F.A.Q.

How can I book?

You can book at the bottom of the destination page, then you will have to select the desired date and fill in the form with your data. After completing, please send us an email asking your Bank Details or Paypal account (The website payment system is only for Portuguese residents) all the travel information and documents that you will need to fill out for the reservation to be completed. Holidays and weekends are closed and it is natural that you do not receive confirmation from us.

How do I pay?

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

What about extra activities?

If you want to participate in any extra activities you must book and pay up to 60 days before the trip.

Will we receive more travel information?

Yes, after making the reservation we will send you all the documents and information about the program, including a detailed itinerary and other curiosities about the destination. A week before the trip we sent an email with the latest tips and information.

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 know the world in other prespectives, you will have an unforgettable experience.

It is important that you understand that these are adventure trips and unexpectedly things happen … You may find animals that you do not have at home; the internet might be weak or not working; the air conditioning is damaged; the water in the shower 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 thankfully it is so, if it were all the same it would not be worth leaving home.

Also, unfortunately, we can’t promise good weather, sometimes it rains, there are snowfalls, the sea is rough, the sky is cloudy and the weather conditions can lead to changes in the itinerary… But what would an adventureless trip be without this moments?! If this is not your type of travel and you do not want to leave your comfort zone, it may be better to choose another type of vacation.

If you invite a friend to join our trip, it is essential that you update him / her with this information. All we don’t want is a grumpy traveler who has been “dragged” by friends, this can spoil the fun and relaxed atmosphere we are used to in our groups.

What kind of accommodation are we going to have?

It depends a lot on each trip. We usually stay in 3/4 **** hotels, sometimes we stay in hostels, sometimes in nomad tents, private boats, floating bungalows or nights on night trains. We advise you to see the types of accommodation on 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 respect the local culture.

How are rooms divided?

Rooms are divided randomly as travelers sign up. If you are traveling alone, you will share a room with another traveler of the same sex who also travels alone. In some situations, you may have to stay in a triple room. If you are traveling as a couple or with a friend, you will have your own private room.

What kind of rooms are we staying in?

We usually stay in double rooms. The rooms can have a double bed or two separate beds. Whenever possible we give couples double beds. People traveling alone stay in rooms with two separate beds (sometimes in some accommodation it may not be possible).

What if I want a single room?

Sometimes it is possible to choose to stay in a room just for you, however we cannot promise that it 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 do you confirm your trips?

We confirm trips when we reach the minimum number of participants (which varies depending on the destination). Sometimes we confirm the moment you sign up, but there are tours that can take a few months.

What if LEVA-ME don’t confirm?

If up to 2 months before the trip we have not reached the minimum number of travelers, we will contact you to inform you that the trip has been canceled and we will refund your reservation money.

Is the international flight included?

No, each traveler is responsible for the purchase of their airline ticket. LEVA-ME only organizes the entire itinerary at the destination. Sometimes domestic flights are included in the tours, but the international flight is the traveler who buys.

Why is international flight not included?

LEVA-ME has travelers from several countries, so it does not make sense 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 the company they want to travel with.

Can you help me buy the flight?

LEVA-ME will share, at the moment it confirms the trip, the recommended flights so that the majority of the group travel at the same time. However, you are free to buy any other flight. If you have difficulty we can of course try to help you buy, but we do not have a flight reservation service.

How do you choose the recommended flight?

We chose the flight taking into account the number of hours and stops to the destination. We prefer to recommend a flight that is more direct, less tiring, and that arrives / departs at reasonable times … But you can always opt for a more economical option with more stops if you prefer.

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 at the destination. Later on we will talk about how the group meets.

When should I buy the flight?

You must purchase your flight only after you have made the payment for the trip reservation, and only after receiving an email from LEVA-ME confirming the trip. We advise registered travelers by email that they can already purchase flights after the minimum number of participants has been reached.

Can I apply alone?

Of course, most of our travelers travel alone. It is a trip to meet new people and make friends.

Who will I share this trip with?

First of all you will be with the LEVA-ME travel leader during the whole trip. Then you will live with other travelers, who like you also love travel, adventure and discovery … The age range of our travelers is wide and ranges from 20 to 70 years old, with an average age of 35 years. We guarantee you that the atmosphere is very fun and that you will end the trip with a new group of friends.

Are the whole group Portuguese?

The vast majority of the group is made up of Portuguese people, but it is common to sometimes have travelers from other nationalities.

Will I have time just for me?

Of course! We hate trips that have every minute scheduled. Our trip will be busy and full of adventures, but there will also be time to explore the places on your own!

What language is spoken during LEVA-ME’s travels?

Given that travel leaders and most travelers are Portuguese speakers, Portuguese will be the language used. However, sometimes we have local guides throughout the trips who only speak English or Spanish. Most of Portuguese people speaks English so you won’t have problems in communicating. Also the Tour Leader speaks English to help you in every occasion.

What is the role of the travel leader?

The travel leader is the person who will accompany you throughout the journey in order for you 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 punctually certified local guides so that you can clarify all your questions. The travel leader’s goal is to take care of all the logistics so you don’t have to worry about accommodation, transportation, 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, to create a fun and respectful environment among travelers. He/she will be a friend who will always be available to help you if you need to and to show you what we like most in the country.

Does the group of travelers travel together from Lisbon?

No, as there are travelers from different parts of the world, the meeting point for the group is at the destination airport or at the hotel.

Those who depart from Portugal can meet at the airport?

Yes, it is common for travelers who depart from Lisbon / Porto to meet at the boarding gate to get to know each other.

How do we meet at Lisbon airport?

Usually we don’t organize any meetings, travelers recognize the tour leader (when he or she travels on the recommended flight) at the boarding gate and introduce themselves.

And does the travel leader go on the recommended flight?

Usually yes, but sometimes the travel leader is already at the destination few days before waiting for the travelers.

How do we all get together at the destination, since some travelers go on another flights?

LEVA-ME and the travel leader keep the details and flight schedules of all travelers. 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 go together on the transfer to the accommodation (we usually only have a group transfer included).

If you arrive at your destination later, you will have to go on your own to the hotel where the travel leader will be waiting for you. But we always help you before and during the trip.

What time is the transfer from the destination airport to the accommodation and vice versa?

The only group transfer is scheduled for the time when the recommended flight arrives. There are tours like Morocco and Tanzania where we have more than one transfer guaranteed, in these cases, by the time you arrive at the airport, a properly identified driver will be taking you to the hotel.

On what day should we arrive at the destination and depart from it?

You must arrive at the destination on the day the tour starts (start date on the website) and book your return on the day it ends. It is common, especially in more distant destinations, you to have to leave the day before to reach the destination on the day the journey begins.

I don’t have a flight the day the tour starts, can I go before?

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, after finishing the LEVA-ME tour you can stay more days, also on your own.

What kind of transport do we use when traveling?

It depends a lot on each tour, sometimes by plane, other times by private bus, train, jeep, vans, Tuk tuks, metro, etc …

Are there many hours of transportation?

It depends on each destination, but unfortunately we have not yet invented teleportation. Sometimes we have to make huge distances between places, which means that we can spend many hours in transport.

What type of meals are included?

Breakfasts are generally included during all trips, most are western made up of juices, milk, coffee, bread, eggs, fruit, etc … Although it may vary depending on the country or place where we are staying. Included meals are usually local food from the destination. We try whenever possible and when advised by the traveler, to have vegetarian meals available. Meals for celiacs are more limited, in this case we recommend you taking some food.

Why are some meals not included?

Because we like to give you free time to be alone and enjoy every second in your own way. So part of the meals are free so you can go wherever you want. So each one has the freedom to eat whatever he wants, wherever he wants and whenever he wants.

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.

If you book for more than one person, do we have a discount?

Unfortunately, the price of the trip is per person and does not vary depending on the number of registrations.

Do I need to bring any material?

In general, no specific material is needed. If so, we will tell you before the trip to have time to buy if you want.

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 insurance companies. It is essential that you provide us with the policy data in case you have any health problems during the trip.

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.

Other nationalities, you should ask us this question when making your reservation.

Health and Vaccines?

We recommend that all travelers make an appointment at a Travel Medicine clinic or speak to your doctor 4 to 8 weeks before departure. There are usually no mandatory vaccines, however you should check with your doctor.

Why is it that sometimes only one last place is available for men or women?

This is because the last place available on that date is to share a room with another person of the same sex.

When the trip is sold out does it mean that I can no longer enroll, even if I am just one person?

Exactly, when the trip is sold out, it is sold out. Unfortunately we are unable to add one more person because we have no space available in the rooms or transportation. You can always leave us your email, we will put you on the waiting list and if there is any withdrawal we will contact you.

How long can I wait to be told if there has been a dropout?

It is difficult for us to predict whether someone will give up and when. Sometimes we have people who have unforeseen circumstances and give up a few days before the trip. We always contact the waiting list following the order of registration. When there are no dropouts, we send an e-mail informing that unfortunately no places have appeared.

Is it dangerous to travel in the LEVA-ME tour countries?

The world is a much safer place than what we sometimes imagine. Traveling in countries where LEVA-ME organizes trips, with rare exceptions, is very similar to traveling in Portugal. Obviously, it is necessary to remain alert in the same way as in your country.

How many seats on the tour can I buy at one time?

All available seats can be reserved for you and your friends.

Can you keep seats?

No. The seats are only reserved after paying the reservation.

Do you have any other questions?

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