Booking with 10Adventures: How It Works and What to Expect

Life is stressful enough. Booking travel shouldn’t be! At 10Adventures, we believe planning your trip should feel easy, straightforward, and hassle-free from the very first step. That starts with clear communication, so you know exactly what to expect, when to expect it, and how our team will support you as your adventure comes together.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the 10Adventures booking process step by step and answer some of the most common questions we receive from travellers along the way.

Step 1: Find the Adventure That’s Right for You

Travel is not one size fits all, and that’s where the fun begins! Whether you know exactly what kind of adventure you’re after or need a little inspiration to find the perfect fit, your 10Adventures Travel Advisor is here to help. With more than 1,200 tours in 85 countries, active and adventure travel is what we do best, and we love customizing trips to get every detail just right for our guests. During this stage, you can connect with a Travel Advisor by email, phone or Zoom to learn more about a tour, compare options, and start planning your next unforgettable adventure!

Step 2: Submit Your Booking Request & Connect with Your Travel Advisor

You’ve found your dream tour on 10Adventures, submitted your booking request, and are already picturing yourself on the trail, bike, or boat. So, what happens next?

At 10Adventures, we believe booking travel should feel personal, not robotic. In a world of bots, AI, and automated replies, we’re proud to do things a little differently. When you submit a booking request, you’ll hear from one of our specialized Travel Advisors within 1 business day. Yes, a real human! Even better, a real human who loves travel just as much as you do.

Your Travel Advisor will help finalize the details of your request, answer any questions, and guide you through the next steps of the booking process. This is also the perfect time to customize your tour and make sure it feels just right, whether that means adding rest days, upgrading hotels, fine-tuning the route, or adjusting the itinerary to better suit your travel style. Wondering about daily distances, luggage transfers, rooming options, dietary needs, or whether to add an extra night before the tour begins? Your Travel Advisor is here to help. You can connect by email, or arrange a phone or Zoom call if you’d prefer to talk through the details together.

During this stage, we’ll also confirm pricing, review availability (where possible), and clearly communicate what’s included, so you know exactly what you’re booking and exactly what you’re paying for. Think of this step as the friendly bridge between “I found the perfect trip!” and “I’m officially going!”

Step 3: Pay Your Deposit to Confirm Your Tour Booking Request

Once you’re completely happy with the plan, it’s time to make things official by securing your booking with a deposit payment. The exact deposit amount depends on the tour, but in most cases, you can expect to pay around 20–30% of the total trip cost at the time of booking.

Before payment, your Travel Advisor will send you our Traveller Details Form by email. This gathers the key information we need to move your booking forward, including personal details, preferred room types, dietary requirements, and emergency contacts. Once the completed form has been returned, we’ll send your deposit invoice by email.

Payment is simple and secure. You can pay by major credit card with just a few clicks, or, if you prefer, you can pay by bank transfer. Your Travel Advisor will be happy to provide the bank transfer details if that is your preferred payment method.

Once your deposit is received, your Travel Advisor will begin the formal booking process with the trusted local partner who operates your trip. While the details are being confirmed, your Travel Advisor remains your go-to contact and is always just an email or phone call away if questions come up. Please hold off on booking flights or making other travel arrangements until your tour is officially confirmed. We know this is an exciting step, and we’ll always do our best to confirm your trip as quickly as possible. Because many 10Adventures tours are customized, this stage can take a little longer, but getting every detail just right is worth the wait.

Step 4: Your Tour Booking is Confirmed!

This is one of the most exciting stages of the booking process, because it’s the moment your adventure starts to feel very real, in the best possible way! Once all reservations are confirmed, your Travel Advisor will send your booking confirmation by email. Exact timing for confirmation can vary by tour, but confirmation is typically received within 3 to 5 business days of completing your deposit payment. For longer tours or tours with a more complex booking process (such as the Tour du Mont Blanc), confirmation can take a bit longer, but your Travel Advisor will always communicate expectations around this clearly at time of booking.

Your confirmation email will often include your confirmed hotel list, finalized itinerary, and helpful notes on what happens next. You’ll also be told when your final balance payment is due, when to expect your pre-tour information, and any other important details related to your trip. In other words, this is where the practical pieces come together, so you can stop wondering and start counting down.

At this stage, guests are welcome to begin making any additional travel arrangements, such as booking flights, arranging extra hotel nights, and booking travel insurance, see more on travel insurance requirements here.

If you’ve booked a scheduled group tour with 10Adventures, your Travel Advisor will let you know whether the departure has met the minimum number of travellers required to run, where applicable. If the minimum number has not yet been met, your Travel Advisor will advise you to wait before booking any additional travel arrangements, such as flights, until the departure is officially confirmed to run.

With your adventure officially locked in, the hardest part is over. Now comes the fun part: getting excited, checking your gear, telling your friends, and imagining yourself on the trail, bike, or wherever your 10Adventures trip is taking you!

Step 5: The Countdown to Your Adventure

Whether you have an official countdown on your calendar or you’re simply daydreaming about your upcoming escape, the time between booking confirmation and departure can look a little different for every traveller. Depending on when you book and how close your travel dates are, this stage might last several months, a few weeks, or just a short stretch before you go.

During this phase, guests often think of questions that didn’t come up during the initial booking process, and that’s completely normal. Your Travel Advisor remains your go-to contact, whether you’re wondering about packing, arrival logistics, daily distances, luggage transfers, or what to expect on the ground.

This is also a good time to request any final modifications, such as adding an early arrival night, extending your stay after the tour, or adjusting your plans to better suit your flight schedule. As your departure gets closer, the excitement builds, the gear list starts calling, and your adventure begins to feel just around the corner.

Step 6: Your Pre-Trip Information

This is the step many guests eagerly wait for, because it’s when your trip really starts to come to life. Your pre-trip information gives you the tools and details you need to picture the adventure ahead, from roadbooks and maps to navigation app login details, destination information, trip notes, and local contact details for use during your tour.

This is the moment when you can begin tracing the route, exploring each stage of the journey, and imagining what it will feel like to follow the trail, cycle through the countryside, or arrive at each new overnight stop. It’s practical, yes, but it’s also exciting. Your adventure is no longer just an idea on the calendar; it’s a real route, with real places, real details, and a very real departure date getting closer.

Depending on the tour you’ve booked, your pre-trip information email is typically sent 14 to 28 days prior to your departure and may include any of the following:

• Digital Roadbook

  A digital roadbook is your on-the-go guide for a self-guided hiking or biking tour, designed to help you navigate each day with confidence and ease. It typically includes detailed route notes, daily stage descriptions, maps, key waypoints, practical tips, and important information about your accommodations, luggage transfers, and local contacts. Instead of carrying a bulky printed packet, you can access the details from your phone or device, making it easy to follow the route, check distances, review elevation, and stay oriented along the way. Think of it as your personal adventure companion, keeping you on track while still giving you the freedom to explore independently.

• GPS App

  A GPS app is a helpful navigation tool used on self-guided hiking and biking tours to keep you confidently on route each day. Apps such as Guibo or RidewithGPS allow you to follow your itinerary using GPS tracks, interactive maps, and turn-by-turn-style route guidance directly from your phone. This makes it easy to see where you are, where you’re headed, and whether you’re still on the correct path, even when travelling independently. Think of it as a digital trail companion, giving you the freedom of a self-guided adventure with the reassurance of reliable navigation in your pocket. You’ll receive download instructions, login details, and a user manual to successfully access and execute your route plan.

• Raw GPX Tracks

  Raw GPX tracks are downloadable route files that contain the GPS data for each stage of your self-guided hiking or biking tour. These are especially useful for guests who prefer to navigate using a physical Garmin device, another GPS unit, or a navigation app of their choice rather than the custom app provided for the tour. Once loaded onto your preferred device or app, the GPX tracks allow you to follow the planned route, view your position, and stay oriented throughout the day. They’re a flexible option for travellers who already have a favourite navigation setup and want to use the tools they know best.

• General Information

  A general information document is your practical pre-trip guide, bringing together the key details you’ll want to review before setting off on your self-guided hiking or biking tour. It typically includes important information about luggage transfers, what to pack, country-specific travel tips, arrival and departure details, and local contact information in case you need support during your trip. While your roadbook and GPS tools help guide you along the route each day, the general information document covers the wider trip logistics, helping you feel prepared, informed, and ready for adventure before you even leave home.

• Local In-Country Tour Partner Contact Details

  This item is provided for every single tour on 10Adventures. You’ll be provided with the in-country support phone number to reach the local team during office hours, and also outside of office hours for emergencies. This number can be used for questions, concerns, or of course, in the case of an emergency.

Step 7: Your Tour Departure. Adventure Awaits — It’s Time to Go!

It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for: departure day is here! By this stage, everything is in place, your first accommodation is ready to welcome you, and your adventure is officially underway.

Once your tour begins, you’ll have a trusted local in-country team on the ground who will take the lead in supporting you while on your journey. As mentioned above, this means that if you have any questions or issues during your tour, you’ll contact the local team directly. They are best placed to assist quickly and efficiently, whether you’re dealing with a delayed arrival, a last-minute accommodation question, or an unexpected hiccup along the way.

While on tour, the in-country support number provided in your pre-trip information can be used for questions big or small. Arriving at a hotel and having trouble with check-in? Call the local team. Need help navigating a particular route? They’re the ones to contact. Want to arrange transportation to skip a walking or biking stage? Give them a call.

In short, the local team is there to support you every step of the way. Think of them as your friendly in-country safety net: close by, knowledgeable, and ready to help so you can focus on enjoying the adventure.

A couple of days into your tour, your Travel Advisor will check in by email to make sure your adventure is off to a fantastic start. We always love hearing first impressions from our guests, whether it’s a favourite view, a memorable meal, a charming village, or simply what you’re most excited to experience in the days ahead.

Step 8: After the Adventure — Tell Us How It Went

To us, your 10Adventures experience doesn’t end the day you arrive home. We’re always eager to learn more about our travellers’ experiences, from the moments they loved most to the areas where they feel we can continue to improve.

A few days after your tour concludes, your Travel Advisor will reach out by email to ask how everything went. This email will include a link to our Post-Tour Survey, where you can rate different aspects of your trip, including your accommodations, navigation tools, and, in the case of guided tours, your local guide. You’ll also have the chance to share feedback on your overall experience working with 10Adventures.

This is your opportunity to tell us what stood out, what made you smile, what could have gone more smoothly, and what memories you’ll be carrying home with you. Your feedback helps us celebrate what worked well, learn where we can do better, and continue improving the 10Adventures experience for future travellers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Booking with 10Adventures

How do I book a tour with 10Adventures?

Booking a tour on 10Adventures is easy and hassle-free. Simply submit your booking request online by heading to the tour page of the trip you’re interested in, clicking ‘start your reservation’ and completing the booking form.

This is my first time booking a tour with 10Adventures. Where can I learn more about the company?

We love welcoming new travellers and introducing them to the 10Adventures experience! If you’d like to learn more about who we are and what it’s like to travel with us, we recommend starting with our About 10Adventures page.

For extra peace of mind, you can also explore our Guest Testimonials page and Google Reviews to hear directly from travellers who have booked with us before. It’s a great way to get a feel for our team and the experiences we help create around the world.

What happens after I submit a booking request?

One of our Travel Advisors will be in touch by email within 1 business day. If you have an urgent question, you can always call us directly at 1-855-909-3105 in North America, 0808 196 0950 in the UK, or +1 587-327-9828 worldwide.

Will I work with a real Travel Advisor?

100% yes! When you book with 10Adventures, you’ll be supported by one of our experienced Travel Advisors: a real person who loves travel just as much as you do. They’ll be happy to answer your questions, walk you through the 10Adventures booking process, and connect with you by email, phone, or Zoom whenever needed.

The tour I’m interested in says ‘Lifetime Deposit’ on the tour page, what does that mean?

The Lifetime Deposit tag on a tour page means that when you pay your deposit to confirm your trip, that deposit is protected through our Lifetime Deposit Program on qualifying tours. If you need to cancel, we’ll keep your full deposit amount on file as a travel credit that can be applied toward a future booking with 10Adventures.

There’s no rush and no expiry date. You can use it later the same year, next year, or even 10 years down the road. When you’re ready for your next adventure, your deposit will be waiting for you. Learn more about our Lifetime Deposit Program here.

Please note that not all tours on 10Adventures qualify for the Lifetime Deposit Program.

How do I know if I’m physically suited to a tour I’m interested in on 10Adventures?

Every tour on 10Adventures includes a trip difficulty rating, ranging from Very Easy to Very Hard, to help you understand the level of challenge before you book. You can review our Trip Difficulty Rating Assessment page for more details on what each rating means.

Your Travel Advisor will also be happy to walk you through the specific physical requirements of the tour you’re interested in, including daily distances, elevation gain, terrain, and overall pace. That way, you can feel confident you’re choosing an adventure that matches your fitness level, experience, and travel style.

Can I customize my tour before booking?

Absolutely! Booking a custom tour is one of the things we do best. At 10Adventures, we specialize in custom private adventure tours and love helping travellers shape a trip that feels just right. Whether you’d like to split up walking or biking stages, add rest days, upgrade hotels, include extra nights, or add special activities and experiences, your Travel Advisor will be happy to explore the options with you and tailor your adventure wherever possible.

How much deposit is required to confirm my booking?

Typically lifetime deposit tours require a 20% deposit, standard cancellation tours require a 30% deposit, and other tours have varying deposit requirements. Your travel advisor will let you know this during the invoicing process.

When is my final balance payment due?

We request final balance payments by email invoice 90 days prior to your tour departure, with a few exceptions for tours such as cruises, boat and bike tours, and some others which require payment farther out.

Can I pay for my trip in installments?

Yes you can pay for your trip installments. You’ll simply open up your original email invoice and click the yellow ‘pay now’ button any time you’d like to make an installment payment. Your final balance however must be paid no later than 90 days prior to departure, but you’re welcome to pay in as many installments as you’d like up until that point.

When will my trip be officially confirmed?

Your Travel Advisor will let you know what to expect based on the specific tour you’ve booked, as confirmation timelines can vary depending on the destination, season, and availability. In most cases, tours booked through 10Adventures are confirmed within 3–5 business days of receiving your deposit payment.

Do I need Travel Insurance?

Yes, travel medical insurance is required for all tours on 10Adventures, learn more about travel insurance requirements here. You should also check with your Travel Advisor on whether or not your trip requires any special insurance, such as altitude coverage.

While only travel medical insurance is mandatory, we also strongly recommend that our guests purchase trip interruption/trip cancellation insurance as well.

What pre-trip information will I receive before departure?

Pre-trip information is typically shared via your Travel Advisor 1 month prior to your trip start. This often includes your digital roadbook/maps, login details for a gps app (where applicable), general info, and local in-country contact information.

If I want to add other guests to my booking after confirmation, can I do this?

Yes, the more the merrier! If friends or family would like to join your adventure after your booking has already been confirmed, your Travel Advisor will be happy to check whether there is still availability. As long as space allows, we’re always glad to add additional guests to your booking and help bring more travellers along for the journey.

My flight is delayed, who should I contact?

If your planned arrival is delayed due to a delayed or cancelled flight, please contact the local in-country support number provided in your pre-tour information package to let them know. They will then be able to make any changes necessary to accommodate your new arrival schedule.

Who do I contact if I need support during my tour?

Once your tour is underway, your local in-country support team will be your best point of contact. Their phone numbers will be included in your pre-tour information package, so you’ll know exactly who to reach if you need assistance along the way.

Most local teams are available by WhatsApp and can be contacted during regular office hours for general questions. They also provide emergency support outside of office hours, giving you peace of mind while you’re out enjoying your adventure.

Will I be meeting with a local representative on Day 1 of my tour?

This depends on whether your tour includes an in-person tour briefing and our bike fitting. Check specific inclusions of the tour you’ve booked to see if you have an in-person tour briefing included before your trip starts. When in doubt, ask your travel advisor?

Does 10Adventures provide any resources to help me physically prepare for my trip?

Yes! Feeling physically ready for your tour is an important part of having a safe, enjoyable, and confidence-filled adventure. Whether you’re preparing for long walking days, challenging climbs, back-to-back cycling stages, or simply getting used to being active day after day, we offer several helpful resources to support your training and preparation.

From practical fitness tips to destination-specific guidance, our goal is to help you arrive feeling prepared, excited, and ready to make the most of your trip. You can explore some of our most popular preparation resources below.

• Training from Home for the Future Hike
• Couch To Mountain Top: Expert’s Training Guide for Hikers
• Training for Summer Hiking Adventures
• 5 Great Steps To Be Healthy
• How to Prevent and Treat Muscle Soreness and Blisters

If I need to cancel my tour booking, what are the terms of cancellation?

We understand that unexpected circumstances can arise, and sometimes travel plans need to change. If you need to cancel your tour, our team will always do our best to review your booking carefully and work toward the most favourable cancellation terms available.

Because cancellation terms can vary depending on the tour, destination, timing, and local partner policies, we recommend reviewing our Booking Terms and Conditions for full details. You can also learn more about our Lifetime Deposit Program, which many of our tours qualify for and which may allow your deposit to be held for future travel.