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Are departures guaranteed?
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There is a minimum of four participants required to guarantee each departure date. Please wait for confirmation from Altai Norway before making travel arrangements.
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Are private departures available?
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Yes, we have private departures available on this trip! Private departures offer more flexibility to travel when it suits your group. Additional costs may apply depending on your group size. Please contact our Adventures Team to explore pricing and check on availability.
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What time should I arrive in Norway? What is the best way to get to the trip start location?
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Plan to arrive into Bodø Airport (BOO) before 6:00 pm on Day 1. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your guide in the airport's hallway. You'll be responsible for booking your own international airfare, which is not included in the trip price. Transfers to and from Bodø Airport are included once in Norway. Depending on where you are traveling from this may require a layover at Oslo Airport (OSL). Please let Altai Norway know as soon as possible about your flight schedule so they can organize accordingly.
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What are the accommodations like?
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On the Lofoten Islands, accommodations are rare and often small. During this trip you'll stay in sjøhus / rorbu (simple, traditional houses used by cod fishermen during the months of January to April, and used as shelter for hikers in the summer) as well as cottage or hostel accommodations. The rooms are shared between 4 to 6 people. You should plan to bring a sleeping bag (a comfort rating of 40°F / 5°C is ideal). All the sjøhus / rorbus have the following amenities: heating, hot showers, and health inspected equipped kitchens. If hot water is not free, you'll have one token per day per person for a shower.
During several nights you'll be tent camping. Your guides will provide one quality 3-person tent per two people for maximum space and comfort. They also provide a large mess tent fully equipped with table and stools for meals and communal moments.
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Can solo travelers get their own room? Is there a single supplement fee?
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Single accommodations are not available for this trip.
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How large is each travel group?
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The maximum group size for this trip is 12 travelers.
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Which meals are included? What is the food like?
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All meals are included from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 10. All other meals are at your own expense.
Each day begins with a hearty breakfast served at your accommodation with plenty of tea and coffee. Every morning, you and your guide will prepare a picnic lunch for the day featuring local foods: sandwiches, salads, fruits, cakes and dried fruits as well as thermoses for hot soup, coffee and tea. Evening meals are prepared together with your guide based on available local products. During your stay, you'll have the opportunity to taste grilled or smoked salmon (laks), water-cooked and fresh shrimp (reker/ferske reker), and cod (torsk). There are seeds, cereals bars and other snacks available all day.
Breakfast: bread, jam, peanut butter, cereals, fruits, coffee, tea....
Lunch: Picnic on the go. It can be a cold salad, a sandwich, or a hot soup depending on the weather.
Dinner: Hot dinner cooked on the stove, including vegetables and possibly fish caught during the day, and a dessert.
Do not forget that alcohol and cigarettes are heavily taxed and expensive in Scandinavia. If you wish to enjoy an aperitif with your group in the evenings Altai Norway recommends purchasing duty-free products at the airport.
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How much extra money should people budget?
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Plan to bring $60 to $70 USD per meal for lunches and dinners not included in the tour cost. You should also budget for transportation as necessary, drinks, tips, museum entry fees and other personal expenses. Although tipping is not widespread in Norway, if you are satisfied with the services of your guide, tipping is always appreciated - it is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual.
The currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone (kr). Please visit http://www.xe.com for the latest currency converter and exchange rates. You can withdraw the local currency from in-country ATMs and payment by card is widely accepted.
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What should people bring? Do you have a packing list?
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The following is a suggested packing list:
A sleeping bag (comfort 0°C for camping)
A thinner sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner is recommended for nights in rorbu
Sunglasses (high quality protection)
A wind and waterproof jacket (breathable, sealed seams)
Suitable underwear, t-shirts and walking trousers
Hiking boots (high-rise, sturdy soles)
Warm jumper(s) and jacket(s)
Your swim stuff
Sunscreen
A head lamp and spare batteries
Warm thick socks
Gloves
A warm hat
Any personal medication
Towel & toiletries
A thermos/suitable water bottle(s)
You may also consider packing:
Evening outfits for the city
Extra gloves/over gloves
An extra jumper/fleece jacket
Wet wipes
Blister plasters
A suitable camera
Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing
Tissues
Advice for keeping warm:
Your guides highly recommend that you do not wear cotton clothing, including underwear, when participating in activities. When cotton gets wet from water or sweat it ceases to insulate and it does not dry fast. The best materials for outdoor activities are fast drying materials like polyester or materials which are warm when wet like wool. The most effective materials against the wind and rain are breathable waterproof fabrics like Gore-Tex or Nikwax.
Winter in Norway can be very cold, please think carefully about what clothes you bring, although your guides will provide warm outer layers, the layers you wear next to your skin make the biggest difference. Altai Norway recommends:
- No cotton
- Bring dry spares of everything, even underwear and gloves
- Wear multiple layers including (a warm breathable base layer, a second thermal layer, a wind and waterproof protective outer layer). Altai Norway provides an additional quality jacket and over trousers.
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How challenging is this trip?
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This adventure includes four to six hours of activity per day. You should be in good physical condition and have a taste for nature and adventure to join this trip. This trip involves camping and you are expected to be a valued member of the expedition team, helping set up/break down camp, prepare meals, load kayaks, etc. Previous kayaking and hiking experience is advised.
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Should I purchase travel insurance? If so, do you have a recommended provider?
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We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, and/or theft or accidental damage while traveling. For travel insurance, we recommend VisitorsCoverage as a provider.
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Are there special requirements for entry into the destination I am visiting?
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We recommend you visit the local government websites where you plan to travel and review the required documentation for entry, current restrictions, and general recommendations for travel within the area. We encourage you to also visit your home country's embassy website if you are traveling to a foreign country. Requirements can change rapidly. Please be sure you stay abreast of the requirements and restrictions for anywhere you plan to visit. You can also enroll in the U.S. government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and you will be sent updates if the situation in your destination changes. You can find the program link at https://step.state.gov/.
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Can I cancel the trip?
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Book confidently with Free Cancellations within 72 hours of booking. After 72 hours, cancellation fees will apply. For more information on our Travel Cancellation Policy please Click Here.