Why go with Action Challenge?

Ask any of our corporate 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.

Is there an age restriction?

Age 18 and above. If a participant is over the age of 65, we will need to get a medical form signed by their doctor.

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 (not camping mats and sleeping bags)

What is not included in the price?

• Personal insurance
• Transfers to and from UK departure airport
• Entry visas (if applicable)
• Any required vaccinations
• Personal equipment
• Support team tips
• Personal spending money
• Overseas airport departure tax (if applicable)
What insurance do you recommend?
• 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 (time of departure/necessary clothing/terrain/safety points).

What does a participant have to carry with them?

Generally participants will need to carry their own personal items, such as jacket, water, packed lunch, sun cream, snacks, hat, gloves, camera etc. We make every effort when planning a trip for general luggage to be transferred from one accommodation to the next. There are some circumstances where participants may need to carry items such as a sleeping bag and night bag for overnights spent in more remote locations.

What happens in bad weather?

The ACUK rep and ground staff will be aware of the most recent weather forecast before departing on a challenge. If the itinerary has to be changed due to adverse weather conditions contingency plans will be put into operation.

What happens if we miss our airport connection?

If an inter-continental flight connection is missed due to the previous flight being delayed then the airlines will offer an alternative flight to the passengers and provide accommodation if necessary. If this then causes an additional flight to be missed ACUK will work to arrange the best solution. Although ACUK will ensure basic needs are met it is often participant insurance that covers extra expenses.

What happens if the airline looses any of our group’s luggage?

The ACUK staff will assist you in the procedure to report the lost bags. We will chase up while we continue with the challenge. Your insurance should cover the purchase of necessary items. Often baggage turns up after 24 hours. All bags should be labelled clearly and participants should wear important clothing on the flight.

Do the participants need to train for this event?

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.

What happens if a participant needs to come off the trek/cycle?

Although it is our aim to have everyone complete the challenge, sometimes a participant will have to leave a challenge 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 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 insurance do you recommend?

We believe strongly in the benefits of having all participants use the same insurance. The insurance we recommend is with the adventure travel specialists 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.

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.

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 only as it is dependant on the fitness of the group. 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 their version is not sent until 1 week before departure.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.