1. SPECIAL COVID CONSIDERATIONS
6. TECHNOLOGY including CELL PHONES, CAMERAS AND COMPUTERS
7. MONEY, TIPS
1. SPECIAL COVID CONSIDERATIONS
Q. Do I need to be vaccinated against Covid-19 or have a negative test result for this trip?
A. Though there are no current requirements for traveling to Idaho, WanderTours requires that you are either fully vaccinated (this means it’s been at least two weeks after your first shot of a one-shot vaccine or two weeks after your second shot of a two-shot vaccine) OR that you have a negative PCR test (NOT a rapid antigen test), no more than 3 days prior to the start of the tour. You’ll be asked to send us, via email, a screenshot or PDF of your paperwork showing either your vaccination information or your negative test result. You will not be able to join the group until we have this paperwork.
Remember that a PCR test (rather than a rapid antigen test) can sometimes take longer than 24 hours to get results, so plan accordingly.
Q. Will masks be required during this tour?
A. At this time, masks will be required in any place where they are required by the local government (in shops and in restaurants when not seated for a meal, for example), and any time we are unable to socially distance with each other (while traveling in the shuttle van, for example).
Q. What other sorts of safety precautions will be taken during this trip?
A. The very goal of this tour is to spend as much time as possible outside, where transmission is lowest. While hiking, floating on the river, swimming and walking on the beach, you will not be required to wear a mask. It’s still best to stay socially distanced from anyone with whom you are not directly traveling with (someone in your buddy bubble, for example).
We take Covid-19 seriously. This destination was chosen for the ability to spend as much time as possible outside and we will have spare masks and hand sanitizer available during the tour. There are still inherent risks with traveling while Covid-19 is considered a worldwide pandemic and one’s health cannot be guaranteed by WanderTours.
2. GETTING TO IDAHO
Q. How do I get to River Dance Lodge?
A. River Dance is located in Syringa, Idaho at Milepost 90 on US Highway 12. While there are a number of airports you can fly into, you’ll still need to drive yourself to the lodge. It is located approximately:
* 90 miles east of Lewiston, ID
* 130 miles west of Missoula, MT
* 190 miles southeast of Spokane, WA
* 240 miles north of Boise, ID
* 400 miles east of Seattle, WA
Our first gathering is dinner on the first night so you could drive there in one day from as far away as Seattle (less than 7 hours without stops).
Q. Can I arrive at the lodge prior to the start date or stay after the tour ends?
A. Yes, you can, but this is a very popular lodge and reservations would need to be made well in advance in order to secure accommodations. We’re happy to help you with this!
3. DURING THE ADVENTURE
Q. Since this is an outdoor trip, how fit do I need to be to participate?
A. As outdoor adventures go, this is easy. You can be as active (or inactive – LOL) as you like. Hikes, swims and river floats are planned but you can take it easy on any of these. The key here is to spend as much time outdoors as possible after having been sequestered away for so long.
Q. What kind of food should I expect?
A. All meals are included and are well-rounded and plentiful. For example, expect dinners to include a meat or fish, vegetables, a carb (pasta, potato or bread) and dessert. Dietary restrictions can definitely be accommodated, just let us know your preferences.
Q. Is the tap water safe to drink?
A. Definitely. It’s very clean (non-chlorinated) tap water.
Q. Do I need to be concerned about mosquitos?
A. There’s only a slight chance that you’ll encounter mosquitos so no real need to worry about these.
Q. How much walking is involved in this tour?
A. Each day there will be an opportunity to hike so you’ll be able to get plenty of exercise if you so choose. In general, consider this to be a moderately active trip and a certain level of fitness means you will enjoy the trip that much more.
Q. What kind of weather should I expect?
A. The July trip is at the height of summer and temps in this area can be hot during the day (more reason to spend time on the river!). Expect temps in the 80s/low 90s during the day and in the high 60s at night.
4. HOTEL INFORMATION
Q. What’s the difference between the tents and the cabins
A. The tents are on platforms and are made of heavy canvas. It’s glamping at its finest! (If you’ve ever been on safari in Africa, these are very similar.) As such, there is a compostable toilet outside and the shared shower is nearby. There is a clawfoot tub and water basin on the deck outside of the tent to make washing up easier. The tents are ideal for two people as the bed can be separated into two twins.
The log cabins are self-contained and have all the amenities you’d need for a getaway. Toilet and shower are inside, there’s a basic kitchen with a queen-sized bed downstairs and two twins upstairs in the loft. This is ideal for two or three people.
Q. Does the lodge serve alcohol?
A. The lodge serves beer and has a very nice wine selection. You may bring your own as well.
Q. Are shampoo and conditioner provided?
A. Yes, shampoo, conditioner and soap are provided in the cabins. If you are in a tent, you may want to bring shower supplies. Towels are provided to everyone.
Q. Are there hair dryers in the cabins?
A. Yes, hair dryers are available in the cabins but not in the tents.
Q. Do the cabins have air-conditioning?
A. Because this was built with the environment in mind, they do not have air-conditioning. It’s recommended that you keep the cabin doors and windows shut during the day as this will help keep them cool. Keeping the flaps of the tent closed will also help keep it cool. Fans are available if you need one.
Q. Are my items safe in my cabin or tent?
A. This is a very remote area and your items will be safe as there are few people on the property. Having said that, we recommend you carry small luggage locks to secure the zippers together on your luggage so that you’ll feel better about leaving items when we go out for the day. The cabins have locks on the doors but the tents do not.
5. PACKING INFORMATION
Q. How should I dress/pack for this trip?
A. You’ll receive a suggested packing list for the tour once you register. This trip is at the height of summer so the days will be warm (in the high 80s/low 90s) with cooler nights (65 – 75).
With that in mind, dress for summer and for being active. Swimsuits, shorts, tank tops, etc. You may need a (very) light jacket or top when it gets a little cooler at night.
Q. Do I need to bring any special gear for our time on the water?
A. You don’t need any special gear for either rafting or kayaking, but you’ll want to bring some kind of active wear.
6. TECHNOLOGY including CELL PHONES, CAMERAS AND COMPUTERS
Q. Will WiFi be available at the lodge?
A. No! There is no WiFi at River Dance Lodge. This is meant to be a getaway where you can really relax, unplug and enjoy nature and the company of friends.
Q. Is there electricity in the cabins and tents?
A. There is electricity in the cabins but not in the tents. If you need to power your electronics, you can do so in the lodge.
Q. Is there cell service at the lodge?
A. Actually, no there is not. The closest cell service is about a mile away. There is a pay phone (remember those?) and a land line if you must make a phone call. You’ll be given an emergency number for family to contact you should they need to reach you during this time.
Q. How can I best protect my electronic gear?
A. Consider protecting your electronics from water and sand. If your gear isn’t already water-resistant (the latest iPhone models are), you’ll want to have a waterproof protective covering for anything you’re concerned about. And if you have a habit of dropping your gear, bring a carrying case that you can put around your neck or that has a hand strap.
7. MONEY, TIPS
Q. How do I pay for drinks and souvenirs?
A. You can purchase drinks and souvenirs from the (small) gift shop using your debit or credit card.
Q. Is tipping appropriate?
A. Tips for the lodge staff are included in your tour cost but additional tips would be appreciated if you feel the staff has gone above and beyond your expectations.
8. WANDERTOURS TRAVEL DETAILS
Q. Do I need insurance for this tour?
A. Until the pandemic has been declared over, we ask that all tour participants acquire travel insurance. We have now partnered with Travel Insured International so that you have ability to purchase “cancel for any reason” insurance. We HIGHLY recommend travel insurance (no matter who your provider is) to protect your travel investment from any future issues. Although we are technically not requiring it, you will be asked to sign additional paperwork acknowledging the risk of traveling without insurance.
Q. Is there a schedule for installment payments?
A. We don’t have anything formal set up but you can definitely send in payments on your own schedule. Some people send in monthly payments while other people send in payments when it’s convenient.
Q. Will I receive a refund if I have to cancel my participation in the tour?
A. Once you have paid a deposit, there is a cancellation fee if you cannot join us. The cancellation fee depends on the tour and how far in advance of the tour you cancel. Our refund policy is covered in our Booking Terms and Conditions and is also outlined on the Registration Form.
Refunds will be sent by check within two weeks of us receiving written notification (email is fine) of your cancellation. If Beth is traveling when you cancel, it may take longer than two weeks to get your refund check out to you. She’ll mail it as soon as she can upon returning to the office.
Q. What’s the emergency contact info that I can give my family?
A. About two weeks before your departure, you will be given an emergency contact number should someone need to reach you while away.
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