General Trip and Registration Information for all
Wilderness Inquiry trips

TRIP FEES

Fees may be paid by check, or on-line by Visa, Mastercard, or Discover. Do not send cash. Unless otherwise noted, the fee for each trip includes all trail meals, equipment, trip planning, permits, and staff. Trip fees do not include the cost of transportation to and from the meeting place. We require a 25% non-refundable deposit with your registration. Balance is due no later than six weeks before the trip.

FINANCIAL AID

We work to keep our trips affordable for everyone. If you need additional assistance, WI offers financial aid for most domestic trips.  Time payments are also available. Financial aid is not available for international trips. To apply for financial aid, either call 612-676-9400 or click here to download our financial aid form: www.wildernessinquiry.org/financialaid.

YOUR GROUP

Most groups consist of 6-15 participants and 1-4 staff, including people between the ages of 18 and 80 years. People under 18 are welcome on these trips if accompanied by an adult. There are family and women’s trips available. You are also welcome to assemble your own group and do a trip just for them.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

Most WI trips are designed to accommodate both beginning and seasoned travelers. If a trip is more strenuous, it is mentioned in the TYPE OF TRAVEL / DISTANCE section on travel and logistics. From our perspective, the overall strength of the group is more important than the ability of any one individual. Weather and other conditions can make a trip more physically demanding. If you have any concerns about the difficulty of a particular trip, please call to discuss it with us.

WHAT’S EXPECTED OF YOU

WI trips are group oriented and cooperative in nature. If traveling in the wilderness, participants typically help out around camp, including meal preparation and clean up. Lodge-based trips tend to have more meals prepared and served in restaurants and such. If you're unfamiliar with camping, WI staff will teach you what you need to know and will assist you in whatever areas you need.

GETTING THERE

Most trips take place in remote areas. WI will provide you with directions to your destination. We also provide van transportation for most trips. Cost for van transportation is additional and varies from $20 to $250, depending on the distance traveled. Van space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. As you proceed with your on-line registration you will be asked if you wish to take our van transportation.  Additional fees and details will be explained. If you need to book airfare and need a travel agent, we recommend Travel One Inc. (800-245-1111 or online at www.traveloneinc.com).

FOOD

You'll be pleased by the food we offer. Typical menus include meals like pesto pasta, chicken burritos, stir-fry, deli sandwiches, and blueberry pancakes. Meals do vary somewhat by trip. On long expeditions such as the Porcupine River, we bring more freeze-dried type foods that keep well for weeks without refrigeration. On international trips, we tend to eat the local cuisine, like fresh caught grouper served at Irene's place in Belize. Please note any dietary restrictions on your registration form.

WHAT TO PACK

You supply your own clothing and personal items; we supply the rest. WI sends a detailed personal packing list with your trip confirmation.

WHEELCHAIR USERS

Due to the conditions in which we travel, manual chairs work best. Knobby tires are very helpful, as are balloon front tires. Most modern wheelchairs are adequate. Call if you have questions.

DEAF or HARD OF HEARING

We make every effort to provide sign language interpreters on trips when needed. Please indicate your needs on your registration form and give us plenty of advance notice.

OTHER DISABILITY OR HEALTH ISSUES

We make an effort to accommodate people of all abilities. If you have a disability or health concern, it is important that you describe it on your confidential registration form. We review every registration form and will call you to discuss any concerns we may have regarding your ability to safely and successfully participate on the trip.  Please call if you have any questions.

ALCOHOL

We usually discourage the use of alcohol on our trips, but this varies depending upon where we are. International trips often have alcoholic beverages available at restaurants, and sometimes we may share a glass of wine. However, for safety and liability, we will not tolerate abuse of alcoholic beverages. In our view, abuse constitutes: use in the day, any level of intoxication, and use by any minor or vulnerable adult. If you have questions, please call.

TOBACCO

If you are a legal adult and you smoke, you may do so on your trip provided it does not interfere with the safety or well-being of other participants. There is no smoking allowed in WI vans or tents.

ILLEGAL DRUGS / FIREARMS

Please do not bring any of these on any trip.

CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS

Your deposit is non-refundable once you are confirmed for your trip. See conditions for cancellation below:

For trips in the United States:

• 6 weeks prior — we refund all fees paid (minus deposit).
• Less than 6 weeks but more than 3 weeks — we refund 50% of
  the trip fee (minus deposit).
• Less than 3 weeks — no refund.

For trips outside the United States:

• 12 weeks prior — we refund all fees paid (minus deposit).
• Less than 12 weeks — no refund.

If WI cancels a trip, we will refund all fees paid to WI, including the deposit. However, to protect your investment in your travel plans we recommend purchasing travel insurance. Information on travel insurance is included in your trip confirmation packet. If after registering you wish to switch trips, you may do so subject to availability. Fees may apply.