Red Lotus Tours
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spaceFrequently Asked Questions

We love to share our knowledge and experience, and would be more than happy to answer all your questions. So if what you need answered is not listed below, please feel free to call or email either Diana or Jenni and we will respond to your needs personally. 

How many women will be on each tour?

Our tours are small and intimate, allowing for the right environment for getting to know one another, and receiving personal attention. The minimum number of women per tour is 4 (plus your guides) and the maximum is 12. 

What kind of women join your tours?

For privacy reasons we cannot provide you with advance details on your traveling companions. However, our tours attract women of all ages, most of whom have an adventurous spirit and a desire to grow from within. From wise 18 year olds to young over 70’s, our tours are designed to bring women together and share our knowledge and gifts with one another.

Are there age restrictions on your tours?

Due to the nature of our tours and insurance reasons, everyone on the tour must be 18 or older.

Can a person with a physical disability join your tours?

Since many of the countries we will be visiting are in developing nations, little handicap access will be available. Many of these regions are full of stairs, cobblestones, high altitudes, and sometimes a lack of modern conveniences, as well as the fact that you have to transport yourself and luggage. For these reasons, our tours may not be suitable for persons with physical disabilities.

Why as a single traveler am I charged more?

Most hotels charge on a per room, not a per person basis. If you don’t mind sharing your room with another woman, we will pair you up for the tour. However, if you prefer to be on your own, you will be responsible to pay for the extra cost of having a room to yourself. We are not doing this to make extra money, we are merely covering our costs.

Can I book extra nights before or after my tour?

Yes, however all travel arrangements outside the tour will have to be arranged by you. Please keep in mind all your travel expenses including transportation that take place outside the tour are your own responsibility

Can you provide me with a list of the hotels we will be staying at?

In most cases we will be able to provide you with a complete list of hotels and telephone numbers as to when and where we will be staying. However, keep in mind, sometimes there are itinerary changes due to unforeseeable causes, and sometimes phones and internet in developing nations are not always functioning or difficult to find. We will provide you with an emergency contact number in case someone needs to find you for emergency purposes.

Can I join a tour late or leave early?

Due to the cohesive nature of our tours, we discourage you from both joining late and leaving early. However, in some cases, if it is possible, we will allow this. Please keep in mind all your travel arrangements and expenses including transportation that take place to either join late or leave early are your own responsibility. Once you are joined with the tour, your arrangements are included in the price. Also, keep in mind that no discounts will be given for joining a tour late or leaving early. You will still need to pay the full price of the tour.

Is tipping included in the price of the tour?

Tips are not included in the tour price and tipping is entirely at your discretion. We can provide you with a suggestion on what to tip based on the country you will be visiting.

What is the best type of luggage to bring?

We strongly recommend bringing a backpack or duffle bag, as suitcases can be cumbersome and difficult to maneuver in buses, under seats, in trains, rickshaws, or whatever type of transportation you may encounter. Suitcases can be extremely difficult on cobblestone walkways and heavy to carry up and down stairs. Keep in mind that you will have to carry your own luggage so bring what will make your life easiest. Often less is more!

What clothing should I pack for one of your journeys?

We always recommend packing as light as possible however, be sure to bring what you need. Each tour will have a ‘Lotus List’ of recommended items to bring. This list is to be used a guideline of things to consider packing on your trip. Raincoats and weather gear can be invaluable and difficult to find in developing countries, where as shorts and T-shirts are usually readily available. Plan according to the region you will be visiting and the time of year you will be there.

Can you help arrange my travel visa?

Requirements for travel visas vary widely depending on your nationality and your destination. We cannot provide help for you in obtaining your visa, however we can provide you with website links to help you determine whether a visa is required. If you do require a visa you can arrange them yourself or use the services of a travel agent or visa processing company.

What vaccinations are recommended for your tours?

It's important that you receive the most accurate and up-to-date travel health information for the region you will be visiting. The only one qualified to provide you with this advice is your family physician or a specialist from a Travel Health clinic. We can provide links to a number of websites that contain excellent background information related to travel health issues. Nevertheless these websites are no substitute for a personal consultation with a qualified medical professional.

The National Centre for Disease Control
Health Canada's Information for Travellers
World Health Organization (WHO)
MD Travel Health
Demal200 Homoeopathic Prophylactic for Malaria

I’m a vegetarian, will this be a problem?

In Peru, India, and Thailand, it is usually quite easy to find vegetarian menu items to eat. In some of the other countries it can be more challenging. All our meals will take place in local restaurants and hotels. Though we cannot guarantee the selection of vegetarian items that will be available, there is a good possibility you will always be able to find something to eat. If you have special dietary needs, please be aware that we won’t be able to cater to them. Bring what you need for yourself if you don’t think you can eat off the menu. The restaurants we choose, have been chosen for the quality of food, but know that selection can be limited, and we ask that you be flexible with your dietary needs.

How can I find out more about travel safety?

Most governments maintain websites dedicated to providing their citizens with the most up-to-date travel information. The websites below publish online travel reports containing the most recent news as well as background information on every country.

Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs