Question 1

What affects the cost of an itinerary?

Accepted Answer

Every trip we design is built from scratch for you, so the cost changes based on where you go, the time of year, and how remote you want to get. Beyond the obvious costs of flights and accommodation, a few other elements influence the investment: Having a dedicated vehicle, personal driver, and private local guides gives you total flexibility, but it costs more than joining a preset group tour. In places with limited infrastructure, costs rise due to the necessity of charter flights, specialised 4WD vehicles, and long-distance transfers. National Park fees, gorilla or trekking permits, and tribal conservation levies add up. In places like Africa, the Arctic, Antarctica, or high-altitude mountain zones, these fees fund park rangers, protect fragile environments, and support the local communities hosting us. The expertise behind the itinerary is another important component. The cost of an itinerary reflects not just where you travel, but how you travel.

Question 2

Are there things Forward Travel doesn't do that people sometimes assume you do?

Accepted Answer

We are a travel concierge, which means we focus entirely on immersive, experiential, and independent journeys. To keep our focus sharp, we do not handle: Standalone bookings: We do not book standalone domestic flights or single hotel nights unconnected to a broader itinerary. Flop-and-drop holidays: We don&#8217;t design generic beach resort stays or mass-market ocean cruises. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) or discount voucher schemes: We work exclusively through custom design and technical travel planning. We only build complete, end-to-end itineraries where we handle the private guides, local excursions, regional transits, and boutique lodging seamlessly from start to finish.

Question 3

Why book operators like Aqua Expeditions, Explora or African Bush Camps through Forward Travel instead of booking direct?

Accepted Answer

Booking directly with specialist operators like Aqua Expeditions, Explora Journeys or African Bush Camps is always an option. The difference with Forward Travel is how those experiences are woven into your wider journey. A single lodge or cruise operator only cares about their property. We look at your whole trip, ensuring the overland routing, flight connections, and daily pacing make sense before and after you stay with them. If a regional flight gets delayed or an itinerary shifts on the ground, you don’t have to call three different companies or wait on hold with an overseas call centre. You text us, and we sort out all the moving parts for you. Importantly, we help you choose the right operators in the first place. With so many similar-sounding options in the market, we provide context and guidance based on what suits your style of travel.

Question 4

What happens if I need to cancel my trip after Forward Travel has made arrangements?

Accepted Answer

If you need to cancel your trip after arrangements have been confirmed, the outcome will depend on the cancellation terms of the individual suppliers involved. These can include hotels, lodges, airlines, cruise operators, and local service providers, each of which applies their own policies and timelines. Forward Travel will manage the process on your behalf, liaising with all relevant partners and working to recover refundable amounts wherever possible. However, many travel services are non-refundable or only partially refundable once confirmed, particularly closer to departure. For this reason, we will always recommend travel insurance at the time of booking, including cover for cancellation due to medical reasons, emergencies, and unforeseen events. This provides the most effective protection in circumstances outside your control. Our role is to support you through the process with clarity, efficiency, and care, ensuring you understand your options and that all recoverable elements are handled as effectively as possible.

Question 5

To what extent do you help with visa and permit procurement?

Accepted Answer

Forward Travel provides full guidance and support with visa and permit requirements as part of the itinerary planning process. We advise you on what is required for your destinations, including entry visas, e-visas, transit requirements, health declarations, and special permits needed for activities or protected areas. Where applications can be completed online or directly by the traveller, we provide step-by-step instructions. For more complex requirements, we coordinate with our in-country partners to ensure everything is correctly arranged in advance. In some cases, visas or permits should be applied for personally by the traveller due to government regulations. Under these circumstances, we ensure that you are briefed and supported throughout the process. Our aim is to remove confusion and reduce administrative burden wherever possible, so that all entry and travel requirements are in place before departure.

Question 6

Do you only work with clients in Australia?

Accepted Answer

No. Forward Travel designs and manages itineraries for clients globally, not just within Australia. Our clients are based across multiple regions, including the UK, Europe, North America, Asia and elsewhere.

Question 7

Can Forward Travel design itineraries to any region of the World?

Accepted Answer

Mostly, the answer is Yes, we can design travel to any regions of the world. There are, however, a small number of destinations we are unable to work with due to constraints, such as restricted access, safety, limited reliable infrastructure, or the lack of an established partner network operating at the standard required to deliver the level of service we expect and require. If a destination falls outside our operating scope, we will advise early and, where possible, suggest alternative routes or comparable experiences in nearby regions.

Question 8

Can every customisation request be accommodated?

Accepted Answer

We aim to design itineraries that reflect your interests, pace, and travel style as closely as possible. Customisation is at the core of what we do, and most elements of a journey can be adapted or refined. That said, travel is shaped by practical realities, and not every request can be delivered exactly as imagined. Factors such as seasonal availability, local regulations, operating schedules, weather conditions, infrastructure, and safety considerations can all influence what is possible at a given time. Where something isn’t feasible, we don’t simply say no but look for the closest alternative that preserves the spirit of what you’re trying to experience. In many cases, this results in even stronger outcomes once local context and expertise are applied.

Question 9

What documents and details does Forward Travel collect from clients and where and how is my information stored?

Accepted Answer

To design and manage your itinerary, we collect only the information required to plan, book and operate your travel arrangements: full names, dates of birth, passport information, contact details, and travel preferences or requirements (for example dietary needs, mobility considerations, or special interests). We may also collect supporting documentation required for bookings and travel logistics, such as passport copies, visa details, frequent flyer numbers, insurance information, and emergency contact details. In some cases, limited information may be shared with third-party suppliers (hotels, airlines and local operators) solely for the purpose of delivering your itinerary. Your information is stored using protected systems designed for professional travel management. Access is restricted to authorised team members, and data is retained only for as long as necessary to manage your travel arrangements and meet legal or accounting obligations. We do not sell or use your personal data for marketing by third parties. All information is handled in line with applicable privacy and data protection regulations, and with a focus on confidentiality, security, and responsible use.

Question 10

Can I pay for my trip in instalments?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can structure payments in instalments depending on the suppliers involved and the timing of your travel. Because itineraries are built using a combination of hotels, lodges, transport providers, and experiences, each with their own deposit and payment requirements, the payment schedule is aligned to those underlying terms. An initial deposit is required to confirm arrangements, followed by staged payments leading up to departure. For longer lead-time bookings, instalment-style payment plans can be arranged so that the cost is spread out over time. The exact breakup will vary depending on the itinerary, travel dates, and supplier conditions. We will outline the payment schedule at the time of booking, so you have visibility of timing and amounts.

Question 11

Are taxes included in your pricing?

Accepted Answer

All pricing and service fees are presented at the time of quoting, with applicable taxes included or itemised depending on the supplier and jurisdiction. In many cases, travel components such as accommodation, transport, and local services already include taxes and levies. Where taxes are not included upfront, these will be stated so there is transparency before you confirm your booking. Forward Travel planning or service fees will also be communicated, including whether they are subject to GST or other taxes depending on the nature of the service and where it is invoiced.

Question 12

What happens if a flight is delayed or bad weather affects travel while I'm in a remote area?

Accepted Answer

When travelling in remote regions, delays and weather disruptions can occur with internal flights, light aircraft, mountain routes, or expedition-style travel. These are part of the realities of accessing the world’s most extraordinary places. In these situations, your itinerary is not left to chance. We work with our in-country partners to manage disruptions and adjust arrangements. Where weather or operational conditions prevent travel, you will be supported on the ground by local teams, and we remain in coordination to find the best available solution. Because we design itineraries with built-in flexibility where possible, there is scope to adapt without watering down the overall experience. However, in remote regions, conditions can leave you no choice but to wait it out or make alternative routing decisions, the latter of which we handle on your behalf.

Question 13

How do you determine the fitness level required for a trip?

Accepted Answer

We assess physical requirements on a case-by-case basis, depending on the exact details of the itinerary (destinations and activities). Each journey is broken down into its individual components, such as walking distances, terrain type, altitude, climate, duration of activities, and access to medical or emergency support. This allows us to understand the level of effort required rather than relying on generic classifications. We then discuss how active you would like to be and if you have any limitations. This ensures the itinerary is appropriately paced and realistic for you, while delivering the experience you are seeking.

Question 14

How do you handle dietary requirements and medical conditions in remote destinations?

Accepted Answer

Before travel, we collect information about allergies, dietary needs, and medical conditions, which is communicated to all suppliers, including hotels, lodges, guides, and partners, so that they are prepared before you arrive. In destinations with limited infrastructure, we are upfront about what can and cannot be guaranteed. In some remote regions, ingredient availability, kitchen facilities, and supply chains may be restricted, so we work with our partners to identify suitable meal options. Where necessary, we recommend carrying essentials or supplements. For medical considerations, we assess the practicality of each itinerary in relation to access to healthcare, distance from medical facilities, and overall travel conditions. Where possible, we can adapt routing, accommodation, or activity levels to reduce risk and improve accessibility.

Question 15

Who will be looking after me during the trip?

Accepted Answer

On the ground, you are looked after by a combination of private driver-guides and support teams. They manage logistics and ensure smooth movement between experiences. In remote or expedition-style regions, you may be supported by lodge teams, rangers, or expedition staff. We work only with partners who meet our standards for service, safety, and expertise. These are established professionals who operate in their region full-time and understand the realities of travel there. We remain involved behind the scenes from the moment you depart to the moment you return. We coordinate your itinerary in advance, stay in communication with our partners, and remain available to support you throughout your journey if anything needs to be adjusted.

Question 16

What information and resources do you provide before I travel?

Accepted Answer

Before departure, we provide a set of travel resources to prepare you for your journey. This kit includes a day-by-day itinerary outlining your route, accommodation, experiences, and logistics. Alongside this, we provide destination information covering entry requirements, health considerations, climate, packing guidance, and cultural context. We also include guidance on tipping, customs, connectivity, currency, and what to expect in remote or less familiar regions. Where relevant, we flag important seasonal considerations or logistical factors that may impact travel.

Question 17

I am travelling solo. Will I be penalised with a massive single supplement?

Accepted Answer

Not by default. Solo travel is supported on our tailor-made and fixed departure itineraries, and we look to minimise single supplements wherever possible. In some hotels, lodges, and expedition-style accommodation, single supplements are set by the property itself and are unavoidable, particularly in high-demand or remote regions with limited room inventory. However, these vary depending on destination, season, and accommodation type. Where possible, we structure itineraries to reduce or avoid these costs, for example by selecting properties with low or no single supplements, using room categories where pricing is flexible, or adjusting routing and travel dates to improve availability.

Question 18

Can you match me with another solo traveller to share accommodation costs?

Accepted Answer

No. For privacy, safety, and experience consistency reasons, as well as the highly tailored nature of the journeys we design, we do not match travellers for the purpose of sharing accommodation or build paired itineraries for people who do not know each other. However, we can sometimes reduce single occupancy costs by selecting properties with low or waived single supplements, adjusting room categories, or designing itineraries where shared-use experiences already exist (for example small-group expeditions or lodge-based stays that naturally offer better value structures). If cost-sharing is a priority, we can advise on suitable small-group departures or fixed departures with like-minded travellers, where sharing arrangements are built into the product.

Question 19

What is the general demographic and mindset of a Forward Travel guest?

Accepted Answer

Forward Travel guests tend to be experienced travellers who place a strong emphasis on quality, meaning, and depth. They are looking for carefully designed journeys that feel intentional, well-supported, and tailored to how they want to experience the world. Many are time-rich and often in a stage of life where travel is a priority, frequently couples, solo travellers, or small private groups who prefer curated, well-paced journeys over large-scale group touring or resort-based travel. More important than age or background, however, is mindset. Our clients are curious, open-minded, and interested in immersive travel that connects them to culture, landscape, and local life. They value thoughtful planning, seamless logistics, and trusted expertise, and prefer travel that feels personal rather than packaged. There is also an appreciation for responsible and well-considered travel choices, such as working with operators and experiences that contribute positively to conservation, communities and the places visited.

Question 20

How do you choose the partners, properties, and expedition operators you work with?

Accepted Answer

We take a selective, relationship-led approach to choosing our partners. Every lodge, hotel, expedition operator, and ground handler is assessed before being included in a Forward Travel itinerary. A key part of this process happens in person at global industry events such as ITB Berlin, WTM London, Experience Africa (London) and LATA (Latin America Travel Association), as well as at a wide range of gatherings focused on India and the broader subcontinent. There are regional trade shows, destination roadshows, and networking events where we meet DMCs, hoteliers, and guiding teams face-to-face. These interactions help us understand not just the product but the expertise and ethics of the people behind it. We also invest time in destination research, particularly in complex or remote regions such as South America, where logistics, safety standards, and on-the-ground consistency can vary between operators. First-hand experience in these environments is essential to understanding how a partner performs beyond what is suggested in brochures or trade presentations. We evaluate partners against operational reliability, guest experience, safety standards, sustainability practices, and the strength of their local relationships. For expedition vessels and specialist operators, we assess itinerary integrity, onboard expertise, and contingency planning. Relationships are continually reviewed, and we will step away from any partner who no longer meets the standards we expect for our clients.

Question 21

Can you advise on travel insurance for my trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We guide you on the type and level of travel insurance for your itinerary. Because we design tailored itineraries, we understand what level of cover is appropriate for different destinations, activities and levels of remoteness. Therefore, we arrange travel insurance aligned with the realities of your journey rather than a generic product. Insurance requirements vary depending on where you are travelling and what you are doing. We will outline the areas your policy should include, such as medical cover, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, baggage, and personal effects, and highlight where specialist cover may be needed for expedition-style or remote travel.

Question 22

Do you offer multi-trip planning or long-term travel portfolio management?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer multi-trip planning and ongoing travel design for clients who travel regularly or prefer a long-term, curated approach to their journeys. Rather than treating each trip in isolation, we can build a connected travel portfolio that reflects your evolving interests, destinations you want to explore over time, and the style of travel you prefer. For clients undertaking multiple journeys across a year or over several years, we can coordinate logistics across trips by helping with timing, route planning, and ensuring that your experiences complement rather than overlap with one another.

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