific Policy with you on your trip. You should have received an email directly from Travelex with these documents. If you need this email to be re-sent, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. <br><br><br>","System_COVID-19":"The Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 declared by the World Health Organization and the US Department of Health and Human Services expired in 2023. As of March 2024, we no longer require guests who exhibit cold or flu symptoms to test for COVID-19. Guests who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to follow local health protocols, wear a mask in group vehicles and during indoor activities for the remainder of the trip, and may be asked to dine separately. Any travel companion sharing a room with them will also be required to wear a mask at all times in the shared group vehicles for the remainder of the trip.<br><br>We encourage all travelers to actively monitor their own well-being and to use common-sense preventative measures such as regular handwashing (or use of hand sanitizer) and\/or wearing a face mask. If you are feeling sick, we encourage you to self-isolate and\/or wear a mask to protect your fellow travelers. Guests may be required to wear a mask if the Trip Leader believes the situation warrants it.<br><br>Leading up to the trip, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy, including avoiding close contact with anyone displaying cold or flu symptoms and washing your hands often. As always, by traveling with Wilderness Travel, guests agree to be accountable for their own well-being. If you are worried about a fellow traveler's cold or flu-like symptoms, you may opt to wear a mask or distance yourself as needed. It's important to remember that there are inherent risks associated with travel and group settings.<br><br>These protocols will be reviewed and adjusted as guidance evolves. <br><br>","System_Photography":"<strong>Camera Recommendations<\/strong><br>With the many advances in digital technology, a simple compact digital camera or even your smartphone is capable of taking pictures suitable for the needs of most people. For higher quality images and the ability to use long lenses for closer wildlife pictures, a DSLR camera is well worthwhile, though heavier. Most digital cameras and phones have good video options, but you may want to consider a GoPro for a lightweight, waterproof option. Always practice ahead of time with new equipment and bring your manual with you. You may want to consider renting camera equipment for your trip from places such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lensrentals.com\/\">lensrentals.com<\/a>. This is an especially good idea for renting large zoom lenses that you may need for just one trip. Adding their extra insurance fee to cover expensive equipment is recommended.<div><br><\/div><div><strong>Camera Accessories<\/strong><br>\t<div>We recommend bringing at least two large capacity memory cards or a small digital storage unit (or tablet) to back up your photos, freeing space on your memory cards. Don't forget to bring a battery charger and a backup battery so one is always charged and ready to use. For trips where you may be away from power sources for multiple days, consider looking into a solar-powered battery charger or buying additional backup batteries, and check that you have the appropriate adapter for the electrical outlets in your destination.<\/div><div><br><\/div><div><strong>Sharing Your Images<\/strong><br>\t<div>We would love for you to share photos from your trip, and with your permission, may even use your photos in our marketing materials or on our photo blog. We request that you send us a small sample of your best images. Please email your photos to blog@wildernesstravel.com or tag us @WildernessTravel on social media.<\/div><div><br><\/div><div><strong>Photography Etiquette<\/strong><br>\t<div>When taking pictures of local people, be aware of cultural considerations. Approaching people with a warm smile and using polite gestures or simple phrases to ask permission to photograph them usually works well. It is always recommended to engage people in conversation before asking to photograph them, but if people do not wish to have their photo taken, please honor their requests. We urge travelers to avoid giving money in exchange for photo opportunities, which makes it harder for future travelers to have a meaningful personal interaction with local people. Please always heed your Trip Leader's guidelines for what is appropriate. <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","System_Gear_Store":"To help you prepare for your next WT adventure, we've put together a great collection of top brands including Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Eagle Creek, and more at our WT Gear Store (<a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.newheadings.com\/\">wildernesstravel.newheadings.com<\/a>).","System_Portal_Help":" If you're experiencing any issues with accessing your portal or completing your online forms, please refer to the sections below for assistance. For further support, contact us at <strong>1-800-368-2794<\/strong>.<div><br><\/div><div><strong>Issues Accessing Forms<\/strong><br>If you are having issues accessing or completing your forms we suggest trying two things:<div><br><\/div><div>\t1. Update Your Browser:<div><br><\/div><div>The portal works best using Chrome or Firefox. Please make sure you are using the latest version of either program.<div><br><\/div><div>\t2. Clear Your Browser Cache:<div><br><\/div><div>How to clear your cache (depending on the browser):<div><div><br><\/div><div>Chrome:<br>\t1. Click the 3 dots (top right of your screen) &gt; Click on History &gt; Click Clear browsing data on the left sidebar<br>\t2. In the popup that appears, select a &ldquo;time range&rdquo; and the option Cookies and Other site data &gt; Click Clear Data<div><br><\/div><div>Firefox:<br>\t1. Click the 3 vertical lines (top right of your screen) &gt; Library &gt; History &gt; Clear Recent History<br>\t2. In the popup that appears, select a &ldquo;time range&rdquo; and the options Cookies, Cache, etc. &gt; Click Clear Now<div><br><\/div><div>Safari:<br>\t1. Press Command+Y &gt; Clear Browser History<br>\t2. In the popup that appears, select the time range &gt; Click Clear History<div><br><\/div><div>Microsoft Edge:<br>\t1. Click the 3 dots (top right) &gt; Settings &gt; Privacy, Search, &amp; Services<br>\t2. Under &ldquo;Clear browsing data,&rdquo; select Cookies and Cached files &gt; Click Clear<div><br><\/div><div>If you are still having issues, we apologize! Just let us know and we will send you the forms as fillable Adobe PDF documents instead. <\/div><div><br><\/div><div><strong>Submitting Forms<\/strong><br><ul>\t<li>Please Click &ldquo;Complete Form&rdquo; to submit your form<\/li>\t<li>&ldquo;Save for Later&rdquo; will save a draft if you need to return later. But reminder that our office will not receive the form until you click &ldquo;Complete&rdquo;<\/li>\t<li>Terms &amp; Conditions Form - Please remember to first submit your signature and then click the &ldquo;Complete&rdquo; button to submit.<\/li><\/ul><div><strong>Making a Partial Payment<\/strong><\/div><ul>\t<li>The &ldquo;Pay this Amount&rdquo; field is editable. If you wish to make a partial payment or split a payment across multiple credit cards, you can edit the amount to pay to a partial amount, and then return to the same screen to pay the balance remaining.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","System_Questions?":"<p>Our Area Specialists are your single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about your trip!<br>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Mandatory_Emergency_Evacuation_Insurance":"Please note: Insurance for emergency medical evacuation is required for this trip. Wilderness Travel offers a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan through Travelex Insurance that meets this requirement. For more details, visit our website: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a>. Alternatively, you can purchase a different policy on your own, as long as it includes emergency medical evacuation coverage of at least $250,000 per person. You can compare options at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.insuremytrip.com\">insuremytrip.com<\/a>.","System_Pricing_Detail-Small_Group_Adventure":" <br><br>To offer the lowest possible cost, our trips are priced according to the number of participants on the trip. All costs are per person, based on double occupancy. If you wish to have a single room, you must pay the single supplement fee. Please note that Wilderness Travel staff, or guests of Wilderness Travel such as travel writers, photographers, or leaders-in-training, are not included in the tier pricing count.","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option crafted by our Area Specialists to showcase the best of each destination. While many travelers book this tour as is, our specialists can help customize it to fit your interests and travel style. We can adjust the duration, add extensions, include special activities, and customize excursions. Contact us to explore your options!","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"Early reservations are recommended as accommodations can sell out quickly. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred travel dates and how many people will be in your group so we can check availability and send you a proposal itinerary with pricing. We can hold a provisional booking for one week, after which a deposit is required to secure your spot. Once we receive your deposit, we'll send a Welcome Packet with your confirmation letter, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet. See our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for payment details. If you have any questions, or wish to start the booking process, please call 1-800-368-2794 or email ","System_Trip_Leaders":"<p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific departures they will be leading, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/leaders\/\">wildernesstravel.com\/leaders<\/a>.<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<p>At time of reservation: 25% of trip cost<br>100 days prior to departure: Balance<div><p><\/p><\/div><em>Please note that this differs from our standard policy.<\/em><\/p>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Minimum fee: $750 per person<br>91-179 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost<br>90 days or less: 100% of trip cost<\/p><p><em>Please note that this differs from our standard policy.<\/em><\/p>"}}