• The only restriction for your start date is that it cannot be the same as our Guided group for that trip. Otherwise, as long as you choose a date within the hiking season, the start date is up to you! Visit Guided Trek Dates on the website.

• Self-Guided and Private Guided: Completely up to you! Keep in mind, it can be difficult to book accommodations for large groups, say 10 or more people.
• Guided: We typically consider a trip “sold out” when 10 – 13 people have signed up. A few of our trips are limited more by space in accommodations and/or vehicles, so be sure to ask if you’re interested in a specific trip.

• Ryder-Walker does not enforce any age restrictions. This means that, although we will give you our best advice, it is ultimately up to you to determine who is and isn’t capable of embarking on a trip.

• Always book as soon as possible! The sooner you commit to a trip, the better chance we have of getting you into the best accommodations and in private rooms in huts. Two – three months in advance is usually not a problem, unless your trip is during an especially busy time of year. It’s important to note that we collect final payment 90 days before a trip starts.  If you book a trip within 90 days of your departure, the final balance payment is due once accommodations are confirmed. You will receive an email with the confirmation.

• Yes and Yes! We recommend purchasing trip insurance. Whether or not you have any expectations of needing it, you truly never know when an injury, family emergency, etc. might get in the way of your travel. You may choose to work with any insurance company you like, but if you need a recommendation, we offer Travelex Insurance Services (Location # 06-0572 Company Name Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures) and will send you more information after you book.

• The base cost of our trips includes “standard” hotel rooms, meaning the most basic room offered of whichever type you have chosen (double, twin, or single). If you would like us to inquire for other types of rooms – whether you’re hoping for mountain views, a balcony, a larger bed, a suite, a room for 3 people, etc. – these will come at an extra cost.

• This is trip dependent, but most accommodations do have WiFi, and you will have cell service on many of the hiking trails where we send you. In rare cases in Europe, you will not have reception while on the trail. Hotels do have Wifi, most in your rooms, but some in a common area like the lobby, restaurant, or bar. Many high alpine huts usually do not offer WiFi.

• This varies by trip, but it’s less common to have a hairdryer in your room when traveling abroad than it is in the States. Also, toiletries are typically less abundant. We always recommend bringing travel size bottles of what you need.

• It’s best to bring a travel-size bottle of laundry detergent and wash clothing in the sink at your accommodations. This is ideal for hiking clothing, which is usually quick-drying and will be able to be worn as soon as the next day. Another option is to visit a local laundromat (available in most gateway cities and bigger mountain towns) – time consuming, but cheap. Many hotels, in the Alps especially, also offer laundry service. This is typically quite expensive, and a 24-hour turn around may not be possible or it may cost extra.

• If you let us know when you sign up about any dietary restrictions, we will be sure to communicate those needs to all of your accommodations. Avoiding gluten, dairy, and meat can be challenging in certain parts of the world, but for the most part our clients do not have a problem. If your diet is particularly restricted, make sure to bring supplements and your favorite bars/snacks/nuts/etc. from home.

• You will want to have something other than hiking clothes to wear around town and in restaurants, but it is still very casual. Men are never required to have a jacket, or women a skirt or dress.

• Specific information about luggage restrictions will be provided in your final package (some trips do have strict restrictions such as weight and type of material), however, in general we suggest having only one piece of luggage in addition to your backpack. If you are embarking on other travels before/after your trek, storing luggage is the best way to go.

• If you travel before or after a trip in the Swiss Alps, a rail pass will most likely save you money. For more information visit travel passes for Switzerland.
• Most other European countries do not offer travel cards suitable for short-term and foreign travelers. Depending on your trip, we recommend inquiring upon arrival at the transportation desk at the airport or at a train station.

• Typically, it is completely safe to purchase tickets at the stations when you arrive to catch your train or bus, but get there with a few extra minutes to do so. There are a few specific situations where we recommend advance purchase; these will be laid out in your final package and/or you can ask our staff for this information regarding specific trips.

• Most Ryder-Walker trip do not include arrival and departure transfers. If a taxi is included, the itinerary will clearly state this service. Your customized Vamoos travel app will contain details on how to use public transportation to get to the first hotel from the airport or gateway city and back again.
• If you are looking to arrange a private taxi for arrival/departure, we have a travel agency recommendation who may assist you and can also book air travel.

• This can vary depending on your hike each day, but we like to be on the trail no later than 9:00. If you are on a more challenging trip, though, you’ll most likely want to start a little earlier!

• Many of our trips will have you passing by huts and/or farms where you can fill up your water bottle. Generally, if the water flows out of a faucet or fountain, it is safe to drink. Be sure to read your customized final package when you receive it for more details or ask our staff about a specific trip.

• Bathrooms are generally only available in restaurants, huts, and berghauses along the way. Make sure to have some change handy as they sometimes charge if you don’t purchase anything else. Otherwise, you will have to stop in nature.

• Most of your hiking days will get you to your hotel with a couple of hours to spare before dinner time. We recommend booking extra nights in a town that you want to spend some quality time exploring! We are happy to make recommendations.

• If you are injured, you can choose to transfer between towns, either by bus, train, or taxi. Specifics for how to do this will be in your final package. You can also ask the hotel for assistance to recommend a bus/train/taxi to the next destination.
• Bad weather may prevent you from doing the entire hike. Check your daily hike descriptions – most have a shorter or easier option. If not, we recommend you ask the staff at your accommodation or the local tourism office for a recommended route or other activities. You may have to default to public transportation or private taxi to the next destination.

For a number of years Ryder-Walker and its guides have been reviewing mapping software as it becomes available while we work to build our own proprietary applications. All have strengths and weaknesses and in the absence of perfection at this time here are our favorites:

GAIA

• • Platforms: iOS, Android – Price: Basic Free, Member US$19.99, Premium US$39.99
    This app is more intricate and may take a while to learn. Used by professionals in the field. International use.

All Trails

• • Platforms: iOS, Android – Price: Basic Free, Premium US$29.99 per year (lifetime option available)
    Great hiking in the USA.

Mapy.cz

• • Platforms: iOS 11.0, Android, Windows Phone – Price: Free
    Great for hiking in Europe.

Kamoot for hiking trails

• • Platforms: iOS, Android – Price: Free, Member US$29.99, Premium US$4.99/month
    Great for hiking in the USA and International.

• This is trip dependent, but something to keep in mind. We have many trips that are close to sea level, and our alpine trips in Europe typically stay below 10,000 ft, with the towns between 3,000 ft. and 6,000 ft. People often have different thresholds, but 8000 ft is commonly thought of as the lowest elevation where symptoms are more likely to occur. Common symptoms include nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, headaches, drowsiness, and trouble sleeping.
• There is a lot you can do on your own to avoid these symptoms. First and foremost, drink lots of water! Second, if you are able to add extra days to the beginning of your trip, this will allow you to acclimate to the elevation. Third, over-the-counter pain and nausea medication is also a good idea to have with you. And lastly, you can always talk to your doctor in advance about prescription medication. If you experience symptoms while on your trip and are unable to hike, there’s no shame in taking time off to rest and/or seek medical treatment; you’ll be glad you did.

If you are on a Guided or Private Guided trek, you will want to tip your guide(s) at the end of the trip. Ultimately, the tip you give each guide is up to your discretion but the adventure travel industry does have recommendations:

Travelers on guided treks should factor in a 10% to 20% tip based on total price of the trip so for a trip costing $5000 the tip would be $500 to $1000 to be split amongst guides.

Cash in US dollars is much appreciated. Nowadays people also send money via Venmo or Zelle.

We recommend you wait until the end of the trek to give your tip. If you plan in advance, you can put the cash in an envelope with a handwritten note and discretely hand to the guide when saying your goodbyes.

Bottom line is that any sign of gratitude is a wonderful way to thank your hard-working guides for a safe, memorable adventure.