Samoa Adventure

12 Aug 2024

Samoa Adventure

TESS

Validity: 01 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2024

Between snorkelling over colourful coral reefs that teem with wildlife and plunging into pristine waterholes below hidden waterfalls, this is a trip for your swimsuit! Among all the beautiful natural gifts that the islands of Samoa have to offer, you’ll also spend time learning about the traditional culture and village life of the locals. With fully guided day tours around different parts of two islands, as well as time to yourself to relax and unwind, this 8-day Samoan adventure is paradise. Explore bustling markets to stock up on souvenirs and experience a traditional fiafia night with fire dancing and feasting – to cap it all off.

Original

Explorer

Private vehicle,Ferry

3

Insel Fehmarn Hotel

Falealili Street

Apia

SAMOA

Taufua Beach

Aleipata Main South Coast Road

Lalomanu

SAMOA

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. Please note the legal drinking age in Samoa is 21 years.

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

CRIME Take care at night, particularly in downtown Apia and harbour-front areas where theft from travellers does occur. WATER SAFETY Beaches are not patrolled in Samoa. Ask your tour leader, accommodation staff or locals about safe areas for swimming. Avoid swimming alone, when the tide is going out or if the sea is rough. Do not dive from rocks near waterfalls or other swimming holes. STRAY DOGS Stray dogs are common in Samoa. Take care around street dogs and do not approach, touch or feed them. TOURS & ACTIVITIES Tour operators do not always follow safety and maintenance standards. When choosing optional activities always ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements and use all safety gear provided such as life jackets. If safety equipment is poorly maintained or not available, choose another operator. Your tour leader can recommend optional activities and providers.

WiFi availability in Samoa is limited and mobile phone service can be very patchy.

PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Fa'a Samoa – The Samoan Way. This phrase refers to the Samoan culture and traditions that influence the lives of many local people. Experience this in immersive village tours with your local leader, who will introduce you to the culture and traditions of each spot.

Make the most of the pristine water and slide down a natural rockslide into the waterholes at Papase’ea. Visit the stunning sandy beaches Vauvua and Lalomanu and snorkel in Palolo Deep Marine Reserve, teeming with tropical fish and coral.

Be amazed by the ancient Star Mounds in Cape Falealupo, one of Samoa's most sacred places, and the remains of the Virgin's grave and the LMS Church. Walk across lava rocks – evidence of the destructive eruption in 1905.

Enjoy a fiafia night – a traditional celebration of dance, costumes, music and feasting on dishes that are cooked in an umu oven using hot volcanic rock.

There are many water-based activities included in this trip. You will get the most out of this trip if you are a competent and confident swimmer. If you are not so confident, we recommend that you bring a life jacket from home to allow you to still participate safely. The accommodation for this trip is not at luxury beach resorts, but is at simple, comfortable locally owned accommodation. Hot water may not be consistently available. WiFi is also not widely accessible, and a local SIM will need to be purchased to have consistent internet access.

GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements.  MEASLES Samoa recently experienced a measles epidemic. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you travel. INSECT BORNE DISEASES Mosquitoes are active during the day. To protect yourself from bites, make sure you always use insect repellent and wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Travellers with dietary needs should be prepared for very limited options for included meals and many prefer to take some of their own supplies to ensure they have a balanced diet while travelling.

Samoa’s national currency is the Tala (dollar) and Sene (cent). Tala is the only currency accepted in Samoa. You'll need to carry cash in Samoa as not all businesses accept credit card payment. Cash is also required for visiting beaches and other areas owned by villages, where you will often be asked for a customary fee. All major foreign currencies can be exchanged in Samoa. Money exchange services are based at Faleolo International Airport, in the capital city Apia, and at some major hotels and resorts where ATMs can also be found. SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

Refillable water bottle Hat Sunscreen Insect repellent Skin lotion for insect bites Electrolyte/rehydration powder or tablets Swimwear Sarong (or buy the local version, a lavalava, on arrival in Samoa) Quick-drying towel x 2 (for at accommodation where not provided and for water activities) Trekking or reef sandals, or other sturdy comfortable walking shoes Flip flops Light, loose clothing that can easily be worn over swimwear Life jacket if you are not a strong swimmer so you can participate in water activities Snorkelling gear (hire may be possible in some locations, but your own will ensure you don't miss opportunities) Modest clothing (that covers shoulders and knees for women) A nicer outfit if you plan to attend a church service on Sunday

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

As a tropical Pacific Island close to the equator, Samoa’s climate is warm and humid all year round, with little variation in temperature but with distinct wet and dry seasons. Samoa’s average daytime air temperature throughout the year ranges from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. The sea temperature is normally in the low 20s, making it perfect for swimming and snorkelling all year round. In the country’s eastern and south-eastern regions, trade winds arrive most afternoons or early evenings for a cooling effect during the hottest part of the day. Samoa’s dry season is from May to October, making this the most popular time for visitors. The wet season, from November to April, might not bring rain every day, but a raincoat or umbrella is advised for what can be short but intense thunderstorms. Most of the wet season’s rain will fall between December to March, when storms may last for several hours.

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: Intrepid's Local Operator: +682 55966 / +682 51871

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel Fa’a Samoa (The Samoan Way) is a way of life where family is all-important, respect of elders is firmly adhered to, and being of service to your family is your duty. Fa’a Samoa culture has a strong focus on welcoming visitors, however it is important that visitors and guests follow cultural protocols when entering villages and family homes as well as using and accessing village resources such as beaches, waterfalls and swimming holes. RELIGIOUS PROTOCOLS & SUNDAYS Most Samoan people will attend a church service on Sundays in the morning before gathering for a traditional family lunch known as "Toanai". If you are in Samoa on a Sunday, there is an expectation that you will behave quietly and move slowly through villages. Resorts and restaurants will generally stay open on Sundays, but most activities and other businesses are generally closed. Some grocery shops and food markets open first thing, before church, for locals to stock up for their family meal later in the day. You're welcome to attend church services, which are often led by a beautiful choir singing. Ask your leader for service times and details. Visitors to a church service should dress modestly and women are encouraged to wear a lavalava (skirt) to cover their knees and a top that covers their shoulders. The sale of alcohol is prohibited on Sundays except in hotels and restaurants. VILLAGE PROTOCOLS • Please do not walk through villages during the evening prayer time (usually between 6–7pm). Sa (sacred) usually lasts for 10 to 20 minutes and is often marked at the beginning and end by a bell or the blowing of a conch shell (wait for the third bell before continuing on your way). • Please dress appropriately as skimpy clothing is not recommended in villages. If you are staying in a village, it may even result in a fine for your tour guide/hosts. • Nude and topless (for women) swimming or sunbathing is not permitted. When leaving the beach to enter villages, visitors are asked to wear a lavalava (sarong), pants or shorts and a t-shirt. • Please remember to remove shoes before entering a fale. • When elders are seated in a fale, you should not stand. • When sitting in a fale, avoid pointing your feet at others. Either tuck them away, cross them (yoga style) or cover them with a lavalava or mat. • Please always ask permission from your tour leader or guide before taking photos in a village. • If in doubt about protocol, ask your tour leader or guide for advice.

We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than $14million dollars and supported more than 160 communities worldwide. Now, with over 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your group leader or local representative or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip directly supports Eden Reforestation Projects, who are tackling climate change by restoring forests across the world; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within local communities. Donations support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries, including Madagascar, Kenya and Nepal. To find out more or make a donation, visit: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/eden-reforestation-projects 

We stay in simple accommodation throughout our time in Samoa. Hot water supply at some properties may be sporadic, so expect some cold showers.

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. We also have an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single room basis. On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Hotel - Superior Garden & Ocean View Rooms (2 nights),Seaside Lodge - Tui Moana Ensuites (2 nights),Airconditioned Villas (3 nights)