Why go with Action Challenge?

Ask anybody who has 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 a fundraising challenge right for me?

If you are between the age of 18 and 82, and you have a desire to raise money for your favourite charity while challenging yourself and seeing a part of the world you wouldn’t necessarily go to, then a fundraising challenge is right for you.

How do I go about raising the sponsorship money?

Have a look at our fundraising tips which should give plenty of ideas on how to get started. You need to make sure that you have all of the money raised before the event in order to keep your place. If you get stuck at any point and are struggling to raise the money, contact a member of the fundraising team at your chosen charity and they will be able to give you further advice and support.

How do I convince sponsors that the challenge is not a holiday?

Our fundraising challenges cannot be considered a holiday! They are designed to be a huge personal achievement that requires a lot of hard work: with preparation and training, the sponsorship and finally with the challenge itself.

Is there an age restriction?

You need to get consent from a parent or guardian if you are under 18, but there is no upper age limit. If you are over 65 we will need to get a medical form signed by your 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. People may sign up as an individual, as a couple or as a small group. Everyone is welcome!
The outcome of a challenge is often not quite what people expect. Once you have completed one of our challenges you will be filled with an overwhelming sense of achievement and will have befriended people on the challenge that will be friends for life, as well as having the satisfaction of raising money for a charitable cause.

Who leads the trips?

The trips are all led by English-speaking guides who are local to the area. An Action Challenge representative also accompanies each event and for larger charity challenge groups we also include a doctor or qualified medical professional.

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?

• Your 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)
• 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)

Do I need travel insurance?

Full travel insurance is compulsory. We strongly believe in the benefits of having all participants use the same insurance. The insurance we recommend is with the Travel Specialists Campbell Irvine. All payments and insurance enquiries are made directly with Campbell Irvine. We need all insurance details at least one month prior to departure.

What is a typical day?

Most days start early with a wake-up call and breakfast. Packed lunches and water may be distributed and your 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 accommodation like?

It depends on the challenge you have chosen, but the accommodation ranges from luxury hotels to tents. When we are in cities, we generally stay in 3 or 4-star hotels. While on the trek/cycle, accommodation is either in tents, mountain refuges or more simple hotels, all chosen for their location. All accommodation will be based on a twin/triple share basis, unless otherwise requested at the time of booking. We will try to accommodate couples as much as we can.

How difficult are the challenges?

The challenges are designed to be demanding, but each event is labeled with a difficulty rating (fair, moderate & tough) to help you decide which event to take part on. There may be other factors besides physical exertion that make the challenge more difficult, such as: climate, altitude, eating different food, or simply being in a large group with little privacy for many days.

How fit will I need to be?

The challenge is NOT a race. The goal is to complete the challenge at your own pace and there is always a challenge representative at the back of the group so no one will be left behind. However, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the adventure.

Do I need to train for my challenge?

Yes! Action Challenge feels very strongly that all events are indeed a ‘challenge’. Unless the charity requests otherwise, you should expect long hard days. We have included training tips on the website to ensure that you feel prepared for your challenge by the time you depart for your challenge.

What happens if I become ill, can’t keep up with the group or there is an emergency?

Our aim is for everyone to complete the challenge at their own pace, as we have participants of all abilities. Usually, the medic will be at the back of the group, to ensure that everyone reaches their own personal goals. If you are unable to continue, then we can transport you by support vehicle/mule to the next camp or arrange for an evacuation to medical facilities in more serious circumstances.

What happens if I need to come off of the challenge?

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, poor acclimatisation, 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), you might be taken to the next appropriate accommodation point (probably at the end of the event). In this case, you will be escorted 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 you, and all bills settled before the event finishes. Your insurance should cover such eventualities.

What kind of back-up support is there on the challenge?

We provide medics, professionally trained guides and English speaking group leaders as well as an Action Challenge representative at each event. There will also be a vehicle as support at various stages throughout the challenge. All staff members are in contact by two-way radio and there is a 24-hour emergency availability to the London office during the challenge.

What will happen to my luggage during trekking/cycling days?

On most events your main luggage will be transported for you. You will just need to carry a bag or small daypack for any essentials like a camera and sun tan lotion and depending on the itinerary, your packed lunch.

What do I need to carry with me?

You will need to carry a day pack for essential items such as water, camera, sunscreen, waterproofs and snacks etc. Depending on the itinerary you may need to carry your packed lunch.

What do I need to bring to the challenge?

You will be supplied with a specific list of what to take once you have confirmed your booking. Generally, for a trek challenge you will need to bring strong hiking boots and for a cycle challenge you will need to bring helmet and cycling gloves. To get a general idea of what to bring, have a look at the Before You Go section for more information. Remember, when you sign up with Action Challenge, you will receive a 15% discount voucher for the Nomad Travellers Stores as well as many other discounted rates from relevant stores, so keep checking our website for details of special offers.

Can you recommend any equipment outlets?

There are many high-street cycle/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 vaccinations do I need for my trip?

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

What is the food and drink like?

We provide all of the food and drink during your challenge. There will be drinking water at all times and three meals a day (unless otherwise stated). We cater for vegetarians and try to accommodate other dietary requirements, provided you inform us well in advance. Please remember however, that supplies may be difficult to obtain in remote areas, and the variety of food may be limited.

What happens in bad weather?

The Action Challenge Rep and ground staff will be aware of the most recent weather forecasts prior to departure 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 it is the airlines responsibility to offer an alternative flight to the passengers and provide accommodation if necessary. If this then causes an additional flight to be missed, Action Challenge will liaise with the Ground Operators until a solution has been met. Although Action Challenge ensures that basic needs are met, it is often the participant’s insurance that covers expenses.

What happens if the airline loses my luggage?

The Action Challenge staff will assist you in the procedure to report the lost bags. We will also inform our ground staff and they will chase up while we continue with the challenge. Your insurance should cover the purchase of necessary items. Often, the baggage turns up within 24 hours. All bags should be labelled clearly and you should wear important clothing on the flight (such as hiking boots and trekking trousers etc) so you can continue with the event should this happen.

Can I extend my trip after the challenge?

Yes, we are happy for you to do so, but as we have to arrange bookings far in advance, please make sure you plan your extension carefully so that there is time to amend the booking. If you require assistance in extending your stay, just contact a member of the Action Challenge team, and we will be happy to help arrange this for you. The number of people allowed to extend their flight depends on the particular airline being used. All requests are dealt with on a first come, first served basis.

Is my money safe when I book with Action Challenge?

In accordance with “The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992”, all passengers booking with Action Challenge UK Limited are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all monies paid to us, including repatriation if required, arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Action Challenge U.K Limited. A certificate detailing this cover will be given to each passenger as evidence of cover. Please ensure that you have been given the appropriate certificate(s) at the time of booking.