Luminar Adventures - FAQ

Preparing for Your Journey

Do I need to be an expert photographer to join the tour?

The primary purpose of the Luminar Adventure is to learn and get experience, so you don’t need to be concerned about your skill level. We welcome ALL photographers, no matter how professional. Every day we will travel, work with various scenarios, and explore the beauty of mother nature through our cameras. If you love taking photos and are passionate about photo art, this tour will bring you a lot of joy and dramatically boost your skills.

What should I pack, and what gear should I bring with me?

We will send you a complete clothing and camera equipment list in our welcome kit after you book your spot. Our general recommendation for dressing is for your clothes and accessories to be versatile and changeable, meaning that it’s best to bring along thin layers that you can interchange and add or remove at a moment’s notice.

Can you help arrange my travel visa?

The requirements for travel visas vary widely depending on your nationality. While we can’t help you procure your visa, we can give you a letter of confirmation from our company as well as confirmations from the hotels we’ll use during the tour in order to assist your application. If you do require a visa, you may either arrange it yourself by contacting your nearest Embassy or by using the services of a visa processing company. Please ensure that you complete and return your visa application in a timely manner so you will have your documents in time to travel. It’s best to get your visa sorted in advance because the processing time can be quite long.

Medical, Insurance, Security, and Emergency Info

Do I need to get travel and medical insurance?

Your own domestic government medical insurance and/or private health insurance will not cover you while you are overseas. When purchasing insurance, make sure you check the terms of the policy carefully, particularly the limits of your cover, such as for replacement of photography equipment in case of damage or loss. Please also familiarize yourself with the procedure for making claims, as most policies stipulate that claims must be made within a certain amount of time after completion of your journey.

What should I look for in my travel and medical insurance?

Look for a policy that covers medical costs in case of hospitalization, emergency travel, and repatriation. If you are going on an adventure activity, such as glacier hiking or a helicopter ride, make sure your insurance covers you for this activity. We encourage you to take out travel insurance that covers the full value of your trip and personal effects in the case of trip cancellation, loss or theft of baggage, or emergency evacuation. Travel insurance helps to minimize the risk of monetary losses that you would incur in the event of certain circumstances, such as a delayed departure due to weather, an airline strike or missed connections, inability to travel for reasons such as illness, injury or unforeseen financial complications, or the necessity to cut your trip short for medical or any other reasons.

How fit do I need to be to join the tour?

Our trips are designed to be enjoyed by anyone who is reasonably fit. However, some trips visit remote areas with limited medical facilities and require a moderate amount of hiking, so you must be in good health. Keep in mind that you will need to carry your own bags during the tour.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

The pre-departure information kit we will send after you book contains a list of suggested items to bring, but it doesn’t cover medications. We recommend that you carry personal medical items for managing common minor ailments, such as colds, diarrhea, blisters, headaches, heartburn, sore throats, and so on. Travelers who take regular medication should bring an appropriate supply within carry-on luggage on the plane. Allergy and asthma sufferers should ensure they have an adequate supply of their routine medicine, as some areas during spring and summer have high levels of pollen.

Will refrigeration be available for medicines, for example for insulin?

Refrigeration will be available within each hotel for medicines. Outside of this, especially during our camping tours, you cannot rely on access to a refrigerator. Please be sure to advise us if you are traveling with medication that requires refrigeration.

Are there any age limits to who may participate in a tour?

On certain trips, we may require a doctor’s letter that certifies the health and fitness of participants who are over 70 years old. We don’t recommend that minors between the ages of 13 and 19 join our tour unless they are accompanied by a parent. The tour is not suitable for children younger than the age of 13.

How safe are my belongings during the trip?

While we do everything we can to make sure your belongings are safe, theft can occur anywhere. This is why travel insurance is handy; a lockable bag or money belt will be useful too. Please leave your fancy jewelry, watches, and designer clothes and bags at home. Never leave your camera gear unattended, and don’t flash large amounts of cash when making purchases.

Bookings & Payments, Deposits, Cancellations & Refunds

How do I book my spot at the tour?

To book your spot at the tour, you need to: 1. Provide your contact information through the booking form on our website. 2. Look for an email from Skylum and confirm your booking by sending a deposit. You can pay by wire transfer or PayPal. 3. Pay the remaining 50% of the total trip cost three month before the tour.

You mentioned that there will be 2 people in a room. Can I get a single room at an additional cost?

If you want to get a single room, let us know and we'll arrange that at an additional cost (depends on the destination).

Do you have a cancellation policy?

Yes, we have a cancellation and refund policy. You can cancel at any time before the tour begins. If you cancel and we are able to fill your spot and all other spots by the time the tour begins, we’ll refund you the full amount paid minus a $300 service fee. If you cancel and all spots are not filled by the start of the tour, you will be refunded according to the following schedule:

- Greater than 90 days from the start date of the tour: full refund minus $300 service fee.

- 75 days or more: 75% refund

- 60 days or more: 50% refund

- Less than 60 days: no refund

Refunds will be paid through the same method in which the original payment was made. We strongly recommend that you obtain trip cancellation and travel insurance after booking your trip. If you must cut your trip short for any reason once it has already commenced, you will not receive any refund.

At the Tour

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes, all of our photo masters speak English, and every workshop is conducted in English.

What is the maximum number of participants at the tour?

Depending on the tour, it can be from 16 to 24 participants.

How many guides are there?

Depending on the tour, we'll have from 3 to 6 guides per group.

Can I extend my stay?

If you want to stay for a couple of extra days to explore more, there are no reason not to. Please note that for all extra nights, you might want to book your accommodation in advance. If you would like to use the same hotel we use during the tour, let us know and we’ll give you the information on the hotel.

How much free time is there during the tour?

We pack a lot into each day to make sure our participants have the most memorable trip possible. However, if you want to skip a sunrise practice or stay up at night to photograph night skies, that is your choice. Just make sure you’re up and ready to meet us at times that we will be in transit. Please note that if you choose to opt out of any included activities, no reimbursement will be made.

Will there be any difficult long hikes during the tour?

We normally drive pretty close to all of our planned destinations, so you won’t need to do any extreme hikes. However, you will still need to be able to walk on uneven ground and may need to walk up and down some small hills to reach the best photography spots.

Will the Masters help us with our photography during the tour?

Yes, the Masters are there to assist you with learning as much as you can about your camera gear and equipment, as well as how to take home some of the most amazing photos of your life. In the field and out, they will be providing you with as much education as you can handle!

Are post-processing lessons included?

Yes, post-processing lessons are included in our tour.

Are meals included?

Depending on the tour, meals might be or not be included. Please check the What's Included section at the tour website or ask us directly.

I’m a vegetarian. Is that a problem?

It’s no problem at all. Just let us know in advance so we can inform our team. That way they can make sure you are looked after in all of the local restaurants and hotels.

I have food allergies. What can you do?

We do everything in our power to make sure you are taken care of with no risk to your health.