Peace of Mind Travel

We have been offering small group tours for mature and senior travelers for over 30 years. Our groups are typically between 6 to 12 travelers, encouraging camaraderie and companionship, unique access to attractions that are off the main path and usually overlooked by larger group companies, flexibility on activities and plenty of independent exploration time. A smaller group is also ideal to keep social distance and move quickly through busier places. It also lets our local guide give you more tailored information while on holiday and update the itinerary to suit our small group.

Our local partners worldwide are committed in providing the best hygiene standards available for all our coaches used on small group tour. Here’s how we’ll be working from now on our group tour itinerary:

• Typically guests will enjoy two seats to themselves, allowing for good distancing between travelers.

• Vehicles will be deep cleaned prior to the tour departure.

• High frequency contact areas (hand grabs, arm rests, etc) will be sanitised often throughout the day.

• Hand sanitiser will be available on the coach and required to be used every time by all travellers, local guide, driver and tour leader when stepping on or off the coach for guided tour(s).

• Face masks will also be available where required (supplies may be limited, so we encourage you to also bring your own reusable face covering).

• All drivers and any local guide will also ensure they are healthy and fit at least 24h before joining our escorted tour. Temperature checks may also be required at the start of each day.

• Local public transport use will be limited wherever possible, and when used, we will follow local health and safety regulations to keep our small group safe and well during the journey.

All measures are to provide you peace of mind travel and a n enjoyable holiday on your future travel.

As we travel in a small group we also aim to select smaller hotels and guesthouses wherever possible. Smaller properties also mean less people sharing common areas such as lobby and dining room. We will rarely book large chain hotels with more than 150 rooms and all hotels and guesthouses being contracted will be following strict hygiene and cleaning procedures to further protect your health and safety offering peace of mind travel. Some of the guidelines we’re working on with our local accommodation partners are:

• Daily deep cleaning and disinfecting of all surface areas inside your room, taking particular care on door handles, telephone, light switches, TV remotes and thermostats.

• That no staff enters your room after it has been cleaned each day.

• Increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting of public areas, including the possible closure of certain areas (meeting rooms, restaurant, etc) throughout the day to ensure a thorough clean.

• We will continue to request that our small group tour be allocated rooms on the lower levels to minimise use of elevators and time spent travelling in common areas of our accommodation.

• Contactless check-in and check-out and other social distancing protocols be followed at the hotel for the safety of all travelers.

Part of experiencing new cultural experiences is trying out the local cuisine and our tours feature many group dinners so we can immerse ourselves in our destination. We are working closely with our selected restaurants for the maintenance and improvement of health, safety and hygiene standards as well as extra staff training on food preparation and delivery. We will also be requesting that social distancing be observed whenever we enjoy a meal out as group to minimise contact with people outside of our small group. When possible, we will request a private room or outdoor seating.

Odyssey’s Program Leaders are always working to provide the group with the best possible experiences, sharing their knowledge and previous travel tales and coordinating with our local tour guide and tour company so everything runs safely and smoothly. They have 24/7 connection with our head office and local tour company and act quickly to sure everyone is safe and enjoying their travels.

Your Tour Leader is responsible for your safety and enjoyment of the tour, and to do so they:

• They are trained in First Aid, CPR and other safety protocols training and always carry a well-stocked first aid kit including hand sanitiser to share with the group while out touring.

• They have direct access to our head office, 24/7 as well as to our local operators so any situation can be dealt with swiftly and efficiently.

• They can organise trip changes to ensure the safety and health of the group. Any changes in travel arrangements are organised with the approval of Odyssey Traveller and local tour operator.

• They can assist with calling a local doctor or finding the closest clinic should you feel unwell. They will also request that you stay at the accommodation until feeling better and/or getting medical clearance that it is safe to re-join our small group.

• They will be provided with the latest health guidelines for all the travel destinations being visited.

• They are well travelled and are familiar with the local culture and customs and will assist the group in navigating through busy areas and avoid any large group of people and crowds whenever possible.

• They are be able to suggest local reputable restaurants for independent meals during your holiday (lunch and dinner not part of the tour itinerary) to enhance your travel experience.

• They will wear and distribute face masks where required by local health authorities. Face masks supplies may be limited, so we encourage you to plan ahead and also bring your own reusable face mask(s).

• They will carry your travel insurance policy information, should you require contacting your insurer while out with the group.

Travelling solo does not mean travelling alone. You will be with a group of like-minded people and can enjoy the freedom of spending alone time when you wish or stay with your group of fellow traveller friends and enjoy extra activities together on your holiday. Our Program Leader is also available to assist and share their time and knowledge with our solo traveller(s).

If you wish we can pair you with someone of the same gender or you can select to book a Single Room so you can have your own room at all accommodations. In many locations, our hotel partners will be booking a room with a double bed for our solo traveller clients, providing that extra comfort and space for you to rest after a long day of exploring.

To be able to enjoy your holiday experience to the fullest, we recommend you check with your doctor that you are healthy and up to date with your vaccinations before travelling, especially your Covid-19 immunisation.

Travelling overseas has changed in the past couple of years and proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is required by most countries, not only to enter but also to visit many tourist sights, museums, galleries, attend concerts, dine in at restaurants and more.

Odyssey requires all travellers to be fully vaccinated, including a booster dose where applicable.

You will need to bring a printed copy of your immunisation certificate, or original health card to present it where required while on tour.

Should you feel unwell during your travels with us and experience Covid-19 symptoms please notify your Odyssey leader immediately. We will do our best to assist you to comply with the local health regulations, which often include:

• Taking a Rapid Antigen Test or PCR test to assess if you have been infected with Covid-19 virus
• Isolation at your current accommodation or at a designated quarantine facility
• Extra testing during isolation period
• Medical clearance to continue travelling

Odyssey Traveller will assist you should you require extra accommodation by booking extra nights at the current location for isolation purposes or transfer to a designated quarantine facility (if applicable). Whilst we will help you with your accommodation booking, you and your travel insurance are responsible for covering the extra costs associated with this and any other associated costs relating to medical expenses and isolation.

All group travellers and your Odyssey leader will also be required to be tested and, if a positive result is returned, they will also follow the local health protocols including isolation for the required number of days.

While you are in isolation our Odyssey leader will keep in touch to check-in on your health and wellbeing.

Once you have been cleared by local authorities you may re-join the group, and we can assist you on how best to do so.