Frequently Asked

Questions

Do I need Travel insurance?

Travel insurance is designed to provide financial protection for unexpected events that impact a traveler’s trip depending upon policy coverage. We highly recommend you research travel insurance and the various policy providers. You are responsible to non-refundable trip costs.

Can you book this trip as a solo traveler?

Yes, our trips can accommodate solo travelers, couples, groups of friends, and/or family.

Can you book a private group trip with Elei?

Yes, we are happy to make arrangements for a private group travel experience. We require at least 6 months’ advance notice to make travel arrangements but could be longer depending on the availability of travel procurement.

Why should You pick ELEI for your next Travel experience?

ELEI trips are designed as an educational, cultural, and wildlife experience through the lens of conservation. Heather Kasey has over a decade of experience traveling through Africa and Southeast Asia and has customized the ELEI travel experience as a way for you to have a vacation and immerse yourself with elephants and local communities. Everything on each trip is hand-crafted and carefully thought out by Heather.

Are flights included in the price of the trip?

Flights are not included in the cost of your travel experience. We are happy to assist with any booking questions and travel suggestions you may require.

Is my deposit refundable?

At least a $500 deposit is required to secure your spot. The $500 deposit is non-refundable.

Are meals included in the price of the trip? Is it all you can eat?

Meals are included but it often depends on the individual trip. For example, in Africa on safari, the lodges will include 3 meals per day and sometimes beer and wine. However, when we are in Thailand or somewhere else in Southeast Asia, the hotels/resorts do not include the food and there will be a daily allowance per meal.

In this case, we will offer an envelope with food money at the top of the trip to cover food. The money allotted for food is based on the restaurant’s average in that particular country. If you do not use all your food money, you are free to use the extra money for alcohol or additional tours. If you go over the allotted food allowance, we ask that you make arrangements to cover your own food. No additional food money will be given to you.

Why is Alcohol not included in the Price of the Trip?

On the first couple of ELEI trips, alcohol was included. We found out very quickly, that everyone tends to drink a different amount of alcohol per meal / per day. Because of this, it was incredibly hard to budget alcohol for an individual or a group.

When Do i have to pay in full for my trip with ELEI?

All payments for a trip you book with ELEI have to be paid in full within 90 days of your departure trip.

If I need to cancel my trip? Can I get a full refund?

We understand that life happens and sometimes changes have to be made. You must give notice of changes/cancelation to the trip up to 4 months ahead of time, minus the $500 non-refundable deposit, we can issue a refund on a case-by-case basis. If you have to cancel your trip within 90 days, no refund will be available to you. Covid-19 devastated the travel and hospitality industry, especially in developing countries to which ELEI travels. Hotels, lodges, and resorts all changed their policies during covid and stop issuing refunds. Your money for the trip goes directly to the hotels, lodges, resorts, elephant sanctuaries, and Maasai guides. ELEI does not get a refund, therefore, we no longer offer refunds to our customers after 90 days leading up to the trip. If you are hesitant about signing up because you may have to cancel, it would be best to not sign up and wait until you believe you can fully commit.

If I have to cut my trip short or arrive late on the trip, can I get refunded for the time I wasn’t there?

No, if you have fully paid for the trip, all money goes directly to pay for travel expenses. ELEI is not liable for changes to plane flights, lost passports, emergencies at home, job changes, or natural disasters.

What if someone in the group puts my safety or others at risk? What if someone’s behavior is contributing to the group experience in a Destructive way?

If at any point during the trip, you or anyone else in the group puts someone in danger, Heather Kasey will make an immediate decision to remove you from the group’s itinerary/activities and if needed removal you from the trip entirely.

NOTE: ELEI does not permit the abuse of alcohol or any drugs on a trip

What if I lose my passport before or during the trip?

We know how scary it can be to lose a passport, especially in a foreign country. If this happens, we will help you get to the closest US embassy.

If you have fully paid for your trip but you lose your passport right before your trip or you run out of pages in your passport and are not able to enter the country, you will not be granted a refund. Once the trip is paid for, it goes directly to pay for travel expenses.