Our tours offer flexibility for travelers with medical and physical challenges. Still, the reality of world travel is that some sites aren’t easily and safely accessible to everyone. Given this, we ask that you inform us about any health conditions or mobility considerations when you book your tour or by sharing “health notes” with us in your online account (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers) or mobile app.
What are “health notes” and why are they required?
“Health notes” is a section in your online account (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers) and mobile app where you can enter information related to dietary needs, medical conditions, and mobility considerations. Knowing this information in advance helps us prepare travelers for their tour and confirm that they’re booked on an itinerary that can accommodate their needs. We can review what health or mobility-related requests can be reasonably arranged on tour and share what special requirements cannot be fulfilled.
Certain tours require considerable walking, standing, and stair-climbing on uneven terrains, which may pose difficulties for travelers with physical limitations. For example, many tourist sites are only accessible on foot, include several stairs, and have no places to sit down to rest. Because the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) doesn’t apply abroad, our tours may visit locations that aren’t universally accessible. We’re happy to review what you can expect during your specific itinerary in terms of walking pace and accessibility. You can also learn more about your tour's physical activity level here.
Adding health notes and keeping them updated
Please note any health or mobility-related concerns in your online account (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers) or mobile app as soon as possible if you haven’t already. Learn how to update your health notes here. Additionally, if any changes need to be made to your health notes after they’ve been submitted, please follow the same steps to update your account with the most relevant information.
We have a team who is dedicated to reviewing all health notes submitted by travelers. If they believe an additional conversation would be beneficial or more information is required to look into a request, they’ll reach out by email. If you’d like to discuss any aspects related to your health or mobility on tour, you can always send us a message and a specialist will be in touch.
Health information we should be made aware of
If any of the following topics apply to you, please leave detailed information in your health notes.
- Mobility devices: If you plan to travel with a mobility aid, such as a collapsible walker or wheelchair. Please note that Go Ahead cannot accommodate electric or motorized scooters. Learn more about Go Ahead’s mobility device guidelines.
- Accessible hotel rooms: If you need specific room arrangements for health or safety reasons, please clearly note what you’re requesting, and we’ll contact each hotel on your behalf. Additional charges may apply depending on the request.
- Assisted listening devices: If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, Go Ahead may be able to provide you with an assistive headset to use during sightseeing tours. Learn more about what we can accommodate.
- CPAP machines: Let us know if you’ll be bringing a CPAP machine with you on tour. Review expectations for traveling with CPAP machines.
- Refrigerated medicine: Leave a note if you’re bringing medicine that needs to be refrigerated, such as insulin. Read more about traveling with medication.
- Dietary requirements: Indicate if you have any food allergies, needs, or preferences. Please clearly note if something is an allergy or a personal choice. Learn more about special dietary requests.
- Service animals: We cannot accommodate service animals on most tours due to the nature of group travel. If you’re concerned about traveling without your service animal, please send us a message.
What to expect on tour
Luggage & transportation
- Travelers should feel comfortable regularly getting on and off the bus without assistance, and independently lifting and transporting all their luggage. Please note that porterage isn't always available at hotels and is never included for train and ferry transfers. Learn more about luggage guidelines and train transfers.
Tour pace & activity level
- Travelers are expected to keep up with their group and move at a walking pace that respects their Tour Director, fellow tourmates, and the timing of scheduled activities.
- Be prepared for long, activity-packed days. This means waking up early and not getting back to the hotel until the evening. Review our tours’ physical activity levels.
Itinerary adjustments
- Travelers are responsible for any costs associated with modifying their itinerary due to health or mobility reasons. For example, taking a taxi back to the hotel rather than walking with the group.
- Go Ahead is unable to reimburse travelers who sit out of activities due to health or mobility reasons. Depending on the situation, travelers may file an insurance claim.
Dedicated assistance
- Travelers requiring specialized assistance must travel with a designated companion capable of helping them. Learn more about what’s expected from companions providing mobility support.
- Tour Directors, drivers, local guides, and other travelers are unable to provide ongoing, individualized assistance (physical support or luggage handling) to any one traveler. Read more about the role of a Tour Director.
Go Ahead Tours reserves the right to decline or remove tour participants who are unable or unwilling to meet these expectations, as this could negatively impact the tour experience of other travelers. Learn more about what is expected from travelers while on the road.
If you’d like to discuss any of the content mentioned in this article, please send us a message and a specialist will be in touch. We’ll also reach out to you should we have questions or comments about the health information you share with us.
Read our guide about health tips and best practices while traveling.