Communicable Diseases Policy

This policy is designed to help you look out for your fellow travellers, and yourself, in managing the risk of communicable diseases on your trip, including COVID-19, influenza, and gastro, to name a few. While it is possible to reduce risk to a limited extent, it’s not possible to eliminate the risk of sickness completely (one of the very few downsides of travelling!).

In this policy, “you” means a guest booked onto any trip operated by Leatherback Travel (this covers all brands that are part of the Leatherback Travel family, including Wayward Paper).

Your Essential Travel Wellness Checklist

• Check specific entry requirements regarding vaccines for each country you’re visiting or transiting through (Leatherback Travel does not require guests to be vaccinated). Please note that trips will not be cancelled due to a change in entry or vaccination requirements, and standard cancellation terms will apply if you cancel.
• Check the latest government advice for each country you’re visiting or transiting through.
• Talk to a medical professional before travelling if you have any questions about vaccination needs (we can’t recommend or provide medical advice).
• Confirm what your travel insurance does and doesn’t cover if you or your travel companion get sick while travelling. Look out for things like “resumption of journey,” “travel delay,” “on-trip additional expenses,” and COVID-19 protection.

What Do You Need to Do?

• Remember healthcare standards vary: public health policies and education differ widely around the world, and in many places, you will likely find them less comprehensive than what you’re used to at home.
• Research your destination: many countries have an elevated risk of stomach upset, waterborne illness, mosquito-borne diseases, or COVID-19. It’s important to know how to stay healthy while travelling, including food and water safety and hygiene practices.
• Come prepared for anything: bring items such as face masks, hand sanitiser, anti-diarrheal medication, hydration tablets, pain medication, insect repellent, and RSV/flu tests. In many countries these items may be hard to find, even in major cities.

For more info on our Guest Participation Guidelines, refer to the “Guidelines and Policies” section of our website.

What Happens if You’re Unwell During a Trip?

If you contract a contagious or infectious illness during a trip, you’re required to take reasonable and practical steps to reduce the risk to your fellow travellers.

Step 1: First things first, let your guide know if you’re unwell or need medical attention. Their first priority is keeping you safe.

Step 2: Your guide will decide on preventative measures for the health and safety of the rest of the group. Depending on practicality and circumstances, this may include wearing a face mask, sitting separately from the group during meals or sketching sessions, or walking at the rear of the group.

If you’re seriously ill: your guide is there to do whatever they can to support you. They may arrange a doctor’s appointment, hospital visit, or additional accommodation should you need to remain for a few days.

What if Someone Else Is Sick, and You’re Not?

Keeping everyone safe and happy is a group effort. Remember, a group trip is teamwork, and we ask you to be a team player.

If someone in the group is sick, you may be asked to take preventative measures to avoid getting sick yourself. This may include wearing a face mask, increased hand sanitisation, and keeping a safe distance from someone who may be contagious. This will be stepped down once any affected guests are no longer showing symptoms.

What if You Miss Part of the Trip or Incur Extra Costs?

Your guide and our team will do their best to help you enjoy as much of your trip and its sketching sessions as possible with minimal disruption, but this will depend on the circumstances. If we need to arrange a replacement activity, session, or local guide on your behalf so you don't miss out entirely, we will cover that cost. Any accommodation, guide, or transport you arrange independently, without going through us first, is your own responsibility. Any additional expenses we incur on your behalf will be at our discretion.

If you plan on claiming anything through insurance, contact your insurance company immediately to make sure you meet their requirements. They may ask for a medical note, or they may even be able to pay costs upfront on your behalf. Our team will provide any supporting documents you need.

For more info on our Guest Participation Guidelines, refer to the “Guidelines and Policies” section of our website.