Frequently Asked Questions

How big are Ethos Journeys?

Our groups range anywhere from 5 – 15 people, including our guides. We like to keep our groups small to leave a ‘small footprint’ during our journeys.  The nature of our trips, which are ultimately learning-based, work better in smaller, more intimate settings.

Can I share a room with another traveler?

Of course — but this depends on who and how many people register for the journey and whether there is another person also requesting to share a room. We will do our very best to match you with another traveler, but cannot guarantee this. If no other traveler registers wanting to share, you would be required to have a single room, and the ‘single supplement’ fees would apply. Our suggestion to avoid this is to find a friend to come along!

What kind of physical activity can I expect?

Each journey varies, but in general, we recommend that you be in decent physical shape and that you avoid taking a trip after any significant surgery. Many of our journeys include walking tours of cities or villages or short hikes, but typically nothing more strenuous than this (or a long flight of stairs!) is included in the main journey. Sportier activities such as trekking/hiking are optional or available as extensions. What can be most challenging on some of our trips is the heat, so drinking lots of water is imperative. We also require that all Ethos Journeys travelers take comprehensive medical travel insurance for every trip.

Why do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is mandatory for all Ethos Journeys. At minimum, you must carry a Travel Medical Insurance policy that covers medical expenses overseas, including emergency repatriation, for the full duration of your trip. We also strongly recommend choosing a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) policy. CFAR coverage should be purchased as soon as you register and make your initial deposit to ensure complete protection.

What is the difference between Travel Medical Insurance and CFAR Travel Insurance?

• Travel Medical Insurance focuses on health care costs that arise outside your home country. This usually includes hospital stays, ambulance transport, emergency room care, surgery, and other urgent treatments. Many policies also include medical evacuation, political evacuation, terrorism coverage, crisis response, natural disaster coverage, accidental death and dismemberment, and repatriation of remains.
• CFAR Travel Insurance also protects the financial investment you make in your trip. It often includes coverage for lost baggage, trip cancellation, trip interruption, and other economic losses that may occur during travel. If your trip is cancelled or interrupted for a covered reason, a CFAR policy reimburses the eligible prepaid and non-refundable costs. Many CFAR policies also refund expenses linked to medical treatment overseas, travel delays, and lost, damaged, or stolen luggage.

Important Note: Many travelers assume their credit card provides full travel protection. In most cases, it covers only flight costs or offers limited benefits, which may lead to gaps when issues arise. This is why we recommend a comprehensive CFAR policy from a trusted provider. It gives you reliable, complete coverage for both medical support and financial protection throughout your journey. A few top-choice CFAR providers include:

• Seven Corners – Offers CFAR as an optional add-on on select plans.
• Travel Insured International – Recognized for quality CFAR plans and long industry experience.
• Trawick International – Provides CFAR coverage on several plans like Safe Travels AnyReason.
• Travel Guard – Offers CFAR as optional coverage on its plans.