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Here are some of our most frequently asked questions, if you have any queries that are not covered here or on the rest of the site, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Choose from the subjects below:
My holiday
The most important item to take with you is a pair of comfortable walking boots appropriate to your grade of walking holiday. Your holiday information will indicate if you might need to consider any other items, for example, walking poles. You should also think about all the other travel essentials you will need to take, such as travel documents, insurance and health remedies according to your destination and holiday type.
Please note that, apart from our dedicated Family Walking departures, those under 18 may not be able to participate in some daily programmes without an accompanying adult. We generally do not consider our holidays suitable for children under 16. If you have children (or grandchildren!) you may be interested to know that we have introduced a programme of holidays with the younger members of the family in mind. Follow this link to our Ramblers Family Walking Adventures website.....
If you are fit enough for our holidays there is no age limit! However, for safety and insurance reasons, we will usually require confirmation from your doctor that you are medically fit to join our holidays.
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Walking and Grades
This really depends on the grade of your holiday and the nature of the terrain, but ranges from 3 hours a day on E grade and Sightseeing holidays to 7 hours a day on a C+ grade holiday.
Do I need to walk every day?
No. There is no obligation to join the leader’s proposed arrangements (we prefer to keep some flexibility and informality on our holidays) although we would ask that you keep the leader informed of your plans if you intend to do an independent walk. On some holidays such as the Hadrian's Wall National Trail however, there is the need to move from one place to another and there may be some additional transportation costs if you choose not to travel between hotels with the group!
Will there be any opportunities to swim?
Yes, sometimes, it depends where you are! Some holidays offer the opportunity for beach swimming or some hotels or centres may have pools. You will be able to find more information (if available) about your specific holiday in the Holiday Information Sheets issued with your confirmation of booking.
How big are the walking groups?
In general, groups consist of 8 – 20 people.
Will I have free time?
Most of our holidays have ‘rest’ days or free time scheduled into the itineraries, although on short breaks we'll include a walk each day. If you want to arrange to do something outside of the itinerary, just let your leader know you won’t be joining them that day.
Almost anyone can enjoy one of our walking holidays. Our walking grade system will give you an idea of the intensity of your chosen holiday – most people start on an E or D grade holiday, as they require a general level of everyday fitness.
How can I prepare for a walking holiday?
Again, it depends on your chosen holiday as to whether it’s a good idea to do some fitness preparation. For easier holidays, a general level of everyday fitness is required, but for higher-grade holidays it might be a good idea to do some practise walks of the same length before you leave, just to ensure your muscles are ready!
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Specialised Walking Holidays
For sightseeing holidays, do I have to do all the planned excursions?
Itineraries are flexible, so if you want to go off on your own for a day, just let your leader know and enjoy your day exploring!
How much should I allow for entrance fees and optional excursions?
Local transport costs and entrance fees for your particular holiday will be indicated in the Holiday Information Sheets issued with your booking confirmation, but as a guideline, these should not exceed £40 per week.
Optional excursion costs will vary depending on where you are and the type of excursion. Please contact us for details or see our Holiday Information Sheet for some guidance.
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Travel arrangements
Can I extend my holiday?
Many of our clients like to ‘bolt-on’ a mini independent package to their holiday with an extra stay at our hotel(s) at the start or end of the stated holiday dates.
We can usually offer extra hotel nights at an advantageous rate, and many of the airlines we use allow some flexibility if arranged more than three months before departure, enabling us to change flights (Iif applicable) for a small charge. Please call for details.
Can I make my own travel arrangements?
If you wish to organise your own flights from a non-UK or provincial airport (if applicable), or travel by rail or car to the holiday centre, ‘no-travel’ reductions are usually available. Please call for details.
Our website has all the relevant links and contact details.
How is my holiday protected?
Ramblers Holidays Ltd is a Member of ABTA with membership number V5094. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. For further information about ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 68-71 Newman Street, London, W1T 3AH, Tel: 020 7637 2444 or www.abta.com.The above applies only to services supplied by Ramblers Holidays Ltd and does not apply to services featured in this brochure that are provided by Fortis Insurance Ltd or any other company.
The flight inclusive holidays in this brochure are ATOL protected under our Ait Travel Organisers Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 990. In the unlikely event of insolvency the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded at your holiday destination and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk.
We are also an accredited IATA agent.
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Safety on holiday
Safety of our clients is paramount and we do monitor local events. If we feel it is necessary to modify an itinerary we will do so and naturally advise you immediately, although this is rare. Every attempt will be made to safeguard your holiday arrangements.
You should be aware of potential hazards on holiday as walking amongst mountains, hills and even in cities does involve an element of risk. Terrain underfoot can vary and you may find walking poles a great aid to mobility over uneven ground. As the tour leader is responsible for the safety of all group members, he or she may adopt a more cautious approach depending on local conditions. Do be aware that itineraries planned for some holidays and treks may be varied on the spot because of unexpected events - weather conditions and even the ability of party members.
The final decision for any change rests with our leader. Ramblers Countrywide Holidays cannot be held responsible for disruption to planned itineraries arising from weather conditions or situations beyond our control, such as earthquakes or political unrest, but every effort will be made to provide alternative activities and to ensure that you have the best possible holiday.
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Cruise and Walk holidays involved lower grade walking of E or D.
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Accommodation and Meals
We hand pick accommodation so it is as unique as our holidays, to give you a real, authentic experience of the destinations you visit, that suits also the style of walking holiday you are taking. Whether you have chosen a single or multi centre holiday, hotel accommodation will be single or twin-bedded rooms, with a shower and WC. Your holiday description will give you further details.
Are there tea making facilities and hairdryers in the rooms?
Sometimes but not always – check your holiday information for more details.
Are meals included?
Meal arrangements are specified in each holiday description. Most are half board, which includes breakfasts (usually continental) and evening meals, either at the hotel or in a local restaurant. Packed lunches are usually provided on days with an included walk. See your individual holiday description for more details.
I follow a special diet, can you accommodate me?
If you have any particular dietary needs, we are able to accommodate some requests but it cannot be guaranteed. Our Reservations Team will be able to advise you further according to your destination, so please call them to discuss your needs before booking.
Do I have to join the group for a meal every evening?
No, there is no obligation to do so (although it would be unusual not to!).
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Leaders
Each Ramblers Countrywide Holidays leader is qualified in first aid and knowledgeable about their particular destination. They will have undergone training by us and will hold a walking leadership qualification.
Do I have to follow the leader’s itinerary every day?
No, if you’d like to explore on your own you are free to do so – just let your leader know you won’t be accompanying the group on certain days.
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Single Travellers
Many single travellers holiday with us. Our holidays are renowned for being extremely friendly and single travellers have no problems fitting in – everyone is there to share a passion for walking and you’ll most likely make lifelong friends.
What’s the average age on a Ramblers Countrywide Holiday?
Age ranges on our holidays vary. Our holidays are completely open to everyone and we welcome travellers in their 20s and upwards – there’s no age limit! Each holiday group make up will be different, but if you like we can advise on the age ranges within your holiday group when you book, to ensure you feel completely comfortable, or try and match you up with a group of a similar age range if possible. See also our Family Holiday departures based at Hassness in the Lake District.
Some hotels we use charge a single supplement, please refer to individual holiday details for more information.
Yes, we can often arrange this. If you’re willing to share a twin room with another group member of the same sex, we can accommodate this on most holidays; simply talk to our Reservations Team when booking. Please note that when booking to share you are agreeing to a no smoking policy and reasonable norms of behaviour.
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Groups
We have a team dedicated to organising holidays for larger groups who want to holiday together on a specific walking programme. We can help with advice on choice of destination from our wide range of exciting holidays, and if the brochured arrangements do not suit you, we will do our best to tailor the holiday to your needs.
Walking groups, social groups, groups with hobbies such as bird watching or history, or simply larger groups of friends who want to book a holiday together.
What’s the minimum number of people needed to book a private group holiday?
This can vary depending on the centre chosen; please contact David Beer on 01707 386723 or email davidb@ramblersholidays.co.uk
Is there a discount for group bookings?
On virtually every special Group Holiday we offer a discount, which will vary according to the destination - normally a reduction of 5% providing the group consists of at least 15 people.
What happens if somebody in my party has to cancel?
This really depends on when the cancellation takes place; the first thing to do is contact us as soon as possible so that we can advise you of any options. Generally cancellation fees increase nearer to the departure date but it is sometimes possible to transfer your booking to another party member (depending on how close to the departure date and any airline/hotel restrictions). Any incurred costs would be payable.
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Insurance
When embarking on an activity holiday, it is even more important that your insurance cover level is right. Many insurers have particular exclusion within their policies, which is why we offer a policy that is tailored to walking holidays.
Travel insurance is essential for Cruise and Walk holidays and for holidays visiting the Channel Islands and you must provide us with details of your policy when booking these holidays. We strongly recommend it for holidays including air travel as the NHS will not cover repatriation expenses.
Charity
Unlike many tour operators, Ramblers Countrywide and Ramblers Worldwide Holidays’ profits are channelled back into environmental conservation projects in the UK and overseas.
We have supported projects in a variety of communities overseas, including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Samos, Peru and Romania. The Trust also aims to provide financial support to a number of environmental and educational organisations in the UK.
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Responsible Tourism
We can all travel responsibly before, during and after our holiday. See our list of tips on how you can have a more eco-friendly holiday.
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