FAQ

> How do I know you’re a good company?

Flooglebinder is a fairly young travel company (in comparison to some of the dinosaurs out there) established in 2012, and we’re built upon strong values: conscious, passionate and kind.

We were the first BCorp tour operator in the UK and one of the first globally, which means that we’ve amended our Articles of Association to show that we exist to use business as a force for good whereby people and planet come before profit. We were also one of the first 20 companies in the UK to declare a climate emergency in 2018 and, as far as we know, the first company globally to run a carbon positive trip in 2019. And yes, we mean positive, not neutral, which means that we took more carbon out of the atmosphere than what we put in and now very pleased to say that we’re part of the United Nations Climate Neutral Now Initiative.

+ What is a BCorp?

Certified B Corporations are leaders of a global movement of people using business as a force for good. They meet the highest standards of overall social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability and aspire to use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.

+ Is my money safe?

The safety and security of students and teachers on our trips is our number one priority. We go above and beyond when it comes to protecting your finances and your welfare. All of your finances are protected through Financial Failure Insurance, our Publicly Liability cover is £5 million and each programme adheres to British Standards (BS8848). If you have any questions about our safety and security measures, please do get in touch.

+ What happens if my trip is affected by Covid-19?

All of our booking terms and conditions have been re-drafted since COVID-19 to ensure that you are better protected. Therefore, we will provide a 100% refund if cancellation occurs as a result of COVID-19.

+ What are your safety standards and do you carry out risk assessments?

All of our adventures are BS8848 accredited and risk assessments are carried out for every destination and updated before each and every departure. We are a gold approved activity provider for The Duke of Edinburgh Awards with public liability insurance cover for £5,000,000 and 24/7 Crisis Response.

+ Are the trips expensive?

Well, that depends on how much you value outdoor education, life-changing experiences, personal development and making a difference. They’re not cheap but they’re incredible value and we don’t compromise on safety or quality. We work with local stakeholders, in line with our BCorp ethos to have a positive social and environmental impact. By supporting smaller, quite often family run, providers we help keep money in the local economy as opposed to being shipped off to international shareholders.

We include everything on the trip (see what is and isn’t included below) and one thing we’ve come to realise is that the quality of our accommodation is much higher than any of our competitors. From experience, we know that staying in a good place can make all the difference. So, in short - NO! They’re not expensive; they’re a valuable investment for a better future for the next generation.

+ What’s included/not included?

We include absolutely everything for our student trips but for the adult programmes we give you a little bit more flexibility so not all meals are included.

All prices on the site are excluding flight fares as these fluctuate drastically and we want to ensure that we give you the most up to date information.

Visas, vaccinations, personal expenditure and tips for guides are not included. Personal insurance is not included: Please ensure that this covers you for pre-departure events as if you need to cancel the trip due to medical reasons you will be covered.

+ What’s included/not included?

We include absolutely everything for our student trips. So if your child/student turns up without a penny, they’ll be fed, watered and able to take part in absolutely everything. They just may not be able to buy an ice cream or souvenir, but photos are usually the best memories and gifts to give anyway. This means that all pre-departure workshops, transfers and transport (in country), food, accommodation, participation fees, site entrance fees, guides, surveys and reports are included. They’ll also receive one of our awesome pre departure packs, which includes a fair-wear organic cotton hoodie, reusable stainless steel 750ml thermos bottle, carabiner, bamboo cutlery, bamboo straw and bamboo toothbrush.

All prices on the site are excluding flight fares as these fluctuate drastically and we want to ensure that we give you the most up to date information.

Visas, vaccinations, personal expenditure and tips for guides are not included. We usually ask everyone to contribute £1 per day and ask the students how they would like the kitty split. They don’t have to make a donation but we feel that it is an important part of the programme to recognise how vital it is to support the livelihoods of local stakeholders.

Personal insurance is not included: this is mandatory for all students but please note that many schools/colleges have this cover in place already and, if not, it is rarely more than £30 per trip or approximately £60 for an annual multi trip policy. Please ensure that this covers you for pre-departure events as if you need to cancel the trip due to medical reasons you will be covered.

+ What if my child/student wants to go but we can’t afford it?

We’re big believers in the importance of fundraising; it builds a number of vital key skills from planning and time management to confidence, communication, problem solving and critical thinking. All students will receive a workshop on finance and fundraising beforehand and we’ll help them make the trip happen. We also provide an engagement letter that students can share with businesses, family and friends for support to show the importance of the programme and the positive impacts that it will have on social, environmental and economic issues at a global level.

Please also note, your students may be entitled to funding or bursaries by your local government or the school/college itself so please reach out and see what is available to you. We can also offer payment plans so feel free to give us a shout and we can chat through some options with you.

+ Can I speak to my child whilst they’re away?

Staff will always have mobile phones and satellite phones if required so you will always be able to speak to your child in an emergency. There will be constant updates via our social media channels so that everyone can see how the adventure is going.

We do prefer students to not have mobiles with them as this hinders them from being present, another important part of the programme when we look at mental health and wellbeing. However, before departure we will discuss this with the students and agree a usage policy. Some love not having them at all and enjoy the break, others like to check in every few days for an hour or so, either way we’ll ensure a fair agreement is made to ensure that the student benefits from the trip yet feels connected to family and friends if needs be.

+ What happens if they become ill?

There will always be Medical First Aiders, including Mental Health First Aiders, on the trip. If further treatment is required we will visit a nearby medical facility immediately, which will have already been detailed in the Risk Assessment. We will keep you updated on the situation and ensure that the highest level of healthcare is provided. All leaders will follow our Health and Safety Policy and Incident Management Plan.

+ How much work is expected of teachers?

As much as we’d love to say none, we do need a little bit of help but we take away as much of this as possible. Firstly, we need to talk with you to discuss where you want to go and the reasons for going, this helps us plan the workshops. Then we just need help to get ‘bums on seats’, after that we can pretty much take on the entire trip from dealing with students and parents and even taking payments. However you would like to be involved, we can adapt accordingly, it’s how we love to work.

+ How many supervisors/adults on each trip?

We offer 1 free place for every 10 students and they’ll always be at least two Flooglebinder staff as well as our English speaking guides, field staff and drivers in country.

+ How can I fundraise for my trip?

Before you depart we’ll go through all of this in detail to give you a plan and set some targets, so don’t worry; we’ve been there and know it’s possible if you really want it to happen. Plus, don’t forget you may be entitled to some support from either your local government or through school/college bursaries.

+ Do I need any qualifications to take part?

None whatsoever. All we ask is that you're committed to our conservation and sustainability projects and prepared to push your boundaries as this is where you’ll develop the most and gain more from the experience.

+ Will I enjoy my time if I am with people I do not know?

Absolutely! That is one of the most exciting parts of the trip - meeting new people that share similar interests. It can be a great learning experience.

+ What should I take with me?

You’ll receive a full kit list with plenty of time to save and prepare.

+ Do I need any vaccinations for my trip?

Please contact your local GP as you may have already had some vaccinations, such as tetanus. Give them the dates and destination and they’ll advise you accordingly. Please ensure that you always seek medical advice from a professional.

+ How fit do I need to be?

It depends on which project but as long as you can enjoy long walks, a little hike in humid conditions and carry your backpack a few hundred metres you’ll be fine. Peru is a little more intense with hikes from 5-15km per day.

+ Will refrigeration be available for medicines? eg. Insulin

Yes, if required this can be arranged. Please ensure that you make us aware of this when completing your documents.

+ I have special dietary requirements – will they be catered for?

Yes, we can cater for all dietary requirements. Please ensure that you make us aware of these when completing your documents. During the trip please ask if you’re unsure as some foods may contain ingredients or pronounced in a different way, so it's always best to check.

+ Can I drink the water in the countries I visit?

We recommend to only fill your reusable bottle (which you’ll receive in the pre-departure pack) with filtered water. This will always be available to you.

+ Will I have WiFi?

In many places you might be able to get a connection but best not to expect this. Even if there’s a signal it can take 10 minutes to send a message. Best to just put your phones down and enjoy the moment.

+ How much spending money will I need to take?

This will vary from country to country but generally no more than £100. Firstly, you don’t need to bring a penny as everything is covered but this will give you some cash for extra drinks, snacks and in case you want to buy any souvenirs.