National Geographic Expeditions FAQs
WHAT KIND OF PACE CAN I EXPECT ON A NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPEDITION?
Our itineraries are designed to include full, active days with plenty of opportunities to experience each place from an insider’s perspective, whether that means encountering wildlife, learning about different cultures and environments, or sharing in local traditions. Pace and physical activity level vary by trip and by travel style. On National Geographic Expeditions and Journeys, we offer alternate activities when possible. National Geographic Active Expeditions, which include activities like hiking, kayaking, or horseback riding on most days, have designated activity levels ranging from easy to ultimate challenge, and travelers always have the choice to rest a day or ride to the next stop. For more information about the pace of a specific trip, see the trip itinerary. Where applicable, we’ve added additional notes about the activity level or physical requirements in a “What to Expect” section on the trip itinerary page. If you are uncertain about the level of activity of a particular itinerary, please call us at 1-888-966-8687.
HOW DO THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPEDITIONS, ACTIVE EXPEDITIONS, AND JOURNEYS TRIP STYLE DIFFER FROM ONE ANOTHER?
National Geographic Expeditions are our flagship trips and are designed to reflect our travelers’ broad spectrum of interests. Expeditions are led by National Geographic experts or expedition teams, and feature world-class accommodations and experiences, including special access to sites and field researchers. Most activities and meals are included in the expedition cost, which ranges from $4,500 to $12,500 per person.
National Geographic Active Expeditions combine spectacular places, physical challenge, and cultural interaction. Each trip has a designated activity level, from easy to ultimate challenge, so that travelers can choose according to their ability. Trips are limited to 16 travelers, led by a knowledgeable adventure guide, and generally include stays at boutique hotels and small inns. Most activities and meals are included in the trip cost, which ranges from $3,500 to $7,500 per person.
National Geographic Journeys are our newest line of trips. They blend fun, hands-on exploration with meaningful encounters with people and cultures, interactions with knowledgeable local guides, and more free time and choices. Limited to 16 travelers in most cases, these trips are lower-priced and include stays at mid-range hotels and inns. Some activities and meals are included in the trip cost, which ranges from $1,500 to $4,000 per person.
HOW MUCH FLEXIBILITY IS THERE IN THE ITINERARY?
Throughout all of our travel styles, we have built in options and free time where possible so that you can experience a place and its people in a way that’s meaningful to you. By their nature, some trip types offer more flexibility and free time. For instance, private expeditions balance guided tours and planned activities with time to explore on your own, and National Geographic Journeys have more free time and options built into most days, so you can choose what kind of restaurant you’d like or what local sites are most interesting to you. On our small ship voyages, we keep our itineraries flexible to take advantage of unexpected opportunities or to adapt to weather conditions or other circumstances. If you are interested in exploring further, many of our expeditions offer pre- or post-trip extensions. We can also assist you if you’d like to extend your stay at the beginning or end of a trip.
WHAT DOES THE TRIP COST GENERALLY INCLUDE?
For National Geographic Expeditions, the cost includes meals, accommodations, and excursions as indicated in the itinerary; services of the National Geographic expert or expedition leader and local guides; ground transportation; most transfers; baggage handling; gratuities (except for those for the ship or train crew, where applicable, unless otherwise noted in the itinerary); and pre-trip materials. Included meals are noted at the end of each day on our itineraries with a B for breakfast, L for lunch, and D for dinner.
For National Geographic Active Expeditions, the cost includes meals, accommodations, and excursions as indicated in the itinerary; services of a trip leader and local guides; ground transportation; some transfers; gratuities (unless otherwise noted in the itinerary); and pre-trip materials. Included meals are noted at the end of each day on our itineraries with a B for breakfast, L for lunch, and D for dinner.
For National Geographic Journeys the cost includes meals, accommodations, and excursions as indicated in the itinerary; services of local guides; ground transportation; some transfers; and electronic pre-trip materials.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING ON MY EXPEDITION?
On a National Geographic Expedition, the dress is typically casual, so we recommend that you pack clothes that are comfortable and that will be well suited to the activities and climate specific to your expedition. Prior to your trip, we will provide you with packing tips and suggestions and information regarding any baggage weight restrictions.
ONCE I BOOK MY TRIP, WHAT INFORMATION AND MATERIALS WILL I RECEIVE?
After you sign up for a National Geographic Expedition, you will receive several pre-trip mailings with specific information about your destination; packing suggestions; and other relevant information to help you prepare for your trip. Any additional materials you receive will depend on the trip you have booked.
When you book a National Geographic Journey, you’ll receive all pre-trip information electronically, including destination-specific stories and information prepared by National Geographic.
