A LITTLE PREPARATION.
A MUCH BETTER ADVENTURE.
Getting ready is part of the adventure. Your trip-specific page and pre-trip materials will include the details that matter most for your program, including packing lists, arrival and departure information, required forms, important deadlines, and destination-specific travel information.
COMPLETE
Forms, health information, emergency contacts, and required documents.
PACK
Follow your trip-specific gear list and test important equipment before departure.
PLAN
Confirm flights, travel windows, identification, and arrival instructions.
ARRIVE READY
Come curious, flexible, and prepared to become part of the group.
PRE-TRIP FORMS + DEADLINES
Registered families receive clear pre-trip instructions and deadlines before departure. Depending on the program, these may include participant health information, emergency contacts, travel details, waivers, and other trip-specific forms.
Please complete requested forms by the listed deadlines. This gives our team time to review participant information, travel plans, medical needs, dietary requirements, and other important details before the group departs.
If there is a new medication, injury, dietary need, health concern, or change in travel plans after forms have been submitted, let us know as soon as possible.
GEAR + PACKING
Each Wild Traveler program has its own packing list based on the activities, climate, destination, and style of travel. Use the packing list provided for your specific trip rather than a general outdoor packing list.
You do not need the most expensive gear. What matters is that equipment fits properly, works well, and is appropriate for the conditions we’ll encounter.
Try important items such as backpacks and footwear before the trip whenever possible.
Some equipment may be borrowed, rented, or already provided on the program.
Extra gear adds weight and clutter. Missing essential gear can affect the experience.
Our Gear Recommendations page covers backpacks, sleeping systems, rain gear, masks, snorkels, footwear, and other commonly purchased items.
BOOK THE RIGHT FLIGHT.
THEN SEND US THE DETAILS.
Families are responsible for transportation between home and the arrival and departure location listed for each program. Arrival airports, meeting locations, and required travel windows vary by trip.
Always check your specific trip information before purchasing airfare. If you are unsure whether a flight will work, contact us before booking.
BEFORE BOOKING
- Confirm the correct airport.
- Check the required arrival and departure window.
- Review baggage allowances.
- Allow reasonable connection time.
- Avoid unnecessarily complicated itineraries.
- Ask us if you are unsure.
After booking, submit the participant’s complete itinerary so our team knows when and where they are expected to arrive and depart.
CHECK THEM EARLY.
TRAVEL WITHIN THE UNITED STATES
Travelers under age 18 are generally not required to present identification at TSA security checkpoints when traveling domestically with an adult, although individual airlines may have their own requirements.
We recommend traveling with photo identification when one is available and checking current airline requirements before departure.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
A valid passport is required for international Wild Traveler programs. Passport validity, visa, electronic travel authorization, and entry requirements vary by destination and nationality.
Check passport expiration dates well in advance and review the requirements that apply to the participant’s nationality.
For international programs, keep a digital or paper copy of important travel documents separate from the originals. Families should also keep a copy of the participant’s passport information page at home.
LEARN ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION.
The adventure starts before you board the plane. Learn a little about the geography, history, culture, language, food, and environment of the places you’ll travel through.
Even learning a few words of the local language or understanding some basic cultural norms can make the experience richer.
KEEP US UP TO DATE.
Accurate health information helps our trip leaders prepare appropriately for each participant. Provide complete and current information about medications, allergies, dietary needs, recent injuries, and other conditions that could affect participation.
If something significant changes after registration, contact us before departure rather than waiting until the first day of the trip.
PLAN FOR THE UNEXPECTED.
The Wild Traveler strongly recommends purchasing travel insurance for summer teen travel programs. Coverage varies considerably, so review policy details carefully.
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Emergency medical treatment
- Emergency evacuation
- Travel delays and missed connections
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Pre-existing condition provisions
- Adventure activity coverage
READY TO GO?
- Review the trip-specific packing list one final time.
- Confirm flight times and airline requirements.
- Check passports and travel documents.
- Submit outstanding forms or health updates.
- Label important gear and luggage.
- Review arrival instructions with your participant.
- Keep The Wild Traveler contact information handy.
Once those details are taken care of, the important part is to arrive curious, flexible, and ready for something new.
ASK US NOW.
If you’re unsure about flights, gear, travel documents, forms, or anything else related to preparing for your program, get in touch. It is much easier to answer a question before departure than discover a problem at the airport.