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COVID-19
Since May 11, 2023, the CDC has lifted the Health Emergency Declaration for COVID-19. This means that Backcountry Journeys doesn't impose any COVID-related restrictions, such as proof of vaccination or mask mandates, on our trips. We regularly keep track of updates from the CDC and WHO to ensure the well-being and safety of our guests throughout our journeys.

Additionally, if anyone feels unwell, whether due to COVID or any other ailment, we have measures in place to prioritize everyone's health. Should someone fall ill, we'll kindly ask them to isolate from the group, and as a precaution, we'll have all participants wear masks to ensure everyone's safety.

Click CDC Update to see the most recent recommendations.

Note: International trips may still have requirements regarding travel to remote locations. Backcountry Journeys will continue to monitor this and inform you of any necessary requirements.
SAFE TRAVELS
Backcountry Journeys’ was awarded the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travel certification for our commitment to an accepted standard of health and hygiene protocols in the COVID-19 era. These protocols are based on medical evidence and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and the World Travel and Tourism Council. With over 1200 travel organizations currently using this badge of safety, it offers travelers an objective, 3rd party verification tool to verify companies have implemented science-driven protocols and are meeting high safety standards.
CANCELLATION / TRANSFER POLICY
Backcountry Journeys trips feature small group sizes and our trips are often sold out over a year in-advance. In order to accommodate all of our potential guests and to maintain our small group photography experiences we have the following procedures regarding reservations.

To book your reservation with Backcountry Journeys a deposit is required for each person on a trip. Please see the individual trip pages on our website for deposit amounts. All of our trips can be reserved using our secure online registration form or by calling our office. If booking within 120 days of departure full payment is required in order to make a reservation.
 

Payments, Cancellations & Refund Policy

All prices are quoted in US dollars and all payments must be paid in US dollars. For deposits, we accept Visa, MasterCard and PayPal. Final payment of the trip fee is due 120 days prior to departure. Trip deposits are non-refundable. All payments made towards any tours, workshops or safaris that are discounted or are otherwise promotional in nature are also non-refundable. Acceptance of any participant is subject to receipt and review of all required forms, documents, and payment.

If final payments are not received by your trips respective due date, then we reserve the right to treat your reservation as cancelled as per our cancellation & refund policy.

We must receive written notice of your cancellation, at which time cancellation fees in the following amounts apply:

  • 121 or more days prior to departure: 100% deposit plus a $250.00 administration fee per person
  • 120 days prior to departure: 100% of trip fee

No partial refunds are made for unused portions or services of a trip for any reason whatsoever. Trips are sold as a package only.

All our Workshops & Tours are subject to the realities of the natural world. Although we will do everything in our power to stay on itinerary, circumstances including but not limited to permit availability, weather, vendor availability, snowpack, river crossings, wildlife, park or public land closures, and forest fires can affect our itineraries. Payments are not refundable for any itinerary change.

Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris, LLC uses a variety of concessionaires & vendors around the globe to facilitate our trips including but not limited to boats, charter flights, airlines, tour operators, guides & lodges. Often these vendors operate equipment or render services in very remote areas. We do not offer full or partial refunds or trip credits when a concessionaire or vendor is unable to provide their service for any reason. An example of when one of our hired vendors is unable to provide their service might be due to weather related issues or mechanical issues such as with a boat, plane or vehicle that becomes inoperable. Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris, LLC will make every attempt to find another similar excursion but often in the remote areas in which we travel the options are limited.

We do not offer full or partial refunds or trip credits for travel delay / disruption. For example, if a flight is delayed and as a result you miss part or the entirety of your trip Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris, LLC is not responsible for arranging alternate activities during a delay, travel support, extra hotel stays or related expenses.

Backcountry Journeys reserves the right to cancel trips. Backcountry Journeys is not responsible for additional expenses incurred preparing for the trip (for example: non-refundable advance purchase air tickets, clothing, equipment, visa fees, medical expenses, etc.).

Transfer Policy

If you transfer from one trip to another: 121 or more days prior to the trip start date, there is a $250.00 administrative fee (please note on some trips there are exceptions to this rule including but not limited to when we have booked non-refundable lodging, activities, or in-country flights in your name). Discounted or otherwise promotional pricing is not transferable. Less than 120 days prior to the trip's start date, regular cancellation and refund policies will apply. Upon request to transfer from one trip to another, customer must select alternate trip at time of transfer request.


Trip Leaders
If your scheduled trip leader is sick, injured or otherwise unavailable Backcountry Journeys will make every effort to find a suitable replacement. Please note that we aren’t able to guarantee specific trip leaders and occasionally scheduled trip leaders schedules will change.

Required Documents
A Terms & Conditions / Assumption of Risk form as well as a Health Questionnaire must be signed by each participant within ten days of registering for a trip. Participation by any trip member will be declined in the absence of the signed Terms & Conditions / Assumption of Risk form and Health Questionnaire, with no trip fee refund. No modification to the Terms & Conditions / Assumption of Risk form or Health Questionnaire will be accepted.

Travel Insurance
Sometimes life happens and you have to cancel because of unforeseen circumstances. We highly recommend protecting your travel investment and purchasing a trip insurance policy that includes emergency evacuation coverage. Travel insurance provides you with trip cancellation/interruption, travel delay, medical expenses, emergency assistance, air flight, baggage and baggage delay coverages. Medical coverage purchased with your policy is crucial and required if you do not have health insurance. See Trip Insurance plans here.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
International travel is incredibly exciting and fun. With it, however, comes some added health-related details that travelers should be sure to consider when preparing for a trip.

Backcountry Journeys offers a number of different international photo tour locations. If you are booked on one of these international trips, please utilize the links below so that you can be best prepared in advance of your tour.

Please find links listed below that will take you to valuable, updated, government issued information for each Backcountry Journeys international tour.

  • The CDC link will redirect you to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website where you will find Travel Health Notices, Vaccines & Medicines, Tips for Staying Healthy & Safe, Healthy Travel Packing Lists, as well as tips on things to do After Your Trip. Remember, some vaccines may be required for travel, so don’t delay!
  • The Travel.State.Gov link will redirect you to the Department of State’s Bureau of Consulate Affairs website where you can find information on Passport, Visa, and other customs-related information.

Consider Enrolling in STEP

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that allows U.S. citizens traveling abroad to receive the latest security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The information you supply enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Sometimes life happens and you have to cancel because of unforeseen circumstances. We highly recommend protecting your travel investment and purchasing a trip insurance policy that includes 'Cancel For Any Reason' and Emergency Evacuation Coverage.

Travel insurance provides you with trip cancellation/interruption, travel delay, medical expenses, emergency assistance, air flight, baggage and baggage delay coverages. Medical coverage purchased with your policy is crucial and required if you do not have health insurance. See Trip Insurance plans here.
REFER A FRIEND
We know that there is no advertising Backcountry Journeys could do that will ever be as effective as word-of-mouth recommendations from our guests.

Hearing that our past guests have referred new customers is a source of pride for us at Backcountry Journeys. We recognize the importance of this and want to not only have referrals continue to grow but also to reward those of you who pass along our name.

Because we recognize the importance of this we would like to extend a gracious “thank-you” by offering rewards for referring your friends!

When referring friends who are first-time Backcountry Journeys guests, our past guests will now receive a $250 BCJ gift card that can be used toward future trips!

Here’s how the program works:

  • When you refer your friends to us by either calling a Photo Adventure Specialist, filling out the online referral form or providing their name and email address on your post-trip evaluation form, we will send them a Backcountry Journeys PDF catalog, along with an email indicating that you thought they might be interested in our photography tours.
  • If your friend(s) books and participates in a tour with us, you will receive a $250 gift card credit toward your next Backcountry Journeys tour.
  • Gift cards will be awarded per booking party referred, rather than the number of participants booked.
  • Guests may apply a maximum of two gift cards per trip booked ($500 discount total).
  • Referrals must be first-time Backcountry Journeys guests who were not already in our database prior to your referral and not friends or members of your family traveling with you on their first Backcountry Journeys photography tour.
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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations include Yosemite, Alaska, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Hawaii, Utah as well as Botswana & Costa Rica."

- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
CONTACT US
Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations include Yosemite, Alaska, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Hawaii, Utah as well as Botswana & Costa Rica."
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
CONTACT US
Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

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