FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
COVID CANCELLATION POLICY
We understand that Covid-19 has made planning trips a challenge. That’s why we’re going the extra mile to make it as simple and as easy as possible to say yes to adventure. If you’re affected by Covid-19 travel restrictions, our temporary booking rules enable you to simply reschedule your adventure free of charge. Exceptions apply on some of our adventures. See the FAQs section on the trip page for details or reach out to us. If you are affected by local travel restrictions in your place of residence or at your point of departure due to COVID-19, you can request a credit refund provided you inform us at least 30 days prior to the start date of the trip. You will also receive priority on rebooking any future trip. In some limited instances where advanced and non-refundable permits are obtained on your behalf, the deposit may not be fully refundable, but we’ll always do our best. This booking rule is only limited to COVID-19 related travel restrictions. It does not apply to other limitations on travel. For all other cancellations or to rebook, our regular booking rules will apply.
THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
A 520 EUR cancelation or rescheduling penalty will apply due to nonrefundable trip expenses.
MOUNTAINEERING & TREKKING IN THE ALPS
A 400 EUR cancelation or rescheduling penalty will apply due to nonrefundable trip expenses.
MOUNTAINEERING IN THE HIMALAYAS
A 400 EUR cancelation or rescheduling penalty will apply due to nonrefundable trip expenses.
PATAGONIA: A NYE ADVENTURE
If cancelation is within 29 days of the trip departure day, a 2250 EUR cancelation or rescheduling penalty will apply due to nonrefundable trip expenses.
PRIVATE TRIPS & EXPEDITIONS
A 600 EUR cancelation or rescheduling penalty will apply due to nonrefundable trip expenses.
COVID CANCELLATION POLICY
We understand that Covid-19 has made planning trips a challenge. That’s why we’re going the extra mile to make it as simple and as easy as possible to say yes to adventure. If you’re affected by Covid-19 travel restrictions, our temporary booking rules enable you to simply reschedule your adventure free of charge. Exceptions apply on some of our adventures. See the FAQs section on the trip page for details or reach out to us. If you are affected by local travel restrictions in your place of residence or at your point of departure due to COVID-19, you can request a credit refund provided you inform us at least 30 days prior to the start date of the trip. You will also receive priority on rebooking any future trip. In some limited instances where advanced and non-refundable permits are obtained on your behalf, the deposit may not be fully refundable, but we’ll always do our best. This booking rule is only limited to COVID-19 related travel restrictions. It does not apply to other limitations on travel. For all other cancellations or to rebook, our regular booking rules will apply.
THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
A 520 EUR cancelation or rescheduling penalty will apply due to nonrefundable trip expenses.
MOUNTAINEERING & TREKKING IN THE ALPS
A 400 EUR cancelation or rescheduling penalty will apply due to nonrefundable trip expenses.
MOUNTAINEERING IN THE HIMALAYAS
A 400 EUR cancelation or rescheduling penalty will apply due to nonrefundable trip expenses.
PATAGONIA: A NYE ADVENTURE
If cancelation is within 29 days of the trip departure day, a 2250 EUR cancelation or rescheduling penalty will apply due to nonrefundable trip expenses.
PRIVATE TRIPS & EXPEDITIONS
A 600 EUR cancelation or rescheduling penalty will apply due to nonrefundable trip expenses.
ACCOMMODATIONS ON LHO ADVENTURES
Where we stay is very much part of the experience. Each adventure may have one or more of the following types of accommodations based on where we’re heading. Always check your LHO gear list to ensure you’ve got what you need to sleep comfortably.
Hotels
We aim to strike a balance between unique local experiences and international standards of comfort and hygiene.
Tents
When the experience includes camping we provide the tents, sleeping mats, common dining tents, camping chairs and camping tables. The only thing you’ll need to get is a sleeping bag and an optional camping pillow. Please refer to the LHO gear list for more information specific to the trip you’re on.
Tea Houses
Expect rooms to include a bed and a mattress as well as a common dining area with chairs and tables. You’ll need to bring a sleeping bag and an optional pillow.
Lodges
Mountain Lodges are usually well equipped, providing beds with duvets and pillows. They also include a common restaurant area. Some lodges require a sleeping liner.
ACCOMMODATIONS ON LHO ADVENTURES
Where we stay is very much part of the experience. Each adventure may have one or more of the following types of accommodations based on where we’re heading. Always check your LHO gear list to ensure you’ve got what you need to sleep comfortably.
Hotels
We aim to strike a balance between unique local experiences and international standards of comfort and hygiene.
Tents
When the experience includes camping we provide the tents, sleeping mats, common dining tents, camping chairs and camping tables. The only thing you’ll need to get is a sleeping bag and an optional camping pillow. Please refer to the LHO gear list for more information specific to the trip you’re on.
Tea Houses
Expect rooms to include a bed and a mattress as well as a common dining area with chairs and tables. You’ll need to bring a sleeping bag and an optional pillow.
Lodges
Mountain Lodges are usually well equipped, providing beds with duvets and pillows. They also include a common restaurant area. Some lodges require a sleeping liner.
WHY TRAVEL WITH LHO?
We Directly Lead Our Trips
Our experienced LHO Team Leaders take care of everything from start to finish, snap spectacular photos of you, ensure that our no-nonsense approach to safety is always followed, and keep the positive LHO vibes flowing so that you can focus on your adventure.
We Include Trip Photography
Each LHO Team Leader is equipped with a DSLR camera to take stunning pictures of you in the incredible places that we visit together. Every picture on this website and in our guidebooks was taken by LHO Team Leaders on an LHO trip.
You’ll Receive a Comprehensive Guidebook
Every adventure comes with a comprehensive guidebook that includes a gear guide to help you shop, a detailed itinerary breakdown to set your expectations for each day, and everything you need to know about traveling to and from our destination so that there are no surprises. It also includes tips on how much cash to exchange, cultural considerations and some background information about the places, peoples and cultures we’ll be visiting. Fitness & Nutrition Programs. Each trip comes with an adventure-specific training and nutrition program put together by our resident LHO dietician.
LHO Base Camp Support Is Here For You
Our amazing support team led by Jean-Pierre the Yak is always available to answer your questions before, during and after your adventures. You can reach out through our website messenger, email, a phone call, a zoom call, and if sending a pigeon is your thing, we’ll figure that one out too!
WHY TRAVEL WITH LHO?
We Directly Lead Our Trips
Our experienced LHO Team Leaders take care of everything from start to finish, snap spectacular photos of you, ensure that our no-nonsense approach to safety is always followed, and keep the positive LHO vibes flowing so that you can focus on your adventure.
We Include Trip Photography
Each LHO Team Leader is equipped with a DSLR camera to take stunning pictures of you in the incredible places that we visit together. Every picture on this website and in our guidebooks was taken by LHO Team Leaders on an LHO trip.
You’ll Receive a Comprehensive Guidebook
Every adventure comes with a comprehensive guidebook that includes a gear guide to help you shop, a detailed itinerary breakdown to set your expectations for each day, and everything you need to know about traveling to and from our destination so that there are no surprises. It also includes tips on how much cash to exchange, cultural considerations and some background information about the places, peoples and cultures we’ll be visiting. Fitness & Nutrition Programs. Each trip comes with an adventure-specific training and nutrition program put together by our resident LHO dietician.
LHO Base Camp Support Is Here For You
Our amazing support team led by Jean-Pierre the Yak is always available to answer your questions before, during and after your adventures. You can reach out through our website messenger, email, a phone call, a zoom call, and if sending a pigeon is your thing, we’ll figure that one out too!
COVID CANCELLATION POLICY
We understand that Covid-19 has made planning trips a challenge. That’s why we’re going the extra mile to make it as simple and as easy as possible to say yes to adventure. If you’re affected by Covid-19 travel restrictions, our temporary booking rules enable you to simply reschedule your adventure free of charge. Exceptions apply on some of our adventures. See the FAQs section on the trip page for details or reach out to us.
If you are affected by local travel restrictions in your place of residence or at your point of departure due to COVID-19, you can request a credit refund provided you inform us at least 30 days prior to the start date of the trip. You will also receive priority on rebooking any future trip. In some limited instances where advanced and non-refundable permits are obtained on your behalf, the deposit may not be fully refundable, but we’ll always do our best. This booking rule is only limited to COVID-19 related travel restrictions. It does not apply to other limitations on travel. For all other cancellations or to rebook, our regular booking rules will apply.
THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
A 520 EUR cancelation or rescheduling penalty will apply due to nonrefundable trip expenses.
MOUNTAINEERING & TREKKING IN THE ALPS
A 400 EUR cancelation or rescheduling penalty will apply due to nonrefundable trip expenses.
MOUNTAINEERING IN THE HIMALAYAS
A 400 EUR cancelation or rescheduling penalty will apply due to nonrefundable trip expenses.
PATAGONIA: A NYE ADVENTURE
If cancelation is within 29 days of the trip departure day, a 2250 EUR cancelation or rescheduling penalty will apply due to nonrefundable trip expenses.
PRIVATE TRIPS & EXPEDITIONS
A 600 EUR cancelation or rescheduling penalty will apply due to nonrefundable trip expenses.
ACCOMMODATIONS ON LHO ADVENTURES
Where we stay is very much part of the experience. Each adventure may have one or more of the following types of accommodations based on where we’re heading. Always check your LHO gear list to ensure you’ve got what you need to sleep comfortably.
Hotels
We aim to strike a balance between unique local experiences and international standards of comfort and hygiene.
Tents
When the experience includes camping we provide the tents, sleeping mats, common dining tents, camping chairs and camping tables. The only thing you’ll need to get is a sleeping bag and an optional camping pillow. Please refer to the LHO gear list for more information specific to the trip you’re on.
Tea Houses
Expect rooms to include a bed and a mattress as well as a common dining area with chairs and tables. You’ll need to bring a sleeping bag and an optional pillow.
Lodges
Mountain Lodges are usually well equipped, providing beds with duvets and pillows. They also include a common restaurant area. Some lodges require a sleeping liner.
UNDERSTANDING FITNESS LEVELS
The LHO Fitness Level rating is here to help you choose the adventure that you feel comfortable with and ready for.
1. CHILLED OUT
An adventure holiday for anyone with a pulse. No fitness requirements or prerequisites. Come as you are. You’ll have fun!
2. MODERATE
Great for those who already train 1-2 times per week or would like to use this upcoming adventure as an opportunity to kickstart a fitness journey.
3. CHALLENGING
Joiners should be comfortable with their physical fitness and regularly train at least 2-3 times a week in the lead up to this adventure.
4. STRENUOUS
Joiners sـhould have a high level of physical fitness, training at least 4 times a week for this trip, with a special emphasis on cardio workouts.
5. OUTRAGEOUS
Need we explain further?
SKILLS PROFILE
Adventures introduce us to new landscapes, environments and skills. We use three simple categories to indicate the skills required for you to comfortably complete a trip. Be sure to check the itinerary description of your trip of interest for more details on the skills involved in a trip.
1. No Requirements
No prior experience is required. Basic skills may be taught during this adventure.
2. Learn New Skills
The skills necessary to safely complete this adventure will be taught as a part of this experience.
3. Skills & Experience Required
This adventure requires prior experience, pre-requisite skills or certifications
HOW LATE CAN I BOOK A TRIP? WHAT IF THE TRIP IS FULLY BOOKED?
A trip can no longer be booked if:
- The trip is fully booked
- Permits are no longer available (applies to specific trips)
- The trip will start in less than 7 days
If the trip you want to join is fully booked, reach out to us on info@lifehappensoutdoors.com or the ‘Contact Us’ page. We’ll do our best to help you out by informing you first of any cancellations or help you find an alternative adventure!
WHAT’S THE TOILET SITUATION ON LHO ADVENTURES?
Whenever the accommodation is a hotel, the toilets are usually ensuite. In tea houses and lodges, the bathrooms are shared.. When camping, there will either be fixed toilet facilities, or a private portable toilet provided by LHO.
MY TRIP INCLUDES HIGH ALTITUDE. WHAT ARE THE CONCERNS AND WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Altitude is part of the challenge on some of our adventures and understanding it is the key to overcoming it. As we go higher in altitude, there is less pressure in the atmosphere. This means that the amount of oxygen in each full breath of air is less the higher we go up. Our body adapts to this by producing more red blood cells to transport oxygen more efficiently. The process of adapting is called acclimatization. In some instances, it is possible to develop symptoms such as headaches, nausea or fatigue. This is totally normal and usually goes away with time. The best methods to avoid illness are preventative. That’s why we emphasize a slow pace, eating well, staying hydrated and getting lots of rest. Don’t worry about altitude. Your experienced LHO team is equipped to diagnose, manage and treat any symptoms should there be a need for it.
HOW DO I BOOK A TRIP?
Head to the trip page, select the dates you’d like, pay the booking deposit, and wait for us to get in touch with your adventure guide and starter pack.
CAN I REQUEST DIFFERENT PAYMENT TERMS OR METHODS?
Of course you can. There are different payment plans available at checkout but if none of them work for you or if you’d rather pay by bank transfer, then reach out to us on info@lifehappensoutdoors.com with the trip you’d like to book and what payment plan you feel works best for you. We’ll do our best to make it work.
WHAT IS LHO’S CANCELLATION POLICY?
If you need to cancel a trip, the following rules will apply:
- The 20% booking deposit is non-refundable.
- The full remaining balance is refundable up to 60 days prior to the trip.
- 65% is refundable between 59 – 49 days prior to the start date.
- 45% is refundable between 48 – 30 days prior to the start date.
- 25% is refundable between 29 – 10 days prior to the start date.
- 10% is refundable between 9 – 3 days prior to the start date.
- 0% is refundable between 2 – 0 days prior to the trip start date.
WHAT HAPPENS IF WE CAN’T FOLLOW THE ITINERARY DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER ISSUES?
We often switch things around to account for weather or unforeseen events. This is adventure travel after all. Nonetheless, we do our best to stick to the itinerary as closely as possible and any changes we make are designed to enhance the overall experience.
HOW DO I KNOW IF A TRIP IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Follow these four easy steps to choose the right adventure:
- Read up on the trip’s details and description
- Check the Fitness Level of the trip to make sure it’s what you’re looking for.
- Check the Skills Profile of the trip to see if there are any requirements prior to booking.
- Hit that book button and let’s go on a life changing experience!
If you’re still not sure, reach out to us for a chat with one of our Team Leaders to help you make the right decision for you
WHAT HAPPENS IF I CAN’T TRAVEL DUE TO COVID-19?
We want to make travel as easy and as care-free as possible. That’s why the following special cancelation rules apply if you need to cancel your trip due to Covid-19:
- If you test positive for Covid-19 within 10 days of the trip start date, you are entitled to rebook on a future trip free of charge.
- If you are unable to travel due to Covid-19 travel restrictions in your home country that makes it impossible for you to join the trip, you are entitled to rebook on a future trip free of charge provided you notify us at least 14 days prior to the trip start date.
- If travel restrictions are imposed in the country where our adventure is due to take place that makes it impossible for you to join, you will be entitled to a full refund.
Trip-specific exceptions apply. See the trip page for details.
DO I NEED TO SHOW PROOF OF VACCINATION OR A COVID-19 TEST WHEN JOINING A TRIP?
LHO follows the laws of the countries that host our adventures. Currently, most countries require either proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test to travel in, join group activities and visit hospitality venues.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS & RESTRICTIONS
We do our best to accommodate everyone. There are vegetarian options available on all LHO experiences. There are vegan options on most LHO adventures as well, but options might be limited. It is also not possible to cook vegan meals in separate spaces from non-vegan meals given the challenge of cooking in some of our more remote destinations.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT GEAR TO BUY? CAN I RENT?
LHO recommends buying most of the items on the gear list. It’s possible to rent items that you can’t find or would prefer not to buy. Details can be found in the gear list provided for each trip.
WHY SHOULD MY TOILETRIES BE BIODEGRADABLE?
LHO cares about the environment that hosts us on our adventures. Using biodegradable toiletries helps us to preserve the places that enable these life changing experiences.
I’VE NEVER BEEN ON AN ADVENTURE TRIP BEFORE. WHERE DO I START?
Start with our curated adventure lists! They’ll help guide you along your adventure journey. You can also book a zoom chat with one of our experienced Team Leaders who’ll guide you on your way to a life of adventure.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TEAM LEADER AND A GUIDE?
LHO Team Leaders are experienced adventure enthusiasts who want to share their passion for the outdoors with you. LHO Team Leaders work exclusively with Life Happens Outdoors and are dedicated to ensuring that you have an adventure of a lifetime.. Team Leaders also do the trip photography. The LHO Guide is the local licensed professional who works with the Team Leader to deliver itinerary activities and the best possible overall adventure.
WHAT’S THE MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE AND AGE RANGE ON AN LHO TRIP?
The maximum possible group size for any LHO experience is 14. On some trips the maximum capacity may be less than that. On certain technical trips the group size may be as low as 2. Our LHO community is typically between the ages of 28 and 55 although we do get joiners both a little younger and a little older.
DOES LHO WORK WITH LOCAL PORTERS AND GUIDES FAIRLY?
Yes, we do and here is how we do it: Our pay is higher than most operators across the vast majority of countries we operate in. We guarantee a minimum tip to our local guides and porters supplemented by LHO if it isn’t met by our team of joiners. We offer educational and levelling up opportunities to our staff. We sponsor guides and porters wishing to achieve their own adventure ambitions around the world. We regularly request feedback on how we can support our community better. But, don’t take our word for it. Ask them about it when you see them.
I HAVE A CHRONIC MEDICAL ISSUE. CAN I JOIN AN ADVENTURE TRIP?
We have guided community members with all sorts of challenges including diabetes, asthma and arthritis to the furthest reaches of the planet, but each case is different and it’s best to consult with a health care professional before committing to and adventure trip.
DO I NEED TO CARRY MY OWN FIRST AID KIT? WHAT SHOULD I HAVE IN IT?
It’s always good to have your own meds but don’t overdo it. Your kit should include pain medication that works for you, something to cover blisters and to clean cuts, an anti-inflammatory cream for sore muscles and joints, meds for an upset stomach and any prescriptions you take or country-specific meds like Malaria tablets you’ll need.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF A TRIP?
Most LHO adventures include:
- Trip photography
- Team Welcome dinner on the first night
- 3 Meals per day throughout the itinerary
- Water refills throughout the itinerary
- Team Farewell dinner on the last night
- Breakfast on departure day
- Airport pick ups and drop offs.
- Permits
- Land, sea and air transport within the itinerary.
- Accommodation.
- Life Happens Outdoors Team Leader
- English speaking local guide
- Medical first aid equipment.
- Fitness, Nutrition & Gear guides
- Training and shopping assistance from the LHO Team.
Please refer to the trip page for the inclusions specific to your trip.
IS IT TRUE THAT PHOTOGRAPHY FROM THE TRIP IS INCLUDED?
Yes. The LHO Team Leader will be taking your high-resolution photos and providing you with everything taken throughout the trip so that you’ll have proof that your mind didn’t make it all up!
DO A LOT OF PEOPLE JOIN ON THEIR OWN?
The majority of joiners come as solo travellers and leave with a new adventure family! Normally, solo travellers get paired up with someone of the same sex in our accommodations. If you’d like to join as a solo traveller but would prefer a single room, that can be arranged as well.
I’M PLANNING ON EXTENDING MY TRIP, CAN LHO HELP ME PLAN MY EXTRA DAYS?
Absolutely! Most of our destinations have loads to do beyond our adventure together. If you’d like to stay on for a Safari after Kilimanjaro or wind down at a Yoga retreat after Everest Base Camp, we’ve got you covered.
I REQUIRE A VISA TO TRAVEL. CAN LHO HELP? WHAT IF I DON’T GET IT IN TIME?
We can provide you with a booking confirmation, a local letter of invitation, proof of permits where applicable and hotel confirmations to submit as supporting documents for your visa application.
Unfortunately, we don’t have any control over the issuance of visas. If your visa does get rejected, we’ll do our best to make it as painless as possible, but we may not be able to go beyond our normal cancelation policy. The best course of action would be to reach out to us as early as possible. The earlier we know about it the more we can do for you.
WHAT TIME AND WHERE SHOULD I PLAN TO ARRIVE ON THE FIRST DAY OF MY TRIP AND LEAVE FROM ON THE LAST DAY?
It’s always best to try and arrive as close to midday as possible on arrival day. It’ll give you plenty of time to relax before the team dinner in the evening that usually takes place around 7:30 pm. Departure day is completely open for airport drop offs. We’ll be arranging shuttles based on flight times so you’re free to plan your departure however you like. The meeting point is usually at the closest airport to where our itinerary starts. Please refer to the trip-specific guidebook for information about your meeting point.
HOW CAN I STAY IN TOUCH WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY?
Wi-Fi and cellular network cover the vast majority of our destinations. However, in some instances there may not be coverage for a few days. We provide a phone number to our Base Camp manager who’ll have the latest updates and who your loved ones can call to check in on your progress and make sure everything is going well.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC VACCINES REQUIRED FOR MY TRIP?
Yes. Please consult your healthcare professional to determine what vaccines you’ll need to travel to our adventure destination. This can vary from country to country and may be different based on where you’re traveling from.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Yes. You must have valid travel insurance that covers the activities of the trip you are on. Normal travel insurance may not cover the activities, destinations or altitudes of your itinerary. Make sure any insurance you purchase will fully cover everything we’ll be doing together.
I REQUIRE A COVID-19 TEST BEFORE FLYING BACK HOME. CAN LHO ORGANIZE IT FOR ME?
We can help organize it, but we cannot guarantee the speed or cost of the test. We can only recommend an external clinic and facilitate the procedure.