(628) 529-1318 [email protected]

Japan: Tokyo, Kinosaki & Kansai

Onsen hot springs. Wagyu Beef & Sushi. Multi-Story Anime & Manga stores. Samurai Training. Bamboo Forests. Magnificent Temples & Shrines. Japanese Arcades. This trip has it all.

On this adventure to the land of the rising sun, we'll explore the best of both urban & rural Japan. With plenty of time to immerse yourself in Tokyo, and plenty of time to enjoy a slower pace in some of the smaller towns and more rural areas, this trip is designed to immerse you in the best of Japan.

Days
14
Group Size
12-25
Starting From
$5,900
Intensity
Medium
At a shrine

Trip Highlights

A dream trip to Japan, specifically curated for folks with Autism, Asperger's, Anxiety & ADHD (Diagnosed or not). We'll stay in calmer areas so we can venture into the crazy amazingness of Japan, but also get plenty of time to decompress and chill.

Samurai Training

Samurai Training

Train with Japan's highest-ranked martial artists in an exclusive experience not available to regular tourists

Onsen

Kinosaki Onsen

Stay in a traditional ryokan and explore seven unique hot springs one of Japan's oldest onsen towns

Bamboo Forest

Arashiyama

Walk through the enchanting bamboo forest and explore UNESCO World Heritage temples

Akihabara

Anime & Gaming

Discover Japan's pop culture paradise in Akihabara, from multi-story anime stores to gaming arcades

Nara Deer

Nara's Sacred Deer & Temples

Feed the friendly deer and visit Japan's largest bronze Buddha at historic Todaiji Temple

Fushimi Inari

Fushimi Inari

Walk through thousands of vermillion torii gates at this iconic Shinto shrine

Dates & Prices

Join us on our upcoming trips to Japan. Trips fill up quickly so choose a date that suits you and book early.

January 9th - 22nd, 2025

Last Chance
Base Price: $9,075
Deposit: $5,445
Meet & Greet Package: +$1,500 (Optional)
Apply Now

February 6th - 19th, 2025

Available
Base Price: $5,900
Deposit: $3,540
Meet & Greet Package: +$1,500 (Optional)
Apply Now

June 19th - July 2nd, 2025

Filling Quickly
Base Price: $8,575
Deposit: $5,145
Meet & Greet Package: +$1,500 (Optional)
Apply Now

July 17th - 30th, 2025

Available
Base Price: $8,350
Deposit: $5,010
Meet & Greet Package: +$1,500 (Optional)
Apply Now

September 5th - 18th, 2025

Available
Base Price: $5,900
Deposit: $3,540
Meet & Greet Package: +$1,500 (Optional)
Apply Now

October 9th - 22nd, 2025

Available
Base Price: $5,900
Deposit: $3,540
Meet & Greet Package: +$1,500 (Optional)
Apply Now

November 6th - 19th, 2025

Available
Base Price: $6,300
Deposit: $3,780
Meet & Greet Package: +$1,500 (Optional)
Apply Now

Itinerary

In The Press

What others are saying about WanderRock trips

Traditional Japanese Dinner

For neurodiverse young adults, traveling with peers can mean the world

"Guides are skilled in leading tours and promoting self-confidence while traveling. Kempf explains that these are groups "comprised of young adults that recognize and accept each other as true peers." He adds that "WanderRock creates unique spaces and life-enriching experiences for those that want to safely step into the unknown."'
Read Full Article
Samurai Training

This Pioneering Tour Company Designs Trips for Neurodiverse Young Adults

"Kempf and Raede, along with their team of trusted tour guides, have put careful thought into every aspect of each trip. Choosing simple and predictable accommodations means travelers have a safe place to recharge, for example. "The support is the curation," says Kempf."
Read Full Article

Meet The Team

Our experienced team brings together decades of expertise in travel, education, and supporting neuro-diverse young adults. With backgrounds in special education, international tour guiding, and personal experience navigating the world as neuro-diverse individuals, we're uniquely qualified to create transformative travel experiences.

Danny Raede

Danny Raede

Co-Founder / Head of Trip Development

Danny, diagnosed with Asperger's (now called High-Functioning Autism) & ADHD at age 12, is the CEO of Autism Experts and Co-Founder of WanderRock. He has visited 19 countries across 5 continents, bringing his passion for exploration to every trip.

Ted Kempf

Ted Kempf, MA T

Co-Founder / Head of Curriculum Development

Ted has been designing programs for neuro-diverse young adults since 2008. With a Masters in Education and extensive travel experience, he brings both academic and practical expertise to our programs.

Eileen Orquiza

Eileen Orquiza

Lead WanderRock Guide

Eileen brings extensive experience living in Japan and working as a tour guide. Fluent in Japanese, she has traveled to 10+ countries and specializes in cultural immersion experiences.

Shane Guerin

Shane Guerin

Lead WanderRock Guide

As a neurodiverse individual himself, Shane brings a wealth of international experience, having traveled to dozens of countries across four continents. Speaking conversational Japanese and basic German, he specializes in creating authentic cultural experiences and meaningful connections.

What Our Travelers Say

Real experiences from recent Japan adventures

"This trip to Japan was a masterpiece of an itinerary which provided something that blew me away every single day. Thanks to all of you for caring about me as a person, putting your best foot forward to insure my happiness and giving me experiences unlike anything else that I had ever seen or done."

Will
Will Slocum
Pasadena, California

"The trip I took to Japan with WanderRock was one of the best experiences of my life, I was able to make so many new friends that have similar struggles to me which was so exciting. The guides were great enabling us to experience a new culture which might otherwise be overwhelming, and in a way that made us feel comfortable."

Michael
Michael Forbes
DuPont, Washington

"All the guides were super helpful and friendly and always willing to answer any questions we had on the trip. It was my first time traveling abroad without my parents. My favorite part was Kinosaki I loved the onsens and it was so relaxing and therapeutic.

I also loved all the different foods, I got to try and experience for the first time. It definitely brought out my confidence in myself I know I can do anything I set my mind to. My biggest lesson I learned is that I need to listen to my body whether it be mentally or physically. I also learned that I can travel on my own. I just need to trust myself."

Nora
Nora Lewis
Concord, California

"With my trip with WanderRock to Japan I experienced a sense of inner peace and silence even with autism that I had never had before in my life. I learned to see what's in front of me rather than trying to prepare for the next cataclysmic event that was going to be stressful to me. In my opinion, I was given the right amount of freedom to make my own decisions and the right amount of rules and control to not feel overwhelmed.

Help or support was never far away from me on any of the other individuals traveling with me. I'm the kind of person that struggles making any plans without planning it to death. This was the freedom and safety I needed to truly experience and jump right in. The connections and opportunities I was able to be apart of on my trip in Japan was nothing less then stunning."

Remington
Remington Shindel
Monument, Colorado

"I've always had low self-confidence, and never really held any belief in my capabilities. All of that changed after this trip. This trip gave me a peace of mind about myself I'd never known. I learned what I was capable of when put in an environment that fosters growth and learning, and found a place I felt like I belonged.

I found a new sense of confidence in myself that I don't know if I would've found without going on a trip with WanderRock. If you're on the fence about taking this trip, I highly recommend going out of your comfort zone for it. This trip changed my life for the better, and I'm sure it can change yours too if you let it."

Len
Len Lawler
Millersville, Maryland

Trip Photos

Get a glimpse of the experiences that await you in Japan

Posing by a vending machine
Shinkansen
Nara Gate
A big cotton candy
Wearing yukata
gundam
Nara Deer
Super Nintendo World
Izakaya
Godzilla
Practicing samurai techniques
Dinner at Kinosaki

Our Core Beliefs

The foundational principles that guide our approach to travel and personal growth

Stress + Rest = Growth

The combination of good stress (from visiting new places, trying new things and the physical act of travel) plus deep restorative rest (from things like meditation, nature, hot tubs, and hanging out with friends) equals growth.

Contrast Breeds Wisdom & Maturity

Those who have had more experiences in their life have more contrast, and thus are able to have more perspective about the decisions they make in the world. It's a lot easier to navigate home life once you've had to navigate the challenges of life on the road.

Book Knowledge ≠ Experiential Knowledge

There's only so much that can be done through reading and learning. To get the real knowledge, you need to get out there into the experience of it, experiencing the world with all 5 senses, exploring a foreign town, or meeting new people. There is no replacement for direct, lived experience.

Environments Cause Tendencies

The environments we spend the most time in tend to cause us to act in certain ways. A nice, quiet bedroom with a computer on a desk will promote time spent on that computer. A giant cliff with a waterfall and hiking trails will cause tendencies of hiking.

More Than Just A Trip

A transformative journey designed to build confidence, independence, and lifelong skills

Personal Growth

  • Practice real-world executive functioning skills
  • Build confidence through guided challenges
  • Develop independence in a supported environment

Cultural Immersion

  • Experience both modern and traditional Japan
  • Engage with local customs and traditions
  • Broaden perspectives through new experiences

Social Connection

  • Build lasting friendships with like-minded travelers
  • Practice social skills in a supportive environment
  • Share experiences with peers who understand you

Experienced, Understanding Guides

  • Most guides are diagnosed with Asperger's/Autism/ADHD themselves
  • Trained in First Aid, CPR, and crisis management
  • Caring guides ensure personalized attention and support when needed
  • Extensive experience leading international groups

Is This Trip Right For You?

Understanding who this trip is designed for will help ensure you have the best possible experience

This Trip is For You If You:

  • Love anime, manga, gaming or Japanese pop culture
  • Want to experience both modern and traditional Japan
  • Are excited to try new foods and cultural experiences
  • Want to make new friends who share your interests

This Trip is Not a Good Fit If You:

  • Have severe allergies to soy or sesame
  • Require physical assistance or monitoring for medical conditions
  • Have had mental health hospitalization in the past 12 months
  • Need constant supervision for basic tasks
  • Have strict dietary requirements that can't be self-managed

Important Considerations

Communication Requirements

You must maintain reliable communication during the trip with a working mobile phone that can connect to WiFi or cellular data in Japan.

Physical Requirements

You should be able to keep pace with the group while walking and handle standing for extended periods during train rides or activities.

Mental Preparedness

You should be able to handle changes in plans, adapt to new situations, and maintain stable behavior throughout the trip.

Independence Level

You must be able to handle basic daily tasks and self-care without constant supervision or assistance.

Detailed Trip Requirements

While we strive to make our trips accessible and enjoyable, there are some important requirements to ensure everyone's safety and comfort.

Support We Provide

  • Experienced Guides: Our guides are trained in supporting neurodiverse travelers and managing group dynamics. They help with navigation, cultural understanding, and general support.
  • Structured Environment: We provide clear daily schedules, orientation to new places, and help with practical matters like using public transport and local currency.
  • Social Facilitation: We help facilitate group interactions and provide opportunities for both social engagement and alone time as needed.
  • Accommodation Support: We choose hotels in quieter areas and help with check-in, room issues, and other accommodation needs.

Physical Requirements

You must be able to:

  • Walk 5-8 miles (8-13 km) per day on varied terrain
  • Stand/walk for up to 40 minutes at a time
  • Climb several flights of stairs
  • Carry your own luggage up stairs and onto trains
  • Handle your own luggage during transit
  • Manage any medical conditions or procedures independently

While we take breaks and pace ourselves, this trip requires good mobility and stamina.

Mental Health Requirements

You must be:

  • Emotionally stable and able to manage daily stressors
  • Capable of handling schedule changes and unexpected situations
  • Able to recognize and communicate your needs
  • Free from active mental health crises
  • Capable of managing your own medications independently
  • Able to monitor your own mental health needs

While we provide support and understanding, we cannot provide crisis intervention, mental health counseling, or medication management during the trip. Our guides are not therapists or nurses and are not licensed, trained or equipped to handle mental health emergencies or severe medical situations.

Independence Requirements

You must be able to:

  • Manage personal hygiene and daily routines independently
  • Handle basic tasks without constant supervision (ordering food, doing laundry, making purchases)
  • Clearly communicate basic needs and ask for help when necessary
  • Keep track of personal belongings
  • Follow basic safety instructions
  • Maintain reliable communication via working mobile phone with WiFi or data capability
  • Handle free time periods appropriately

While we provide group support, we cannot offer constant one-on-one supervision or assistance with basic daily tasks. You must be able to function independently for routine activities.

Important Notes About Our Support

What We Can Provide

  • General guidance and orientation
  • Help with cultural navigation and translation
  • Social facilitation and group activities
  • Emergency assistance and basic first aid

What We Cannot Provide

  • Constant one-on-one supervision
  • Physical assistance with mobility or daily tasks
  • Mental health counseling or crisis intervention
  • Medication management or medical care

What's Included

Your trip includes everything you need for a comfortable and engaging experience in Japan

Accommodations & Transportation

  • 14 nights in carefully selected hotels (including a ryokan stay, a traditional Japanese inn)
  • All transportation within Japan (trains, buses, etc.)
  • Round-trip Shinkansen Bullet Trains

Activities & Experiences

  • Cultural immersion activities in various cities
  • Guided tours of historical landmarks
  • Optional local workshops and classes
  • Free time for personal exploration and leisure

Support & Guidance

  • Bilingual guides fluent in English and Japanese for smooth communication
  • Guides trained to understand and support neurodiverse travelers, with some guides also being on the spectrum themselves
  • Extensive local knowledge for a safe and secure travel experience
  • Pre-trip preparation assistance to ensure a smooth start to your journey

Included Meals

Daily Breakfast

Mix of Japanese and Western-style breakfasts at hotels and our traditional ryokan

Selected Lunches

Group lunches included during specific activities and excursions

Special Dinners

Group dinners featuring Isakaya (Japanese pub-style dining) and Kaiseki (traditional multi-course Japanese meal)

Not Included in Base Trip Price

  • International flights to/from Japan (available with Meet & Greet upgrade)
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Meals not specified as included
  • Optional activities during free time
  • Passport and visa fees if applicable

Getting to Japan

We provide 2 different options for starting your trip. You'll choose your arrival option during the application process.

Basic Package

Self-Guided Arrival

Included

What's Included

  • Join the group at our Tokyo hotel
  • Detailed arrival instructions provided

You'll Need To

  • Book your own flights to Tokyo
  • Navigate immigration & customs alone
  • Find your way to the hotel independently

Best For

  • • Experienced international travelers
  • • Those comfortable with independent navigation
  • • Budget-conscious travelers

Meet & Greet Package

Fully Supported Journey

+$1,500 Recommended

LA Pre-Trip Experience

  • One night at LAX partner hotel
  • Welcome dinner & orientation
  • Breakfast before departure

Complete Transportation

  • Round-trip flights from LAX to Tokyo in Economy
  • All ground transportation included

Full Travel Support

  • Airport security & check-in assistance
  • Immigration & customs guidance
  • Travel as a group the entire way

Perfect For

  • • First-time international travelers
  • • Those wanting a stress-free start
  • • Anyone wanting to bond with the group early

About the Meet & Greet Package

This optional add-on is designed to make international travel less overwhelming, especially for first-time travelers. It handles:

  • Navigating complex airport procedures
  • Dealing with flight bookings and changes
  • Language barriers at Japanese airports
  • Finding your way in a foreign country

You'll be able to choose between these options when you proceed to the application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this trip

For Travelers

What is the age range for this trip?

While we don't have a strict age requirement, our trips are designed with a youthful energy and pace in mind. The majority of our travelers are young adults, typically in their 20's and early 30's. Our spring & summer trips tend to skew younger, while fall and winter trips tend to skew a bit older.

Who are the other travelers?

Your fellow travelers will be others interested in getting more life in their life. We carefully ensure everyone is a good fit for both the trip and the group, making sure travelers will get along, have a great time, and be able to handle the stressors of international travel.

Do I need a diagnosis to join?

No. While this trip is designed for young adults with Autism, Asperger's, ADHD & Anxiety, you do not need to have an official diagnosis to join us.

What's the group size?

Our groups are typically 12-25 travelers plus 2 WanderRock guides. This allows us to provide individual attention while maintaining a social group dynamic.

What about accommodations?

We stay in a mix of western-style hotels and traditional Japanese ryokans. You'll share a room with at least one other traveler of the same gender. Some accommodations will have traditional Japanese features like futon beds and communal baths (onsen).

What's included in the price?

Your trip includes accommodations, in-country transportation, most meals, all planned activities, attraction tickets, and guide services. International flights are included if you choose the Meet & Greet package, otherwise they are not included. Personal expenses are not included.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, travel insurance is required for all travelers. This should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost baggage. It's very affordable, typically under $40 for comprehensive coverage. We can recommend providers if needed.

How much walking is involved?

Expect to walk 4-6 miles per day at a moderate pace with breaks. Japan is very pedestrian-friendly, but you should be comfortable being on your feet for several hours each day.

What about medications?

Japan has strict medication laws. Some medications that are legal in other countries are prohibited in Japan. While we're happy to help you understand the regulations, you can find the official medication guidelines on the Japanese government's website. We apologize that their site can be confusing - please don't hesitate to contact us if you'd like assistance interpreting the rules.

What's the food like?

Japan offers diverse cuisine from traditional to modern. While we encourage trying local dishes, western options are usually available. We can accommodate some dietary restrictions, but please discuss severe allergies with us before booking.

Is there downtime?

Yes! We schedule daily downtime for rest, relaxation, and processing experiences. This is your time to recharge, do laundry, or explore independently.

Do I need a visa?

U.S. citizens don't need a visa for stays under 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. Other nationalities should check their requirements.

How do I know I'll have a good time?

Our experienced guides are trained to work with neuro-diverse individuals and create an inclusive, supportive environment. We carefully screen all participants to ensure group compatibility and provide structured activities while allowing for personal space and downtime when needed.

For Parents

Can I come with my child?

We encourage parents to travel with their adult children (18+). Our structured program allows you to share meaningful experiences while giving your child space to develop confidence and independence abroad. Some exceptions are made for exceptionally mature teenagers, as long as they travel with their parents.

What kind of support do you provide?

Our guides are trained to work with neuro-diverse young adults and provide support with daily living skills, social interactions, and managing anxiety in new situations. We maintain a structured environment while encouraging independence.

How do you handle emergencies?

We have comprehensive emergency protocols and maintain 24/7 contact with our U.S. office. Our guides are trained in first aid and have extensive connections on the ground.

What about communication during the trip?

Parents can contact our U.S. office for urgent matters and travelers have access to Wi-Fi for staying in touch with family.

Contact Us

Have questions? We're here to help! Reach out to us through any of these channels:

Phone

+1 (628) 529-1318

Call/Text/WhatsApp

Mailing Address

WanderRock Travel
2443 Fillmore St. #380-2362
San Francisco, CA 94115

Schedule a Call

Have questions or want to ensure this trip is right for you? Let's discuss your needs in detail. We're happy to discuss over zoom or phone, whatever works best for you.

Schedule Call

Send Us a Message

Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Important Trip Notes

Please read these important trip notes as they contain details and guidance on important things like passports, border entry requirements & more. By booking this trip, you are signaling that you have read, understood and agreed to these notes.

Covid-19

We will NOT be asking for a pre-trip covid test or proof of vaccination on this trip.

Passports & Visas

A valid passport with an expiration date AT LEAST 6 months out from the END of the trip is required. Please make sure the name on your passport is your full legal name & matches the name on any airline tickets you book separately (such as to/from our start or ending destinations).

Please make a copy of your passport and other important documents, and bring 1 copy with you, leave 1 copy at home, and email yourself 1 copy.

United States Citizens do not require a Visa to travel to Japan, but there are duration limits that apply for how long you can stay in Japan in a given year period, so if you have previously been to Japan within the past 365 days before the trip start date, please let us know.

Ultimately, you are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. Contact us if you need assistance.

Itinerary Changes

Due to conditions such as weather, transportation schedules, public holidays, availability or other factors, we may make changes to this itinerary before or during the trip. We will advise you of any such changes as soon as possible.

Roommates

You will have roommates on this trip. You will be sharing a room with at least 1 other person (sometimes more than 1). We'd recommend bringing earplugs & an eye mask in case they snore.

We'll do our best to make sure your roommates are the same sex as you and in 99% of times that will be the case, however sometimes due to logistics outside of our control, we cannot guarantee this. (On a past trip we arrived at a hotel in Paris, on the hottest day on record ever, to be told that all the rooms with 3 beds in them didn't have working AC. So we had to choose between different sleeping arrangements than planned... or no Air Conditioning.)

Accommodations

We will be staying in a wide variety of accommodation types during our trip. It's important to be aware that our accommodations may differ very significantly from what you are used to at home, as we tend to stay in local style accommodations in order to experience the local culture. This is especially true in Japan, where Japanese-style accommodations differ substantially from western-style hotel rooms.

Please read the below descriptions of our accommodations in detail to avoid surprises. Depending on transportation schedules, we may need to stay the night in a hotel by an airport or train station as well.

Los Angeles, CA: We'll stay in a standard, chain hotel such as a Hilton. (Only applies to those who have chosen the "Meet & Greet" option.)

Tokyo, Japan: We will be staying in a modern, western style hotel.

Kinosaki, Japan: We're staying in a Ryokan, a traditional Japanese Inn. The rooms themselves are small, with room for a small table and chairs. During the evening those furnishings are pushed aside, and sleeping futons are made up in that space.

That means that, although still very comfortable, your bed may be slightly firmer than you are used to, and will be lower than a traditional western-style bed. You should free of major back problems and easily able to get on and off the floor.

While all rooms contain a sink and toilet, you will not have a shower or bath in your individual room. It is traditional in a Japanese Ryokan to use the Onsen, or hot spring bath. Don't worry, we'll guide you through the process, and you'll quickly realize it is quite enjoyable and relaxing. Due to the length of our stay and for the comfort of all travelers, we expect everyone to maintain proper hygiene.

Kyoto & Osaka, Japan: We'll be staying in a modern Japanese hotel with western beds and a full bathroom.

Traveling With Other People

Life on the road means that you may not get as much privacy as you are used to back home. You'll be sharing a room with at least 1 other traveler and will be expected to keep your sleeping area neat (ish). You'll also be expected to practice daily hygiene (brush teeth, shower, deodorant) so that you don't cause discomfort to your fellow travelers.

Downtime

On most days, our daily itinerary is split into morning/afternoon/evening periods and we aim to allow for daily downtime during one of these periods every day (excluding travel days of course). This is your time to do laundry, call home, play games with your fellow travelers, explore the area, do some shopping or whatever else suits you.

Transportation

In Japan we will primarily be traveling by train, including Japan's famous Shinkansen bullet train, and will have a few train trips that are 2+ hours in length. You should be in good health and easily able to sit for multiple hours at a time.

Money

A WanderRock trip includes lodging, transportation & activities, but does not include all meals. You should bring a debit/credit card. ATMs are plentiful in the country, and if you'd like you can bring some US cash to exchange at the airport. Our guides will help you with any money-related needs during the trip.

Emergency Contingencies

We plan for every known contingency, but unexpected things can and do occur when traveling. If such emergencies occur, we'll do our best to resolve the situation. This may include re-routing part of our itinerary due to natural disaster or health concern, extending or shortening the length of our stay in certain locations or other remedies as the situation requires.

Whatever happens, you can be assured we'll keep everyone traveling with us (and family back at home) advised of the situation, and will communicate as much as possible. Please see "Problems & Emergency Contact Info" below for more details about personal issues such as Illness, Meltdowns or Injury.

Carry-On Backpack Required

We require all of our travelers to pack for Carry-On only, which means no checked bags are allowed. You should plan on packing 7 days worth of clothes, as there will be plenty of laundry opportunities along our itinerary. That means that we require you bring a backpack of no more than 40L in size as your main bag. You'll find it much easier to handle a backpack than a rolling suitcase and we will provide guidance on specific brands, sizing & more in our packing guide, which will be sent to you after enrollment.

Laundry

Laundry services may not be available every day of the trip. Your guides will advise you on the best days & times to do laundry, and assist as needed.

Climate Information

Japan has humid and tropical summers, and cold and snowy winters. Depending on the time of year of your trip, you should pack accordingly. There will be opportunities to buy sunscreen once we arrive in Japan. Because it can rain suddenly and without warning, a lightweight and packable raincoat is essential. We aren't going to stop just because it is raining!

WanderRock Guides

Our WanderRock guides are here to help you have the best trip you possibly can. They come from many walks of life, from yoga instructors to outdoor adventure guides to people who have worked helping college kids be more independent, and bring their expertise with them to help guide you through the trip.

Unlike a tour guide, they are not deeply knowledgeable about specific touristic attractions & the history of an area, but are trained in things like first aid & CPR, conflict resolution, peacekeeping and basic outdoor survival.

Group Behavior

We expect all travelers to behave in a way that is respectful of the cultures, places & people that we are interacting with, and to be respectful of the other travelers and their preferences. Should issues arise, our guides are trained in conflict resolution and will do their best to diffuse and resolve the situation.

In extreme situations where a travelers behavior is a consistent and major disruption to the group, or in cases of concern for the health & safety of any of our travelers, our guides may, at their discretion, remove a traveler from the group, without a refund.

Behaviors That aren't Tolerated

Abuse & Bullying: Everyone has the right to feel safe & accepted when on our trips. For that reason, verbal abuse, physical abuse, bullying and sexual harassment focused on any person (whether thats a fellow traveler, guide or local person) will not be tolerated, and our trained guides will deal with those situations swiftly. Should a traveler be found to be in violation of this policy, they will be removed from the group.

Sexual Relations: No sexual relations are permitted between guides & travelers or travelers and other travelers.

Sex Tourism: Patronizing sex workers isn't tolerated on any WanderRock trip. Anyone who is found to be in violation of this policy will be removed from the group.

Drugs & Alcohol: Use or possession of illegal drugs (as determined by the laws of the country we are in) is not tolerated on any WanderRock trip. If you choose to drink alcohol, you must be at least the legal age to do so in that country, and we expect you to do so in a responsible manner.

Recklessness: We expect all of our travelers to maintain situational awareness and keep themselves safe. Any traveler who has consistently demonstrated an extreme lack of judgement when it comes to keeping themselves safe will be removed from the group.

Note that we are talking about "walks out into the middle of traffic repeatedly" type recklessness, not "forgets to lock the hotel room door".

Rigors of Travel

International travel can be a stressful & amazingly exciting experience at the same time. All travelers need to make sure they are ready to handle the rigors of jet lag, long plane flights, and disruptions to their normal routine, and need to be healthy enough to go on the trip.

Flexibility is a key trait that will help you have a great time. You may have to let go of some preferences you have back home, as we may not be able to accommodate your requests, and may have to change our itinerary at the last moment due to unforeseen circumstances.

Food & Dietary Requirements

When traveling with us, you'll experience the vast array of food available in the world. Some of it will be extremely foreign, and some extremely familiar. We'll do our best to work with your preferences and make sure that you always have something that you can eat, but can't make any guarantees.

If you have certain food allergies, we'll work to the best of our abilities to help you eat food that is safe for you, but can't make any guarantees for many reasons, including language barriers, lack of control of the supply, cultural differences, and lack of choices. If having a certain type of food is a life or death situation for you, this probably isn't the trip for you.

That being said, the locations we are going to are big enough to generally provide as much choice as you are used to at home.

Vaccines & Diseases

On this trip, you'll need to take the same sort of precautions you do at home. Make sure to wash your hands often, use hand sanitizer, and maintain proper hygiene.

Please consult your doctor and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) website for guidance on specific vaccines you may need.

Crime & Theft

We are traveling to areas that have little to no violent crime, and very little petty theft, but it is still important to be aware of your surroundings, especially in cities and on public transportation. We recommend carrying a safety whistle and a lock for your bag, as well as a money belt.

Drinking & Drugs

The use of illegal drugs is not permitted on any WanderRock trip, and is grounds for immediate removal from the program without a refund. If you choose to drink alcohol, we expect you to do so in a responsible manner and in line with the laws of the country we are currently in at the time. You will be expected to respect all laws of the country that we are currently in.

Problems & Emergency Contact Info

Should problems arise, whether that be an illness, injury, emotional overwhelming event, or lost baggage, the WanderRock guides accompanying you on your trip are your first place to turn to for help. If, for some reason, you don't feel safe turning to them for help, you may call our Stateside Support phone number for assistance, where someone from the WanderRock office will be standing by to help resolve your issue.

Medication

Some medicines (for example: Adderol) that are perfectly legal in the US are illegal and controlled substances in Japan, and bringing those medications into the country is highly illegal and will likely land you in jail. It is very important that if you take medication (particularly stimulants) that you be very aware of the legal restrictions and laws that may apply. At the end of the day it is ultimately your responsibility to do due diligence and make sure you are complying with all relevant rules & regulations.