FAQs

Q:  Are  flights  included  in  the  cost  of  my  trip?

International  flights  to  and  from  the  destination  are  not  included  in  the  program  fee.  

We  welcome  solo  travelers  on  all  trips,  and  there  is  no  additional  fee  unless  a  single  room  upgrade  is  requested. We can room you with another traveler of the same gender for no extra cost. 

Q:  What  does  ‘double  occupancy’  mean?  

Does  that  mean  the  trip  prices  covers  two  people? Double  Occupancy  refers  to  the  accommodations  (double  room). The  program  fee  you  see  on  each  trip  page  is  per  person.

Q:  Are  there  age  restrictions  on  your  trips?

The  minimum  age  requirement for  the  Baja trip  5  years  old.  Note, there is a significant amount of water time in the open ocean which requires swimming experience. 

Q:  I  have  special  dietary  requirements  –  will  that  be  an  issue?

In  Mexico,  we  are  able  to  accommodate  most  dietary  restrictions  such  as  vegan,  vegetarian  and  gluten  free.  We do  our  best  to  accommodate  all  diets,  but  we  do  recommend  you  still  inquire  with  a  Discover  Corps  Travel Specialist  about specific  needs.

Q:  Is  the  water  safe  to  drink  in  the  country  I’m  visiting?

No, you will have access to purified water throughout your stay. In an effort to limit single-use plastic, please bring a reusable water bottle.

Q:  Do  I  need  travel  insurance?  What  should  it  cover?

Travel  Insurance  is  not  required  but  we  highly  recommend  that  a  plan  is  purchased  to  protect  any  delays  or cancellations  that  could  incur.  We  partner  with  Arch Roam Right  a  leading  provider  in  travel  protection,  and  can refer  you  to  them  for  a  quote.  

Q:  Are  my  belongings  safe  while  I’m  on  my  trip?  Are  there  safes  for  storing  valuables?

Yes.  We  trust  that  your  belongings  are  protected  while  under  our  staff’s  watch.  The  managers and  staff  at  the accommodations  pride  themselves  in  having  a  comfortable  and  secure  property  where  their  guest  feel  safe  and  at home.  

Q:  Is  tipping  commonplace  in  the  places  we’re  visiting?

Discover Corps offers a tipping guide in the Travel Portal for your guide and driver. All other tipping for restaurants, hotels and more are included in the price of your trip fee. 

Q:  Are  Discover  Corps  trips  suitable  for  LGBTQ  travelers?

Yes,  we  are  confident  that  LGBTQ  travelers  would  be  more  than  welcome  on  our  trips  and  in  Mexico.

Q:  What  if  I  end  up  ill  or  get  injured  on  the  trip  and  am  unable  to  continue?  What  happens  then?

In  the  case  of  injury  or  illness,  first  and  foremost,  we  would  seek  proper  medical  attention.  In  each  of  the locations  we  operate,  we  have  designated  medical  clinics  and  hospitals  that  we  take  travelers  to  in  such  cases. Discover  Corps  also  includes  a  comprehensive  medical  insurance  policy  for  each  traveler  who  goes  abroad  with us.  If  you are unable  to  join  Discover  Corps  prior  to  the  trip,  travel  insurance  will  cover  the  costs  depending  on  the  severity  of and  reason  for  the  situation.  You  can  inquire  with  Arch Roam Right  for  exact  policies  and  the  guidelines.

Q:  What  type  of  luggage  do  you  recommend  I  take?

Overall,  the  rule  of  thumb  across  all  of  our  trips  is  to  pack  as  lightly  as  possible.  This  will  simply  reduce  the amount  of  luggage  you  are  carrying  around  throughout  the  trip  and  make  things  easier.  We recommend bringing a smaller bag for items during your camping stay. There's a secure luggage storage in La Paz for heavier items.

Q:  What  clothes  and  footwear  should  I  pack?

Each  destination  varies  in  climate,  so  it  is  recommended  to  look  over  the  packing  list  that  is  provided  under each destination.  Please  reference  the  packing  list  on  the  Travel  Portal.

Q:  What  essential  documents  do  I  need  to  take?

Any  international  travel  requires  a  valid  passport.  Discover  Corps  recommends  you  take  2  photo  copies  of  your passport  and  leave  one  at  home  and  take  the  other  with  you.

Q:  Can  I  opt  out  of  certain  activities?

Travelers  can  opt  out  on  certain  activities,  but  keep  in  mind  that  each  program  is  a  set  price  and  includes  most activities.

Q:  Will  my  mobile  phone  work?  Will  I  have  access  to  the  Internet?

Check with your cell phone carrier to enable an international phone plan. During your time on the island you may have poor to no cell reception. While you are staying at hotels, you will have access to wifi. 

Q:  Do  I  need  to  get  vaccines  before  I  travel?  

According  to  the  Center  of  Disease  Control  and  Prevention,  there  are  no  vaccinations  required  in  order  to  travel to  Mexico.  However,  we  also  recommend  consulting  with  your local  travel  clinic  for  recommended  inoculations for  all  international  travels.

Q:  How Far in Advance do I need to Reserve my trip?

The farther in advance you book, the better selection of dates you’ll have. On most trips you’ll want to book 3 to 6 months out. For holiday trips, you’ll want to reserve 6 to 8 months out. Rest assured, though, we’re also masters at accommodating last- minute reservations!

Q: At Amazon, is leishmaniasis or malaria present?

Leishmaniasis is present throughout the rain forests of southeastern Peru. It is a skin lesion caused by a protozoan transmitted by a certain kind of small biting fly. There is no vaccination against it but it is curable in every case. The selected cure, injections of pentavalent antimony (Glucantime), is uncomfortable. Leishmaniasis is also very easy to prevent by wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, and repellent on exposed skin at all times, and sleeping under mosquito nets.  Malaria is present but extremely rare. If you wish to take medical precautions against malaria consult your physician or a specialist in tropical medicine.