Your Questions, Answered
We know that choosing a trip is a big decision — especially if it’s your first time traveling with us. Here are the questions we hear most. If yours isn’t here, give us a call at 360.260.9393 (Mon–Fri, 7–10am Pacific) or email fun@walkingadventures.com.
Is WAI Right for Me?
WAI walks cover up to about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) per day at a steady, relaxed pace of roughly 2 miles per hour. Some tours with established long-distance routes — like the Camino de Santiago — may cover more ground on certain days, but there are always alternatives for those who prefer a lighter walk.
You should be comfortable walking 10 kilometers (6 miles) of flat, level trail in about 2.5 hours. If you’re not walking regularly at home, we strongly recommend making training a priority before the trip. It makes all the difference in your enjoyment — and it helps you avoid medical issues from overexertion.
Every tour is rated with an Adventure Pace score (Tour Pace 1–5 and Walk Challenge 1–5), so you can match a trip to your comfort level before you book. How our walks work →
Two WAI guides are on every trip — one leads, one sweeps at the back. The group stretches naturally, and guides monitor the pace so no one falls behind unnoticed. On more demanding days, a shorter or easier alternative walk is usually available. And every walk is optional — you can skip a walk and rejoin the group at the next stop. Just let your guides know.
Absolutely. Solo travelers are welcome and common on WAI tours. We offer a roommate matching service if you’d like to share a room, or you can request a single room for a supplement that varies by tour. With over half the group typically being repeat WAI travelers, the social dynamic is welcoming from day one.
Our travelers range from grandchildren to active octogenarians, with an average age around 65. The common thread isn’t age — it’s curiosity and a love of walking.
It depends on the tour. Our Adventure Pace ratings give you a clear picture of what each trip demands — Tour Pace for overall intensity, Walk Challenge for the walking difficulty. Some tours involve cobblestones, hills, or uneven terrain; others are mostly flat paths and paved city streets. We’re happy to talk through specific concerns and help you find the right fit. Read more about our walking levels → Or call us at 360.260.9393.
What’s Included?
Breakfast is typically included, provided by the hotel. Group lunches and dinners are included when the meal is part of the cultural experience — a traditional dinner in a local home, lunch at a historic inn, a farewell evening. Independent meals give you freedom to explore on your own. WAI does not operate as all-inclusive. The specific meal plan is shown on each tour page with per-day indicators, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before you book.
If you have dietary restrictions, let us know in advance. Group restaurants can usually accommodate common needs, though remote locations may have limitations.
Comfortable 3-star to quality 4-star properties, selected for location, character, and walkability to local restaurants and attractions. Pricing is based on double occupancy. Solo travelers can request a single room for a supplement (varies by tour) or use our roommate matching service.
Generally not — you book your own flights, which gives you flexibility to use your preferred airline, frequent flyer miles, or travel credits. After you register, WAI sends an Adventure Advice email with recommended airports, arrival and departure times, and a recommended travel agent (Laura Pfahler) who knows our tours well.
Important: don’t book flights until you receive this guidance. Some international tours include internal flights (such as inter-island flights in the Azores or within Egypt) — this is noted on the specific tour page.
Motorcoach is the primary group transport, connecting hotels, walk starting points, and cultural sites. Luggage is transported between hotels, so you only carry a daypack on walks. Full logistics details →
How Does Booking Work?
Choose your adventure, then reserve your spot with a deposit. For most tours, the registration deposit is $500 per person — or, if you pre-registered during the Early Bird phase, your $200 pre-registration deposit plus an additional $300 when the tour is confirmed.
Final payment is due 90 days before departure. WAI sends a reminder email 2–3 weeks before each payment deadline.
Some tours have different deposit amounts or payment schedules due to vendor policies — the specific terms are shown on each tour page under Before You Book.
Each year, WAI opens upcoming destinations for pre-registration before full itineraries and pricing are finalized. You hold your place with a fully refundable $200 deposit. Tours that attract strong interest are developed into complete adventures with firm dates and pricing. Pre-registered travelers get a priority booking window before the tour opens to the general public. It’s how WAI travelers shape the travel calendar — and how you make sure you’re in the group when a destination you love gets confirmed.
Once paid, your registration deposit is non-refundable. Final payment is non-refundable after the due date. WAI reserves the right to cancel a departure if participation falls below the minimum threshold for that tour, in which case you receive a full refund of all payments received. In rare cases where supplier deposits reduce what WAI can recover, we do our best to transfer unrefunded amounts as credits toward a future tour.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance — especially “cancel for any reason” coverage, which is time-sensitive. Please see our General Tour Conditions for the complete terms.
If a tour doesn’t meet the minimum number of participants, WAI will notify you as early as possible and issue a full refund of all payments. This is uncommon — most tours fill well.
Before You Go
WAI strongly recommends it. A good policy covers trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and emergency medical expenses — situations that are rare but expensive when they happen. Be aware that some policies have time-sensitive provisions: benefits like coverage of pre-existing conditions may only be available if the policy is purchased within a certain number of days of booking.
SquareMouth.com is a useful comparison tool. Reputable providers include Allianz, Travel Guard, and Travel Insured International. We recommend purchasing from well-established insurance companies — avoid unknown providers found only online. WAI does not take responsibility for travel insurance benefits advertised by credit card companies. Verify coverage types and limits before relying on them.
Start with comfortable, broken-in walking shoes — the single most important item. Add layered clothing for variable weather, a light daypack for walks, a rain jacket, a water bottle, and sunscreen. Specifics vary by destination and season. After you register, your Adventure Advice email includes a packing list tailored to your specific tour.
For international tours, a valid passport is required — it must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date for most countries. Visa requirements vary by destination. We recommend checking current requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate, as these can change. Tour-specific passport and visa information is provided on each tour page under Before You Book.
For US domestic tours and Canada, a valid passport or passport card may be required depending on the destination.
After you register — not before. WAI sends an Adventure Advice email with recommended airports, arrival and departure times, and detailed guidance on connecting with the group. Booking flights before you receive this information risks arriving at the wrong airport, at the wrong time, or on the wrong day. We also recommend Laura Pfahler as a travel agent who knows our tours and can help you find the best routing.
On the Road
Breakfast at the hotel → morning walk or cultural visit → lunch (sometimes as a group, sometimes on your own) → afternoon walk, sightseeing, or free time → evening dinner or independent evening. Not every day is a walking day, and rest days are built into longer tours. Read the full day-by-day breakdown on How We Travel →
WAI guides carry first aid kits and communication devices, and they routinely manage health situations on tour. For anything beyond minor issues, your travel insurance covers medical evacuation and emergency medical expenses — which is one reason we so strongly recommend purchasing a comprehensive policy before departure.
If you feel unwell, distance yourself from others when possible and wear a mask if symptomatic. Let your guides know and they’ll help you adjust your schedule.
We encourage travelers to focus on health before the tour so you start healthy, pace yourself during the trip, and be self-aware. If you feel a bug coming on, take precautions — extra rest, distance from others, and a mask if you have symptoms. WAI guides don’t attempt to diagnose between viruses; they help you manage your comfort and protect the group. WAI complies with local health regulations in every destination we visit. Read our full Wellness on Tour Policy for details. Each tour’s Before You Book section includes wellness policies specific to that trip.
Groups are kept intentionally small — typically up to 24 travelers, though some tours cap smaller or larger depending on the destination and logistics. On any given tour, over half the group are repeat WAI travelers.
Getting in Touch
Email: fun@walkingadventures.com
Phone: 360.260.9393 — Mon–Fri, 7–10am Pacific
If those hours don’t work, leave a voicemail or email us your phone number and preferred time, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours — probably sooner.
Walking Adventures International
522 W Riverside Ave, Ste 7220
Spokane, WA 99201