Find answers to all of your questions about taking part in our overseas challenges. We explain everything from registering through to fundraising.
Questions about how to book
Questions about registration fees
Questions about what's included in the trip
Questions about fundraising
Other questions
Questions about how to book
How do I book my place?
You need to book your place directly with the company organising your trip. They then contact us to let us know you are fundraising for the British Red Cross, and we will provide you with fundraising support in the lead up to your challenge. Each company varies in its sign-up policies – please see below:
- Global Adventure Challenges: there is an online booking system for your challenge, which is accessible via links from our website.
- Discover Adventure: there is an online booking system for your challenge, which is accessible via links from our website.
- Across the Divide: there are online and offline booking options available, depending on preference. Please let us know how you’d like to book and we’ll send you the details.
- Classic Tours: please go to www.classictours.co.uk to book your place.
Is there a deadline for booking my place?
Tour costs are paid ten weeks before the departure date of the trip. However, most events sell out long before then so it’s advisable to book as soon as possible once you’ve decided to take part.
If pledging to raise the minimum sponsorship, you must always consider how long it will take to raise the funds for your trip. We recommend booking your place 9-12 months in advance of the departure date to allow time for fundraising activities.
Questions about registration fees
How does payment work?
All our overseas challenges work in the same way. All applicants are required to pay a registration fee when signing up for an event. This is a non-refundable deposit. There are then two sponsorship options to choose from:
Option 1: You cover the tour costs (additional to the registration fee) and then raise as much as you can for the British Red Cross.
Option 2: You pledge to raise a minimum sponsorship (excluding Gift Aid) and the British Red Cross pays your tour costs out of this amount.
Is the registration fee on top of the self funding option?
Yes, the registration fee is a deposit paid when booking. If you choose to self fund your place, you then pay the remaining tour costs in addition to the deposit.
Do I have to pay the registration fee all in one go?
For some of our events there is an option to pay the registration fee in instalments over three months. This is dependant on the tour company’s policy. If you are interested in this option, please ask when registering.
Questions about what's included in the trip
What’s included in the tour costs for my challenge?
The specifics vary from challenge to challenge but generally the following is covered: all flights, accommodation, meals, drinking water and snacks, support and transfers, local guides, back-up vehicles, full comprehensive first aid kits, tour leader from the UK, entrance fees into sites (if applicable). For a detailed list for your event, please see the itinerary.
What isn’t included in the tour costs for my challenge?
The specifics vary from challenge to challenge but generally the following is not covered: personal airport taxes, personal travel insurance, alcoholic drinks, tips, personal kit, visa (if applicable).
Questions about fundraising
What is the deadline for raising the minimum sponsorship for my challenge?
We ask that participants raise 80 per cent of their minimum sponsorship ten weeks before the departure date of their trip, as this is when the charity must pay the tour costs. We then ask that the remaining 20 per cent of sponsorship is paid to the charity by one month after the challenge.
I have a really high fundraising target. Do you provide any support to help me reach it?
Yes. You will have a designated fundraiser whose role is to offer you support and advice throughout your fundraising. You will receive a fundraising pack full of ideas and advice on how to achieve your fundraising target, as well as monthly hints and tips of small things you can do to boost your sponsorship. As one of the largest charities in the country we also have local community fundraisers who can help you to organise bucket collections and bag packs in your local community.
Other questions
Is there an age limit?
All participants must be 18 years old or above to take part in these challenges, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no upper age limit on our challenges, we just ask that all participants are fit and healthy enough to complete the challenge.
I’m worried about training for the challenge – how prepared do I need to be?
All our events are designed to be challenging but achievable by anyone as long as they train beforehand. The fitter you are the more you will enjoy the challenge. All tour companies we work with provide detailed and thorough training tips and advice and are more than happy to talk through your training plan with you. They also organise training weekends in advance of your trip where you can meet and train with the people you will be doing the challenge with.
Who do I contact if I have any other issues?
Sophie Major
Tel: 0844 412 2877
Email: challenges@redcross.org.uk
British Red Cross, 44 Moorfields, London, EC2Y 9AL