Covid-19 Policy – Explore with Spike

Keeping each other safe
As a tour operator for very small groups of people, Explore With Spike provides a unique, off-the-beaten-track travel experience that naturally avoids over-crowded destinations and attractions. However, we are still exposed to airports, hotels and each other. To ensure the safety of you and your fellow travelers, we ask that you take personal responsibility for your own wellbeing by familiarizing yourself with our COVID-19 policy on this page. We also ask that you come armed with patience and a sense of humor as we’ve all become familiar with the challenges of traveling in an ongoing pandemic. If we have learned anything from COVID, it’s to constantly adapt. We’ve had to completely revolutionize the way we travel. Be assured that all Explore With Spike tour guides, pros and staff are fully vaccinated and boosted.

COVID-19 vaccine
Currently, we are asking our tour participants to show proof of vaccination to attend any Explore With Spike event. While many of our tours take place in the great outdoors, we usually travel from location to location together in vans or buses all day long and spend additional time together indoors. There is a good chance this policy could change in Spring or Summer 2022 as COVID infection cases continue to decline. We simply wish to be respectful to each other and show consideration to the local guidelines for each destination we visit. Kind people are our kinda people!

COVID-19 testing
In some cases – depending on the location and length of the tour – those who are medically unable to be vaccinated may be able to attend by showing a negative COVID test that is done not more than 72 hours from the start of the workshop. Contact us to see if you qualify for the trip you are considering. For some international destinations, you may be required to bring proof of vaccination AND proof of a negative COVID-19 test with you. We will advise if this is the case. Also, as of December 6, 2021, all foreign nationals and returning US citizens will need to have a negative COVID-19 viral test (regardless of vaccination status or citizenship) no more than 1 day before you travel by air into the United States. US Citizens can buy these monitored self-test kits and perform the tests during this time window. Do note that these test kits are not the same as the ones you can buy in person at your local drug store. We’ll provide guidance for every tour so you don’t need to worry about being confused by constantly changing government requirements.

Will I have to wear a mask while on my tour?
As long as we require proof of vaccination for our tours, we will not require masks but encourage guests to take any action that makes you feel comfortable in regards to personal protective equipment. We will provide adequate details before departure so you are prepared to comply with guidelines at any attractions or destinations we will visit. We ask that you please take personal responsibility for your wellbeing. This begins with packing any personal protective equipment and sanitizers you require. (We also try to make masks, hand sanitizer and/or wipes available throughout the day.) Let us know at the start of the tour if you do not wish our staff to handle any of your equipment or personal belongings. We will adhere to the guidelines that the CDC issues if another variant creates challenges for future travel.

What if I start to feel unwell on my tour?
Let your tour leader know as soon as possible. Feeling unwell on a tour can happen and our tour leaders are already trained on appropriate actions to take if this occurs. We are prepared to focus on your wellbeing and the wellbeing of everyone on the tour.

There is excellent pandemic insurance available from COVAC Global that covers you in the event of having to travel home prematurely due to COVID-19 (and the costs associated with last-minute travel changes). This is recommended only for certain international tours and is not needed for 99% of our tours we offer… but we’ll let you know if you should consider it.

As you begin to make travel plans, you can be assured that your wellbeing will remain our number one priority as we continue to deliver exceptional tours around the world!

To travel with Explore With Spike, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. Your expectations of safety and wellbeing are also addressed in our Terms & Conditions which works in concert with but supersedes any policy on this page.

And finally…