Frequently Asked Questions
For domestic (USA) participants is typically 6 years, but this can vary depending on the specific expedition. For scheduled trips outside the USA, children should be at least 10. For more strenuous adventures, a higher minimum age might apply. Please review your Travel Itinerary and the Expedition descriptions if there are more specific suggestions.
Respecting local customs and traditions is crucial. communities. Some places we go to may have indigenous populations. Some locals might not agree with your politics or philospohies. This is not the time to be “offended” – YOU are the visitor and should be COMPLETELY respectful at all times. Try not to be “that annoying tourist
There may be discounts for conference attendees, repeat bookers, military/school requires proof), and groups/custom bookings, based on group size
Many of our expeditions offer fantastic photography opportunities. When we are stopped and a Guide is not doing something else, we can likely give a few pointers.
Tips are not included in the price and are greatly appreciated by our guides and staff. While tipping is optional, it is a nice way to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the team. We can provide suggested tipping amounts based on the duration and type of expedition.
Some advertised Expeditions have another before or after. And sometimes related ones are scheduled in the future.
Absolutely! This is what we call a “custom” Expedition. You can contact us to discuss. Note that these usually require quite a few months to plan and schedule, and are often limited by the location and time of year
We prioritize safety and seek to be prepared for emergency situations. Guides are trained in first aid and . safety instructions are provided at the start of each expedition, as appropriate. Mostly, we request you use common sense in wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, and knowing your own limits before traveling.
We are committed to responsible travel practices. We adhere to environmental guidelines, request that our Groupseek to minimize their impact on the locals and the environment. We should follow written or unwritten rules about the places we visit
Maximum number of people is somewhat flexible. We ususally try to limit it to no more than 30. We may require fewer people, depending on the nature of the expedition.
We recommend packing VERY light and smart. Your chosen flights, and other factors likely dictate this.
A. The Travel Itinerary is provided soon after you book your Scheduled, Group, Private or Custom Expedition. Or you can request it. It will provide more detail about the Expedition. It will also instruct you in any Transport, Lodging, or other details that you will need to book/pay for. Particularly for non-Scheduled or “To the Ends of the Earth” type speciallty expedition, there will likely be significant charter costs that need to be arranged for your payment.
A. American taxes: There may be state/local taxes on the Expedition/EcoTour itself. There can be taxes on restaurants/food service, entrance fees, hotel/camp stays and other 3rd party services during an Expedition/EcoTour.
International Taxes: Scheduled trips on this website should have the local taxes (if any) set, so they will be charged while you book. For lodging, transport and similar that YOU need to book, the appropriate taxes should be assessed by them. For CUSTOM/GROUP/PRIVATE expeditions, we will attempt to determine any applicable local taxes during our discussion. This Site and company promote itself to the American market and is intended for use by residents of the USA, over 18 years of age. Obviously, we welcome visitors. As a small company, we are not experts in tax regulations of the 195 different countries and do not actively control how potential clients come to our services via printed or online means, such as TripAdvisor. By using this Site, you warrant that you understand English, You waive tax requirements/ expectations/ punitive measures of foreign local, provincial, national or other levels. You agree that all tax issues will be determined under American law and jurisdiction. It is using a Booking Agent for any arrangements, they will likely handle those foreign/domestic tax matters; we are a Tour Supplier and not a travel agency.
A. We recommend that you seek a qualified opinion from your doctor, according to the activities you would be performing.
A. We almost never serve prepared food, so no we cannot.
A. Of course. We require your contact information before your Expedition – we can discuss setting up reminders.
A. Jules Verne Expeditions operates in several foreign countries. You should have your Passport. Most countries we visit do not require a Visa for our expeditions. Foreign visitors should always have their passport/visa with them. We recommend you also make a copy of your passport in case lost. We do not make any arrangements regarding your passport or visa.
A. For short trips in the United States, ravel insurance, is optional but suggested. For trips outside the country, it is strongly suggested. Trips to Iceland, Greenland or other places remote from civilization, we REQUIRE sufficient trip insurance, whether ticketed or Group/Custom/Private travel. This can offer financial protection for trip cancellation, emergency evacuation, medical coverage, liability, legal and other critical coverages. You agree and hold us harmless in that we cannot cover or assist with any of these expenses or responsibilities for you and interruption, as well as assistance should you encounter travel delays, baggage loss, or require medical treatment while traveling.
A. Available payment methods will be presented when you purchase Tickets or will be discussed when you arrange a Private Group Expedition.
A. No. We are an Expedition/EcoTour supplier. Your payment to us are for our services only. The rest is your responsibility. You will be provided a “Travel Itinerary” giving instructions regarding booking/paying for Transport, lodging, etc. You should do this soon, to ensure their availability for you during the expedition.
There are links at the bottom with suggestions.
A. Some of our Expeditions are appropriate and interesting to all. But DO NOT bring infants/small children who tend to cry a lot/are hard to control. Anyone/Any Party who distracts the others will IMMEDIATELY be removed from the tour. We need to protect the REST of the tour group (always) against those who are distractions. Please also see Multi-Generation and Family Expeditions. For Private Group Expeditions, particulars can be discussed and customized when setting up your itinerary.
A. You are required to provide your own transportation to/from your Expedition. There are links at the bottom with suggestions for transportation, lodging, etc. For group/private Expeditions, we may be able to arrange transport for you from a nearby hotel or bus stop.
A. The earlier the better. We book on a first come – first served basis. If you have dates in mind, you should arrange and provided the required deposit for your Expedition to ensure the dates you want to travel. Most clients book months to a year in advance.
A. For Private Group Expeditions, group size depends on the length, nature and complexity of a Expedition. There may be a maximum size limit. We assign sufficient Guides/Local Experts – which is reflected in your billing.
A. For Scheduled Expeditions, we assign enough Guides to cover registered Guests. Ticket sales may close once we reach a maximum.
A. Travel always involves some risk. We are trained in the kind of risks we expect to encounter. We also will provide some instruction at the start of most Expeditions. All participants MUST be fully insured medically. Travel outside the USA will require you/members of your group to purchase appropriate travel insurance. Your Party understands/agrees that in booking, we cannot offer any coverage related to medical, evacuation, harm or loss in such extreme areas for any reason. You hold us harmless for all possible forms of claims.
A. We are Expert Tour Guides. A small, local business; not a giant faceless Cruise Ship/factory travel company. Many of our services involve/support indigenous peoples. We receive a fixed daily rate for our services during the expedition, which is the price listed for each expedition on this site (including any discounts).
Due to the unique/remote/varying nature of our expeditions, we do not currently offer “packages”. (We are the last “Grand Adventure” on Earth, we have no competition in our space.) This allows us to offer the best, most flexible pricing to you
Other Costs: You will receive from us a “Tour itinerary” (aka “unbundled/a la carte” travel document) with specific instructions. You will separately arrange transportation/lodging elements related to your expedition.This should be done fairly soon, to assure your reservations. You may wish the services of an online travel agent to assist. (During the expedition, you will also be responsible for cost of your meals/food).
>> Niche, Exotic, Polar or similar “extreme” tour companies are VERY expensive. You could spend $2-$3,000 daily. Yet they STILL are giant companies offering mass tourism (“cattle cars”) taking LOTS of people to “hard to reach” places. We call them “cliche” travel. No mystery. No challenge. Faceless, giant companies running factory tours. Elbow past a dozen people to point your camera at an iceberg without having to challenge yourself. Sort of like doing a Disney Vacation in Antarctica. Expensive but forgettable crowded cruise ships pretending to be a unique Adventure. <<
A. Expeditions are led by someone experienced with the theme of an Expedition, and familiar with the stops. At times, this might be a guest speaker or local expert.
A. Pets & ESAs are prohibited; ESA only having rights in your residence. Service Animals that are fake, disturb others or uncontrolled are prohibited. In many locations, animals are NOT permitted. BOARD your animals. There are no refunds for ignoring this.
A. There may be places not appropriate for those who cannot walk normally without assistance. There is often walking, hiking or places inappropriate for wheelchairs or service animals.
For Private Group Expeditions, If you inform us in advance of people with disabilities, we can try and customize an Expedition with this in mind. Some Expeditions have strenuous, rocky or uphill walks. Those with vision/health issues, very young children or advanced age may struggle. No one with a communicable disease or inebriated should drive others in their own cars. Please purchase Travel Insurance against such possibilities.
This depends on the type of expedition. FOR:
- Budget Expeditions, are scheduled day Expeditions, currently in eastern PA/NJ. They are booked through Journey/Expedition. The details will be there.
- Expeditions on this site (JulesVerne.Tours), A) Because Extreme/Polar/ Niche travel is usually VERY expensive (perhaps $2000+ daily pp), our Scientific Expeditions are “unbundled”. This allows more reasonable and flexible pricing. B) We are your expert expedition guides during the tour. We receive a fixed daily rate for our services, which is the price listed for each expedition on this site (including any discounts). C) You will receive a Tour Itinerary with detailed instructions. Use it to arrange/book/pay for the transportation & lodging elements of your expedition. You will also pay your meals and admissions as we go. D) Any discounts by us do NOT apply to your tour itinerary.
- Private/Group Expeditions are similar to the bullet above (“Expeditions on this site“). Our Guide Daily Rate and the items on the Tour Itinerary are arranged by those you put in charge of your group. Discounts may apply if enough people go. The ACTUAL cost of your itinerary may depend on selections such as meals, groceries, distance traveled, number of days, number of clients, service level chosen, type of accommodations, transportation, outside experts and local guides, chartered vehicles+drivers, entrance fees, supplies and equipment, rentals, etc. Stops for restaurants, hotels/camps, stores, shopping, entrance fees, etc. often require you to pay your own way, including taxes/tips. You should bring credit/debit cards to cover such potential expenses.
Jules Verne Expedition is an ecotour supplier. For a Scheduled Expedition (where you buy a Ticket) we suggest a few sites at the bottom of this page. other pre/post-Expedition activities on our website/literature, we are not a travel agency. You should read your order confirmation and this website and any communications you receive for an understanding. We have no responsibility or involvement and cannot provide personal advice on any transportation, meals, accommodations or other activities before or after your Expedition. Generally the Expedition includes your Guides, the stops and our guidance. We dont feed or board you, we dont provide medical coverage, etc. We include and exclude pretty much like every other half or full day Expedition tour providers in America (excepting transportation). Make sure you bring adequate means to pay for services and amenities not elected in your Expedition booking/itinerary. For Private Groups, the cost of your Expedition depends on the selections and amenities, length, nature, and the particular Expedition made.
A. For Scheduled/Day Expeditions, assume it may involve walking to/from your car to a museum and inside, short hikes to a site such as a waterfall, and possibly a half-mile of trail. Some stops/places are not wheelchairs or service animal friendly. The group generally cannot slow down for those with difficulties in walking.
For Private Group Journeys, the pace and activity level of each Journey/Expedition depends on the itinerary and the specific Journey you have chosen. When booking, we can discuss the itinerary, to get it correct for the members of your group. Let us know special needs or issues. We will help advise you on what is best. You are welcome to contact us – make sure you put your questions into the form!
A. For advice about preparation & what to bring, see What to Bring.
Our expeditions can range from low to high physical exertion levels. Details of the physical demands for each trip may be in your Travvel Itinerary. Participants should be able to handle the physical activities described, such as hiking for several hours or navigating uneven terrain. We recommend that you prepare accordingly and consult with your physician if you have any concerns about your ability to participate.
That is covered in the website Terms and Conditions. These are also displayed during booking of a scheduled Expedition. Note that these policies ONLY apply to the Daily Guide fee when booking. Any transportation, lodging or other things you separately arranged is subject to THEIR policies.
The weather can vary significantly depending on the destination and the time of year. Our Expeditions seek to go during the best time of year. As we get closer, you might get an idea of projected weather from www.Accuweather.com
Our guides are proficient in English.
Safety is our top priority, especially when it comes to wildlife encounters. Do NOT approach ANY wildlife, including to get “pictures”. Consider using a DEET insect repellant daily for ticks, mosquitoes and flies. Follow the instructions of the Guide, if any are given. Note what we say about this in our Terms and Conditions, on the website.
Also, we advise long sleeve shirts and long pants and a wide brimmed hat when we are outside, for sun protection. Also you should use a high PF Sun screen, to protect head, hands and other exposed areas. Sunburn and skin cancer are real risks…
Tour Guides generally do not offer sunscreen, protective clothing, fluids or insect repellant. Please bring your own.