FAQS

Backpacker Travel Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions

GENERAL FAQS

Is this a guided tour or am I responsible for my own travel?

Travel Buddies is not your typical handheld tour, meaning you will get to enjoy the best of both guided and solo travel. Travel Buddies will arrange all of your accommodation, bus sectors, and activities included in your package. However, it is your responsibility to arrive at the designated pick-up or starting points on time. If you miss an activity or bus, you will not be refunded, and you will need to handle your own travel arrangements and any related expenses. You are also then free to choose your own downtime activities and you can add on any additional tours as you go, pending availability. Although there is no official guide for this trip, you will have someone dedicated to your group in the WhatsApp chat to help out along the way.

What is a semi-guided tour, and how does it work?

A semi-guided tour combines the best of guided and solo travel. Travel Buddies handles key aspects like accommodation, transportation, and scheduled activities, but you are free to explore and experience each destination at your own pace. A Travel Buddies rep meets you at specific points to provide assistance, but there’s no full-time guide, giving you the freedom to choose your own adventures in your downtime. This allows for a blend of group and independent travel, offering flexibility with the comfort of support when needed.

Can I book accommodation for before the trip starts?

Yes, you can – just reach out to ask a travel specialist when booking your tour, who can also provide recommended activities to take part in before your tour starts. This accommodation will be separate from the rest of your Travel Buddies group, but pending availability we will be sure to book you into the same hostel as at the start of your trip, so you won’t need to move hostels.

What is the age range for Travel Buddies tours?

Anyone 18+ can join and enjoy our tours, however the average age range is between 18 and 35. This is mainly because our chosen accommodations and activities are often catered towards social backpackers between these ages.

What kind of travellers typically join Travel Buddies tours?

Travel Buddies tours attract adventurous, social backpackers who enjoy flexibility and independence while travelling. Most travellers fall in the 18-35 age range, though the tours are open to anyone over 18. These are individuals who love exploring new destinations, making new friends, and sharing experiences with like-minded people. Whether solo travellers or those in small groups, participants typically value the mix of independent exploration with the social aspect of travelling with a group.

How many people will be on the tour?

Travel Buddies tours typically have a maximum group size of 18 travellers, however our minimum number is 2. This allows for a more intimate, social experience, where everyone gets to know each other while still having the space for individual exploration.

Do I need to book my own transport between destinations?

No, Travel Buddies pre-books all your transportation, including buses or other relevant transfers between locations. You’ll receive all your travel details, including times and bus stop locations, with your itinerary, which will be sent to you 21 days before departure. This way, you can relax knowing the logistics are taken care of.

How flexible is the itinerary?

The itinerary offers a balance of planned group activities and free time, allowing you to explore each destination on your own or with your new friends. While certain activities and transport are scheduled, you’ll have the flexibility to choose your own adventures during free days or in your downtime.

How do I connect with fellow travellers before the tour begins?

You’ll be added to a dedicated WhatsApp group chat on the Friday before your departure. This group will include your fellow travellers as well as a Travel Buddies rep. The chat is a great way to connect before the trip, share excitement, and arrange meet-ups before your official start date.

When will I be added to the group chat?

On the Friday before your departure, you’ll be added to a WhatsApp group chat with your Local & Travel Buddies, giving you a chance to connect before the trip begins. This chat will provide daily updates about where you need to be, what activities you’ll be doing, and include Google Maps links for easy navigation. While there is no guide for this trip, a dedicated group chat representative will be available to help you throughout your journey. Keep in mind, it’s your responsibility to arrive at the correct pick-up or start location on time.

When will I receive official tickets and all details?

Once you’ve officially booked your spot with Travel Buddies, we will send you a confirmation email. An itinerary specific to your trip, including bus schedules and activity times, will be finalised and sent to you at least 21 days before your departure.

Is travel insurance required?

From the 1st of April 2024, travel insurance is compulsory when booking Travel Buddies. It is important to have a travel insurance policy that covers you in case you get sick or injured (COVID-19 or otherwise), lose an item, or miss your tour. If you already have travel insurance, please understand that it is your responsibility to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all of the adventure style travel you have booked with us.

Where do I meet my group and what time do I arrive?

Each tour’s meeting point and time will be different – your official itinerary will be sent out to you at the latest 21 days before departure with information about your meeting locations. Your pre-booked hostel is available for check-in anytime from 2pm. If you arrive early, don’t worry – the hostel offers a secure area to store your bags, allowing you to explore the city during your free time. On the Friday before your departure, you will be added to a WhatsApp group chat with your fellow Travel Buddies and a Local Buddy, making it easy to arrange meet-ups before check-in. Your Local Buddy will also provide a time and location for a welcome gathering in the afternoon or evening.

What happens if the tour isn’t filled, will it still continue or be cancelled?

No stress! The minimum number of passengers for Travel Buddies is 2 people. Regardless, you will still get the same experience and service including personalised daily messages, as well as local guides meeting you in Sydney, Byron Bay, Brisbane, Airlie Beach & Cairns in Australia, and Auckland & Queenstown in New Zealand.

Some sectors and third-party experiences may require a minimum number of passengers to operate. In circumstances where minimum numbers are not reached an alternative option will be offered. You will be notified by email at least 48 hours in advance of such changes.

In the unlikely event that the entire Travel Buddies tour doesn’t meet minimum requirements, no stress – we can either find you an alternative date to travel, or travel solo with all of the perks of Travel Buddies and your own personal experience.

What happens if any of the tours are cancelled because of the weather?

If an activity is cancelled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, we will try to reschedule it or find an alternative activity for you. If rescheduling or finding an alternative is not possible, you will receive a refund for the discounted rate paid for that activity.

Will I be in any dorms with travellers who are not a part of my group?

For most of the trip, you will be in dorm rooms shared only with other members of your Travel Buddies group. In some circumstances you may be sharing a room with other travellers – however you will never be booked into a room alone without at least one other Travel Buddy.

What do I do on my free days?

The best part of our semi self-guided tours is that you are free to do anything you want on your free days. In certain locations you will be able to meet up with a Travel Buddies Rep who will be able to recommend the best activities for you, from lovely scenic walks to exciting adrenaline based activities, or the best bars and restaurants to explore at night. If you’re still unsure, why not reach out to a travel specialist at the time of booking for the best extra activities to fill in your free days.

What should I pack for my trip?

Recommended packing essentials include a camera, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes, spending money, snacks, and your ID. Don’t forget to bring a sense of adventure! Depending on the tour, you might also want to bring specific gear for activities like hiking or beach days.

Are my buses booked for me?

Yes, all of your buses will be pre booked for you. All information regarding times and bus stop locations will be sent to you along with your itinerary and ticket details at the latest 21 days before your departure.

Can I add on extra activities during the tour?

Yes, you can add on extra activities during your Travel Buddies tour. The semi self-guided nature of these tours gives you the flexibility to customise your experience. While many core activities are included, like sailing, 4WD tours, and surf lessons, you’ll also have free time to add extra adventures at your own expense. These could range from adrenaline-pumping activities like skydiving and bungee jumping to additional scenic tours, cultural experiences, or local excursions.

During your free time, Travel Buddies reps can recommend additional free activities, or you can book them independently as you go. This flexibility allows you to tailor your trip to your preferences, making the most of your time at each destination.

Once the trip finishes, is onward travel planned or do I sort that out myself?

Yes, you can add on extra activities during your Travel Buddies tour. The semi self-guided nature of these tours gives you the flexibility to customise your experience. While many core activities are included, like sailing, 4WD tours, and surf lessons, you’ll also have free time to add extra adventures at your own expense. These could range from adrenaline-pumping activities like skydiving and bungee jumping to additional scenic tours, cultural experiences, or local excursions.

During your free time, Travel Buddies reps can recommend additional free activities, or you can book them independently as you go. This flexibility allows you to tailor your trip to your preferences, making the most of your time at each destination.