Are you excited about group travel but a little unsure about how we do things at AGC? We've got you covered! Here are nine of the most frequently asked questions by travelers with Adventures in Good Company.
The Nine Most Frequently Asked Questions by AGC Travelers
1. Group travel is new to me. What is it like to travel with a group?
We love group travel. It gives you a chance to meet other like-minded women who love to do the same things you do.
It also means that “no woman is left behind.” By this, we mean our guides are like bookends for the group, allowing us to accommodate comfortable (and various) hiking speeds, with safety being the biggest priority. We’ll periodically gather the group for check-ins, making sure everyone is doing well, staying hydrated, and keeping blisters at bay.
You also should be prepared to laugh – a lot!
2. I’m traveling alone. Will you assign me a roommate?
First, let me say – good for you! Traveling alone can be intimidating, but rest assured that the majority of AGC participants travel alone. Unless you have requested a specific roommate by name or a single room, we will assign you a roommate during the trip, and your roommate will change each time we switch lodging. This gives you a chance to get to know other people on the trip.
3. Why do you always have 2 guides on your trips?
We endeavor to always provide you with a fun and safe adventure. Having two guides ensures that we can meet both objectives. If a situation arises (ex: a lightning storm or a rolled ankle), there will be two professionally trained guides to manage the situation.
4. What about guides on international trips?
The role of the AGC guide varies with the trip. On international trips, the AGC guide collaborates with the local guide, helps ensure cohesive group dynamics, assists with all medical issues, manages money for tipping where it is built in, and verifies that your trip meets AGC standards of excellence.
On some of our international trips, we have been working with the local company long enough to know that their guides share our philosophy and will provide an excellent experience with the appropriate guide-to-participant ratio. Travelers will be informed early on if their trip does not have an AGC guide.
5. Where and what do we eat on trips?
This all depends on the trip. On international trips, almost all meals are eaten out or, in the case of lunches, in a picnic style. This is dramatically different from our domestic trips. On most domestic trips, nearly every meal is planned and prepared by the guides, with an occasional dinner out. These are generally lodge or condo-based trips where there is a full-service kitchen. On other trips, especially those where you are changing accommodations multiple times, you will eat in restaurants. Generally, lunches are put out in the morning, and participants prepare and pack them in their backpacks.
6. I see B, L, and D listed on the itinerary. What does that mean?
"B, L, D" stands for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. When you see this in the trip summary, you will know which meals are provided on that day. During some trips, you will have an opportunity to have a meal on your own. For example, if it’s listed B, L, you will know you can eat on your own for that meal.
7. When the group goes out to eat at a restaurant, should I order off the menu, or is there a set menu?
On domestic trips, you will order off the menu. Your meal and any non-alcoholic beverages are included, but you are responsible for paying for any alcoholic beverages.
International trips are different in that most menus are pre-set by restaurants, and each course is brought to the table. There are typically a couple of selections of appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
8. Why do I need to bring a sandwich container?
On trips where the guides put out lunch makings in the morning, you will prepare your meal, pack it up, and keep it in your backpack. Lunch generally consists of sandwich fixings, some type of salad, peanut butter, hummus, chips, cookies, and fruit. The sandwich container keeps your sandwich from getting flattened or your salad from making a mess in your backpack. It also helps us achieve our goal of reducing single-use plastic as part of our commitment to sustainable travel.
9. I have a special diet (i.e., vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.) Can my needs be accommodated?
It depends on both the trip and on your specific needs. With advance notice, we can accommodate most dietary restrictions or allergies on our domestic trips, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. This is not always true on international trips, so please contact us in advance if you have specific dietary needs. We've found that dietary needs are no obstacle if you are willing to bring a couple of items to supplement what is on the menu and bring additional snacks for yourself.
