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Here are some of our most frequently asked questions. If you have any further questions about our Ramblers Family Walking Adventure holidays that are not covered here, or on the rest of the site, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Choose from the subjects below:
About Ramblers Family Walking Adventure holidays
What's included in the price of our holiday?
To find out exactly what is included in the price of your holiday please click on the following link 'What's Included in your 'Walking Holiday'
What do we need to take on holiday?
The most important item to take with you is a sense of fun, a pair of comfortable walking boots with good ankle support, waterproofs (it does rain sometimes!), a day-sac to carry a drink and your lunch and some comfortable lightweight clothing for day and evening. Your holiday information will suggest a kit list. You should also think about all the other essentials you will need to take, such as travel documents and any health remedies according to your destination.
Who can go on a Ramblers Family Walking Adventure Holiday?
These are truly family holidays! We welcome parents and children over 7 years, aunts, uncles and grandparents too - just join the family fun!
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Walking and Activities
How far will we walk every day?
This really depends on the destination you've chosen but we know that you're on holiday so the walking element will never be too taxing.
Do we need to walk every day?
No. There is no obligation to join the leader’s proposed arrangements (we prefer to keep some flexibility and informality on our holidays) although we would ask that you keep the leader informed of your plans if you intend to do an independent walk or activity.
Will there be any opportunities to swim?
Yes, often - it depends where you are! Some holidays offer the opportunity for beach swimming or some hotels or resorts may have pools. You will be able to find more information about your specific holiday in the Holiday Information sheets issued with confirmation of booking.
How big are the walking groups?
In general, groups consist of up to 5 families.
Will we have any free time on holiday?
Most of our holidays have ‘rest’ days or free time scheduled into the itineraries. If you want to arrange to do something outside of the itinerary, just let your leader know you won’t be joining them that day.
We've never been on a Ramblers Family Walking Adventure holiday before. Will we be fit enough?
Almost anyone can enjoy one of our holidays. If your children are over seven and you already enjoy weekend country rambles or coastal walks, or if you've a joint spirit of adventure, come and join us!
How can we prepare for a walking holiday?
A general level of everyday fitness is required, but it maybe a good idea to do some practise walks of the same length before you leave for your holiday, just to ensure your muscles are ready!
Do we have to do all the holiday excursions?
Itineraries are flexible, so if you want to go off on your own for a day, just let your holiday leader know and enjoy your day exploring!
How much should we allow for entrance fees and optional excursions?
Our ethos is to include as much as possible in your holiday price, so you need pay very little locally. However, we also want your family to enjoy real flexibility while you're away which means you may need a small amount of local currency. Wherever you go, you should need no more than the equivallent of £20 per person per week but it does vary. Check the individual holiday pages for details or ask for our Holiday Information sheet.
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Holiday Travel Arrangements
Can we extend our holiday?
Many of our clients like to ‘bolt-on’ a mini independent package to their holiday with an extra stay at our hotel(s) at the start or end of the stated holiday dates.
We can usually offer extra hotel nights at an advantageous rate, and many of the airlines we use allow some flexibility if arranged more than three months before departure, enabling us to change flights for a small charge. Please call our Reservations Team on 01707 386766 for details.
We also have requests from clients who want to travel back later than the group so that they can add in some time to visit family or friends. We can usually accommodate these requests if we know in good time. Please call our Travel Department on 01707 386732 for more details.
Can we make our own travel arrangements?
If you wish to organise your own flights from a non-UK or provincial airport, or travel by rail or car to the holiday centre, ‘no-travel’ reductions are usually available. Please call 01707 386766 for details.
Can we upgrade our travel arrangements?
Yes. It is generally easy to upgrade flight seats. Many of the airlines offer this facility at an extra charge if we give them sufficient notice. Please contact our Travel Department on 01707 386732.
Where can I get information on airport parking and hotels close to UK airports?
Details will be sent to you with your confirmation of booking.
How is my holiday protected?
Ramblers Family Walking Adventures is bonded with or regulated by the following travel authorities, which ensure you get a holiday you can trust.
The air holiday packages shown are are ATOL Protected, since we hold an Air Travel Organiser's License granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 0990. Please see our booking conditions for more information. ATOL protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom. ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services shown on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. In the unlikely event of insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advanced booking. For further information visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk or call the helpline on 0207 453 6430. You are also protected for holidays without any air travel as we are regulated by ABTA (no.V5094). We are also an accredited IATA agent. Ramblers Holidays Limited is a member of AITO; we abide by the Association's Code of Business Practice and adhere to the AITO Quality charter.
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Safety on Holiday
Safety of our clients is paramount and we do monitor local events. We are guided by the Foreign Office advice and also liaise very closely with any local agents in situ. If we feel it is necessary to modify an itinerary we will do so and naturally advise you immediately, although this is rare. Every attempt will be made to safeguard your holiday arrangements.
You should be aware of potential hazards on holiday as walking amongst mountains, hills and even in cities does involve an element of risk. Terrain underfoot can vary and you may find walking poles a great aid to mobility and they take some strain off the knees. As the tour leader is responsible for the safety of all group members, he or she may adopt a more cautious approach depending on local conditions. Do be aware that itineraries planned for some holidays may be varied on the spot because of unexpected events such as weather conditions.
The final decision for any change rests with our leader. Ramblers Family Walking Adventures cannot be held responsible for disruption to planned itineraries arising from weather conditions or situations beyond our control, such as earthquakes or political unrest, but every effort will be made to provide alternative activities and to ensure that you have the best possible holiday.
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Accommodation and Meals
What are your hotels like?
Our hotels are an essential part of a Ramblers Family Walking Adventure, and we hand-pick them, to give you an authentic experience of the destinations we visit. Whichever walking adventure you choose we have tried to find family run hotels geared toward families.
We know that kids love water, so most of our hotels either have a pool or are near to somewhere great to swim after a morning's walk. We also try to find hotels where there are other fun activities on offer, both in the hotel and the resort - and not just for the kids - parents too! Golf, archery, tennis, or just a cafe where you can enjoy the sun setting whilst sipping a glass of prosecco!
Accommodation is normally in family rooms - some of these consist of two separate rooms entered through a common door, others have enough space for extra beds. Whatever the size of your family, we will endeavour to find the best rooming combination to suit you.
Are there tea-making facilities and hairdryers in the rooms?
Sometimes but not always – check your holiday information for more details.
Are meals included in our family holiday?
Meal arrangements are specified in each holiday description. Most are half board, which includes breakfasts (usually continental) and evening meals. However, at Hassness House in the Lake District and at the Hotel Alcadima in Andalucia, we offer full board accommodation. Our hotels know that families sometimes like to eat earlier in the evening. They also know that some children have the appetites of lions and want to eat all the local dishes, whilst others don't want to stray too far from what they eat at home. Where we eat outside the hotel you can be sure that the local restaurants will also be able to cater to all tastes - whatever your age.
One of our family follows a special diet, can you accommodate this?
Please contact us if you have any particular dietary needs - we are able to accommodate some requests but we cannot make any guarantees. Our Reservations Team will be able to advise you further according to your destination, so please call them on 01707 386766 to discuss your needs before booking.
Do we have to join the group for a meal every evening?
No, there is no obligation to do so (although it would be very unusual not to!).
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Ramblers Family Walking Adventure Leaders
What do your leaders do and what qualifications do they have?
Each holiday is accompanied by a Ramblers Family Walking Adventures' leader who is qualified in first aid, usually familiar with the local language and who may have some knowledge about that particular destination. They will have undergone training by us and will hold a walking leadership qualification. They'll also undertake all the local administration and organisation in planning and leading your itinerary, helping you to get the most out of your holiday. On most holidays, the tour leader takes one rest day a week, allowing you a free day too!
Child friendly and passionate about helping you to get the most out of your holiday, they are there to answer any questions and help with any queries you may have during your stay.
Do we have to follow the leader’s itinerary every day?
No, if you’d like to explore on your own you are free to do so – just let your leader know that you won’t be accompanying the group on certain days.
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Travel Insurance
Do we need special insurance for a walking holiday?
There’s only one thing worse than having to make an insurance claim for some misfortune that may have occurred on holiday – and that’s not being able to make a claim because you’re not properly insured.
At Ramblers Family Walking Adventures we understand this. Comprehensive travel insurance is a necessity should you become unwell, either before or during your holiday. It not only protects you financially, it ensures the quality of overseas medical care is of a standard you would expect. It also covers emergency repatriation, should it be deemed necessary.
When embarking on an activity holiday such as with Ramblers Family Walking Adventures, it is even more important that your insurance cover level is right. Many insurers have particular exclusions within their policies, which is why we offer a policy that is tailored to walking holidays. Whether giving on-the-spot assistance (anywhere in the world) or helping you to settle your claim, you will find our cover hard to beat. Don’t forget, you cannot travel with us, or take part in our holidays without adequate travel insurance.
What are we covered for if we take out Ramblers Family Walking Adventures' Holiday Insurance?
You can Download our Insurance Policy, please make sure you read the declaration on page 2 of this document before calling the Medical Helpline.
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Ramblers Worldwide Holidays Charity
Many large organisations work with charities, can you tell me whether Ramblers Family Walking Adventures does any charitable work?
By holidaying with Ramblers Family Walking Adventures, part of Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you are directly supporting the Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust, which channels all profits not needed for the wellbeing of our company back into vital environmental conservation projects. In the UK the Trust supports The Ramblers Association, Britain's biggest charity working to promote walking and the maintenance of our unique network of public paths. The Trust also supports smaller UK charities that provide an outdoor experience for the disadvantaged, the disabled, and inner city children. Overseas, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays lends its support directly to local community projects in the places we visit.
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