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Trip Profile: 'Is this trip for me?'

Some people feel that an overland trip or adventure holiday might be beyond them. Never fear - we've got something for just about everyone.  While some of our trips can be very challenging, others are a walk in the park.  Each trip is graded with two ratings, giving you an idea of how physically challenging it is, and also how far from your comfort zone it will be.
The one thing to remember with overland adventure trips is that itineraries are not set in stone due to the unpredictable nature of the areas we travel through. A flexible approach is essential.

As you would expect, no two of our trips are the same. There are all sorts of conditions that can affect their ease or difficulty. The guidelines below should help explain the different gradings that we use:

 

Physical Challenge

Rating 1 of of 6:

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about being able to do anything physically demanding unless you want to. You won't find many of these in our brochure.

Rating 2 out of 6:

You will be travelling overland from place to place and should be prepared to help out with light tasks and the daily chores of overland life: putting up tents, lifting bags, helping with the cooking etc.  Your itinerary may include easy-paced walks or bike rides, horse riding, and other non-strenuous activities.

Rating 3 out of 6:

Depending on the trip, activities available may include treks of 3 to 4 hours in hilly terrain, horse rides and other adventurous activities. You will travel through areas, which are more challenging than your home environment and may be at altitude some of the time. A basic level of fitness is required, but in general these trips suit most people.

Rating 4 out of 6:

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. We may well be travelling at high altitudes, across deserts or through hot and steamy tropical countries. Physically it can be quite tough, but not all the time and there are plenty of rest days and time to relax. The fitter you are the more you will enjoy the trip.

Rating 5 out of 6:

These are challenging trips through areas that are difficult to travel in such as across remote deserts or along jungle roads. There may be treks of 8 or more hours a day or extended overnight trekking, often at very high altitude and over steep terrain. Even if you're in excellent shape, these trips provide plenty of challenges.

Rating 6 out of 6:

These trips are a serious challenge even for the very fit.  Be prepared to trek for 8 or more hours a day at high altitude, often in windy and snowy conditions.  While mountain trekking experience is not needed, you may be required to use specialist equipment such as crampons and ice picks.  Dragoman does not have many trips with a six star rating.

 

Comfort Zone

Rating 1 out of 5:

This is the least confronting of Dragoman's product range.  You will be travelling through areas where you will have access to western facilities much of the time and where the lifestyle is similar to home.  You won't find many of these in our brochures.

Rating 2 out of 5:

These trips include a range of accommodation from 3 or 4 star hotels with western facilities through to campsites with generally good facilities.  There may be a few nights wild camping. Days of being on the move are well interspersed with rest days and communication with the outside world is usually pretty straightforward. 

Rating 3 out of 5:

Expect to rough it every now and again, whether it's very simple group-share accommodation at a home-stay or cold showers in basic campsites.  There may be a few nights wild camping.  Travelling distances can be long and road conditions poor as you will be getting a bit further off the beaten track. Culturally you may find the areas you are travelling in more challenging. 

Rating 4 out of 5:

The comforts of home are more of a rarity.  Expect more wild camps, multi-share accommodation, limited access to hot water, simple food and days cut off from the rest of the world.  You should be prepared for itineraries to vary depending on conditions.  Culturally we will try to get you away from the western world and you'll need to take into account local cultural sensibilities. This is meant to be a more challenging adventure and part of the challenge is cultural as well as physical.  Be prepared for an adventurous trip.

Rating 5 out of 5:

These trips are about getting right out there, somewhere in the wilds of Africa, Asia, the Middle East or Latin America.  You are likely to be exposed to the elements at times, travelling at altitude, staying in very basic lodgings for extended periods and driving along poor roads, digging out when we get stuck.  Itineraries will change dependent on local conditions, and it's important to have a flexible approach. Be prepared to camp in rough conditions, live with local nomads, eat unusual food and miss out on your home comforts - but you'll be doing what others only ever dream of.

 

Adventure Travel & Risk

By the very nature of the adventure travel that we take, there are risks and hazards that are inherent in all our itineraries. You will have the opportunity to take part in many exciting activities and excursions, some of which are included as part of the itineraries, whilst others are optional. They may have higher risks than you would normally be used to and you must judge whether or not you wish to take part in the activity or not. This can be illustrated by the following examples (this is not an exhaustive list); dugout canoe near wild animals, white-water rafting, tandem sky-diving, walking safaris, horse-riding, camel safaris, camping in the middle of national parks surrounded by wildlife, etc, etc.