Venture Abroad

What help do you have in Iceland to assist us in the event of future disruption?

Our main accommodation centres are contracted solely to us and are able to offer substantial support in terms of advice, accommodation extension and local safety issues. One of the centres is earmarked as a rescue centre for the community should there be an eruption event. In addition, both of our exclusive centres are considered to be safe under any eventuality that might happen at Eyjafjallajökull. Alternatively we work with hotels in other locations, such as Reykjavik which we could utilise.

Our Icelandic coach operator has robust transport resources to quickly implement changes.

Additionally, Our Geography Tours Development Manager, Ian Hardie, is based in Iceland during busy periods and is available 24/7 to advise and assist Party Leaders. He has excellent local knowledge as he lives in Iceland for many months of the year. He also has first-hand experience of Iceland’s safety management procedures and will provide the best possible support for your group.

What happens if we are unable to complete our planned excursions whilst in Iceland?

Currently life continues as normal in Iceland and roads (including the south coast road) have been reopened and therefore we are able to carry out our tour itineraries as normal.

However, our Geography Tours Development Manager has numerous, well researched alternatives which he can implement quickly if needed whilst in Iceland.

What happens if there is a further volcanic eruption whilst we are in Iceland?

In Iceland every community, by law, has a set of very rigid logistical procedures in place to deal with natural disasters and these have proven to be effective. The whole of Iceland is hazard aware. There are systems in place and sequences of events all worked out. Systems are robust and vigorous. Safety procedures are only stepped down after a full assessment is carried out by the experts.

In addition, we have local knowledge and direct communication to the safety authorities to ensure a calm, efficient evacuation to safety, if required.

We also have access to accommodation in different locations.

We have 24 hour contact available to both Icelandic airlines and we have experienced the high level of support they offer during the repatriation process.

If we have to cut short our tour, will we get a refund?

To date it has not been necessary for groups to cut short any tour and our groups have successfully carried out their planned itineraries.

In the unlikely event that your tour is cut short, please be assured that we will work hard to ensure that your monies are recouped from suppliers; we would have to consider each circumstance independently as we are unable to guarantee, due to the varying cancellation policies applicable to our suppliers, what your group would be entitled to receive back at this stage.

What would happen if our return flight is delayed or cancelled?

In the event that your return flights are cancelled or delayed, then the airline will offer us an alternative flight for your group.

Unfortunately Iceland is not part of the EU and their airlines are not subject to the EU directive 216/2004 and therefore do not have to pay for extended accommodation and food costs. However, this does not mean they will not help and we would always contact them to see if they are able to assist in any way.

Insurance policies do cover delayed flights and in the first instance Party Leaders would need to call the insurance company for further details. For groups travelling with our insurance (provided by FOGG) we would be able to call on your behalf. Delayed cover through FOGG entitles each person to claim up to £100 (less excess) dependant on the length of delay which can then be used to offset accommodation and food expenses. Any additional expenses would be the group’s responsibility.

We will offer your group continued support via our 24 hour emergency phone, we will liaise with our contacts at the relevant Icelandic airline and accommodation centres, if necessary, and continue to communicate with you throughout until your return flight departs.

What happens if our flight is delayed prior to departure?

The airline will usually offer us an alternative flight for your group and payment under the delayed departure section of your insurance would be applicable.

What happens if, due to indefinite flight cancellations, we have to cancel our tour?

We would discuss the options with the party leader and school. We are happy to assist you in the rearrangement of your tour at a later date. If this is not acceptable, then between us and your insurance company you would receive a refund.

What happens if flights are operating but we decide we do not want to travel?

If flights are operating and there has been no directive/advice from The Foreign Office advising against travel, yet your group has opted to cancel, then your cancellation is subject to our booking conditions.

We will, however, discuss partial refunds with our suppliers and assist you where possible.

Please be assured that your tour is in safe hands and that the safety of our groups is our top priority.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries or require any additional information at this stage.