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How do I redeem my voucher and for which travel dates is it valid? Are there blackout dates?
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To redeem your voucher, simply reach out to Beyond the Map as instructed in your confirmation email, and be sure to provide your order number. Voucher is valid for travel between October 1, 2021 until December 31, 2021 and January 10, 2022 until December 31, 2022 with the exception of listed blackout dates. The operator recommends requesting your desired dates at least 60 days prior to departure in order to coordinate the logistics of your trip. Requests within the 60 day period may still be requested but may have a lower chance of being approved. Please wait for confirmation from Beyond the Map before making your travel arrangements.
The following blackout periods apply, however, these dates could be available with enough advance notice and for a supplemental fee. Please contact our Adventures Team if you’d like to explore pricing and availability for one of the date ranges below:
2021 Dates
November 22-29, 2021
December 21-January 2, 2022
2022 Dates
April 15-17, 2022
May 27-30, 2022
June 9-12, 2022
July 1-4, 2022
September 2-5, 2022
October 7-10, 2022
October 28-31, 2022
November 23-27, 2022
December 22-January 1, 2023
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Are private departures available?
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Private departures are available with a minimum of four people. A private trip is able to be customized for the group and is generally a more flexible option for the group. Please contact our Adventure Team to explore pricing and availability.
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Are departures guaranteed?
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There is a minimum of four participants required for each departure to run. Additionally, Beyond the Map operates with permissions from local State Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other land agencies that govern the Commercial Use Authorizations, and those management agencies can deny access based on various factors in which your guides will have to oblige. Please wait until you receive confirmation from Beyond the Map before making travel arrangements.
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Are there any other conditions that may prevent this trip from running?
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All Beyond the Map trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances beyond their control, including, but not limited to, permit or campsite availability, flash floods, river crossings, wildlife, park or land closures or other conditions that may deem a location unfit or unsafe for guests. This trip requires a minimum of four people to operate and may be rescheduled or canceled if the minimum requirement is not met. Beyond the Map reserves the right to cancel any trip because of internal reasons including but not limited to inadequate signups or the inability to secure a similar experience in the event of itinerary changes.
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What is the best way to get to the trip start location? Can transportation be coordinated by the tour operator?
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The trip begins and ends at Camp Sloggett, Kauai. If joining the trip directly from the airport, you will travel 1.25 hours from Lihue Airport (LIH) to Camp Sloggett. Despite the secluded location, standard vehicles are able to safely reach Camp Sloggett. You can rent a vehicle at the airport or for an additional fee of $85 per person you can arrange a pick up from the tour operator. Please contact Beyond the Map to schedule. Upon reaching Koke`e State Park, stay on the main road and take the first right after Koke`e Lodge turn off. Follow the dirt road 1/2 mile and look for the wooden Camp Sloggett sign. Turn right at the sign and follow the road into the large clearing that is the campground. Please note that there is no cell phone service at the camp and service may be unreliable while driving. We recommend downloading offline driving directions ahead of time.
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What are the accommodations like?
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Each night will be spent tent camping. Two nights will be at a campsite with rustic facilities. One night will be spent in the backcountry at a primitive campsite with no facilities. Please note, there is no cell phone reception or electricity at either of the camp locations.
The first night and third night will be spent at Camp Sloggett. This is an established, front country campsite that is set off a dirt road at 4,500 feet. This site will be shared with guests from separate groups that may be renting the cabins or tent camping in the vicinity. Facilities, including rustic showers, bathrooms, and potable water are available. Expect typical car camping conditions for these nights, where your belongings will be easily accessible in your nearby parked vehicle.
The second night will be spent at a remote, backcountry campsite that is only accessible by hiking. Each individual will be required to carry their personal shelter, sleeping gear, and food to this campsite. This backcountry campsite has no facilities and participants should be prepared to follow Leave No Trace principles when using the restroom in the backcountry. In addition, participants should be prepared for possible inclement conditions, including but not limited to, foul weather and insects.
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Can solo travelers get their own room? Is there a single supplement fee?
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Solo travelers are welcome to bring or rent their own tent. Additional fees apply for tent rental, please contact our Adventures Team for details. There is no additional fee for solo travelers who bring their own tent.
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How large is each travel group?
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Each group will have a minimum of four and a maximum of 10 participants.
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What is the minimum age required for this trip?
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For scheduled tours, the minimum age is 10 years old. However, private tours are able to accommodate children younger than 10 years old on a case-by-case basis. Please contact our Adventures Team for more information.
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Are meals included? What is the food like?
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All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are included from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on the final day. Each guide tailors the menu for the specific trip and is extensively trained on backcountry food handling and meal planning. The goal for meals during physically demanding days is to provide guests with meals that are not only tasty but also packed full of critical carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
For breakfast you can expect items such as oatmeal, eggs, granola, bagels, fruit, etc. To maximize activity time, packed lunches are provided that may include sandwiches, granola bars, fruit, chips, etc. Dinners tend to vary based on campsite location. When in the front country, you can expect meals such as pastas, burritos, hamburgers, curry, etc. The backcountry portion of the trip relies on dehydrated backpacking meals. The options for backpacking meals are quite extensive and surprisingly delicious. During a pre-trip meeting there will be several options for you to choose from for your own personal backpacking meal. In addition, your guide will provide an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion during the hikes.
Beyond the Map can accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher, and non-gluten diets, and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests require at least two weeks advance notice and may require an additional fee.
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What is the weather like?
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Kauai is often referred to as “The Garden Island” due to its lush, green foliage. While this region of Kauai receives far less rain than other areas of the island, rainfall is something that should be expected during the trip. Overall, expect more rain during the months of April to October and drier days from November to March. In general, Kauai is a tropical island that has pleasant temperatures year-round. Even in the coolest month of January, daytime highs average 78 F and the evening lows dip to 65 F. August is the warmest month with daytime highs averaging 85 F and cooling off to 75 F in the nighttime. That being said, higher elevations, in combination with cool rains, can lead to evenings in the 50’s F that will require a lightweight jacket or fleece.
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What should people bring? Do you have a packing list?
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The Beyond the Map trip director will provide a detailed packing list upon booking. The trip director will also schedule a virtual meeting prior to the trip to discuss the packing list, cheaper gear alternatives, and to answer any questions ahead of time. Some items are available to rent with prior notice, please contact the Adventures Team for more information.
Clothing:
- Hiking Shoes: Sturdy hiking boots or trail runners. Light weight, mid-ankle boots that are either waterproof or able to dry quickly are suggested. A more experienced hiker may prefer trail runners. It is important that your footwear is worn ahead of time and are well broken in.
- Camp Shoes: Lightweight camp shoes such as Crocs or sandals that can be carried on your pack and then worn when not hiking.
- Hiking Socks: 2-3 pairs of hiking socks, one pair to hike in, one to sleep in, and one as a backup. Padded socks made from wool or synthetics are recommended (wearing thin liner socks under your hiking socks is recommended if you are concerned about blisters). No cotton socks!!
- Gaiters: optional but help keep sand out of your shoe
- Hat: for sun protection & bad hair days!
- Bandana/buff
- Mosquito head net (optional)
- Fleece/jacket: Warm top, mid-weight shirt, sweater, or pullover, also wicking material such as merino wool, fleece, or polypropyle
- Athletic top & bottoms: Lightweight, quick drying pants while hiking and a similar t-shirt
- Bathing suit
- Sleeping attire
- Rainproof jacket and pants: Waterproof/breathable jacket and pants such as Gore-Tex®; pants are optional
Gear:
- Backpack: At least a 40 L pack is recommended (available to rent)
- Waterproof pack cover: to cover your bag during rain events (available to rent)
- Tent: lightweight, backpacking tent is preferred - you must be able to carry your tent while backpacking (available to rent)
- Sleeping bag: lightweight, packable sleeping bag (available to rent)
- Sleeping pad: inflatable or foam (available to rent)
- Trekking poles: 1 or 2 are highly recommend to reduce joint impact and for balance (available to rent)
- Water bottles or bladder: 2-3 liters total capacity (available to rent)
- Camp pillow: lightweight, packable camp pillow (available to rent)
- Contact lenses and glasses: if you wear contact lenses please also bring a pair of glasses - your contacts are likely to become dirty and may be difficult to clean
- Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
- Bug repellent: preferably a product containing at least 25% "DEET" (some people are sensitive to this product). Covering up is also a good option but sometimes difficult in tropical climates.
- Toiletries and a small washcloth in stuff sack (bandana can serve as a washcloth)
- Headlamp/spare batteries: preferably an L.E.D. type that works with AA or AAA batteries (available to rent)
- Camera, spare batteries (optional)
- Notebook or paperback book (optional)
- Travel hammock (optional)
- Knee braces (if needed)
- Prescription medicine: please inform your trip leader of any medications you are taking
- Snorkeling gear: optional - some will be available to share but having your own is preferred
- Money: for tipping your trip leader (optional but appreciated, generally 10-20% of your trip cost based upon the quality of your experience).
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I don't have my own camping gear. Is gear available to rent?
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Yes! Beyond the Map has the following gear available to rent, please contact our Adventures Team for pricing and availability.
- Camping combo: Tent (REI Half Dome or similar), sleeping bag & sleeping pad
- 1 or 2-person tent (REI Half Dome or similar)
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Camp pillow
- Internal frame backpack
- Waterproof pack cover
- Trekking poles
- Camp chair
- Headlamp
- Water bottles or bladder
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How much extra money should people budget?
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It is recommended that you bring an allotment of cash for personal items you would like to buy during the trip (souvenirs, alcohol). You should also budget for the industry recommended guide gratuity of 10-20% of the trip cost.
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What kind of physical shape is needed in order to successfully participate in activities? Is there any special preparation/training required for this trip?
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This adventure may include 6-8 hours of continuous activity for multiple days in a row. Participants should be in good physical condition and able to walk for several miles (see itinerary for exact mileage) while carrying a 25-35 pound backpack. This trail has steep descents and ascents on uneven terrain and also requires several creek crossings with slick and unstable conditions. Hiking and camping take place outdoors and you may be exposed to adverse weather conditions such as rain, intense heat, and sun and insects. This itinerary is a combination of consecutive days with physical activities but also incorporates moments to unwind, relax, or explore independently as well. For the best experience, it is highly recommended that participants test out their backpacking gear prior to the trip. The trip director at Beyond the Map will serve as a source of knowledge for planning and preparation prior to the trip. No experience necessary, just a calling for adventure!
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Are there additional activities that I can purchase? Can I extend my trip?
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This itinerary is all-inclusive; however, there are many ways you can extend your time while in Kauai. There are options to add additional days on to the trip to include activities such as snorkeling, sea kayaking, whale watching, luau’s, and more. Please contact our Adventures Team for pricing and availability.
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Should I purchase travel insurance? If so, do you have a recommended provider?
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Travel insurance is required for this adventure. It allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, and/or theft or accidental damage while traveling. We recommend VisitorsCoverage as a provider.
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Are there special requirements for entry into the destination I am visiting?
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We recommend you visit the local government websites where you plan to travel and review the required documentation for entry, current restrictions, and general recommendations for travel within the area. We encourage you to also visit your home country's embassy website if you are traveling to a foreign country. Requirements can change rapidly. Please be sure you stay abreast of the requirements and restrictions for anywhere you plan to visit. You can also enroll in the U.S. government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and you will be sent updates if the situation in your destination changes. You can find the program link at https://step.state.gov/.
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Can I cancel or modify my trip?
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Yes! Book confidently with Free Cancellations within 72 hours of booking. After 72 hours, cancellation fees will apply.
New For 2021 Departures: We’re providing more flexible booking options on this trip.
Up to 60 days prior to departure*
You may postpone or modify your trip up to 60 days prior to departure with no fees or penalties.
You will have the option to:
1) Select a new date within one year of your original departure date
2) Select a new adventure or destination, or
3) Receive 100% lifetime store credit toward a future trip.
*Please note, when choosing a new date, you must choose a date within the same travel season in 2022 to avoid any additional trip costs. If you select a new adventure, you will be responsible for the difference of any additional trip costs above the value of your current trip.
Less than 60 days prior to a departure*
You may have the option to select a new date and travel within one year of your original departure date, but additional trip costs may apply and new dates are subject to availability. If you choose not to reschedule your trip you may have the option to cancel, but standard cancellation fees will apply.
*If you choose to cancel, you will receive a lifetime credit, minus cancellation fees, towards a future trip.
For more information on our Travel Cancellation Policy please Click Here.