FAQs
Didn't find the answer to your question? Drop
us an email events@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk
or call us 0207 386 4673/4668/4680.
What’s the average age
of the people who take part?
People from all ages from 18-70 years old take
part. If you are over 60, you will be asked
for a signed medical form from your GP.
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What’s normally included
on the challenge?
This obviously varies between each event. Typically,
flights and transfers upon arrival, shared accommodation
in hotels and tents, all camping equipment (except
camping mats and sleeping bags), full board
(apart from on some free days), water whilst
on trek/bike ride, experienced Tour Leader,
ground staff and an English speaking doctor,
bikes, transfer of luggage etc
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What won’t be included
on the challenge?
This obviously varies between each event. Typically,
vaccinations, travel insurance, gratuities,
optional tours, airport taxes, visas, personal
expenses (drinks, souvenirs etc), and of course
your entry fee and sponsorship money.
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Will I be able to keep up
with everyone?
None of the events are a race. The aim is for
everyone to complete the challenge. However,
all the events are designed to be a challenge,
and you have a personal responsibility to undertake
a proper training programme to get fit. (See
Fitness and
Training advice).
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How fit do I need to be?
You don’t need to be super fit, but proper
training and taking the challenge seriously
is paramount to your enjoyment and completion
of the challenge. (See Fitness
and Training advice). If you suffer from
a medical condition you should seek advice from
you GP. All charities will ask you to complete
a medical form. It is essential The Ultimate
Travel Company and the charity are aware of
any medical conditions you have before the event.
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What happens if I get tired?
There will be regular breaks and rest stops.
The event won’t be a race and you will
be able to go at your own pace. On bike rides
we have a back-up vehicles and on some treks
we have mules or ponies if you are unable to
continue or need a rest.
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What kind of back-up will
there be?
We provide a strong support team on each event.
There will be full medical back-up, leaders
and guides, (mechanics on bike events) and on
some events where practical, we have back-up
vehicle support. The support team members usually
have walkie-talkie contact and carry a satellite
phone in case of emergencies.
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What type of accommodation
will we use?
Depending on the destination and group size
we typically use a good standard of hotels,
hostels and camping. The rooms are usually twin
or multi-share. Sometimes the accommodation
will be basic.
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Do I need any specialist kit?
The charity will supply you with a detailed
kit list. If trekking the only specialist kit
you need is a good pair of walking boots (worn
in) and waterproofs and possibly a sleeping
bag. If cycling, you will need a helmet, cycling
short and gloves. (See trek and bike example
packing kit lists for more details and visit
/www.ellis-brigham.com)
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Will I have to carry my own
kit?
No. Your luggage is normally transported day
to day either by a vehicle, porters or mules.
All you have to carry during the day, whilst
undertaking your challenge is your personal
items for the day e.g. waterproofs, sun cream,
camera etc
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Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, you must have adequate travel insurance
to take part in all the events. Please see our
Travel
Insurance section for more information.
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What if people think my challenge
is holiday?
None of the challenges we organise should be
considered holidays. To participate, you will
need to commit yourself to months of training
and fundraising, and the money you raise will
make a massive contribution to the charity you
are supporting.
On the actual event you will undertake a physically
demanding, and often mental challenge, where
the facilities will often be basic, in parts
of the world you may never have dreamed of going,
sometimes in extreme temperatures and at high
altitude.
All these things take commitment, time and
effort and are definitely not to be considered
an easy holiday!
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Can I extend my trip after
the event?
Anyone wanting to stay on after the event should
contact UTC. (The charity will send you a flight
extension booking form once you have signed
up).The cost of extending the flight is approx
£75 per person and is strictly subject
to availability and airline rules.
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How much of my sponsorship
will go to the charity?
As with any fundraising events there are some
costs involved, and with events of this nature
there are ground costs and costs of accommodation,
travel etc. As a tour operator, we set the charity
a cost per person and the charity will set you
a minimum sponsorship level. Some of the costs
will be met by your entry fee and the remainder;
will be met by your sponsorship money - normally
less than 50%. The charity you are supporting
is obliged to tell you how much of your sponsorship
will be used to meet costs.
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