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Travel confident protection plan.

Travelling is one of the most exciting experiences that one can have in their lifetime. It allows us to explore new places, meet new people, and create lasting memories. However, travelling also comes with its risks. From lost luggage to flight cancellations, there are many potential pitfalls that can ruin your trip. That is why it is important to have travel insurance, and the best travel insurance plan is the Travel Confident Protection Plan.

What is the Travel Confident Protection Plan?

The Travel Confident Protection Plan is a comprehensive travel insurance plan that covers a wide range of risks and offers many benefits. It is designed to give you peace of mind and protect you from the unexpected while you are travelling. The plan is available to anyone who is travelling internationally or domestically and can be purchased online or through a travel agent.

What does the Travel Confident Protection Plan cover?

The Travel Confident Protection Plan covers a wide range of risks, including trip cancellations, trip interruptions, trip delays, lost or stolen luggage, emergency medical expenses, and more. It also provides 24/7 travel assistance and concierge services to help you with any travel-related issues that may arise. With this plan, you can travel with confidence knowing that you are protected from the unexpected.

What are the benefits of the Travel Confident Protection Plan?

The Travel Confident Protection Plan offers many benefits that make it the ultimate travel insurance plan. Some of the benefits include:

• Flexible coverage options
• No deductibles or copays
• Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions
• Cancel for any reason coverage
• Emergency medical evacuation
• 24/7 travel assistance and concierge services

These benefits make the Travel Confident Protection Plan a must-have for anyone who is planning to travel.

How much does the Travel Confident Protection Plan cost?

The cost of the Travel Confident Protection Plan varies depending on the length and cost of your trip, as well as the level of coverage you choose. However, it is typically very affordable and can be as low as a few dollars per day. When you consider the benefits and peace of mind that this plan provides, it is a small price to pay for a worry-free trip.

The Travel Confident Protection Plan is the ultimate travel insurance plan that offers comprehensive coverage and many benefits. With this plan, you can travel with confidence knowing that you are protected from the unexpected. Whether you are travelling domestically or internationally, the Travel Confident Protection Plan is a must-have for any traveller. So why wait? Purchase your plan today and start planning your next worry-free trip!

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How all americans can #travelconfidently.

June 26, 2020 By Laura Holmberg, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Industry Communications, U.S. Travel Association

Fourth of July, typically the biggest travel week of the summer, will undoubtedly look different this year: Air travel is down, fireworks shows have been cancelled and celebrations will be smaller .

Though signs of a recovery are on the horizon, it is clear that Americans are hesitant to resume their normal travel activities. A June 23 Longwoods International survey found that nearly 70% of Americans said they are changing their travel plans due to the pandemic. Additionally, a Destination Analysts survey found that a staggering 57% of respondents do not yet want visitors in their communities.  

To get Americans moving again, there need to be assurances across the entire travel system that travelers’ health and safety is being given the highest priority. We need travelers, residents and businesses to recognize that they also have a role to play in keeping each other safe and healthy.   

To that end, U.S. Travel released a  suite of resources  centered around this theme, including infographics, social media materials, sample web badges and more that showcase our entire industry's commitment to keeping travelers and their families safe and healthy at every point in the travel journey.

The resources in this toolkit emphasize that, although health and safety practices may be implemented in different ways throughout the travel system, each touchpoint of a traveler’s journey is adhering to enhanced cleanliness measures—from the airport to the hotel, and every restaurant, guided tour or attraction in between.

The new Travel Confidently (A shared responsibility) toolkit follows the introduction of U.S. Travel’s own core set of health and safety guidance to facilitate the industry’s reopening. Titled “ Travel in the New Normal: Industry Guidance for Promoting the Health and Safety of All Travelers ,” the guidance seeks to use a layered approach to reinforce health and safety measures while restoring confidence across the entire travel system.

However, a healthy and safe travel experience is a shared responsibility. While there may be more backyard barbecues than beach parties this Fourth of July, people will travel this week—they have a duty to protect themselves and each other. A traveler who wears a mask in their home community does not have to relax their own healthy practices just because they are traveling to a community that may have looser restrictions.

A revival of the travel industry—and the larger American economy—is contingent on businesses, residents and travelers doing their part. When we all commit to maintaining and adhering to the highest health and safety guidance, Americans can Travel Confidently .

Please click here to view the toolkit, and click here to watch a webinar on the new resources and the travel industry’s recovery.

U.S. Travel

For more information about this blog, please contact us at:

202.408.8422

Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

Solo Travel Confidence: How to Be Strong, Capable, and Safe

February 6, 2023 by Janice Waugh

The question of solo travel confidence arises often. People wonder about safety, their ability to look confident, and what it might mean if they don't. There is the issue of last-minute jitters before getting on the plane and not being quite sure how to manage things on the ground.

Here is an excerpt from one reader's email.

…while allowing room for spontaneity, I've researched countless blogs, spoken with friends and friends of friends, tidied up loose ends at work and home. I've been ecstatic and energized and caught up in the whole process. I've dotted my i's and crossed my t's. I leave for Thailand in a week and all of a sudden I'm terrified. I'm that shadow of my young self, lacking in confidence and self-esteem, full of doubt …

Yes, the prospect of a solo trip can be exciting but also anxiety-inducing when the time comes to leave.

So how does one develop and maintain that confidence? I have some advice.

Table of Contents

7 Tips: Plan for Solo Travel Confidence

There are many things you can do before you leave that will build your confidence to travel solo.

• Go cold turkey on the crime shows.  These shows wildly overstate the threat of violence in the world. Yes, you must take safety seriously but take a break from the crime shows well before leaving on your trip so that your imagination doesn't run away with itself. Read:  Solo Travel Safety: 50+ Tips for Those Who Travel Alone .
• Do your research.  The more you know about where you're going, the more confident you'll feel. Study a map of your destination so that you have an idea of how your destination is laid out. Find out about local transit and the cost of taxis so that you know how you'll get around. Understand the currency and exchange rate so that you’ll be able to quickly do the math in your head to know what something costs in your own currency. Get a few phrases down so that you can communicate. Have a plan so that you know how you will spend your first day or two.
• Book your first few nights' accommodation.  Your accommodation is your safe haven. Whether it's a hotel, hostel, B&B, or apartment, book a place with great reviews before you leave so that you know you'll have a soft landing when you get there. Pro tip: arrive in the afternoon so that if it doesn't meet your expectations, you have time to make a change.
• Find your cheerleader.  When you’re getting nervous, talk to friends who are thrilled about your upcoming trip and stay away from those who are only lukewarm or even negative. Those enthusiasts will bolster you and contribute to developing your solo travel confidence.
• Sign up with your government . Check your government's advisory website and register with them as a citizen traveling abroad. Here are the pages for the  US and  Canada . It is highly unlikely that you will need their service but, if you're a bit nervous, the backup will put your mind at ease.
• Plan for communication . Whether you prefer email, text, phone, or Facebook, if you can find Wi-Fi (Starbucks, McDonalds, and more have free Wi-Fi) you can get in touch with home for free with a smartphone. WhatsApp is a good possibility. Most libraries can give you access to a computer and the Internet.
• Get a local contact.  Remember six degrees of separation? Well, that number was determined based on snail mail – long before Facebook. Now you likely have a friend of a friend just about everywhere in the world who is local and whom you could meet for a coffee or call should you have a moment of anxiety.

10 Ways to Travel with Confidence for Solo Travel Safety

Confidence is a traveler's armor. Lacking confidence makes you look like a good mark for a con artist or other undesirables. Being confident makes such people look elsewhere.

What if you're not really that confident? Sometimes, you need to fake it 'til you make it.

• Know that you're amazing . Many people are still astounded when they meet someone traveling solo. They think you're strong. To them you are exotic. Think that and know that and it will show in your body language without any effort at all.
• Smile . A worried look on your face does not project confidence. A smile does. Use it.
• Walk with your head up and with awareness.  Stand tall. Lift your torso up as though stretching your spine. Pull your shoulders slightly back so that they widen. Walk looking side to side as well as in front of you so that you appear very aware of your surroundings. In a café or other public space, scan your environment from time to time. Appearing aware of your surroundings can cause pickpockets and the like to look elsewhere for a mark. Read: Protect Yourself from Pickpockets: Keep Cards & Cash Safe .
• Be decisive . A hesitant person looks vulnerable. Be decisive in your actions and you will look confident. This may require a bit of research and map memorizing so that you know exactly where you're going, but it is worth it to help develop solo travel confidence.
• Look alert . You're safest when you have all of your senses working for you. You know it and so do others. Don't wear earbuds so that you can't hear what's going on. Don't be distracted by your mobile phone or reading a map on the street so that you don't see what's happening around you.
• Make a statement as a statement . When you make a statement, don't let your voice rise at the end as though it is actually a question. This suggests that you are uncertain of yourself and are looking for confirmation from the person you're speaking with. If you have a question to ask, that's fine. If you have something to say, say it with confidence.
• Make eye contact.  If you're speaking with someone, make eye contact so that they know you are a strong person. In more general situations eye contact is not necessary but don't hide your eyes either.
• Stand strong . When standing still, stand with your feet apart (as much as 12 inches) and your weight evenly distributed. If you're speaking with someone, face them directly to display confidence.
• Take up space.  Sit back in a chair and use the armrests if they're there. Resist the urge to fold your arms under your armpits or fidget with your hands. Put your hands on your hips or use them to emphasize a point as you speak. Lean against a wall but don't slouch against it. This way you look like you own the room. This is all called “power posing”.
• Act natural.  This is likely the most difficult point of all. Do all of the above as though it is absolutely natural to you.

If You're Still Having Difficulty Feeling Confident

• Be patient with yourself.  Take things slowly. Sit, watch, see how things function, let the rhythm of your destination catch you, and then go with it. Knowledge helps you travel solo with confidence.
• Pamper yourself . What do you find calming? Is it a cup of tea or coffee? Being by water? Reading a book? A massage or facial? Know what will calm you if you get nervous.
• Find what's familiar . There are international brands that look and work in a familiar fashion everywhere in the world. Think Starbucks or McDonalds. If you need a taste of home, go to one of these places for an hour.

Return Home More Self-Assured

Theodore Roosevelt said, “Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.” This statement is, to me, an absolute truth. With every trip, I feel a rise in my self-confidence.

Confidence comes from really knowing yourself and your own strength. Solo travel can certainly help with this. It presents the opportunity and freedom to:

• travel for your goals exclusively
• be spontaneous and pursue unique opportunities as they arise
• enjoy your own company

As you travel solo, being totally responsible for yourself, it’s inevitable that you will discover just how capable you are. As you push your boundaries, whether it’s by going to a restaurant alone for the first time or navigating a country where you don’t know the language, you will gain solo travel confidence. As you make every decision about your trip, your day, and your meals, your confidence in your ability to make good decisions will also grow.

Traveling solo isn't about what others see in you, it’s about what you see in you. And what you see will build your confidence.

Sharing is caring!

Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

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The content of Solo Traveler and any resources published by Solo Traveler are meant for entertainment and inspiration only. Please note that while we have advertising clients promoting destinations, products, services, trips and tours on Solo Traveler and that we endeavour to only work with companies in which we have confidence, we are not responsible for the delivery or quality of their products or services. Every person and every travel situation is different. Your safety, satisfaction and fun traveling solo are your responsibility alone and not that of Solo Traveler, its publisher, editor and/or writers.

PRIVACY POLICY & DISCLOSURE: In accordance with FTC guidelines, I disclose that I may be compensated if consumers choose to utilize links located throughout the content on this site. Additionally, some posts might be sponsored to support this site. Please do the appropriate research before participating in any third party offers. All opinions are my own. Please read our full Privacy Policy here.

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Are you an adventure-loving family in search of meaningful ways to discover the world together? These tours are specially designed for travellers seven and up and their inquisitive families.

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The thrill of adventure. The awesomeness of hostels. Get ‘em both on these immersive small group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travellers.

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• For tours departing before July 1, 2022
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Travel with Confidence

It goes without saying, but it’s worth saying anyway: your safety, as well as the safety of our employees, partners, and local residents, will always be our top priority. That’s what makes our Travel with Confidence policy so important. To sum it up, it represents all the heightened health and safety measures we’ve implemented on our trips, from the moment you arrive to the final hugs goodbye. It’s our commitment to keeping you safe, without ever taking away from you having the best travel experience possible.

G Adventures has received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp, which provides travellers with assurance that we’ve implemented health and hygiene protocols that are aligned with WTTC’s Safe Travels Protocols .

As a major contributing partner in the creation of these recommendations, G Adventures is proud to be implementing ATTA's COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines , developed in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic, across all our trips.

Health & Safety Protocols

For national geographic journeys tours, for antarctica expedition cruises, safety first, second, third, fourth....

Smaller is better

Not only do our small groups (typically 16 travellers) get you closer to the world and the people you’re travelling with, they also give you more personal space than a bigger group could ever dream of.

Our CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) are responsible for you having the time of your life, which includes keeping you safe and happy, and ensuring local protocols are being followed. With their local knowledge, 24/7 support from our field staff around the globe, and health and safety training, they’ll continue to do everything they can to keep you enjoying your adventure in whatever way makes you most comfortable.

Getting around

Whether on the road or the high seas, our private vehicles and boats feature assigned seating and undergo daily deep cleaning of all surfaces.

Sleep soundly

We’ve always picked our accommodation partners carefully and we work with them closely to protect your health and safety. Because we travel in small groups, we stay at smaller hotels — which often means fewer guests. 

Good (and safe) eats

Food is half the reason we travel (let alone leave the house), so we know how crucial it is that you feel safe whenever we stop for a meal. We will continue to only include eating experiences where good hygiene is maintained.

This Collection of over 40 incredible small group tours features everything we’re doing as part of this new policy on all of our tours, PLUS added steps that go that extra, physically distanced mile.

Even smaller. Even better.

Our maximum group size has been reduced to 12 travellers on most tours to ensure even smaller groups

Private rides

Exclusive use of private transportation (except planes)

My Own Room (plus extra legroom)

My Own Room option is available for 50% off, and now includes an extra space on all our private vehicles

More “personal” personal space

All rooms on trip will be either double or single and have en-suite bathrooms

More about the policy

Before you join us, when you arrive, while on tour, before you leave, full vaccinated policy and flexible booking terms.

All travellers departing before March 31, 2023 must meet the requirements of our Vaccinated Tours. On Vaccinated Tours, all travellers must have received a full COVID-19 vaccination. Click here to learn more .

If you test positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of departure, flexible rebooking terms will be made available so you can change to a future departure. For full details, see our Book with Confidence page.

Vaccinated Tours

All travellers and CEOs must have received a full COVID-19 vaccination with the final dose given at least 14 days prior to the first day of the tour.

If your tour starts on or after March 31, 2023 we no longer require you to be fully vaccinated, however we do still recommend that all travellers are fully vaccinated before travelling. Look for the Vaccinated Tours icon to determine if a vaccine is required for your departure. National Geographic Journeys and National Geographic Family Journeys have additional requirements, so please view the trip details online for more information. Our G Expedition tours will remain fully vaccinated for all departures.

Going to Antarctica?

While not mandatory, passengers are encouraged to obtain a COVID-19 test prior to travelling to avoid additional costs and travel disruption in the event they test positive after their trip has started.

Passengers are also encouraged to arrive in Montevideo or Ushuaia (whichever applies to their trip) the day before their departure in order to provide a buffer against current global airline disruptions.

With the safety of our travellers in mind, all departures require all travellers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with the final dose given at least 14 days prior to the first day of your trip. By proceeding with your booking, you are acknowledging that you are or will be fully vaccinated prior to departure. You may be requested to provide proof of vaccination upon arrival. The entry requirements of each destination country (and your home country) may differ, and passengers are responsible for ensuring they meet all applicable entry requirements in effect at the time of travel. National Geographic Journeys may have additional requirements, so please view the trip details online for more information.

If your tour starts on or after March 31, 2023 we no longer require you to be fully vaccinated, however we do still recommend that all travellers are fully vaccinated before travelling. The entry requirements of each destination country (and your home country) may differ, and passengers are responsible for ensuring they meet all applicable entry requirements in effect at the time of travel. National Geographic Journeys and National Geographic Family Journeys may have additional requirements, so please view the trip details online for more information. Our G Expedition tours will remain fully vaccinated for all departures.

Family Tours and National Geographic Family Journeys

Please note that for passengers on all family trips when travelling on either a G Adventures Family Tour or a National Geographic Journeys tour, the age requirement for vaccination is 5 years+. As with all our vaccinated tours, passengers are responsible for ensuring they meet all applicable entry requirements in effect at the time of travel.

Our Global Connection Officers

Our GCOs (the people who answer when you call us) are available 24/7 to help with any questions you have prior to your trip, so you can feel confident and safe before leaving. They'll be up-to-date on local regulations and restrictions, and can guide you through your travel process as smoothly as possible.

Be prepared before your departure

Our GCOs will do their best to ensure you’re feeling comfortable, confident, and well-informed before you start your trip. There are, however, certain things that are the responsibility of the traveller. These include obtaining the proper entry documents for the country you’re visiting, as well as understanding the most up-to-date travel and health requirements and restrictions for all destinations relevant to your trip (which can change frequently). To help you prepare for your trip, we’ve compiled all the important pre-departure information you need to consider, plus additional travel advice to make your planning that much easier.

Book Your Bubble with Private Travel

Take one of our existing Off-the-rack tours with as few as eight people from your Bubble or travel by yourself, with a friend, or a smaller group on your own private adventure and enjoy all the added health and safety measures of our Travel with Confidence policy. Learn more about Book Your Bubble with Private Travel .

My own room

If you’re joining one of our small group tours on your own, well, good on ya! We have My Own Rooms available as an extra option for tours (pending availability), and we do encourage travellers to consider purchasing My Own Room if you’d like added peace of mind (and the gloriousness of your own personal bathroom).

Our Chief Experience Officers

Our CEOs are responsible for ensuring you have the time of your life while keeping you as safe as possible. Here’s how they’re ready to do that:

• They’re trained in First Aid, CPR, and other safety protocols
• They’re supported 24/7 by the field staff in our offices around the world who are well-equipped to handle emergencies
• They can help you find local clinics if you're feeling sick
• They’ll receive ongoing training to ensure they are up to date on all health and safety policies
• They have extensive local knowledge to proactively help you navigate wherever you’re travelling

You and your fellow travellers

Life happens and sometimes you just have to put your travel plans on pause. We're here to help! To start, you can read up on the ins and outs of cancellations under our Terms & Conditions . 

Antarctica Expedition Cruises

Since even the cold of Antarctica can’t freeze the spread of COVID-19, all passengers will be required to show proof of vaccination as part of the check in process before boarding. Please see Travel with Confidence for Antarctica Expedition Cruises for more details.

Planes, trains, automobiles and more

Small private transport vehicles.

• Every surface in our well-kept fleet of private vehicles will get at least one daily cleaning
• Each traveller will have a daily assigned seat
• You will wear a mask on the vehicle if required locally
• Every surface will get at least one daily cleaning
• High-traffic areas will receive more frequent cleaning
• Hand-sanitizer or hand washing will be recommended every time you board the boat, as well as before and after meals
• Your crew is trained in health and safety measures (including food handling) and all cooking staff will follow up-to-date advice from health authorities

Local transportation

• If local transportation is used, precautions will be followed in adherence to local health and safety regulations to keep our travellers safe and sound.
• Masks will be required to be worn while on board, if required as per local regulations.

Where you'll be staying safe

We’ve always carefully selected our accommodation partners for their high standards and local roots. We are working with our accommodation partners to optimize their health, safety and cleanliness procedures, as well as creating additional measures for physical distancing. Here are some of the things we’re working on to help keep you safe:

• Daily cleaning and disinfecting of all surface areas inside your room with extra cleaning on light switches, door handles, TV remotes, and thermostats
• No hotel staff will enter your room after it has been cleaned for the day
• Barring an emergency and only upon request, you can also ask that no hotel staff enter your room after you’ve checked in
• Increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting of all public restrooms and all surfaces in public areas. This might include the closure of public spaces such as gyms, bars, restaurants, and meeting rooms for periods throughout the day
• Wherever possible, our groups will stay on the lower floors to limit elevator use
• Hotels will implement physical distancing protocols in line with local regulations

Good (and safe) places to eat

We have always carefully selected our food service partners and worked closely with them to ensure they are meeting health, safety, and cleanliness standards with their facilities, staff training, and food preparation and delivery. Wherever possible, we will reserve separate tables or private rooms at the restaurants we visit, opt for more "al fresco" opportunities when we can (gotta love that fresh air!), and ensure breakfasts can be “grab and go” boxes, while avoiding family style or self-serve buffets for meals. We want you to feel comfortable and safe as you savour every last bite.

You’ve always had freedom and flexibility to do your own thing on our tours with optional activities and experiences. Now, you’ll still have those options with added measures to keep you healthy and safe. All equipment for activities on tour, including hiking poles, camping supplies, life jackets, snorkels, etc., will be cleaned thoroughly at least once a day and disinfected between use. When travellers are responsible for putting up their own tents on camping itineraries, you will be given the supplies required to disinfect your gear. We will also do our best to make activities and visits to highlights happen during non-peak hours, so you can have fun and feel safe no matter what you’re doing.

A healthy goodbye

If you’re not feeling well at the end of your tour for any reason, let your CEO know and they can help get you access to medical care and support. Because we want you to head home after a life-changing experience feeling just as good (let’s be honest, way better) than when you left. We understand that some of our travellers may be required to complete COVID-19 testing at the end of their tour to meet entry requirements on returning home. Our CEO’s will also be on hand to help answer questions and to help organize local tests where required.

Frequently Asked Questions

The safety of our travellers, as well as that of our employees and partners, has always been our top priority. Our Travel with Confidence policy was created to highlight all the measures G Adventures has developed to keep everyone safe, and features health and safety procedures from the moment you arrive on tour to the moment you leave, without taking away from you having the time of your life.

Our Travel with Confidence policy covers all of our G Adventures tours. For protocols specific to our Antarctica Expeditions, please see here . And for National Geographic Journeys and National Geographic Family Journeys, see here .

You bet. We’ve updated our booking terms to provide additional flexibility to our travellers. It helps you cancel and rebook your tour closer to the time of departure at no cost to you — giving you added flexibility and peace of mind. Full details are found in our Booking Terms & Conditions .

Short answer: yes. Long answer: our policy is based on both local health and safety guidelines, as well our own mandated procedures. In the event that someone tests positive for COVID-19, they won’t be able to continue with the tour until they’ve isolated themselves from the group for a minimum of 5 days, are symptom-free, and have cleared all local protocols. Of course, our local operations team will help any affected travellers make alternative arrangements. All travellers, however, are required to have travel insurance in order to cover this situation should it occur.

At this point in time, it is no longer required to be vaccinated to go on one of our tours, except for our Expedition tours — we still require Expedition travellers to be vaccinated. On every tour, however, travellers still have the responsibility to ensure they meet all applicable entry requirements for their destinations at the time of travel.

G Adventures may require you to demonstrate compliance with the Travel with Confidence Policy at any point prior to or during your trip. If you do not comply with the Travel with Confidence Policy, or do not demonstrate your compliance when requested, G Adventures may remove you from a tour immediately. Travellers removed from a tour for failure to adhere to the Travel with Confidence Policy are responsible for all costs related to their removal, including accommodations and transportation home. No refunds will be issued if you are removed from a tour because of a violation of the Travel with Confidence Policy.

Your group size will be an average of 16 awesome people from all over the world, who will be following the same guidelines as you. We appreciate that our travellers are joining us from many different countries around the world, but, on a G Adventures tour, all our travellers are required to follow the guidelines of our Travel with Confidence policy and support decisions made locally by the CEO to help keep everyone safe.

It is not required for you to bring a mask, however, we do recommend that you have one just in case! There may be local guidelines that require the wearing of masks and we will abide by those rules wherever necessary. As well, if you do develop a cough or a sniffle on tour, your tour companions may well appreciate you wearing a mask to help keep everyone well. We’ll continue to monitor this requirement and will make changes to this policy as appropriate, and as local guidelines and country rules evolve.

As of right now, face masks are required to be worn throughout the trip whenever local guidelines require it. Your CEO will work with the group to set guidelines at the beginning of the trip and each individual traveller will be responsible for following these guidelines. Please review our Traveller Conduct Policy to ensure compliance with the policy.

We’ll do our best to provide hand sanitizer in places like our private vehicles and boats, but we ask that you please bring your own as well - to use, and use often. Thank you for doing your part!

• We have small groups (average 12 travellers)
• We encourage our groups to practice physical distancing of 6ft/2m wherever possible, and require travellers to wear masks when this isn’t possible
• Our CEOs will review and advise on local health & safety and physical distancing protocols on a daily basis and as needed
• We’ll continue to adapt and address the evolving guidelines and regulations of each particular country in which we travel, but regardless of country guidelines, the wearing of masks and the extra protocols that G Adventures has in place will remain for the safety of all travellers until further notice
• All travellers must agree to the Traveller Conduct Policy , which requires everyone to wear masks and follow physical distancing guidelines

Travellers are required to complete an online COVID-19 Pre-Screening form before joining the tour, but at this time, we won’t be taking the temperature of travellers upon arrival. You are required to monitor your own symptoms on a daily basis. Anyone displaying symptoms will have to get clearance from a doctor, and potentially have a negative test, before they can rejoin the trip and, for the safety of the rest of the group, you must communicate with your CEO if you are experiencing any symptoms.

Our groups have always been small. Why? Because a smaller size offers security, access, camaraderie, and a connection with a destination that you just won't get by travelling on bus tours or even on your own. Our average group size is 16, so you can experience our world alongside other travellers without being squeezed together like sardines. And, if you’d prefer, you can reserve the entire trip just for your own handpicked crew by taking advantage of our Private Travel program . You can personalize an off-the-rack trip to travel with friends and family and see the world in a way that suits you best.

We are constantly reviewing the safety and security of all countries in which we operate, as well as monitoring all government travel advisories on an ongoing basis. There are many factors we look at before deciding where to travel and where not to travel.

If you’re not feeling well or are displaying symptoms upon arrival on one of our tours, we recommend you distance yourself from others when possible, wear a mask and self isolate when necessary. It is no longer a requirement for you to get tested if feeling sick, however we do strongly recommend it, along with wearing a mask. Your CEO will support you and will provide help throughout the process.

You can learn more about our specific Travel with Confidence policy for Antarctica Expedition Cruises here.

While it is not a requirement to take a COVID test before joining the tour, some countries require you to take a test before entering the country.

If you can’t travel prior to your trip, please speak to your travel agent or GCO for more information and options. Please remember to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance to protect you should your travel plans change.

Please contact us or your travel agent for support on the ground and for options that we can help you with. Please remember to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance to protect you should your travel plans change.

Please contact us or your travel agent for support on the ground, and for options that we can help you with. Your CEO and G Adventures 24/7 operational support will be also able to support you remotely. You should also follow local public health guidance as well. As a courtesy to other travellers, please do not join the Welcome Meeting to avoid putting anyone else at risk. Please remember to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance to protect you should your travel plans change.

Yes, all travellers are required to have travel insurance. The insurance policy must meet the minimum requirements of a minimum medical, evacuation, and repatriation coverage of $200,000. We also advise our travellers to acquire a policy with COVID-19 coverage, where available.

As of March 31, 2023 the majority of Private Groups will no longer be required to be fully vaccinated. We will review on a case by case basis for any National Geographic Journeys or National Geographic Family Journeys Tours. Our G Expedition will continue to require all travellers to be fully vaccinated. Please speak to our Private Groups team for further information.

After March 31, 2023 we will no longer require that our CEOs are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (with the final dose given at least 14 days prior to the start of the tour). However, we do recommend that all CEOs and travellers are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before travelling. They are not required to test prior to joining a group, unless they are symptomatic or are deemed to be a recent close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19. In those cases they must test negative in order to lead your tour.

Indeed they will! All CEOs and staff are required to take additional COVID-19 Health & Safety training prior to leading a trip.

Yes! It is a requirement for all travellers to conduct a daily self-screening exercise. For any travellers who are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms, they must immediately inform the CEO so we can make necessary arrangements for the traveller to be tested, and to help minimize any potential spread of COVID-19 within the group. We appreciate everyone’s support in providing honest feedback for the safety of all travellers, staff, and local residents.

We’ve always carefully selected our accommodation partners for their super-high standards and local roots. We’re working with our accommodation partners to optimize their health, safety, and cleanliness procedures, as well as creating additional measures for physical distancing. Here are some of the things we’ve put in place to help keep you safe:

• Barring an emergency and only upon request, you can also ask that no hotel staff will enter your room after you’ve checked in
• Accommodation partners will implement physical distancing protocols inline with local regulations

This is just the beginning of our commitments to keeping you sleeping safe and sound. We’ll continue to evolve and roll-out these and additional policies as needed.

If you are travelling on your own, you’ll be paired up with a roommate of the same sex. If you are travelling on a dorm-based tour, you will be rooming with other individuals from the group and potentially the general public. And if you do want to upgrade to your own room, we have worked to make more My Own Rooms available.

While we will no longer be requiring vaccinations for tours departing on or after March 31, 2023, we do still recommend all travellers are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before travelling. If you are travelling on your own, you will be paired up with a roommate of the same gender. Due to privacy reasons we cannot share travellers vaccination status. If you have concerns over who you are rooming with, we have My Own Room options available for purchase.

Once you’re on your trip, you’ll be responsible for your own luggage.

While on the trip itself, you’re always encouraged to speak up if you’re not feeling well, and your CEO can help you find local clinics so you can see a medical professional. In the event that someone tests positive for COVID-19, they will not be able to continue with the tour until they have quarantined for a minimum of 5 days, are symptom-free and cleared all local protocols. Our local operations team will help any affected travellers make alternative arrangements. All travellers, however, are required to have travel insurance in order to cover this situation should it occur.

If this happens while you are on your holiday, please notify us without delay and we will provide as much reasonable assistance as we can. However, G Adventures will not be responsible for covering the cost of any curtailment of your tour, missed transport arrangements, additional accommodation required, or other associated costs incurred by you. Travellers must ensure they have travel insurance which covers these costs.

Public transportation has always been a big part of the G Adventure experience. So yes, there will be times where local transportation will be used, depending on the tour and the travel style. We’ll continue to take all necessary precautions and adhere to local health and safety regulations to ensure your safety. If you have any concerns, please take a look at the Tour Notes for a particular tour before making a booking to see if local transportation will be used.

Check out all of the details about transportation in the Travel with Confidence policy above.

We’ve always carefully selected our food service partners and worked closely with them to ensure they meet health, safety, and cleanliness standards when it comes to their facilities, staff training, and food preparation and delivery. Wherever we can, we’ll reserve separate tables or private rooms at the restaurants we visit, opt for more "al fresco" opportunities, and ensure breakfasts can be “grab and go” boxes, while steering clear of family style or self-serve buffets for meals.

All travellers are required to agree to the Traveller Conduct Policy . Anyone who doesn’t follow these guidelines will be removed from the trip.

We have robust Critical Incident Management processes, which have been updated for COVID-19 related issues. If you’re unable to keep travelling on the tour because someone on the trip has a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case, we encourage you to reach out to your insurance provider.

If you get home from one of our trips feeling unwell, we recommend you follow your home country’s health and safety guidelines. And if you do test positive for COVID-19, please notify us as quickly as you can.

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Dad of Royal Caribbean cruise passenger, 20, who jumped off ship 'confident' his son's alive

T he father of a 20-year-old man who jumped off the side of a cruise ship seven days ago believes his son is still alive as he claims he's "confident" his prayers for his safety have been heard.

Levion Parker jumped off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship last Thursday (April 4) in what is believed to be a drunken leap and he has not been seen since despite rescue attempts. His father, who has described his son as "a master diver" is insistent that he is still alive despite the US Coast Guard standing down their search.

The young man reportedly leaped from the 18-storey cruise ship at around 4am in front of his father and younger brother. A witness claimed he'd been arguing with his father moments before but Levion's dad has disputed this.

READ MORE: Astrology influencer mom who killed baby and partner feared solar eclipse

His father, Francel Parker, told The Daily Sun that he believes Levion is still alive in the waters off the Bahamas. He said: "As soon as he went off the side, I prayed over him. I was confident the prayers I said over my son were heard. I stand on the word of God. I believe he is alive."

The US Coast Guard stopped their search for the 20-year-old yesterday (April 10) and he has not been seen since his jump last week. Francel, who runs an AC business in Port Charlotte, has told journalists that he wasn’t arguing with Levion and that his son wasn’t trying to take his own life at the time of the incident.

He is also questioning how his son was served alcohol on the four-day cruise to Cuba and the Bahamas’ Grand Inagua Island. He said: "We don’t drink, I’d like to know how my son was served so much alcohol."

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At the time, other passengers allege that Francel was "fussing" over his son for having drunk too much. Passenger Bryan Sims told The Post that he was hanging out with Levion and his 18-year-old brother Seth prior to the incident, before later seeing the two brothers and their father arguing.

Bryan said: "As we were walking from the hot tub back to the elevators, his dad and brother were walking towards us. His dad was fussing at him for being drunk, I guess. When we got to them, he said to his dad, ‘I’ll fix this right now.’ And he jumped out the window in front of us all."

Another cruise guest, Deborah Morrison, recalled: "There was a lot of yelling, and the crew was alerted immediately. His family was horrified. Just beside themselves. I can’t even begin to imagine what they’re going through."

After Levion's jump, a frantic Francel threw six life rings into the ocean below in hopes of saving the 20-year-old until the cruise ship could come to a stop 20 minutes later and begin a rescue mission. Royal Caribbean said it “immediately” launched search boats and alerted the Coast Guard.

Middle East latest: 'Situation still unfolding' after more than '99% of drones and missiles' fired by Iran on Israel were intercepted, IDF says

Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said aircraft are still patrolling the skies. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden said the US military helped Israel "take down nearly all of the drones and missiles" fired by Iran.

Sunday 14 April 2024 08:17, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• More than 300 drones and missiles fired on Israel by Iran, says IDF
• Iran threatens US bases and larger attack on Israel if it retaliates
• Danger in miscalculation 'setting whole region on fire', says expert
• Watch : Alistair Bunkall explains what this could mean for Middle East
• Alex Rossi analysis : An extraordinarily dangerous moment
• Iran seizes Israeli-linked cargo ship with 25 crew on board
• Watch: Revolutionary Guards board vessel by helicopter
• Live reporting by Brad Young and (earlier) Lauren Russell

Jordan has said it intercepted flying objects that entered its airspace last night.

It carried out the interceptions to ensure the safety of citizens, a cabinet statement read.

Shrapnel fell in multiple places without causing "significant damage or any injuries".

An Israeli military spokesperson has said France was among the countries involved in defending against Iran's overnight attack. 

"France has very good technology, jets, radar - and I know they were contributing in patrolling airspace," he said.

He added he did not have exact details on whether French jets had shot down any of the missiles launched by Iran.

The Iranian chief of staff of its armed forces has said any Israeli retaliation will be met with a larger attack than last night, according to state media.

Tasnim reported General Mohammad Bagheri also warned the US its bases will be targeted if Washington backs Israel in any kind of retaliation.

"Our response will be much larger than tonight's military action if Israel retaliates against Iran," he said.

The commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami, also warned Tehran would retaliate against any Israeli attack on its interests, officials or citizens. 

While launching 120 ballistic missiles was a "serious assault", it could have been "so much worse", says military analyst Sean Bell.

He said this was a "measured attack" and the defence was testament to the West's technology.

In normal circumstances, most of those missiles would break through air defences, as has been seen in Ukraine, said Bell.

"It is pretty clear that the attack by Israel on 1 April on the Iranian consulate - that destroyed the building, killed 13 people and also a senior commander - left Iran with no option. It was effectively an attack on its own soil.

He continued: "This could have been so much worse. As a result all the diplomatic language from Iran is: 'Pause. We have had our effect. We've saved face.'"

"The challenge of course is Benjamin Netanyahu at times seems to turn a Nelsonian eye to any advice that's given from America."

Iran seems to be suggesting that for its part, this is the end of the attack, says  Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall.

But the Israeli military told a journalists' briefing they do not believe Iran and remain on high readiness.

The IDF said Iran's launch of ballistic missiles was escalatory.

The US will be leaning on the Israeli government behind the scenes to cool things down, said Bunkall.

He added another "significant point" that has emerged from the attack was "the number of Arab countries who had either cleared their airspace for Israeli or other jets to be in them or were helping in some form in the defence of Israel".

US secretary of state Antony Blinken says he will be "consulting with allies and partners in the region and around the world in the hours and days ahead".

He said the US does not seek escalation but "will continue to support Israel's defence" and "defend US personnel".

"The United States condemns Iran's attack on Israel in the strongest terms," Mr Blinken said. 

Jordan and Iraq have reopened their airspace, having closed it  last night.

State TV in Jordan said the country had resumed air traffic operations, citing aviation authorities. 

The opening of its airspace came more than three hours earlier than scheduled, and follows Israel doing the same.

Iraq's aviation authority said security risks had now been overcome.

Jordan, which lies between Iran and Israel, had readied air defences to intercept any drone or missile that violated its territory, two regional security sources said.

The dangerous part of the tit-for-tat taking place between Iran and Israel is miscalculation setting "the whole region on fire", says a former Middle East adviser at the US department of defence.

Jasmine El-Gamal said Iran's attack was meant as a warning to Israel of its capabilities rather than an attempt at escalation.

Indeed, messages were passed back and forth between Iran and the US via intermediaries reiterating that neither wanted to see all out war, she said.

And in his phone call with Benjamin Netanyahu, Joe Biden's message was "this is a win, take the win, do not escalate", and the US will not support a counterattack, said Ms El-Gamal.

"Iran had to retaliate for the attack against its consulate in Syria otherwise it would completely lose face," she said.

"The dangerous part is here is not just these planned moves but the risk of a miscalculation that could set the whole region on fire."

She added: "Yesterday was quite frankly incredibly worrying for everybody."

In a post on X a little earlier this morning, Benjamin Netanyahu issued his first, short statement since the attack.

"We intercepted. We blocked. Together, we will win," he said, after the country intercepted 99% of hundreds of drones launched by Iran overnight. 

More than 300 projectiles were launched overall, including 30 cruise missiles and 120 ballistic missiles.

Our Middle East coverage has continued through the night, after Iran launched drones and missiles into Israel.

The IDF said 300 were fired, 99% of which were intercepted.

Among the launches were 30 cruise missiles and 120 ballistic missiles.

It came after an airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Syria which Iran blamed on Israel.

Israel has not yet confirmed whether it will retaliate. The IRGC said any threat from the US or Israel will be met with a "reciprocal response".

If you're just joining us, here is a recap of the key moments:

• No fatalities were reported but a 10-year-old girl was injured by shrapnel, said the IDF;
• It added a "small number" of targets were hit, including an IDF base in southern Israel, which suffered minor damage;
• Joe Biden condemned the attacks in the "strongest possible terms";
• US, UK and Jordanian jets were likely involved in defending Israel, according to sources;
• Israel has requested that the United Nations Security Council holds an emergency meeting;
• G7 leaders are set to meet later today in order to coordinate a "united diplomatic" response.

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