Frequently Asked Questions

The name pretty much sums it up. We started For The Love of Travel, for the love of travel - for the incredible, life-changing experiences, the magical moments, the forever memories, and the endless smiles that traveling creates. And we wanted to make it easier for busy young people to do more of it in an authentic, sustainable way.

Travel isn't something you can only do on a gap year or when you're retired. We see it as an integral part of life- a necessary and continuing education that deserves as much devotion as academia.

We curate fun, well-rounded itineraries and take care of the major details to give you more time to explore, experience, learn and connect with the people around you and places you're in. That way, you can have an authentic cultural experience and a vacation.

You will be traveling with other folks who are similar in age and like-minded. We also prioritize putting our money back into the hands of the local community.

Fun. You'll be spending a week or more exploring a foreign country while getting to know a bunch of cool people your age. It's a blast.

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Hassle-free. We've already taken care of the logistics so you don't have to spend hours planning or waste your vacation time dealing with unforeseen issues, spending money you didn't budget for, or stressing about, well, anything.

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Insider knowledge. We already know the best spots, how to get there, and what's cool about them. This means you don't have to spend your time abroad on your phone looking up Yelp reviews and reading Wikipedia.

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A crew. Solo travel is great but it's a blast to travel with a group of fun people. At the same time, we know how hard it is to plan international travel with friends. Between varying work schedules, budgets, and personalities, it can be super frustrating to try to organize trips with multiple people. Going on an FTLO trip means you'll be traveling with up to 16 people around your age, all open to meeting new friends, trying new things, and having a good time.

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No pressure. FTLO allows you to travel with a group of people without the pressure of feeling like you have to do everything together. You can spend the whole day wandering around by yourself and still have people to get dinner with at the end of the day. Even if you sign up with friends, it's easier for you to break away on your own for a bit in a group setting like this.

Our trips are designed for individuals aged 25-39 who are looking to travel more and meet like-minded people along the way.

We get a lot of questions about who goes on our trips so here is breakdown of what to expect:

• Average age: 30 (most fall between 27 and 34)

• 80% go alone

• 70-80% women, 20-30% men (Note: the ratio really doesn't affect overall trip enjoyment!)

• 60% say they are single and looking to mingle

• 75% live in big cities

• 100% want to travel and meet new people

• The most important thing to know is that everyone on our trips chooses to be there, so you already know they are most likely outgoing, open to new experiences, looking to meet new people, and ready to have a good time.

We welcome folks from all around the world but the majority of our travelers are from the US.

We do this for rooming planning purposes and to strive for a balanced mix on our trips, which is why we hold a certain number of spots for those who tends to book later (ahem, guys). That said, we have little control over the final ratio and do open up guy spots to gals (and vice versa) the closer we get to the departure date. If spots are sold out, we definitely recommend signing up for the waitlist!

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Note: We welcome all genders on our trips. For anyone who doesn't fall into the guy/gal categories, please know this distinction is mainly to help us plan accommodations so just select the option you would feel more comfortable rooming with.

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Note: At the end of the day, the gender makeup really doesn't affect trip enjoyment. There are always locals to flirt with if that's what you're looking for :)

Our trips are right for you if:

• You're social, independent, curious, and fun-loving

• You're interested in getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things

• You can go with the flow, even when the unexpected occurs

• You’re inclusive and enjoy meeting new people

Our trips are not right for you if:

• You're difficult, rude, or mean

• You complain a lot

• You’re disrespectful or dismissive of other cultures

• You have severe social anxiety

• You're not open to new experiences

No, our trips are not luxury, but they're not budget either. We're right in the middle, with enough experience to know when it makes sense to save and when it's worth it to splurge. (i.e. we might stay in a more basic hotel for a couple of nights so we can include a Michelin worthy meal and a private catamaran ride).

FTLO trips run with between 4 and 16 people and have an average group size of 10. We cap the number of people on each trip to cultivate a sense of community without making you feel like you're part of a herd. Plus, smaller numbers allow us to assimilate more easily into the local community.

At FTLO, we believe that acceptance and inclusivity are paramount when it comes to travel. We appreciate that our diverse community of travelers includes individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, and we want travelers of all sexual orientations and gender identities to feel comfortable and respected throughout their journey.

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With that said, we encourage you to stay informed about LGBTQIA+ rights in the destinations you plan to visit, as they may differ from one country to the next. The unfortunate reality is that not every region of the world is as welcoming as we would like. We recommend visiting Equaldex for information regarding LGBTQIA+-related laws around the globe.

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On trips, FTLO has a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination, verbal or physical abuse, and sexual harassment. If you encounter any inappropriate behavior during your trip (from fellow travelers, leaders, or partners), please immediately inform your trip leader or FTLO HQ through the pre-departure hub our operations email - support@ftlotravel.com.

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For roommate pairings, we pair you based on the spot type you select in your booking form (gal or guy). We also have single room supplements available for each trip (except the South Africa trip) if you would prefer a single room. This can be added to your order during the checkout process. If you have specific questions about rooming before you book a trip, please reach out to one of our community managers at hello@ftlotravel.com.

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We believe that by fostering an environment of respect and understanding, we can enhance the joy and connection that comes from exploring the world together.

Great! Once you've decided which trip you want to join, click the "book" button on the trip page or calendar page. This will take you to a secure embedded booking page run by Rezdy, a booking software company. Here you can select your dates, enter your info, add an upgrade, add optionals, and submit your booking.

All bookings are submitted on a conditional basis, meaning your trip is not confirmed until we have approved you and received your payment (deposit or full). Once you're confirmed, you will receive an email from us with next steps.

If you pay in full, your spot and price are guaranteed and you're set! If you only want to pay the deposit initially, you will receive automatic payment requests at 90 days, 60 days, and 30 days before the trip. If you don't pay in full up front, your trip price is not set in stone and we reserve the right to increase the cost up to 3% of trip total to account for changes in the exchange rate of the places we visit.

Do NOT book your flights until you get a green light from us, and make sure to check the trip details to see if you need to arrive by a certain time.

We'll be sending you lots of reminders leading up to the trip so you're well prepared.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send us an email or text. If you'd like to talk with someone before booking, let us know and we'll schedule a call!

Each trip page has a breakdown of what is and isn't included. In general, the trip price includes accommodations, in-country transportation, curated activities and some meals (usually all breakfasts and 3-4 lunches/dinners).

1. Once you fill out the booking form and submit your deposit, you will receive an automatic confirmation that you submitted a booking request.

2. We will manually confirm your booking and someone from our team will follow up with a personal email welcoming you to the trip and detailing next steps.

3. At some point before your trip (normally 2-5 months, if not earlier) we will give you the green light to book your flights with details about when and where you must be to meet the group on the first day. Do not book your flights until you get the green light from one of our team members.

4. Four weeks before the trip, you will receive an invite to our online portal we lovingly call “The Departure Hub.” Here, you can see who else you’re traveling with and find useful items like a detailed trip guide with hotel information, a suggested packing list, and other tips.

5. One week before the trip, the trip leader will start a group chat with everyone on the trip so you can start to connect!

Our trips do not include flights. We let you book your own flights because it allows you the freedom to choose an itinerary that works best for you, use miles, sit in first class (ayy!), extend your trip, etc.

You shouldn’t book your flights until you receive the official FTLO Greenlight Email. This will be sent to you 2 to 4 months prior to the start date of your trip.

There is a trip-specific non-refundable deposit to reserve a spot. If you choose to pay in installments, the remainder is to be paid according to the following schedule:

90 days before trip - 50% of trip cost

60 days before trip - 75% of trip cost

30 days before trip - 100% of trip cost

You will be sent automatic payment requests with a link to enter credit card information. Installments should be paid within 3 days of payment request.

Keep in mind, sometimes prices go up as it gets closer to the departure date and paying a deposit does not guarantee a specific price. To lock in your trip price, you can pay the full amount when you sign up.

For full terms and conditions, please click HERE.

Yes! FTLO allows one complementary trip transfer for trips further than 60 days out for 2025 and 65 days out for 2026 trips (90 days for 2025/95 days for 2026 Lapland, South Africa, Japan, Argentina, Turkey, and Kenya).

Additional trip transfers will incur a change fee of $100.

If you need to cancel your upcoming trip, you will be responsible for the below amounts based on the date we receive your written confirmation of cancellation.

2025 Departures:

• 61 days or more before departure: The deposit is nonrefundable and issued as “Travel Credit” on your account, which can be transferred to another trip.

• 60-31 days before departure: 50% of the trip is non-refundable. Any additional amount paid can be refunded or given as travel credit.

• 30 days or less before departure: No refund possible

Due to requirements from our suppliers, the 2025 South Africa Trip, Argentina Trip, Lapland Trip, Kenya Trip, Japan Trip, and Turkey Trip follow a 91-Day Cancellation Policy, different from other FTLO Trips.

• 91 days or more days before departure:  Deposit is non-refundable and issued as “Travel Credit” on your account that can be transferred to another trip.

• 90-61 days before departure:  25% of the trip cost is non-refundable. Any additional amount paid can be refunded or given as travel credit.

• 60-31 days before departure:  50% of the trip cost is non-refundable. Any additional amount paid can be refunded or given as travel credit.

• 30 days or less before departure:  No refund possible.

2026 Departures:

• 65 days or more before departure: The deposit is nonrefundable and issued as “Travel Credit” on your account, which can be transferred to another trip.

• 64-36 days before departure: 50% of the trip is non-refundable. Any additional amount paid can be refunded or given as travel credit.

• 35 days or less before departure: No refund possible

Due to requirements from our suppliers, the 2026 South Africa Trip, Argentina Trip, Lapland Trip, Kenya Trip, Japan Trip, and Turkey Trip follow a 95-Day Cancellation Policy, different from other FTLO Trips.

• 95 days or more days before departure:  Deposit is non-refundable and issued as “Travel Credit” on your account that can be transferred to another trip.

• 94-64 days before departure:  25% of the trip cost is non-refundable. Any additional amount paid can be refunded or given as travel credit.

• 65-36 days before departure:  50% of the trip cost is non-refundable. Any additional amount paid can be refunded or given as travel credit.

• 35 days or less before departure:  No refund possible.

*Please note: For trips further out than 60/65 days, we allow one complimentary trip transfer. Additional trip transfers will incur a change fee of $100. Transfers requested within 60/65 days of departure are subject to our regular cancellation fees. Exceptions are any trip following a 90/95-day cancellation policy, in which the request would need to be made further than 90/95 days. 

This Travel Credit will expire five years from the issue date and is non-transferable to another traveler.

No refund can be provided if you fail to join the trip, join it after departure, or leave it before its completion for any reason.Further, any non-refundable deposits made to third-party suppliers and third-party cancellation fees will be subtracted from any refunds due under this section or trip transfers. In some instances, this may result in a refund amount of $0 after these subtractions.

For full terms and conditions, please click HERE.

You can definitely room with the person you sign up with. Please just make a note in the special requirements section of the booking to request.

We have a limited amount of single rooms available on trips that are first come first serve. If you’re someone who wants a bit more privacy, we recommend booking sooner rather than later as single rooms are popular and do tend to fill up quickly! You can book a single room during the checkout process as an additional add-on to your order.

Sometimes—but your best bet is to book early! Our biggest savings usually happen during our Opening Day and Early Booking Sale, so if you want the best deal (and the most trip options), locking in your spot early is the way to go. We might drop a surprise deal here and there, but they’re rare and typically for select departures. Bottom line? The sooner you book, the better your chance at the lowest price—and the more time you have to get excited for your trip!

Not really. The trips are designed in such a way that each day builds on the next so missing part of the trip would mean missing part of the experience. For that reason, we don't really allow people to join trips late. However, if you need to leave early, we totally understand and will do our best to accommodate. Please note that there are no discounts for leaving a trip early.

We aim for perfection on every trip we run. However, even after all of the research, preparation, and practice, it’s possible we’ll discover kinks in our itineraries or minor flaws in our experiences during our inaugural tours. In the spirit of fairness and complete transparency, we discount these adventures on the off chance that any hiccups do arise.

Our excursions are built by travelers for travelers, and we rely on our guests for valuable post-trip feedback to help us create memorable experiences that we’re proud to share with our friends. That means if you head out on one of our inaugural trips, we want you to give us your honest insights so we can continue improving.

We give discounts to travelers who refer others for FTLO trips. In order to receive these discounts, the individual you referred will need to book their trip and pay the deposit. On their booking form, they will see the question, “if you were referred by an FTLO alum, please let us know their name.”

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They will need to mention that you have referred them and whether they are traveling on the same trip as you or on a different one. We will then process the referral on the backend and deduct the voucher from your balance or give you a credit.

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Referral credit: $100 voucher
You will receive a $100 voucher if you refer a new traveler who books a different trip (you aren't traveling together)

You join the waitlist the same way you go about booking the trip. There is no payment and no commitment required to join the waitlist. If a spot opens up on the trip, we will reach out to you directly to let you know a spot has opened up. Someone from FTLO will reach out to you via email if a spot does open up in which you will have 24 hours to respond. If you are interested in joining us, we will then send you a payment request, in which you'll have 24 hours to complete. Once you make the payment, your spot will be confirmed.

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Please note: it is highly unlikely that a spot will open up within 30 days of a trip. If your first choice trip is sold out, we highly recommend looking at our Calendar to see what other trips are available over those dates!

At FTLO, we occasionally revise and update our itineraries based on the valuable feedback we receive from travelers like you. Most of these changes are minor adjustments designed to fine-tune your day-to-day schedule for an even better experience.

If any significant revisions are necessary—such as changes to included activities—we will notify you via email before your departure date, explaining the reasons behind these updates. For trips within 30 days, you will also find any updates listed in your departure hub.

Rest assured, our goal with any trip changes is always to enhance and optimize your experience, ensuring you have the best trip possible.

When booking an FTLO trip, we ask everyone to agree to our Traveler's Pledge, which is a set of guidelines intended to create a safe, stress-free experience for all. You must agree to the pledge (a copy of which can be found HERE) in order to join a trip and failure to uphold it while traveling may result in removal from a trip or being banned from future trips.

Each departure is priced individually as the rates we receive from our suppliers vary based on seasonal demand and availability. What you see on the trip page is a “starting at” price, meaning that is the lowest price the trip is available at.

If you've traveled with us before, you'll receive a $200 alumni discount on your future trips. Just answer "yes" to the question "Have you traveled with us before?" when booking and our team will manually apply the discount on the back end during the confirmation process.

The discount will appear on your order confirmation as a $200 payment labeled "free of charge"—it won’t reduce the price of your trip, but will reduce the balance you owe. If you’ve already paid in full, we’ll refund the $200 back to your original payment method.

Any booking made within 30 days of the trip departure date is considered a last-minute booking.

For last-minute bookings, the full amount of the trip cost is required at the time of booking. If we do not have space readily available, our team will need to check with suppliers on the ground to see if we are able to add you to the trip. This will be done within 2 business days. After that, you will receive notification that your booking has either been confirmed or that we were unable to get you on the trip.

If your booking is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email with all the details about your trip typically within 2 business days of your booking. You will get access to your trip hub and be able to connect with other travelers and your Trip Leader.

Sometimes, our suppliers on the ground are unable to accommodate our last-minute booking requests. If this happens, we will reach out to you by email to let you know (typically within 2 business days). You will be given the option to switch to a different trip or receive a full refund which should arrive within 3 business days depending on the credit card company.

The likelihood of your last-minute booking being confirmed depends on the specific trip, the date of departure, and our suppliers' availability. We will do our best to accommodate your request, but we cannot guarantee that we will be able to confirm your booking.

If you have questions, we recommend asking in our online chat box or sending an email to community@ftlotravel.com.

You must have a passport to join any of our international trips. Also, your passport MUST be valid for six months after your trip date. All travelers must also fill out the Health Declaration Form before traveling with FTLO.

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For certain destinations, additional documentation or permissions are required. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits and certificates for your trip. We are not responsible if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct passport, visa or other travel documentation.

We encourage travelers to pack light in a carry-on if at all possible! Not only to mitigate a lost luggage situation, but there might also be times you will have to navigate cobblestone streets with your bag in tow. Because we try to use locally-owned accommodations, some boutique hotels have no elevator. For space and comfort reasons, travelers are allowed only one piece of luggage plus a personal item like a backpack or tote bag - you'll thank us later.

If you decide to check a bag, we recommend bringing a medium size suitcase and highly recommend putting an Apple AirTag or similar device in your checked luggage if easily accessible.

If your baggage is lost, please remember to determine what actions you should take with the airlines, your credit card provider, or your travel insurer.

Yes. To ensure a worry-free journey, it's required that all travelers have travel insurance. This can be easily obtained by booking with a travel insurance provider of your choice. We will send you a few provider recommendations after you have been confirmed for your trip. Your policy should cover trip cancellation, baggage loss, personal accidents, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, all activities included with your trip and more. For added peace of mind, we suggest considering Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) and Covid-related trip interruption coverage. Remember to carefully review your policy details to guarantee you have the right level of protection.

If you plan on using travel insurance provided by your credit card company, make sure it includes international medical and emergency evacuation coverage as a key feature. It's also important to review all the activities included in your FTLO trip with your credit card insurance to avoid any gaps in coverage, such as lost baggage, travel delays, and trip cancellations. When going this route, you should be making your payments and purchasing flights all through your same credit card.

Out of an abundance of caution, before joining our trips, we require all travelers to fill out a Health Declaration Form so that we can do our part to create a safer environment for everyone, including our Trip Leaders and the local communities we visit.
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The Health Declaration Form states that you have not been exposed to Covid recently nor exhibited any symptoms. It also asks travelers to acknowledge that if they test positive for Covid during their trip, they may be asked to leave the trip (see Covid FAQ #5: “What happens if I get Covid on my trip?”). We encourage you to read the Health Declaration Form before booking and contact us with any questions you may have.

This will be emailed to you and unlocked in your Departure Hub within Mighty Networks two days before your trip begins. This is to ensure that everyone provides the most accurate information possible within the three-day window prior to your departure.

You will find the list of accommodations, including their addresses and contact details in your Departure Hub within Mighty Networks. The link to your Departure Hub will be sent to you by email 30 days before your trip.

You will be able to access your detailed itinerary in the Departure Hub within Mighty Networks. You will be sent a link to this by email 30 days before your trip. That being said, the general itinerary of each and every trip can be viewed on the individual trip pages of our website.

If you have booked shared accommodations, you will find out who your roommate is upon arrival. However, if you’d like to request a roommate, you’ll have the option to do so in your Pre-Trip Survey, which will be sent to you by email when your booking is confirmed.

The short answer is no.

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We work carefully to match roommates based on the information provided by our travelers in their Pre-Trip Surveys. As we often have last-minute bookings, roommates are paired as close to the departure date as possible. This way, we can do our best to find the perfect fit, ensuring you'll mesh well with your roomie.

With all of that said, you certainly won't be heading into your adventure without knowing anyone. 30 days from your trip, you'll get access to your Departure Hub within Mighty Networks. This platform is a great place to chat and get to know all of your travel mates prior to meeting in person.

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If you have any other specific roommate-related requests, please let us know on your survey, and we'll do our best to accommodate them. If you have trouble sleeping or any other particular concerns, we encourage you to consider upgrading to a single room.

Yes! This will be released in your Departure Hub within Mighty Networks one week before your trip begins. In the meantime, feel free to chat with your travel crew in your Departure Hub group chat to coordinate optional activities and get to know one another.

We finalize details for specific departures around a month before, which we will then share with you in your departure hub. Specific details are in progress up until then and thus, we do not share details until a month out as the information we share could change quickly and may no longer be accurate for your specific departure. This also includes travelers on a trip as people book and shift around, the make-up of the group will change.

If you'd like to arrive a day early, you would have to arrange your own accommodations. We are happy to provide hotel recommendations for this.

You must have a passport to join any of our international trips. Also, your passport MUST be valid for six months after your trip date. All travelers must also fill out the Health Declaration Form before traveling with FTLO.

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For certain destinations, additional documentation or permissions are required. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits and certificates for your trip. We are not responsible if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct passport, visa or other travel documentation.

We encourage travelers to pack light in a carry-on if at all possible! Not only to mitigate a lost luggage situation, but there might also be times you will have to navigate cobblestone streets with your bag in tow. Because we try to use locally-owned accommodations, some boutique hotels have no elevator. For space and comfort reasons, travelers are allowed only one piece of luggage plus a personal item like a backpack or tote bag - you'll thank us later.

If you decide to check a bag, we recommend bringing a medium size suitcase and highly recommend putting an Apple AirTag or similar device in your checked luggage if easily accessible.

If your baggage is lost, please remember to determine what actions you should take with the airlines, your credit card provider, or your travel insurer.

Yes. To ensure a worry-free journey, it's required that all travelers have travel insurance. This can be easily obtained by booking with a travel insurance provider of your choice. We will send you a few provider recommendations after you have been confirmed for your trip. Your policy should cover trip cancellation, baggage loss, personal accidents, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, all activities included with your trip and more. For added peace of mind, we suggest considering Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) and Covid-related trip interruption coverage. Remember to carefully review your policy details to guarantee you have the right level of protection.

If you plan on using travel insurance provided by your credit card company, make sure it includes international medical and emergency evacuation coverage as a key feature. It's also important to review all the activities included in your FTLO trip with your credit card insurance to avoid any gaps in coverage, such as lost baggage, travel delays, and trip cancellations. When going this route, you should be making your payments and purchasing flights all through your same credit card.

Out of an abundance of caution, before joining our trips, we require all travelers to fill out a Health Declaration Form so that we can do our part to create a safer environment for everyone, including our Trip Leaders and the local communities we visit.
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The Health Declaration Form states that you have not been exposed to Covid recently nor exhibited any symptoms. It also asks travelers to acknowledge that if they test positive for Covid during their trip, they may be asked to leave the trip (see Covid FAQ #5: “What happens if I get Covid on my trip?”). We encourage you to read the Health Declaration Form before booking and contact us with any questions you may have.

This will be emailed to you and unlocked in your Departure Hub within Mighty Networks two days before your trip begins. This is to ensure that everyone provides the most accurate information possible within the three-day window prior to your departure.

You will find the list of accommodations, including their addresses and contact details in your Departure Hub within Mighty Networks. The link to your Departure Hub will be sent to you by email 30 days before your trip.

You will be able to access your detailed itinerary in the Departure Hub within Mighty Networks. You will be sent a link to this by email 30 days before your trip. That being said, the general itinerary of each and every trip can be viewed on the individual trip pages of our website.

If you have booked shared accommodations, you will find out who your roommate is upon arrival. However, if you’d like to request a roommate, you’ll have the option to do so in your Pre-Trip Survey, which will be sent to you by email when your booking is confirmed.

The short answer is no.

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We work carefully to match roommates based on the information provided by our travelers in their Pre-Trip Surveys. As we often have last-minute bookings, roommates are paired as close to the departure date as possible. This way, we can do our best to find the perfect fit, ensuring you'll mesh well with your roomie.

With all of that said, you certainly won't be heading into your adventure without knowing anyone. 30 days from your trip, you'll get access to your Departure Hub within Mighty Networks. This platform is a great place to chat and get to know all of your travel mates prior to meeting in person.

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If you have any other specific roommate-related requests, please let us know on your survey, and we'll do our best to accommodate them. If you have trouble sleeping or any other particular concerns, we encourage you to consider upgrading to a single room.

Yes! This will be released in your Departure Hub within Mighty Networks one week before your trip begins. In the meantime, feel free to chat with your travel crew in your Departure Hub group chat to coordinate optional activities and get to know one another.

We finalize details for specific departures around a month before, which we will then share with you in your departure hub. Specific details are in progress up until then and thus, we do not share details until a month out as the information we share could change quickly and may no longer be accurate for your specific departure. This also includes travelers on a trip as people book and shift around, the make-up of the group will change.

If you'd like to arrive a day early, you would have to arrange your own accommodations. We are happy to provide hotel recommendations for this.

As often as possible, we try to stay in smaller, locally owned and operated hotels.  We prioritize them being centrally located, always clean, and usually pretty basic without all the frills.

We never stay in hostels. Because we prefer to stay in locally-owned accommodations, some of the hotels and rooms can be on the smaller, quirkier side. This is very common for Europe - we find it only adds to the charm!

Unless you request to share a room with someone, you will share a twin room with another traveler who has selected the same spot type (gal spot or guy spot).

Most likely. We try to make sure that all hotels provide complimentary Wi-Fi. That said, we don't prioritize wifi connection on our trips so in some cases, the connection will be slow or non-existent. That being said, you must be able to receive Whatsapp messages from the trip leader at any time (meaning you need some sort of data plan available to you while you’re on the trip).

We've honed in on some really cool offerings so we try to stick to them as closely as possible. Sometimes stuff happens and the itinerary will change slightly or we will make alterations based on feedback from past groups. However, we promise that whatever we do, it will live up to our experience standards.

In short, as much as you want!

We plan certain activities that we feel are must-dos for the place you're going. On the other hand, we understand that different people have different interests so we didn't want to plan every minute. Depending on the trip, we leave roughly half of the time open so you can customize your trip to your interests.

Also, even though we highly recommend participating in the included activities (and most people do), this is your trip and you can participate in as much or as little as you like.

Trip leaders are trained to deal with a wide variety of issues. If you are feeling off about something or need help, please pull your trip leader aside and speak with them.

If you're not comfortable speaking with your trip leader about something, you can message FTLO Admin in the departure hub, send your trip coordinator a WhatsApp message, or email support@ftlotravel.com.

Your Trip Leader is your primary go-to for any travel concerns, but if you ever find yourself in a situation where you’re unable to or would rather not approach your trips leader, please fill out this form. You can also use this form to report something you feel the FTLO HQ team needs to know about ASAP or to provide more details for an incident.

In most cases.

Unless notes in the trip notes, we can accommodate any dietary issues with enough advance notice. Please let us know at the time of booking what your restrictions are and we will do our best to accommodate!

Note: some trips are more difficult to accommodate than others but we will always communicate with you what to expect.

On some of our trips, we send our incredible in-house videographer along to capture unforgettable FTLO moments. We use this content in marketing campaigns, on social media, and on our website’s landing pages.

While this is much more of a camera in the background situation (like this) than anything in your face, we understand that some people prefer to stay out of videos altogether. If you’d rather remain out of the action, please let us know by emailing our support team at support@ftlotravel.com, and we’ll do our best to make sure you’re not in any of the shots.

Tipping your Trip Leader isn’t required, but it’s a thoughtful way to show appreciation for all the work they do (both behind the scenes and in the moment!) to make your trip an incredible experience.

If you'd like to say thanks, you're welcome to leave a cash tip at the end of the trip. Traveler reviews are also a great way to show appreciation and help us recognize standout Trip Leaders through our bonus program (or feel free to do both).

Ultimately, what matters most is that your appreciation shines through, whether that’s a tip, a review, or a heartfelt thank you. If your Trip Leader made your experience special, we’d love for you to let them know in whatever way feels right!

While FTLO no longer requires travelers to test negative for Covid before a trip, we do ask all travelers to fill out the Health Declaration Form, the goal of which is to help us as we try to ensure a healthy environment not only for our travelers but also for our Trip Leaders and the local communities visited.

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The Health Declaration Form asks you to acknowledge that you are not currently exhibiting symptoms of illness and that you recognize the potential for contracting an illness while traveling. It states that you have not been exposed to Covid or Influenza recently nor exhibited any symptoms that are typically associated with them. We encourage you to read the Health Declaration Form before booking and contact us with any questions you may have.

As of July 1st, 2023, FTLO no longer requires travelers to take Covid tests before their trips begin, nor do we require travelers to be vaccinated against Covid. Please check each trip page on our website for specific requirements in the "Trip Notes" section.

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As vaccinations are no longer required, we can’t guarantee that your roommate will be vaccinated. If this is of concern to you, you may consider booking a single room for the duration of your trip.

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Please note: in certain destinations, while a vaccine may not be required for entry, it may be required to participate in certain activities. We will try to offer alternatives to the best of our ability but cannot make guarantees and cannot provide refunds for any activities you are unable to participate in because of your vaccination status.

While no longer considered a serious threat in most countries, Covid still exists, and there is a chance that you could contract it during your trip, just as it’s possible you may catch the flu or another contagious virus.

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​If you do get sick during your trip, we ask that you be respectful of your fellow travelers and do what you can to prevent them from also getting sick. This may include turning away when you sneeze, not sharing food or silverware, wearing a mask, and practicing regular hand hygiene (washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available). Failure to take the necessary precautions may result in you being asked to leave the trip.

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If you become seriously ill while on a trip, your trip leader will work with FTLO HQ and our emergency services providers to get you the proper medical care. ​

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Depending on the local regulations, you may be required to quarantine at a hotel if you test positive for COVID-19. We will do our best to assist you with this process and provide whatever documentation is required by your travel insurance provider. While we cannot guarantee a certain accommodation or length of stay if you fall ill, we do want to stress again that we will do absolutely everything we can to support you even if you are unable to continue the trip.

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Although we are not currently offering refunds for missed activities, hotel changes, or early departures, we will help you put together whatever documentation is needed to request compensation from your travel insurance.

If you cancel a trip before departure, our regular cancelation terms apply. We will help you put together whatever documentation is needed to request compensation from your travel insurance.

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We recommend purchasing a policy that covers Covid-related cancellations (not all of them do).

We require that all travelers purchase travel insurance. Make sure that you double-check with your provider and carefully read your policy before purchasing to understand exactly what is covered, as all policies are different. We still recommend purchasing a policy that covers Covid-related cancellations (not all of them do).

Today’s small group travel companies are way different than travel companies of the past. Instead of matching t-shirts and cringey city tours, lots of new group travel companies are embracing aspects of solo travel so that there’s a big overlap between the two (today, the number of solo travelers joining group tours is over 60%).

Think of these groups like solo travel experiences with a built-in community and all or most of the planning taken care of.

Group travel can be for everyone, from young solo travelers to seniors and families. Different companies cater to different interests, so there are options for any type of traveler. If you’re interested in learning even more about all the options out there, check out this guide to group travel companies.

FTLO Travel focuses on young solo travelers in their 20s and 30s who want a community to travel with and are interested in learning about different cultures, and want to participate in unique experiences that they might not be able to find on their own.

After you choose your travel date, your destination, and book your trip, the tour company handles most things for you. Most of them will arrange where you'll stay, how you'll get around, and fun activities to do.

You usually just need to book your flights to and from the destination. Once you arrive, you meet your group and tour leader. Then, the fun begins with organized activities and meals so you can enjoy your time without worrying about planning.

Depending on which group you decide to travel with, you’ll either kick things off at fast or slow pace and dive right into your itinerary with your new travel community on day one.

You'll have exciting experiences planned by travel experts, with a mix of activities, meals, and free time to explore alongside other solo travelers looking to experience the same things.

Some group travel companies include almost everything, so you'll only need to plan your flights to the start and from the end of the trip, while others leave a lot of the planning up to you.

On top of that, usually, you'll have some free time to explore on your own, so you can think about planning anything extra you want to see or do as well (museums you'd like to visit, hikes you'd like to trek, or restaurants you'd like to eat at).

And if you're unsure where to start, your trip leader can provide recommendations of their favorite things to do and places to see. You can also connect with your tripmates to coordinate plans once you get to your destination!

It depends on which company you decide to travel with. Some companies are able to bring costs down by running larger group tours and staying in basic hostel accommodations with shared bunks and shared facilities. Others focus on immersive small group experiences that aim to build community. These groups usually stay in boutique hotels that are unique to the destinations they visit (no chain hotels).

For the latter, this may increase costs as you’re supporting smaller, locally-owned businesses. Depending on the type of experience you're seeking, a one-week trip could cost anywhere from $1,000 to upwards of $10,000.

When you’re trying to figure out which trip or tour company to go with, check the website to find out what’s included and what’s not, as these are not always the same. Some tour companies include transportation and accommodations; some do not. Some, like FTLO, include several meals and activities or experiences.

There are a ton of choices out there, so it’s important to do your research before purchasing any trip. Some tour companies cater specifically to travelers heading out by themselves; FTLO Travel’s tour groups, for example, are made up of 80% solo travelers.

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Here’s a helpful group travel guide to get you started.

In a nutshell, before clicking the Buy button, you should think about:

• Tour Operator Specialty & Company Niche: Are you looking for a foodie tour, adventure trip, or something totally different?

• Trip Vibe: Do you want a fast-paced trip or a slower one? A trip for singles or only women?

• Age Range: Do you want to meet travelers your age or from any age group?

• Destination: Are you after a dream destination or traveling based on your budget?

• What’s Included: Some groups include everything from flights to meals and activities, while others leave most things up to you.

• Group Size: Decide if you’re looking for more of an intimate experience or if you’d rather be part of a large group.

• Trip Leaders: Does the group provide knowledgeable local guides who can provide recommendations and on-the-ground insider tips?

• Reviews: Past travelers know best, so always check reviews.

• Price: What’s your budget, and what are you looking for? Are you interested in hostels or boutique hotels? Private adventures or larger shared experiences?

Decide which factors are most important to you and what you’re more flexible about and then start narrowing things down from there.

For many travelers, group tours are a great way to see the world and find a community of like-minded new friends. They’re great for people interested in a trip that provides:

• A Social Experience: Meet new people and make friends to travel the world with.

• Safety and Support: Split taxis, roam the streets, and explore local nightlife in a safe group environment.

• Convenience and Ease: Pre-planned trips mean less work for you.

• Access to Local Knowledge: Learn from local guides and get recommendations that you can’t find online.

• Unique Experiences: Take part in special activities that are easier in a group.

Yes, group travel is absolutely worth it! Group travel lets you create lasting memories and build new friendships. These tours offer activities you can't easily do alone and provide a community of like-minded travelers from day one. And to top it all off, those people just may become your friends for life.

Well, you’re in luck! Most modern group travel companies have excellent Community Teams that will be more than happy to speak with you. Often, you’ll be asked to fill out a profile so that they have all the information they need to help you best.

When you speak with a Community Team member, let them know what you’re interested in and they’ll provide recommendations for your first international trip or your next adventure based on what interests you. Ask about anything you can think of (international travel tips or even if you can pack light in only a carry-on bag, for example).