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Tucson Rendezvous
January 17 – 20, 2026 • 4 Days • $1975
You are invited to join us for a Tucson Rendezvous – a special gathering to celebrate travel, friendship, and the beauty of this remarkable corner of the USA.
Experience sunny Tucson next January with us – a land of towering saguaros, breathtaking sunsets, Wild West legends, rich Mexican cultural heritage, and unforgettable cuisine as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
Explore the itinerary below, crafted with a variety of walks and activities, while ensuring plenty of time to relax and connect with fellow travelers.
The Tucson Rendezvous is also a wonderful chance to meet the new WAI 2.0 team, as they take the reins from current owner Dan Friesen. We expect at least two guides from Borealis Trekking to join us from Portugal, along with Scott Isom, our new WAI leader, and many of your favorite WAI guides – all coming together to make this event truly special.
Last chance to join us in Tucson — register by November 15!
34 Years of Walking Adventures 🌎✨ Dan Friesen reflects on the journeys, memories, and people that made it unforgettable.
Two Ways to Experience Tucson
The Tucson Rendezvous offers two unique itineraries to suit your travel style.
Walking Itinerary Immerse yourself in Tucson with daily walks of 5–6 kilometers, providing an active and engaging way to explore this vibrant destination.
Relax & Ride Itinerary (non-walking) Prefer a more leisurely pace? Our Relax & Ride option features excursions with minimal walking, allowing you to enjoy Tucson comfortably.
Just How Relaxing Is It?
The Relax & Ride Itinerary is designed with ease and comfort in mind—perfect for reconnecting with walking friends who may not have joined a traditional Walking Adventure in a while.
To fully enjoy the Relax & Ride experience, travelers should be able to get on and off the bus
independently and take part in light walking tours lasting about 30 to 45 minutes.
If you need a little extra support, you’re still welcome to join us at the Rendezvous—just be sure to invite a friend or family member who can offer assistance.
Extend Your Stay
Tucson offers so many incredible experiences that it’s hard to fit them all into just a few days. We therefore invite you to arrive a day early or stay a day longer and take advantage of our optional excursions available on January 17 and January 20. The same options will be offered on either day, so you can choose the date that works best for you.
To join in, simply plan an extra night—arrive on January 16 and/or stay through January 20. Once you’ve reserved your spot for the Tucson Rendezvous, we’ll follow up to help you select your excursions and arrange extra-night packages.
Meet Mauro Trejo
We’re excited to introduce Mauro Trejo, a native Tucsonan and public historian, serving on the boards of two museums, with family roots in the area dating back to 1780. Mauro will be stepping on as our guide for the complimentary Tucson Guided Bus Tour on January 16 as well as the journey to Tombstone, sharing captivating stories and insights about this fascinating corner of the country.
First-class hotel accommodations in the Tucson Marriott University Park Hotel
4 meals: all breakfasts, a welcome dessert, and 1 dinner as listed in itinerary (BD)
2 walk routes as listed (Walking Itinerary)
Walking fees for 2 walks for those collecting AVA/IVV Volkssport credit (if sanctions approved)
WAI guide service throughout
All tipping for coach drivers, any local guides, and group meals
Pricing is based on double occupancy. A limited number of single rooms are available for a supplement of $325. We also provide a roommate matching service for those interested.
Visits to / Admission fees:
All Travelers
Old Tucson Studio tour
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Walking Itinerary Only
Saguaro National Park with walk
Sabino Canyon with walk
Relax & Ride Itinerary Only
Wild West Tombstone excursion with local guide: Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park Museum, Bird Cage Theater, and Rose Tree Museum, plus a visit to San Xavier del Bac Mission
Optional excursions:
Tucson Guided Bus Tour – For Early Arrivals Only!
Tucson Guided Walking Tour – For Early Arrivals Only!
How much Adventure do you want? Here are a few features to help gauge the following factors on each tour.
Tour Pace: On a scale of 1 (slowest pace) to 5 (fastest pace), we’ve rated the following factors: number of 1-night hotels; driving miles per day; fullness of schedule; mid-tour airline flights; high elevation setting; and average amount of walking per day.
Walk Challenge: This number represents an average walk difficulty rating for the tour using a scale of 1 (easiest) to 5 (hardest).
Strategically located Marriott hotel right across from the arboretum campus of the University of Arizona
Meals
Breakfasts included with a welcome dessert and a fun Farewell Dinner. Letters BD indicate which meals are included.
Airfare
Not included. Tucson International Airport (airport code TUS) serves our starting hotel in Tucson. Airport – hotel shuttles are provided on the Pre-day (Jan 16), Day 1 (Jan 17), Day 4 (Jan 20), and the Post-day (Jan 21).
Transportation
Included. We use motorcoaches with a seating capacity of 56 seats.
Traveler Age
Our travelers usually range from 50–75 years of age. All ages welcome!
Your Guides
Most, if not all, current members of the WAI guide team are looking forward to hosting you in Tucson. A good representation of former guides also plan to join in on the reunion fun.
El Tour De Tucson Mural & Turquoise Trail Tucson’s vibrant mural honors the city’s annual bike race. The turquoise line marks the 2.5 mile scenic trail linking historic landmarks.
Turbocharge your Tucson Rendezvous by coming in a day early for more time to connect with walking pals and more opportunities to sample all that tantalizing Tucson has to offer.
As a special bonus, travelers arriving early to Tucson (on January 16) are invited to enjoy a complimentary Tucson Guided Walking Tour or Tucson Guided Bus Tour – both offered exclusively for early arrivals to help you discover this vibrant city! To participate in either bonus activity, plan to add an extra night at our hotel by arriving on January 16.
Tucson Guided Walking Tour (5/6K)
Experience Tucson on foot with an engaging walk through its vibrant downtown, historic Barrio Viejo, and parts of the Turquoise Trail, all connected by a fun ride on the Sun Link streetcar.
Tucson Guided Bus Tour
Discover Tucson on this guided city tour, highlighting its rich history, vibrant culture, and distinctive southwestern charm.
NOTE: These two options overlap in the afternoon and are therefore mutually exclusive. Travelers must choose one or the other. Our optional excursions and extra-night packages will be available for purchase in just a few weeks, once the Adventure Advice is released.
Wild West Tombstone Excursion – Explore this iconic town your way! Choose from a Historic Trolley Tour, a Mine Tour, or a Walking Tour to dive into Tombstone’s rich history.
You arrive today in vibrant Tucson. This evening, we’ll kick things off with our Sweet Sonoran Welcome, featuring a delicious dessert reception.
Want to see more of Tucson? Travelers who chose to come a day early and/or stay a day late can take advantage of a variety of optional excursions — from soaring over the Sonoran Desert in a hot air balloon, to exploring the depths of Kartchner Caverns, stepping back in time in historic Tombstone, sampling Tucson’s award-winning culinary scene on a guided food tour, and more!
Optional Excursions:
Hot Air Balloon Tucson Panoramas: $450
Kartchner Caverns Deep Cave Visit: $125
Wild West Tombstone Excursion: $145
Mt. Lemmon Scenic Vistas Excursion: $99 (Mt. Lemmon Scenic Vistas is available on Jan 20 only)
Sabino Canyon Crawler Excursion: $90 (Sabino Canyon Crawler is available on Jan 17 only)
Flavors of Tucson Food & Walking Tour: $95 Vegetarian options are available
Most of the options will be offered on January 17 and January 20, so you can choose the date that works best for you. Check below for more details on Optional Excursions.
To join in, simply plan an extra night—arrive on January 16 and/or stay through January 20. Enjoy an extra night at our hotel for just $131 per person, per night (single supplement: $100). Once you’ve reserved your spot for the Tucson Rendezvous, we’ll follow up to help you select your excursions and arrange extra-night packages.
Saguaro Cactus – The giants of the desert! Saguaro cacti can reach 40–50 feet tall and live for up to 200 years.
Walking Itinerary Saguaro National Park East Walk ~ 5-6 km, rated 2B
We start our day with a visit to Old Tucson Studios, which has served as the filming location for over 500 films and television shows since it was built in 1939 for the movie Arizona (1940). As one of the few remaining Western movie sets, it offers a fascinating glimpse into this iconic film genre. Our knowledgeable local guide shares entertaining trivia, humor, and regional history during our visit.
After experiencing life on a Wild West set, we continue to Saguaro National Park East for a beautiful walk among its towering cacti and stunning desert landscapes. Following the walk, we stop at the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center for a short film and a picnic lunch (not included) before returning to Tucson.
Relax & Ride Itinerary Perfect for anyone seeking lighter activity, with options that involve minimal walking.
Get ready for a Wild West adventure to Tombstone, complete with insightful commentary from our local guide. We visit the Courthouse Museum, where a knowledgeable docent provides an engaging introduction, then enjoy a leisurely guided stroll through this historic town to see the Rose Tree Museum—home to the world’s largest rosebush—and the famous Bird Cage Theatre.
After free time for lunch, we make our way back to Tucson with a final stop at beautiful San Xavier del Bac Mission. Known as the “White Dove of the Desert,” this stunning 18th-century Spanish Catholic mission was founded by Father Kino in 1692 and built in its current form between 1783 and 1797. It remains an active parish for the Tohono O’odham people and is celebrated for its exquisite Baroque architecture, vibrant interior artwork, and profound cultural significance in the region.
Southwest Soirée with El Charro Our farewell dinner will feature scrumptious Southwestern cuisine hosted by El Charro, the oldest continuously family-run Mexican restaurant in the United States.
Walking Itinerary Sabino Canyon Walk – 5 km, 2A
Today we enjoy a scenic walk through breathtaking Sabino Canyon, a desert oasis nestled in the Santa Catalina Mountains, renowned for its dramatic rock formations, seasonal waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. The paved nature trail crosses Sabino Creek several times via charming stone bridges constructed during the Depression era by WPA and CCC teams.
Following our hike, we visit the extraordinary Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a unique blend of wildlife menagerie, botanical garden, and natural history museum.
After a full day of discovery, we’ll return to our hotel with ample time to relax and prepare for tonight’s dinner event.
Relax & Ride Itinerary Perfect for anyone seeking lighter activity, with options that involve minimal walking.
Old Tucson Studios has served as the filming location for over 500 films and television shows since it was built in 1939 for the movie Arizona (1940). As one of the few remaining Western movie sets, it offers a fascinating glimpse into this iconic film genre. Our knowledgeable local guide shares entertaining trivia, humor, and regional history during our visit.
After experiencing life on a Wild West set, we continue deeper into the desert to explore the exceptional Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a fascinating fusion of wildlife menagerie, botanical garden, and natural history museum. After a full day of exploration, we’ll return to our hotel with plenty of time to unwind and prepare for our dinner event this evening.
Southwest Soiréewith El Charro
Our group dinner is at the Carriage House, part of the renowned El Charro Café—the oldest Mexican restaurant in the United States continuously operated by the same family. With its rich culinary heritage and vibrant Southwestern flavors, El Charro’s cuisine provides the perfect complement to our unforgettable celebration this evening.
Mount Lemmon Scenic Vistas Excursion This 40 mile drive features breathtaking views and offers the same ecological changes as a journey from Mexico to Canada, taking us from saguaro-studded desert at the valley floor to towering ponderosa pines and aspens at the summit.
Thank you for being part of this special event! Exploring the planet together for 37 years has been a life-changing experience. Dan Friesen and the WAI team are counting the days until our farewell reunion at the Tucson Rendezvous! Meanwhile, we are full of anticipation to see how WAI will grow and develop under new leadership and a faithful team of veteran guide teams.
Airport transfers are provided for travelers departing today.
Want to see more of Tucson? Travelers who chose to come a day early and/or stay a day late can take advantage of a variety of optional excursions — from soaring over the Sonoran Desert in a hot air balloon, to exploring the depths of Kartchner Caverns, stepping back in time in historic Tombstone, sampling Tucson’s award-winning culinary scene on a guided food tour, and more!
Optional Excursions:
Hot Air Balloon Tucson Panoramas: $450
Kartchner Caverns Deep Cave Visit: $125
Wild West Tombstone Excursion: $145
Mt. Lemmon Scenic Vistas Excursion: $99 (Mt. Lemmon Scenic Vistas is available on Jan 20 only)
Sabino Canyon Crawler Excursion: $90 (Sabino Canyon Crawler is available on Jan 17 only)
Flavors of Tucson Food & Walking Tour: $95 Vegetarian options are available
Most of the options will be offered on January 17 and January 20, so you can choose the date that works best for you. Check below for more details on Optional Excursions.
To join in, simply plan an extra night—arrive on January 16 and/or stay through January 20. Enjoy an extra night at our hotel for just $131 per person, per night (single supplement: $100). Once you’ve reserved your spot for the Tucson Rendezvous, we’ll follow up to help you select your excursions and arrange extra-night packages.
To register, a non-refundable $500 deposit is required to hold your spot. A final payment is due 90 days before departure and is non-refundable after the due date. You will receive a prompt email from us 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Registration for the Tucson Rendezvous closes November 15.
More details about flight arrangements, travel agent contact information, and important steps to take in the months before your trip will be provided in an Adventure Advice PDF by email after you register. Please do not buy your airline tickets until you review this Adventure Advice email.
Travelers who chose to come a day early and/or stay a day late can take advantage of a variety of optional excursions — from soaring over the Sonoran Desert in a hot air balloon, to exploring the depths of Kartchner Caverns, stepping back in time in historic Tombstone, sampling Tucson’s award-winning culinary scene on a guided food tour, and more!
Most of these optional excursions will be offered on both January 17 and January 20, so you can choose the date that works best for you.
Explore Tombstone your way—by trolley, on foot, or even underground—and uncover its fascinating stories!
Tombstone: Beyond the Legends
We get it—Tombstone has a bit of a reputation. From over-dramatized Hollywood portrayals to hustlers of the past, the town can definitely feel a little kitschy. That’s why we’ve added a phenomenal step-on guide in addition to some new experiences to the Wild West Tombstone Excursion to help bring the real story of this region to life.
Meet Mauro Trejo We’re excited to introduce Mauro Trejo, a native Tucsonan and public historian, serving on the boards of two museums, with family roots in the area dating back to 1780. Mauro will be stepping on as our guide for the journey to Tombstone, sharing captivating stories and insights about this fascinating corner of the country.
Mining and Trolley Tours – NEW! Travelers now have 3 options to chose from during their time in historic Tombstone:
Good Enough Mine Tour – Discover Tombstone’s silver rush and vibrant local history with an expert guide on this highly acclaimed mining tour. Step into the world of the men who sparked the Southwest’s mining boom, turning Tombstone into the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco in the early 1880s.
Historic Trolley Tour – Stay above ground while learning about local legends and colorful characters beyond the Hollywood portrayals. The Good Enough Trolley Tour is a historical six-mile tour, covering over 55 landmarks in the town of Tombstone, the Mining Districts and the Cemeteries as well as the Ed Schieffelin Monument.
Rose Tree Museum & The Bird Cage Theatre Walking Tour – Enjoy a walking tour of town with Mauro, visiting the iconic Bird Cage Theatre and the Rose Tree Museum.
⛏️ Wild West Tombstone Excursion Snapshot
Dates: Jan 17 or Jan 20
Cost: $145 per person
Duration: Full-day, standalone excursion
Includes: Step-on guide services, admission to the Courthouse Museum in Tombstone, visits to Tombstone and the Mission San Xavier, plus your choice of one of these excursions within Tombstone: Good Enough Mine Tour, Historic Trolley Tour, or Rose Tree Museum & Bird Cage Theatre Walking Tour
Note: Cannot be combined with other activities
Availability: There’s still space on both the Jan 17 and Jan 20 excursions—just let us know if you’d like to join!
Tucson was named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in recognition of its 4,000-year tradition of continuous food cultivation, its vibrant culinary scene with numerous local eateries, and much more.
Tasting Tucson
Our experience on the Flavors of Tucson Food & Walking Tour was one of our absolute favorite activities while in town! We learned so much about the city’s history and local lore from our amazing guide—while sampling some of Tucson’s top treats along the way. We’ve extended the food tour experience to give guests more time to explore Tucson’s history and sights, and we’ve added an additional food stop to make the experience even richer.
🌶️ Flavors of Tucson Food Tour Snapshot
Dates: Jan 20
Cost: $95 per person
Duration: Afternoon excursion
Includes: A 3 hour tour taking in the history, culture and cuisine of Tucson. Vegetarian option available.
Note: Can be combined with Kartchner Caverns, Hot Air Balloon, Sabino Canyon Crawler, or Mt Lemmon Excursions
Availability: The Jan 17 food tour is FULL but there’s still space on the Jan 20 tour—just let us know if you’d like to join!
The Mt Lemmon route features fantastic viewpoints and a fun stop in the Alpine town of Summerhaven
Mt Lemmon Vistas
We loved driving through the stunning vistas of Mt. Lemmon and will be adding a fun, last-minute secret stop on our route back into town! This brief—yet unforgettable—40-mile drive takes you from the iconic saguaro cacti at the base, through changing foliage, all the way up to ponderosa pines and aspens at the top. What a unique experience!
🏔️ Mt Lemmon Scenic Vistas Snapshot
Dates: Jan 20
Cost: $99 per person
Duration: Morning Excursion
Includes: Scenic drive and stops up Mt Lemmon, plus a fun treat on our way back into town
Note: Can be combined with the Flavors of Tucson Food Tour
Availability: There’s still space on the Jan 20 excursion—let us know if you’d like to join!
Flights can skim just feet above the desert floor for wildlife viewing then soar thousands of feet up to reveal sweeping views of distant cities and lakes
Floating Above Tucson
The Hot Air Balloon Tucson Panoramas excursion offers a serene float over the Sonoran Desert, giving you a breathtaking bird’s-eye view.
🎈 Hot Air Balloon Tucson Panoramas Snapshot
Dates: Jan 17 or Jan 20
Cost: $450 per person
Duration: Morning
Includes: Float above the stunning Sonoran Desert and celebrate with a champagne toast.
Note: Can be combined with the Flavors of Tucson Food Tour
Availability: There’s just one space left on the Jan 17 excursion with space still available on Jan 20—let us know if you’d like to join!
Tours offered include either the Big Room or the Rotunda/Throne Room
Exploring Kartchner
Only discovered in 1974, Kartchner Caverns is a rare gem, a living (still growing) cave system showcasing a full array of colorful cave formations—from stalactites and stalagmites to soda straws, cave popcorn, shields, columns, totems, drapery, and even “bacon.”
Fun Fact: During the summer, the cave’s Big Room serves as a nursery roost for over 1,000 female bats!
🦇Kartchner Caverns Deep Cave Snapshot
Dates: Jan 17 or Jan 20
Cost: $125 per person
Duration: Morning excursion
Includes: Explore awe-inspiring Kartchner Caverns State Park, touring either the Rotunda/Throne Room or the Big Room with a knowledgeable park guide.
Note: Can be combined with the Flavors of Tucson Food Tour
Availability: There’s still space on both the Jan 17 and Jan 20 excursions—Don’t miss your chance to explore!
This one-hour roundtrip features recorded commentary while traveling 7.4 miles through desert scenery
Sabino Charms: Tucson’s Oasis Awaits
The Sabino Canyon Crawler offers a unique perspective on Tucson. With enough rainfall, you might even catch glimpses of sparkling pools in this beautiful, relaxing oasis. We’ll also include a fun photo stop on the way out and a special treat on the ride back into town!
🚈 Sabino Canyon Crawler Excursion Snapshot
Dates: Jan 17
Cost: $90 per person
Duration: Morning excursion
Includes: One-hour roundtrip tour aboard the Sabino Canyon Crawler, traveling 7.4 miles through exotic desert scenery with recorded commentary, plus a fun photo stop on the way out of town and a special treat on the return ride.
Note: Can be combined with the Flavors of Tucson Food Tour
Availability: Space still available on the January 17 excursion.
Got questions or want to add any of these excursions to your Tucson Rendezvous experience? Give our office a shout at 360 260 9393 or[email protected]— we’re happy to help!
Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or an adventure seeker, this Southwest city offers a rich mix of experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Read on to explore some of the fascinating stories and unforgettable experiences that make Tucson truly memorable.
🌮 Did you know Tucson is the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States? Enjoy some of the city’s most mouthwatering food—including the wildly popular Sonoran hot dog—on the Flavors of Tucson Food Tour.
🎬 Did you know the Old Tucson Studio has appeared in over 500 films and TV shows? Your itinerary includes a tour of this iconic Hollywood hideaway, where westerns like “Tombstone” and “Rio Bravo” were filmed.
🌵 Did you know Saguaro National Park near Tucson protects the nation’s largest cacti, which can live for up to 200 years? Walkers will experience breathtaking saguaro forests and their unique desert ecosystem on our trail through the park.
✨ Did you know Tucson is the “astronomy capital of the world”? This stargazing nirvana offers a city-wide ‘dark sky’ commitment and is home to cutting-edge telescope manufacturing. During your free time in town, explore the University of Arizona’s giant telescope mirror lab located beneath the football stadium on a 90-minute tour—offering a rare glimpse at how the world’s largest telescope mirrors are made.Bonus: A 5K self-guided walking tour of the University of Arizona campus is also available for those who want to explore more.
🤠 Did you know America’s first “Public Enemy No. 1” John Dillinger was captured in Tucson after staying at the historic Hotel Congress? Dillinger’s 1934 capture followed a dramatic hotel fire—and our Flavors of Tucson Food Tour kicks off at that very site. Today, the hotel honors its colorful past with annual Dillinger Days festivities, which just happen to coincide with our Tucson stay!
⛏️ Did you know Tombstone, Arizona, was named by prospector Ed Schieffelin who was told the only thing he would find in that area would be his own “tombstone”? Ironically, Schieffelin’s discovery of rich silver ore in 1877 sparked a silver rush that grew Tombstone into one of the last and wildest frontier boomtowns, famous for its lawlessness and the legendary Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. You can explore Tombstone with insights from our knowledgeable local guide on our Wild West Tombstone Excursion.
🌶️ Did you know the El Charro Café in Tucson is the oldest Mexican restaurant in the U.S. continuously operated by the same family? You’ll experience over a century of Tucson culinary tradition and history when our group shares its farewell dinner hosted by El Charro.
From savoring local cuisine to wandering through historic streets, and from hiking sun-soaked trails to gazing at the star-studded desert sky, Tucson promises experiences that stay with you long after you leave.
We’re thrilled to share all that Tucson has to offer with our travelers next January!
We generally walk at a pace of 2 to 3 miles per hour.
In most cases, we are not “strolling.” We are walking at a relaxed but steady pace. Your experience will be significantly affected by your level of physical fitness. If not walking regularly at home, we strongly recommend that you make a priority of “training” beforehand in order to both enjoy the trip and avoid medical issues due to overexertion. If you have questions about your ability to participate, please call our office at 1.360.260.9393.
We have adopted a walk difficulty rating system which contains a numeric indicator for trail incline and an alpha indicator for trail terrain. The explanation for this system is presented on the table below:
INCLINE
1. Minimal hills or stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: <200 feet.
2. Some moderate hills and stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: 200-1000 feet.
3. Some significant hill or stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: 1000-2000 feet.
TERRAIN
A. Almost entirely on pavement.
B. A significant part of the route is on well-groomed trails with very few obstacles.
C. A significant part of the route is on somewhat difficult terrain (rocky / rooted paths or soft sand).
The official start and finish point for this Adventure is the Tucson International Airport (airport code TUS). WAI guides will greet you after you claim luggage and direct you do our transfer bus which will deliver you to our hotel just a block away from the lovely grounds of the University of Arizona. At our hotel, other WAI team members will help you check in and get oriented to the area.
We recommend that you contact Laura Pfahler, the travel agent we work with, to help book your flight arrangements. In this age of airfare complications and airport uncertainty, using a travel agent is a good investment!
More details about flight arrangements and travel agent contact information will be provided in an Adventure Advice PDF by email after you register for the Adventure. Please do not book your airfare prior to receiving these flight details from us!
WAI recommends travel insurance for financial and medical protection from any number of unforeseen circumstances that can arise before departure or during your Adventure. Many travel insurance providers are available for you to consider. Laura Pfahler and Sharon Mitchell of World Travel Inc. can provide travel insurance options for your WAI tour, as well as for your airfare. For those who purchase airfare through Laura, purchasing your travel insurance from her colleague, Sharon Mitchell, may be the simplest option.
Be aware that some travel insurance policies contain time-sensitive provisions (i.e. some benefits, such as coverage of pre-existing conditions, are available only if the policy is purchased within a certain number of days of the purchase of the travel package). In addition, remember that airfare is not covered by any travel insurance policy you may have purchased for the tour.
Check out Insurance Tipsfrom World Travel for a short introduction to travel insurance.
Using the SquareMouth.com website can be a good way to compare pricing.
NOTE: WAI receives no commission or financial remuneration from World Travel Inc. In addition, WAI bears no responsibility for travel insurance benefits advertised by various credit card companies. If you are relying on this type of benefit for insurance, we advise you to verify coverage types and limits and that your purchase does in fact qualify you for this insurance.
We suggest purchasing from a reputable, well-established insurance company (avoid buying insurance from an unknown company found only online). Travelers interested in purchasing “cancel for any reason” insurance coverage should be careful to check pricing and terms BEFORE they register for a tour. Recent changes in the international travel landscape has caused changes in the policies of some insurance companies, and made the purchase of this particular type of policy even more time-sensitive.
Our approach to wellness on tour has traditionally been to encourage travelers to:
Focus on health before the tour so you start healthy.
Pace yourself while on tour; travel is inherently stimulating and can produce adrenalin boosts that mask energy drain. Guard your energy reserves and consider the length of the trip and whether to opt out of some activities and/or walks.
Be self-aware. If you feel yourself tiring or feel a bug coming on, take precautions to block it (e.g. extra rest, extra doses of vitamin C, etc).
If you feel a bug coming on or if you take ill, distance yourself from others when possible.
If you feel ill, isolate yourself towards the back of the bus and away from others and please wear a mask.
More details about flight arrangements and travel agent contact information will be provided in an Adventure Advice PDF by email after you register for the Adventure. Please do not buy your airline tickets until you review this Adventure Advice email.
A final payment is due 90 days before departure and is non-refundable after the due date. You will receive a prompt email from us a week or two in advance. Please see our General Tour Conditions for the full terms and conditions for participation in this Adventure. Registration for the Tucson Rendezvous closes November 15.
About 2 weeks before departure, you will receive a final email packet with details of the program, including hotel info and contact information, a list of fellow travelers, and a more detailed daily schedule.
We look forward to connecting at Tucson Rendezvous, renewing walking friendships from the past and meeting the new WAI 2.0 team that will carry the Walking Adventures vision into the future!
