OTW / Safety

Safety and security

Our trips are designed with your safety as our top priority. Here is how we look after you, your money and the group.

Your safety comes first at every stage of the trip. Here’s how we look after you:

  • Carefully chosen destinations. We pick places that are off the tourist trail but still have good infrastructure, established routes and experienced local guides where needed. We do also love truly remote travel ourselves, but for OTW trips we choose destinations that balance adventure with safety.
  • Risk assessments. Before every trip, we assess the possible risks and put plans in place to reduce them. We also have emergency plans ready for things like illness or unexpected events.
  • Experienced leaders and guides. Our trip leaders pass an assessment and follow tested routes with trusted local contacts. Our founder has 14+ years of independent travel across every continent except Antarctica, and holds tourism certificates for several destinations. For specialist activities like white water rafting and challenging treks, we work with local guides who know the area best.
  • Travel insurance. Everyone needs comprehensive travel insurance to join a trip, and we’ll tell you what cover you need for your destination.
  • UK government travel advice. We follow the UK Foreign Office’s travel advice closely and avoid areas affected by conflict, unrest or other security concerns.
  • Every activity is optional. The trip price includes lots of activities, but you’re free to skip any of them. Let us know in advance and we’ll give you a discount for the ones you opt out of.

OTW Travels Limited is a UK company, registered with Companies House under company number 15677296. What does that mean for you? We play by the rules. We follow UK consumer law, including the Consumer Rights Act 2015, so your rights and protections are always upheld.

Once your place on a trip is confirmed, you’ll pay a non-refundable deposit of 20 to 30% of the trip cost. The exact amount depends on the trip, and we’ll let you know after you apply. Your deposit lets us book accommodation, transport and any activities that sell out early (such as safaris) well ahead of time.

The rest of the trip fee is due around three weeks before departure, and is also non-refundable once paid.

For all the details, read our full terms and conditions

At OTW, we want every group to be one you’d happily spend two weeks with. That’s why we have a quick call with every traveller before offering them a place. It’s a chance for us to get to know you, and for you to check the trip is the right fit. It means everyone joins for the right reasons and knows what they’re signing up for. No surprises on either side.