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Knowledge Base

Everything you need to know about traveling with EPIC Travels

📋 General Information

We specialize in small-group tours (maximum 12 travelers) with a focus on authentic cultural experiences. Our tours are designed for travelers from the US and Canada, with expert local guides, carefully curated itineraries, and personalized attention throughout your journey.
Our tour prices include accommodation, most meals (as specified in the itinerary), guided tours, entrance fees to attractions, transportation during the tour, and airport transfers. International flights are not included unless specifically mentioned.
We maintain small groups with a maximum of 12 travelers. This ensures personalized attention, flexibility, and better interactions with local communities.
Absolutely! Many of our travelers join solo and find it a great way to meet like-minded people. We don’t charge single supplements on most tours, though some may have optional single room supplements.
Our tours are suitable for adults of all ages. Most tours have a minimum age of 18, though some family-friendly tours welcome children 12+. Adventure tours may have fitness requirements.
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all our tours. It should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency evacuation.
All our tours are conducted in English by fluent English-speaking guides.
Yes! We can arrange pre or post-tour extensions. Contact us to customize your itinerary.

💳 Booking & Payment

You can book through our website, by email, phone, or WhatsApp. We’ll send you a booking confirmation and invoice once we receive your deposit.
We require a 30% deposit to secure your booking, with the balance due 60 days before departure.
We accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), bank transfers, and PayPal. All transactions are SSL encrypted for security.
Yes, all payments are processed through secure, encrypted channels. We never store your complete credit card information.
Final payment is due 60 days before your tour departure date. Late bookings (within 60 days) require full payment.
Our prices include all service fees. Some destinations may have local tourism taxes payable on arrival, which will be noted in your itinerary.
Yes! Groups of 6 or more receive a 10% discount. Contact us for custom group pricing.
Yes, a 30% deposit reserves your spot. Full payment is due 60 days before departure.
In rare cases where minimum numbers aren’t met, we’ll offer alternative dates, tours, or a full refund.

🏜️ UAE Tours

October to April offers the most pleasant weather (20-30°C). Summer (May-September) is very hot (40°C+) but hotels offer great deals.
US and Canadian citizens receive a free 30-day visa on arrival. We can assist with visa applications if needed.
Modest dress is recommended in public places. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques. Beachwear is fine at pools and beaches. We provide specific packing lists.
Alcohol is available in licensed hotels and restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It’s not served in Sharjah.
UAE Dirham (AED). Credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are readily available.
Yes, but bottled water is commonly preferred and included in our tours.
No special vaccinations required. Standard travel vaccinations are recommended. Check with your doctor.
Yes! The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a highlight. Modest dress and head covering (for women) required.
Dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, BBQ dinner, traditional entertainment, and stunning desert sunset views.
Summer desert temperatures can exceed 45°C. Winter (Nov-Mar) is ideal with temperatures around 25-30°C.

⛰️ Nepal Tours

October-November (autumn) and March-May (spring) offer the best weather and mountain views. Winter is cold but clear; monsoon (June-August) brings rain.
Yes, but it’s easy to obtain on arrival at Kathmandu airport ($30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days). We provide guidance.
Varies by trek. Everest Base Camp requires good fitness. Kathmandu Valley tours need basic fitness. We provide detailed requirements for each tour.
On high-altitude treks, we include acclimatization days, monitor your health, and carry emergency oxygen. Proper acclimatization is built into our itineraries.
Tea houses (basic mountain lodges) on most treks, with hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Rooms are simple but clean with basic facilities.
We provide a detailed packing list. You’ll need good hiking boots, warm layers, and a sleeping bag (can be rented in Kathmandu).
Yes, all meals are included on trek days. We offer a mix of Nepali and Western food at tea houses.
Limited WiFi is available at some tea houses (for a small fee). Phone signals work up to certain altitudes.
We arrange all permits (TIMS card, National Park permits). Costs are included in tour price.
Yes, tea houses offer charging facilities (usually for a small fee). Bring portable power banks.
Our guides assess your condition. Helicopter evacuation is available in emergencies (covered by insurance).

🕌 India Tours

Yes. US and Canadian citizens can apply for an e-Visa online ($80). We provide detailed application guidance.
October to March for most regions. Kerala and Goa are good year-round. Himachal is best May-October. We optimize based on your tour.
Yes, millions visit safely each year. We use reputable services, provide 24/7 support, and our guides ensure your safety.
We use trusted restaurants. Bottled water is provided. Avoid street food initially. Our guides advise on safe eating.
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccinations recommended. Malaria prophylaxis for some regions. Consult your doctor 6-8 weeks before travel.
Modest dress is recommended, especially at religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes at temples.
Indian Rupee (INR). ATMs are widely available. Credit cards accepted in major establishments. Carry some cash for small purchases.
Yes, tipping is customary. We provide detailed tipping guidelines. Budget approximately $5-10/day for guides and drivers.
Absolutely! India offers incredible vegetarian cuisine. We cater to all dietary requirements.
Fantastic! Textiles, jewelry, handicrafts, spices. Our guides take you to reputable shops and help with bargaining.
Depends on the tour – private vehicles, domestic flights, or trains. Comfort and safety are prioritized.

✝️ Christian Tours

Yes! Our tours welcome all Christian denominations and those interested in biblical history, regardless of faith background.
We can arrange services upon request. Many sites have churches where services are held. Let us know your preferences.
Varies by tour but typically includes Jerusalem (Old City, Via Dolorosa, Holy Sepulchre), Bethlehem (Church of Nativity), Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Jordan River, and more.
US/Canadian citizens get a free 90-day tourist visa on arrival. We provide guidance on entry requirements.
Yes, tourist areas are safe and well-protected. We monitor situations closely and prioritize your safety with experienced guides.
March-May and September-November offer pleasant weather. Easter and Christmas are special but crowded.
Yes! Many tours include the opportunity for baptism/renewal at the Jordan River baptism site. Baptismal robes available.
We work with knowledgeable biblical scholars and can arrange clergy accompaniment for groups upon request.

Modest dress required – covered shoulders, no shorts. Head coverings available at sites. We provide detailed guidelines.

Yes, we can arrange Communion services at meaningful locations. Notify us in advance.

📄 Travel Documents & Visas

Apply 4-8 weeks before departure. E-visas typically process in 3-5 days but allow more time for safety.
Valid passport (6+ months validity), recent passport photos, completed application form, proof of accommodation, and return flight tickets.
Yes! We provide detailed guidance, required documents, and support throughout the application process.
Visa denials are rare for US/Canadian citizens. If denied, we offer alternative tours or full refund minus processing fees.
Yes, proof of comprehensive travel insurance is required. We can recommend trusted providers.
Yes! Keep digital and physical copies of passport, visa, insurance, and booking confirmations separate from originals.
Contact your embassy immediately. Our guides assist with police reports and embassy visits. Always carry passport copies.

🏥 Health & Safety

Requirements vary by destination. Generally, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccinations recommended. Nepal/India may need additional vaccines. Consult your doctor 6-8 weeks before travel.
Only for certain regions in India and Nepal lowlands. Not needed for UAE or Holy Land tours. Your doctor will advise based on your specific itinerary.
We accommodate all dietary requirements – vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, allergies. Notify us at booking.
Yes, all destinations have good medical facilities. We carry first aid kits and have local medical contacts. Emergency evacuation insurance is mandatory.
Our guides assist with medical care. We have local doctor contacts and can arrange hospital visits. Your insurance covers medical expenses.
Some tours can accommodate mobility issues. Contact us to discuss specific needs and we’ll customize accordingly.
We follow local health guidelines, use sanitized vehicles, and maintain hygiene standards. Requirements vary by destination.
Yes, bring medications in original packaging with prescriptions. Some countries restrict certain medications – check regulations.

🎒 Packing & Preparation

We provide detailed packing lists specific to your tour and season. Generally: comfortable walking shoes, layers, modest clothing, sun protection, and any personal medications.
Soft-sided luggage or backpacks work best. Check airline weight limits (typically 23kg checked, 7kg carry-on). For treks, use a duffel bag.
ATMs are widely available. Bring $200-500 cash for initial expenses, tips, and small purchases. Credit cards work in major establishments.
Bring some US dollars for initial expenses. Exchange to local currency at airports or ATMs for better rates.
Phone, camera, power bank, universal adapter (different plugs in each country). E-readers great for downtime.
Yes! UAE uses UK-style 3-pin, Nepal/India use various types. A universal adapter covers all destinations.
Yes, most hotels offer laundry service (extra cost). On treks, limited hand-washing facilities available.

🗺️ During Your Tour

Usually includes breakfast, morning activities/sightseeing, lunch, afternoon activities, and evening free time or group dinners. Detailed daily itineraries provided.
Most tours include some free time for personal exploration, shopping, or relaxation. Balance varies by tour type.
Yes, participation is optional. However, you won’t receive refunds for unused services. Consult your guide for alternatives.
Most hotels have WiFi. We recommend getting a local SIM card for data (guides help with this). Trek areas have limited connectivity.
WiFi for WhatsApp/video calls at hotels. Local SIM cards available. We provide emergency contact numbers to your family.
Guides provide contact cards and meeting points. Always have guide’s phone number. We do regular headcounts.
Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included. We provide tipping guidelines (typically $5-10/day for guides).
Absolutely! We can help arrange additional accommodation and provide recommendations for solo exploration.

🔄 Cancellations & Changes

60+ days before departure: full refund minus $200 processing fee. 30-59 days: 50% refund. Less than 30 days: no refund. We strongly recommend travel insurance.
Subject to availability, date changes possible up to 60 days before departure. May incur change fees. Contact us to discuss options.
Rare, but we’ll offer alternative dates/tours or full refund. We notify you at least 45 days in advance if minimum numbers not met.
We’ll assist in joining the tour if possible, but additional costs apply. No refunds for missed services. Travel insurance may cover this.
Yes, up to 45 days before departure with $100 admin fee. New traveler must meet all tour requirements.
We monitor situations closely. If tours are cancelled for safety, full refunds or alternative tours offered. Travel insurance provides additional protection.
Most policies cover cancellations for medical emergencies, family emergencies, and certain unforeseen events. Review policy details carefully.

⭐ Special Requirements

Yes! We offer special honeymoon upgrades including room decorations, champagne, and romantic dinners. Contact us for customization.
Absolutely! We create custom private tours for families, groups, or couples. More flexibility, personalized pace.
Yes! We love celebrating special occasions. Notify us in advance and we’ll arrange cakes, decorations, and special experiences.
We welcome all travelers. However, some destinations have conservative laws. We advise discretion and provide country-specific guidance.
Most tours have minimum ages (typically 12-18). We offer family-friendly tours and can customize for families. Contact us for details.
Yes! Many of our travelers are seniors. We can adjust pace and activities. Some tours specifically cater to leisurely travel.

We’ll try to accommodate requests if the guide is available. All our guides are highly trained and knowledgeable.

While not specifically photography tours, all destinations offer incredible photo opportunities. We allow time for photography.

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