Why travel with us?
Are ALL travel companies the same?
WE don't think so... Here at Go Differently we like to do things... well differently... We like to think that's a GOOD thing... and hopefully, you'll agree...
With us, responsible travel isn't just a marketing tactic...
We don't just pay lip service to the idea of responsible travel - it's something in which we believe - passionately - and it extends to everything we do from dealing with our clients to paying our suppliers.
You can read more about Responsible Travel by clicking on the links on the right.
Responsible tourism... the fun way
So what’s different about a Go Differently holiday? In a nutshell, as well as being a small eco-responsible adventure travel company, we also try to support local community projects wherever practical. We also offer you the opportunity to spend a little time meeting and helping the people who are benefiting from your holiday – whether it’s reading to the children of a local school, helping to plant trees or simply exchanging life stories with local villagers – either way, our aim is that both cultures are enriched by their encounter. Many of our past clients keep in touch with the people they have met on their travels.
However Go Differently is not all about charity and it isn’t necessary to raise any sponsorship money or be able to commit to months working abroad. First and foremost, it’s about holidays that make a difference, to local people in the countries in which we operate, as well as leaving people who travel with us with life-long memories… walking, riding or biking through stunning scenery, visiting monuments, parks and wildlife, sampling local dishes, staying in local family run hotels and rural villages, away from the main tourist thoroughfares...
Fair Trade matters
All our trips are kept to a maximum size of 12 people which allows our groups to become actively involved in the lives of the local communities while minimising the negative effects of foreign influence. Wherever possible, and to further support the local economies, we use local guides many of whom have become personal friends over time. We pay them all a fair wage for their labour which puts your money straight into the community. Small group sizes also allow us to take advantage of local methods of transport (from rickshaws to donkey carts and from jeeps to elephants… if it moves we’ll try to use it!) And also to experience traditional local accommodation whether in small hotels, home-stays or palaces, tribal villages or occasionally even sleeping under the stars.
We're not a big company and we don't pretend to be
You'll almost always speak to the same person from initial contact to follow up email at the end of your trip. That person will take time to understand your needs and take a personal interest in ensuring that you get the most out of your experience.
We really care whether or not you have a great trip and we'll take time to understand what it is you're looking for
We know that one person's holiday of a lifetime is another person's worst nightmare and we are happy to spend time working with you to make sure that things are just right... for YOU. Our standard itineraries are there to give you an idea of what we can offer but if you're looking for something a little bit different, just give us some hints and we'll do our best to find it - we really do love a challenge! Why not contact us and see for yourself?
We'll tell you the truth
On some of our trips accommodation can be quite basic; volunteering is not always fun, sometimes it's pretty tedious too; overnight journeys can be tiring; arriving in a strange country for the first time can be a daunting prospect and local customs can be difficult to understand...
All these aspects and more can be turned into positive experiences IF you know what to expect and are prepared for it. We'll always try to offer advice about the things you really need to know and we'll also tell you if we think you're making an unwise choice as to which trip is most suitable to your needs.
Our style...
Most of our trips are run in a luxury “backpacking” style, the emphasis being on adventurous comfort. We positively encourage independent exploration while ensuring time is used safely and economically – we take care of the details and the hassle, allowing you to get on with your adventure. It’s a style particularly appreciated by women travelling alone or with friends. Indeed, quite a high percentage of our clients are single women and the small group sizes ensure that they very soon find themselves amongst new friends!
Our trips are not regimented with no marching from one attraction to another. Our group sizes allow personal attention, freedom and the flexibility to deviate from the chosen route. Itineraries are there as a guideline but if there’s a local festival or other unusual events happening along the way, our guides are always ready to make changes to ensure that you don’t miss a thing… In our opinion, this is adventure travel as it should be…
Why book with a UK tour operator?
We often work with local partners in the destinations we visit and in some cases it may be possible for you to book with them direct. Although usually only marginally, this can sometimes seem like a cheaper option but by choosing to book with a UK operator you can be sure that -
a) We will be easier to contact either by phone or email. In some of the countries in which we operate, email communications can be unreliable and you may have to wait some time to get answers to your queries. We monitor our emails (and check the phones) around the clock and will normally get back to you within 24 hours - in fact usually, very much sooner...
If for some reason we can't answer your queries immediately, we will still contact you to let you know how long you are likely to have to wait and we will keep you updated as the situation progresses.
b) We speak your language. With the best will in the world, trying to communicate by email with someone whose first language is not English can be a frustrating process and misunderstandings can occur. We cut out this problem by handling this aspect of your booking so that any information you receive should be clear and correct.
c) Your money will be safe. Whilst many local operators in the host countries are, of course, financially secure, sending money abroad is always a slightly risky business and if you need to cancel/amend your booking in any way then you may find it difficult to obtain a refund.
In accordance with EC Package Travel Regulations, any money you pay to us is held in a trust fund until after your trip has taken place - an alternative method of financial protection, similar to the better-known bonding arrangements of larger companies. See the Financial Security link on the right for more details of this.
d) You won't need to pay foreign money transfer fees. Depending on the amount you need to send and the method you use, it can cost anything up to £50 or more to send payments abroad.
e) We can be flexible if necessary. In today's uncertain political climate, if the country you are heading to suddenly appears on the list of 'no go' countries issued by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), then we will do our very best to either offer a refund or switch objectives at the last minute. (We can't always guarantee this as it depends what funds have already been committed on your behalf but you'll certainly be in a better position than if you've already paid out to country X and it then suddenly becomes impossible to go there at all!)
f) You'll have someone to complain to! Of course, we hope you'll never feel the need but if for some reason there is a problem with your trip then we are easy to reach and will do our very best to help resolve the situation. If we cannot reach an amicable agreement then we are, of course, governed by UK and European Law and there will be other means of litigation open to you whereas trying to obtain any kind of compensation from operators in so-called developing countries can be difficult or even impossible.
Telephone: + 44 (0) 1799 521950
Email: info@godifferently.com Website: http://www.godifferently.com
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