Why go with Action Challenge?

Ask any of our clients who have already been on any of our overseas challenge adventures! Action Challenge has been creating and operating fun, safe, enjoyable and effective events since 1997. Action Challenge and its affiliates have a great deal of experience due to our professional, experienced leaders and friendly flexible office staff.

How many people can take part in an Action Challenge adventure?

The average group size on our overseas challenges is between 15 and 40 participants, depending on the trip. The outcome of a challenge is often not quite what people expect. Once the group has completed one of our challenges they are usually filled with an overwhelming sense of achievement and will have bonded greatly as a team, as well as having the satisfaction of raising money for a charitable cause.

What is included in the price?

Each challenge varies slightly in what may be covered, although the following are usually included:

• Return Economy Class International flights from London/Dublin
• All internal transfers related to the challenge; flights, ferry, train, coach
• All accommodation during the Challenge on a twin/triple share basis (unless requested otherwise)
• Three good meals a day (apart from on 'free days')
• Drinking water on challenge days
• Entrance fees to attractions, as stated in the itinerary
• All ground staff including English speaking guide, drivers, cooks, and porters
• ACUK Tour Leader
• Full back-up support including doctor or first-aid qualified staff and first-aid supplies
• Luggage transfer throughout the challenge
• Activity equipment including bikes, horses, camels, tents and rafts

What is not included in the price?

• Personal insurance
• Transfers to and from UK/Irish departure airport
• Entry visas (if applicable)
• Any required vaccinations
• Personal equipment
• Support team tips
• Personal spending money
• Overseas airport departure tax (if applicable)
• Additional activities such as optional tours that are not included in the itinerary
• Any additional services not included in the itinerary (excess baggage charges, hotel porterage, and any items of a personal nature such as laundry, room service charges, drinks, phone calls etc)

What is a typical day?

Most days start early with a wake-up call and breakfast. Packed lunches and water may be distributed, luggage brought to porters/muleteers etc. Regular stops are made before and after lunch. We then arrive at our destination for the day. Some itineraries involve transfers between trailheads and accommodation. Dinner in the evening is followed by a briefing from the ACUK rep giving information on the next day.

What is the ACUK Rep role?

The Action Challenge Rep is responsible for ensuring the smooth running and completion of the challenge. They liaise with the Doctor and the Charity Rep, and are in contact with the ACUK office on a daily basis.

What is the Charity Rep role?

The Charity Rep is an integral part of the support team. It is more than just 'meet and greet' and is very much a working position. We ask the charity to consider the best person for the role and to read the Charity Rep info pack thoroughly. The rep has to deal with many different situations such as support for ill or emotional participants whilst keeping the team spirit and morale high. The rep needs to be able to react quickly to situations and remain calm and be on-call 24 hours a day. The ACUK Rep will be on hand to discuss and advise you at all times.

What documents will Action Challenge provide for participants?

Event Manual: This includes the equipment list, country information, training information and the full itinerary.

Flight extension form: A limited number of participants are able to extend their homeward flight. The charge is dependant on the airline and the deadline for extensions is 2 months prior to departure. All restrictions are set by the airline.

ATOL receipt: you will receive your ATOL receipt 1-2 weeks prior to departure (due to flight schedule changes). Every participant who has booked a flight through us must receive this receipt as it carries all flight information.

Times and Topo: This is a detailed itinerary with each day broken down into times. It must be stressed that this is a guide due to fitness and weather changes. Each challenge day also has (where available) a topographical outline of the days route with distance and altitude information.

Emergency contact sheet: We provide contact details for each hotel/lodge (where available), ACUK contact details, corporate contact details and embassy information. We advise that family members keep this information while the event is on. An operator's version (not to be given to participants) includes additional contact numbers of the operators, satellite phone, bus companies etc. Due to possible changes this version is not sent until 1 week before departure.

Is there an age restriction?

If anyone is under the age of 18, they need to get consent from a parent or guardian, but there is no upper age limit. If a participant is over the age of 65, we will need to get a medical form signed by their doctor.

You ask for £100 per person deposit - what is this for?

The majority of this deposit is put towards airline deposits. All deposits are non-refundable, including seats that go un-sold at the time of departure.

Can you offer participants insurance?

We believe strongly in the benefits of having all participants use the same insurance. Action Challenge works regularly with Campbell Irvine. All payments and insurance enquires are made directly with Campbell Irvine. We need all insurance details at least 1 month prior to departure. This is often the least forthcoming from participants and we suggest early purchase to cover any possible cancellation. NB. We need the policy number and 24hr medical emergency number in the case of an emergency.

Can participants extend their stay after the event?

All airlines have different rules but usually a limited number can change their return date. Please ask participants to complete the 'Flight Extension Form' and send it to the ACUK office and we will then inform them of availability and cost of the request. If a participant wants to book additional hotel nights, flights, excursions, etc we can often help.

What emergency procedures are put in place?

For each event a risk assessment is compiled which covers the minor injuries that might occur as well as more serious scenarios. You can request a copy of this before the event. Where there is no vehicle support or mobile contact is not reliable, a satellite phone is held by the ACUK guide.

How do we decide on a fundraising target?

In our experience doubling the event cost is appropriate. Setting your target levels too high will put potential challengers off.

What deadlines should we set for fundraising?

Most challenge organisers ask for a deposit of 250 upon registration and then at least 80% of the fundraising amount 10 weeks before departure. This ensures that you have the event costs to send to us 8 weeks before departure and a good bulk of the fundraising money. Some organisers set intermittent deadlines.

What vaccinations do the participants need?

We recommend that participants approach their doctor or medical professional for up to date advice, or visit Fit for travel for further information.

What training is required for the challenge events?

ACUK feels very strongly that all events are indeed a 'Challenge'. Unless your group requests otherwise, participants should expect long hard days. We ask you to encourage as much training as possible and organise training weekends that allow the group to monitor participant fitness and begin the team bonding. Participants will definitely enjoy the experience more if they are fit and healthy. At event briefings we always emphasise the fact that the challenge will be tough for most and we hope that you will promote this key point. Participants often find these events physically and mentally challenging due to change of climate, jet lag, altitude and long stretches of activity. People become exhausted and emotional very quickly and this needs good management from confident reps.

What happens if a participant needs to come off the challenge?

Although it is our aim to have everyone complete the challenge, sometimes a participant will have to leave due to illness, poor acclimatisation, heat exhaustion etc. This may be as simple as a transfer by road to the next accommodation point to meet the group. Where this is not possible (such as in remote camping spots) they might be taken to the next appropriate accommodation point (possibly at the end of the event). They will always be escorted to their accommodation with a member of the ground crew and depending on the situation the Charity representative. Extra costs incurred as a result of this must be paid by the participant and all bills settled before the event finishes. Participant insurance should cover such eventualities.

Can you recommend any equipment outlets?

There are many high-street cycling/trekking stores that sell good quality equipment such as Nomads, Field and Trek, Cotswolds and Evans. These stores should be able to offer advice on boots, protective layers, sleeping bags, bug protection, etc. On-line retailers may also have better prices to offer, and don't forget to check out our website for special discounts.