Should I purchase travel insurance? If so, which one?
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended. You are traveling to a less touristy country where the infrastructure is less developed. This makes it adventurous but on the other hand, you want to travel well and responsibly. We recommend travel insurance with winter sports coverage (including off-piste). With the Dutch Climbing and Mountaineering Association (NkbV), you can get continuous travel insurance with coverage for freeriding and other outdoor sports. In our view, this is the best option.
When will I receive the travel documents?
After booking, you will receive a confirmation within 48 hours. In it you will find an overview of the booking and payment details. Once the (advance) payment is received, the trip is confirmed. At least 30 days before departure, you must have made the remaining payment. After the second payment, you will receive the travel documents for your destination
Do I need a visa?
We try to develop tourism in less fortunate countries. That means operating as much as possible in countries that are open to tourism growth. In the countries where we work, no visas (pre-applied) are required for EU residents. Should this change due to political games we will of course inform you.
Are there any recommended vaccinations?
In all the destinations we offer, the vaccinations DTP and Hepatitis A are recommended by the GGD. These vaccinations are readily recommended and apply to Bulgaria, Croatia and Israel, for example.
Are there “normal” toilets?
Yes, there are sit-down toilets but not everywhere. All the guesthouses we work with have good sanitary facilities. Along the way, though, there may be just a hole in the ground.
Can I withdraw with my Dutch/Belgian bank card?
Yes, if you set it to ‘use outside Europe’ in advance
Why do you work as a foundation?
We work as a foundation to get the money to the right place. We started by supporting small business owners and only later started offering trips precisely to provide an additional source of income for the local people. We are passionate about helping developing tourist countries achieve sustainable growth. As a foundation, we can best achieve these goals.
What about security?
Of course, adventure winter sports involve risks. The infrastructure in the countries we support is worse developed than in Western Europe. Roads can be bad and electricity can go out. Moreover, we undertake activities in inhospitable terrain where help is less readily available. This makes the trip more adventurous and less safe than a typical winter trip to the Alps. We try to eliminate as much risk as possible but participation in our activities is always at your own risk.
Do I need to bring avalanche equipment?
If you have avalanche equipment I would always take this with you. The descents we do as a group are on safe slopes where avalanche risks are virtually eliminated. Should you want more of a challenge or want to explore the deep snow on your own, we always recommend wearing avalanche equipment.
How much more money am I losing on the spot?
The trips are always on a full board basis. We would like to be transparent about the total cost. On average, our “rycigers” still spend 150-200 euros on site. Mainly on drinks, souvenirs, paragliding, massage and tips.
Can I rent equipment from you?
Yes, you can specify in advance if you want to rent equipment. In many destinations we have our own equipment and otherwise it is possible to rent it at a local ski rental.
Are there no direct flights?
Because we offer “unknown” destinations, it is often not possible to book direct flights. It is often possible to fly to the destination just fine with a short transfer. You can always ask us for advice.
Can I apply for a job at the Ryce Travel Foundation?
Yes, you can always do that. For now, we are working with local guides and workers as much as possible so that they benefit from the proceeds. However, we do need regular volunteers for projects in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. For this you may always contact us.
Can I get to know the other participants in advance?
At least 30 days before departure, you will receive an email with additional information. In it we also ask if you would like to participate in your trip’s app group. That way, you can make arrangements for transportation and, of course, you can ask questions of the Ryce Travel Foundation.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Wi-fi is available in most accommodations. The speed is not what you are used to but enough to send the home front vacation snaps. If you are really phone addicted then you can purchase a local sim card in many destinations.
Do I have coverage with my phone?
Yes, in most places there is fine coverage with your phone. In the mountains, the signal sometimes drops out.