BEFORE YOU BOOK

Why Inspiring Journeys?

At Inspiring Journeys, we want to rekindle your passion for travel through immersive experiences. We offer a range of journeys from 5 to 22 days to the most idyllic, breathtaking and iconic locations in Australia and New Zealand, in a small group of no more than 20 travellers. Best of all, our expert Journey Directors will take care of everything else, so you can sit back and be inspired by the experiences.

What are the coaches like?

We’ve thought of everything to make your journey as comfortable as possible. Travel in style in fully air-conditioned luxury coaches or purpose built 4WD vehicles and enjoy onboard complimentary drinks and snacks. Our coaches come with reclining seats, footrests, panoramic windows, and an onboard restroom, as well as phone chargers and free WiFi (coverage may vary in remote areas).

How do I make a reservation?

You can book online, contact our reservations team or speak with your preferred travel agent. For further information visit our Contact Us page.

When do I need to pay for my journey?

A non-refundable deposit per holiday per person is required within 5 days of booking, with full payment due 6 weeks prior to your departure date. For bookings made within 45 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking. For further information, please see Booking Conditions.

Is there a surcharge if I pay by credit card?

There is a 1% surcharge per transaction on all bookings paid by credit card.

What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit/debit card payments (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) and direct deposits. There is a 1% surcharge per transaction on all bookings paid by credit card.

What are Inspiring Journeys booking terms and conditions?

Please visit our Booking Conditions and our Privacy Policy pages for full details.

Are there any discounts available?

Inspiring Journeys has a range of discounts available including Early Payment Discount, solo traveller offers and last-minute deals. Please visit our Offers page for full details.

Can I book my airfares through Inspiring Journeys?

We can book and ticket Australian domestic flights and flights to and from New Zealand for you. The relevant airline’s booking and payment conditions will apply to any flights booked through Inspiring Journeys. Some airfares are ‘instant purchase’ and need to be paid at the time of booking; others are 7-day fares, so you have a little more time to make payment. Your consultant will discuss the relevant conditions and payment requirements with you at the time of booking.

What are Definite and Non-Definite Departures?

We have a selection of Definite Departures on offer to guarantee that your Inspiring Journey will operate as scheduled. If you book on a Non-Definite Departure, we will determine if the trip will operate no later than 6 weeks prior to departure. If the departure is withdrawn, we will work with you to offer a suitable alternative. If you aren't happy with the options offered any money paid on your booking will be refunded.

Can I make changes to my reservation?

For a small fee per person, changes may be made to previously confirmed reservations. This fee will be waived if the change increases the value of the booking. A change of journey date and/or itinerary within 45 days of tour departure is considered to be a cancellation and normal cancellation fees will apply. If you are changing to an earlier departure date of equivalent or greater value, the cancellation fee will be waived and only the amendment fee will be charged. For further information, please see Booking Conditions.

If you have booked airfares with us, tickets are issued on receipt of full payment, and once ticketed, airfares are non-refundable as per airline conditions. Any amendments to these flights will incur a fee. Please contact your Inspiring Journeys consultant or travel agent to make changes to your reservation.

What are your cancellation fees?

Cancellation fees are dependent on the amount of notice given. For further information, please see Booking Conditions.

Do I need to advise Inspiring Journeys of any special needs e.g. medication, mobility issues or serious medical conditions?

It is essential that we know of any mobility, medical conditions, special needs you may have at the time of booking so that we can ensure, as much as possible, your needs are met on tour. Guests requiring particular needs are welcome onboard Inspiring Journeys providing they are accompanied by an able-bodied companion capable of providing all necessary assistance and do not require special assistance from Inspiring Journeys’ personnel, or anyone else on the tour. Please contact our reservations team if you have any questions or if we can help you decide which journey is right for you.

What if I have special dietary requirements?

Please advise of special meal requests at the time of booking, or no later than 14 days prior to departure. Please note that while all efforts are made to accommodate special dietary requirements, due to the remote locations visited, these cannot be guaranteed.

How and when will I receive travel documents?

We will post a travel wallet containing your documents and luggage tags to you approximately four weeks before your departure date. Each guest travelling with Inspiring Journeys receives a reusable water bottle in our effort to help reduce consumption of one-time use plastic bottles. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be sent directly to your agent.

Do I need to reconfirm my reservation?

There is no need to reconfirm your Inspiring Journey. Please refer to your documentation for meeting instructions or pick-up information or give us a call. To reconfirm your reservation in Australia, or to ask us any last-minute questions, please visit the Contact Us page. (Australian Hours of operation: 9am-6pm Monday – Friday and 9am-1pm Saturdays).

Do I need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)?

Visitors to New Zealand will require an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). They will need to be obtained online or via the official app and must be done before departure from the country of origin. Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents with a resident return visa and most Pacific Island passport holders are exempt. For information and to apply please go to https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/nzeta

What's included in the price of my Inspiring Journey?

All Inspiring Journeys include handpicked accommodation, selected to immerse you in your destination, most meals including unique local dining experiences as well as complimentary refreshments throughout the journey.

You will travel in luxury air-conditioned coach or bespoke 4WD vehicles, and be guided by an expert Journey Director. All airport transfers, entrance and National Park fees are included, and you will receive a sustainable travel kit, including a refillable water bottle and backpack.

Our journeys are expertly curated to include the ideal mix of immersive activities and unique interactions with local communities with built in leisure time designed for you to explore destinations as you wish.

If you have any questions about exactly what's included on your journey call our reservations team or contact your travel agent.

Do you include airport transfers?

Inspiring Journeys offers an airport transfer at the start and end of the journey. Please provide flight details at least six weeks prior to departure so airport transfers can be booked.

Who travels on an Inspiring Journey?

With such a diverse range of destinations and touring styles, there is no set age or type who travel with us, so you can expect a wide range of like-minded travellers.

What options do I have if I am travelling alone?

The beauty of travelling with Inspiring Journeys is that you won't be travelling alone. You'll be travelling with a group of like-minded travellers and soon-to-be friends to share in the experience. Stay up to date with our current offers which sometimes include Solo Traveller deals.

Can I travel with children?

Yes, however children must be a minimum of 12 years of age.

Are your journeys suited to all fitness levels?

With such a diverse range of holidays and trips, we offer sightseeing options to suit everyone. However, some will require more walking or a higher fitness level than others. If you are unsure, please check with our reservations team for advice before booking.

BEFORE YOU GO

How many other people will I be travelling with?

With Inspiring Journeys, you will be travelling with a maximum of 20 guests. On our Tasmania’s Footsteps and Trails Journey, the maximum is 10 guests.

Can I reserve a seat at the front of the coach?

To allow everyone the opportunity to enjoy seats at the front of the coach, Inspiring Journeys has a seat rotation policy on all itineraries. This means that everyone changes seats daily so that you can meet new people throughout your journey.

Will I need a passport?
 Passports are needed when travelling outside of your home country. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip.

Will I need a visa?

You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks prior to your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your Travel Agent and the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.

Visitors from visa-waiver countries must request an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to coming to New Zealand. You may also have to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). For more information on the ETA and IVL, visit Immigration New Zealand.

Do I need travel insurance?

We strongly advise all travellers take out travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances. As extra security we also offer Gold Seal Additional Protection on our Inspiring Journeys. It can be purchased by Australian and New Zealand residents at the time of booking. Click here for full details.

What do I need to bring?

A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, weatherproof jacket and good walking shoes are a good starting point for all our journeys. Casual, drip-dry lightweight clothes are perfect. Other items, depending on your journey, require a swimming costume and towel, small collapsible umbrella, travel alarm clock and medications. There is no need for lots of formal clothes, however you might like to include a few options to wear out for dinner, but above all you want to be comfortable.
  
It is also important to consider the region you will be visiting and the season you will be travelling in. Other things to think about are the activities you will be taking part in. For example the Australian outback can be quite dusty so we recommend you avoid packing light coloured clothing, Mosquitoes and sand-flies can also be a nuisance during the wet season and all year around at sunset and dusk in the Northern Territory, so we also advise you bring insect repellent if you are travelling to this region.

How much luggage can I bring?

You can bring one suitcase per person, with the approximate dimensions of 76cm x 46cm x 25cm. The maximum weight of all luggage must not exceed 23kg (50lbs). We suggest you have wheels on your suitcase, as there are certain places where assistance is not available (e.g. airports, railway stations and cruise terminals).
  
You are also allowed one piece of hand luggage onboard the coach. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartments and cannot be accepted as hand luggage.
 
 Please check with our reservations team if you have any questions regarding luggage restrictions. Visit the Contact Us page to find contact details.

Do I need to bring water with me?

It is recommended you carry plenty of drinking water, particularly in warmer climates. Some Northern Territory tours require you to carry a minimum quantity of drinking water for your safety and comfort, and you will not be able to participate in some tour activities if this minimum requirement is not met. Drinking water quality can also vary in remote regions so please check if water is suitable for consumption with Travel Experts. We also have drinking water available on our coaches and all guests will be provided with a reusable water bottle, to limit plastic usage.

ON YOUR INSPIRING JOURNEY

Are the recommended arrival and departure times strict?

It is important to adhere to departure times while on your journey for the comfort of everyone onboard, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the journey. Check with your travel agent or our reservations team for the starting time of your journey to ensure you allow time to connect into the city where your journey commences.

Will I have free time?

We pride ourselves on offering the perfect mix of sightseeing and free time. While many amazing must-see experiences are included, there is also time to shop, explore, relax in a local café or take a walk.

How often do we stop?

On travelling days, you will stop every 2 to 3 hours either at a rest stop where you will have access to food and facilities or for sightseeing, activities or free time.

Can I stay on the coach when we stop if I am feeling tired?

For security reasons the coach must be empty and locked at every stop. Please see your Journey Director if any assistance is required to locate a rest spot.

What meals will be served?

On our Inspiring Journeys all breakfasts and many dinners are included. There are some meals we intentionally don’t include, like lunches and some dinners, to give you the flexibility to explore in your free time and try all kinds of local cuisine.
  
Breakfast comprises of cereals, fruit juices and a selection of cooked dishes such as eggs, bacon and sausages, plus, toast, preserves, tea and coffee. Many dinners are also included and always provide choice with either quality buffet or a la carte menu to choose from. Dinner is accompanied by dessert options and tea and coffee.
  
We also include Local Dining Experiences, like an outback bush barbecue under the stars or dinner at one of New Zealand’s world-famous wineries. They give travellers unique meal experiences, with the opportunity to feel the true essence of a destination through its history, its locals and its produce.

What are Optional Experiences?

We've included the must-see and must-do experiences on all our journeys but also offer you the ability to customise your journey with a selection of optional experiences. Details of the optional experiences available on your Inspiring Journey will be sent with your final documents approximately four weeks before departure. There is no need to pre-book; optional experiences are organised by your Journey Director while on tour. Payment is accepted by credit card.
  
Please note Inspiring Journeys operates some of the optional activities offered, but most are run by independent third-party operators. Inspiring Journeys accepts no liability where optional activities are operated by a third party.

What if I become ill on my trip and am unable to continue?

Your Journey Director will assist you in making a doctor's appointment or getting to a hospital should you require. Our Operations Department in Australia or New Zealand will contact you to offer assistance and advice and keep in touch until you are able to re-join the trip or return home. This service is included in the cost of your trip; however, it is not a replacement for travel insurance, which we strongly advise you to purchase.

Will I be able to get laundry done?

Many hotels have laundries with washing machines and dryers. It is recommended you use these facilities at hotels where you have two-night stays. 

Will I need electrical adaptors?

Electrical plugs and outlets differ throughout the world. We recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor that’s suitable for Australia and New Zealand if coming from overseas.
For more information on power plugs in Australia and New Zealand, visit here.

Are there bathroom facilities on the coach?

We pride ourselves on having the finest fleet of fuel-efficient, fully air-conditioned coaches, all with reclining seats, seatbelts and restrooms.

Are tours affected by Easter, Christmas or other Public Holidays?

Our tours operate during public holidays and festivals around Australia and New Zealand, but occasionally minor changes to the standard itinerary may be required. Retail shops, banks, museums and other commercial businesses could be closed, but your Journey Director will ensure you are well advised in case of special holidays or public holiday trading.

Can I charge my devices on the coach?

USB charging ports are provided for guests to charge their devices.

Is there onboard Wi-Fi?

We pride ourselves on having the finest fleet of fuel-efficient, fully air-conditioned coaches, with on board Wi-Fi for our guests’ convenience.

Do I need to tip my Journey Director?

While it’s not compulsory in Australia or New Zealand, tipping is becoming an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry. Tipping is on a voluntary individual basis, with a guideline of $5 per day, to your Journey Director at the end of your holiday.

Is smoking allowed?

Government regulations prohibit smoking on-board all tourist coaches in Australia and New Zealand. We do, however, make plenty of comfort stops.