What is LEVA-ME?

LEVA-ME (Which means “Take Me!”) is a travel agency dedicated exclusively to group adventure trips. We present a destination, itinerary, dates and a travel leader to accompany you and show you what most fascinates us in the country. It was through his videos and photos that João Cajuda began to share his experiences across borders. LEVA-ME was created so that it was possible to take its community of travelers to live the same adventures and experiences. Founded together with her friend Mariana Vaz, LEVA-ME organizes and accompanies group trips to different destinations in which we are specialists. Since 2016 we have taken more than 1000 travelers on our adventure expeditions.

Why travel with LEVA-ME?

Our trips are organized in such a way as to introduce travelers to the best of each country. LEVA-ME excels in the quality of its hotels and services. We do not organize luxury or low cost trips. We like our travelers to be comfortable, to have unique experiences, we work with the best and most dedicated local partners and our leaders are experienced… Sometimes we can stay in more luxurious 5-star locations, other nights in simpler places, we believe that we must all learn to feel good wherever we are, taking into account the offer of the place where we are. But travel is not just the places, travel is also the people and the moments lived… It doesn’t matter if you sign up alone, we’re sure you’ll come back with 20 new friends! These are trips that go beyond the ordinary. We will introduce you to the most incredible places, the most typical foods… We will take you to discover the culture and daily life of a new people, a new country, always in the fun and relaxed spirit characteristic of LEVA-ME.
We want you to be curious, to awaken your adventurous side and to feel alive… to explore the corners of cities and to forge new paths, we want to inspire you… we want to make you a more responsible and conscious traveller. We want you to be more tolerant, with broader horizons, to get lost and to find yourself… we want you to return home and see that nothing has changed, except for you!

Are these trips for me?

These trips are for people who like to have fun, make new friends and feel alive! We are sure that if you come relaxed, in a good mood and available to see the world in a different way, you will have an unforgettable experience.
It is important that you understand that these are adventure trips and it is natural for unforeseen events to happen… It is possible to find animals that you do not have at home; the internet is weak or not working; the air conditioning is broken; the shower water does not come out with as much pressure and hot as your shower; the food isn’t as good as your mother’s… But I’m glad it’s like that, if everything was the same it wouldn’t be worth leaving the house.
We don’t promise good weather either, sometimes it rains, there is snow, the sea is rough, the sky is cloudy and the weather conditions can lead to changes in the itinerary… But what would an adventure be without adventure?! If this is not your type of travel and you don’t want to get out of your comfort zone, it might be better to opt for another type of vacation. Our trips are dynamic, of discovery… it is essential to have pedaling and joy for the whole adventure. If you invite a friend to come on the tour, it is essential that you inform them of this information, all we do not want is a grumpy traveler who has been “dragged” by friends, this can spoil the fun and relaxed atmosphere of the group.

How is payment made?
Payment is made in two parts. One of 30% (non-refundable in case of cancellation) to secure the reservation, and a second payment of 70% by bank transfer up to 60 days before the start of the trip. They can also choose to pay the entire trip in one payment.

Can I register alone?
Of course, in addition to our groups having couples, friends and family, most of our travelers register alone. It’s a trip to meet new people and make friends.

Are these trips for me?
This trip is for people who like to have fun, make new friends and feel alive! We are sure that if you come relaxed, in a good mood and available to see the world in a different way, you will have an unforgettable experience.
It is important that you understand that these are adventure trips and it is natural for unforeseen events to happen… It is possible to find animals that you do not have at home; the internet is weak or not working; the air conditioning is broken; the shower water does not come out with as much pressure and hot as your shower; the food is not as good as your mother’s, etc… But I’m glad it’s like that, if everything was the same, it wouldn’t be worth leaving the house.
We don’t promise good weather either, sometimes it rains, there is snow, the sea is rough, the sky is cloudy and the weather conditions can lead to changes in the itinerary… But what would an adventure be without adventure?!
If you invite a friend to come on the trip, it is essential that you inform them of this information. All we don’t want is a grumpy traveler who has been “dragged along” by friends, this can spoil the fun and relaxed atmosphere we are used to in our groups.

What type of accommodation will we be staying in?
It really depends on each trip. LEVA-ME stands out for the quality of accommodation it offers travelers. We don’t do luxury or low cost trips. We can stay in 3/4/5 star hotels, sometimes we stay in hostels, in nomadic tents, in private boats, in floating bungalows, other nights on night trains. We advise you to see the types of accommodation in the different tours. Sometimes we stay in more luxurious places, other nights in simpler places, we believe that we should all learn to feel good anywhere and taking into account the offer of the place where we are.

How is the rooms divided?
Rooms are divided randomly as travelers register. If you are traveling as a couple or with a friend, you will have your own private room.
If you are traveling alone, you will be sharing a room with another traveler of the same sex who is also traveling alone. In some situations it is possible that you may have to stay in a triple room.

What kind of rooms will we stay in?
We usually stay in double rooms. Rooms can have a double bed or two separate beds. Whenever possible, we provide couples with double beds. People traveling alone will stay in rooms with two separate beds (sometimes this may not be possible in some accommodations).

What if I want a single room?
Sometimes it is possible for you to choose to stay in a room just for you, however we cannot promise that this will happen every night of the trip. Get in touch with us for more information. If there is availability, we can do it but you will have to pay the single supplement which varies depending on the tour.

When does LEVA-ME confirm the trip?
We confirm the trip when all the conditions for the trip are met, namely the minimum number of travelers has been reached, as well as all questions related to the organization of the trip (reservations, transfers, activities…). Generally, confirmation of trips takes place several months before the trip, however it can take a maximum of 20 days before the date. It may happen that at the time you make your reservation the trip is already confirmed.

And if they don’t confirm?
If up to 20 days before the trip we have not reached the minimum number of travelers, we will contact you to inform you that the trip has been cancelled.

What if the trip is canceled by LEVA-ME?
If LEVA-ME cancels the trip, we will give subscribers 3 options: Return of the money paid / Possibility to schedule for a new date / Possibility to use it in another destination or leave it in credit for future trips.
If the traveler cancels, the terms and conditions apply.

Are flights included?
No, each traveler is responsible for purchasing his or her airline ticket. LEVA-ME only organizes the entire itinerary from the moment you arrive at your destination until your return.

Why are flights not included?
LEVA-ME has travelers from several countries, for this reason it is possible to include the flight in the travel package. On the other hand, we like that each traveler has the freedom to choose the dates, times or company he wants to travel with.

Can you help me buy flights?
After the trip is confirmed by LEVA-ME, an email will be sent to all travelers with the recommended flights. Flights will always be recommended for those departing from Lisbon and Porto. Travelers can, however, choose to buy other flights that are somehow more advantageous to them. If you’re departing from another city/country, we’ll help you recommend flights. If the trip has a domestic flight, this will also be recommended and it is essential that it is the same for all travellers.

I live abroad, do I need to go to Lisbon to travel with the rest of the group?
No, you can leave your country of residence and we’ll meet you at the destination. Later we will talk about how the group meets.

And how are transfers organized?
Transfers depend from trip to trip. There is usually only one transfer for the whole group on the way out, and another on the way back. Transfer times are scheduled depending on the time of the recommended flights. Upon arrival at the destination airport, there will always be a driver with a LEVA-ME sign waiting for travelers. If you choose flights other than those recommended and arrive earlier at the airport, you can wait for the transfer time. The same happens on the way back, if your flight is later but you want to take advantage of the transfer to the airport, you can use it. If you choose flights that do not coincide with the days or times of the transfer, you will have to travel at your own expense.

Who will I share this trip with?
First of all, you’ll be with the TAKE ME trip leader for the entire trip. You will also go with other travelers, many who travel alone, couples, friends, family… all with a common taste for travel, for adventure, for discovery… The age range is transversal, we have travelers from 20 to 70 years old, all are well welcome! We guarantee that the atmosphere is very fun and that you will end the trip with a new group of friends.

Are we just Portuguese?
The vast majority of our groups are Portuguese travelers, but it is common to have travelers from other nationalities.

Does the group of travelers travel all together from Portugal?
Most of the group yes, as they opt for the recommended flight. However, as we have travelers departing from various parts of the world, the group’s official meeting point is at the destination airport or hotel.

Who travels from Portugal cannot meet at the airport?
Yes, travelers departing Lisbon/Porto will meet the travel leader at the boarding gate to get to know each other prior to travel.

How do we all get together as some travelers go on other flights?
LEVA-ME and the travel leader keep the flight details and schedules of all participants. If you travel on another plane and arrive at the same time or before the majority of the group, you can wait at the airport and we will transfer together to the accommodation. If you arrive later at your destination, you will have to go on your own to the hotel where the tour leader will be waiting for you. But we always help you before and during the trip.

On what day should we arrive at and depart from the destination?
You must arrive at the destination on the day the tour starts (start date shown on the website) and schedule your return on the day it ends. It is common, especially in more distant destinations, to have to leave the day before to arrive at the destination on the day the trip begins.

I don’t have a flight on the day the tour starts, can I go earlier?
Of course you can but you will be on your own until you meet the tour leader and the group at the hotel on the day the tour starts. If you want, you can also stay more days after finishing the LEVA-ME tour.

If I want to arrive a few days earlier, or stay a few days later, can I book the accommodation with you?
Unfortunately no, but we will give you all the information and contact details of the accommodations so that you can book directly with them.

What language is spoken during LEVA-ME trips?
Given that travel leaders and most travelers are Portuguese speakers, Portuguese will be the language used. However, sometimes we have local guides along the trips who only speak English or Spanish. If you have any difficulty understanding, you always have the travel leader to help you.

What is the role of the travel leader?
The travel leader is the person who will accompany you throughout the trip in order to enjoy the destination in a more relaxed way. It is important that you understand that a travel leader is not a tour guide who will tell you about the history of the monuments or about cultural details, for that we have local guides who have studied occasionally so that you can clarify all your questions. The purpose of the travel leader is to take care of all the logistics so you don’t have to worry about accommodation, transport, meals and activities. At the same time, it is the role of the travel leader to make the country and its culture known to the group in general, creating a fun and respectful environment among travelers. It will be a friend who will always be available to help you if you need it.

Do you have a sustainability policy?
As passionate about the World that we are, we try to make our trips as sustainable as possible. Whenever possible, we work with companies and hotels that have a sustainability certificate. We provide our travelers with information on how to be responsible tourists. We try to work with small businesses and hotels in order to activate the local economy. We avoid practices that in any way have a negative impact on the population or place we visit, nor do we sell activities that exploit animals.

I have a health problem, can I go on the trip?
All travelers are welcome on our trips, but if you have a health problem that somehow limits you physically, we recommend that you talk to us before making the reservation so that we can advise you or recommend a trip TAKE ME We think it’s more suitable.

What kind of transport do we use on our trips?
It depends a lot on each tour, sometimes by plane, sometimes by private bus, train, jeep, vans, Tuk tuks, metro, etc…

What kind of meals are included?
Breakfasts are usually included during all trips, most are western breakfasts consisting of juices, milk, coffee, bread, eggs, fruit, etc… Although it may vary depending on the country or place where we are staying. Meals included are usually local food at the destination.

I have a dietary restriction, are there options?
We try whenever possible and when advised by the traveler, to have vegetarian meals available. Meals for celiacs are more limited and in that case we recommend that you bring some food.

Is there an age requirement?
Be over 18 years old. Over 16s are welcome when accompanied by parents. The price is the same as an adult.

Do I need to bring some material?
In general, no specific material is required. If it is, we will tell you before the trip so you have time to buy if you want.

And the extra activities?
Some of our trips have extra activities that you can do if you want. Extra Activities are not included and can be booked and paid for up to 60 days before travel. If you don’t want to do any activity, you have that free time to occupy it the way you want. The travel leader does not always accompany travelers on extra activities, but there is always a person in charge of the activity company who accompanies the group.

Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory for all travelers to have travel insurance. You can do it online and quickly on the website of many insurers. It is important that you provide us with the policy details in the event that you have any health problems during the trip and we can activate the insurance for you.

Will I have time just for myself?
Sure! We hate tours that have every minute scheduled. Our tour will be busy and full of adventures, but there will also be time to explore the places on your own!

Why are some meals not included?
That’s why, because we like to give you free time to be alone and enjoy in your own way. That’s why part of the meals are free so you can go wherever, whenever and with whomever you want.

What about visas?
For Portuguese – If you need a visa to enter the country, you will be informed by LEVA-ME in a timely manner.

Health and Vaccines?
We recommend that all travelers make a traveler appointment or speak with their doctor 4 to 8 weeks prior to departure. There are usually no mandatory vaccinations, however you should confirm with your doctor, in addition to understanding if he recommends any type of medication.

When the trip is sold out, does it mean that I can no longer register, even if I am only one person?
Exactly, when the trip is sold out, it is sold out. Unfortunately, we were unable to add any more people as we do not have available space in the rooms or transport. You can always be on the waiting list and if there is any cancellation we will contact you.

Why is it that sometimes there is only one last seat available for a man or a woman?
This is because the last available seat on the trip is to share a room with another person of the same sex.

Is it dangerous to travel in the countries where LEVA-ME travels?
The world is a much safer place than what we sometimes imagine. Traveling in the countries where LEVA-ME organizes trips is very similar to traveling through Portugal.
Obviously it is necessary to remain alert in the same way as in your country.

How many tour seats can I buy at once?
All seats can be reserved for you and your friends.

Can you save seats?
Not. Seats are only reserved after the reservation has been paid.

Do you have other doubts?
You can send us an email and we will be happy to answer you: info@leva-me.com