Health, Wellness & Safety While Traveling
At Friendly Planet, your safety and well-being are always top of mind. Traveling internationally is an exciting adventure and being informed and prepared will make your experience even smoother. Below are the key things to consider as you get ready to explore the world with us.
Traveling with Confidence
Friendly Planet takes every reasonable step to ensure your comfort, health, and safety on tour. We work with experienced local partners, vetted accommodations, and licensed guides who are knowledgeable about local customs, terrain, and logistics. Our small group sizes provide a more personalized experience and peace of mind, especially for solo travelers.
Health & Medical Preparation
Before you travel, we strongly recommend that you:
- Consult your healthcare provider to discuss your travel plans, review your vaccination history, and determine if any destination-specific precautions (e.g., malaria prevention, altitude meds) are needed.
- Some destinations may require specific vaccinations, such as Yellow Fever, or recommend preventive measures for illnesses like malaria, depending on your travel history and itinerary so please consult with your doctor.
- Pack any necessary medications, including a basic first-aid kit (pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, motion sickness remedies, etc.). Bring prescriptions in original packaging and keep them in your carry-on.
- Let us know in advance if you have dietary restrictions, mobility limitations, or medical conditions that may require assistance or special arrangements.
Some tours may involve walking over uneven terrain, high altitudes, or long travel days. Please review the physical requirements for your specific itinerary and make sure the tour is a good match for your ability and comfort level.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing a comprehensive travel protection plan that includes:
- Emergency medical coverage
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
- Trip cancellation/interruption
- Baggage loss or delay
Although travel insurance is not required to join our tours, it provides invaluable peace of mind. For your convenience, we offer a wholesale optional Travel Protection Plan during booking. If you choose to use another provider, please confirm that your policy provides sufficient coverage for international travel.
Personal Safety Abroad
While our tours are thoughtfully curated to minimize risks, we encourage all travelers to take common-sense precautions:
- Stay aware of your surroundings
- Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying wealth
- Follow local customs and laws
- Stay informed with travel advisories from the U.S. State Department and the CDC
Your Friendly Planet guide will provide safety tips relevant to each destination, and our team is always here to assist with any on-the-ground concerns.