The Outlook Guarantee

With 20 years’ experience under our belts, we are true experts in youth development and adventure travel, and we believe that what we do and how we do it are of equal importance. We practice what we preach; demonstrating the character and qualities that our products are designed to instill in young people, through the way we operate as an organisation.

Part of this character is about being open and transparent with schools and families, to ensure we are always on the same page as one another and know what to expect throughout our time together.

The Outlook journey begins long before departure with a programme that not only prepares students for their overseas adventure, but also for the next stage of their lives and beyond.

Our UK Leadership Development Phase is unique to Outlook and is designed to develop character, build resilience, and improve well being – the tools required to be a leader and tackle life’s challenges effectively; from engaging in meaningful discussions and activities about sustainable tourism, to immersive learning experiences in the UK’s National Parks.

What’s more, through our exclusive partnership with world renowned leadership programme 'Leader in Me', from 2021 we can deliver even greater value to schools and students with the opportunity to complete the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens leadership qualification.

Based on Covey's '7 Habits of Highly Effective People' it's a comprehensive evidence-based learning model designed to develop 'life-readiness' and increase effectiveness in students. Upon completion of the course, each team member will receive an accredited certificate of achievement.

Once the UK Leadership Development Phase is complete, the Overseas Expedition Phase is the vehicle used to provide authentic challenges, rich experiences and engages young people like little else. As a result, it’s one of the most powerful and effective ways to learn big life lessons, awaken curiosity and gain perspective.

The focus of an expedition is less about the destination itself, and more about the journey that gets you there. Expeditions are learning experiences like no other because things don’t always go to plan. They can be challenging and hard work, even before departure – but that’s the point!

Safety is our number one priority however, and we would never let a team travel if there was any doubt as to our ability to manage their safety appropriately. As such, we constantly monitor our destinations, understanding the very nature of developing countries can be unstable; with political unrest, natural disasters, disease outbreaks and of course Covid-19 – all factors that could cause implications for risk management. Should a destination become or remain unviable for safety reasons within 60 days of departure, we would implement the following process.

Our first point of call would be a consultation process with the school to explore itinerary diversions. This might be as simple as avoiding a particular area, or perhaps avoiding travel to the original destination all together. Should any such changes incur additional charges, these would be absorbed by Outlook. Similarly, if there was a cost saving in making the itinerary changes, families would be refunded the difference.

If the FCDO advises against travel within 60 days of departure and we are unable to provide a suitable diversion for any reason, it may be that Outlook has to cancel the expedition.

In such a scenario, families have the reassurance from Outlook that they would receive a full refund for the services not delivered. In this instance that would be the overseas travel element of the expedition journey.

With an Outlook Expedition however, the teams’ journey start from as early as 18 months prior to departure, with the UK Leadership Development Phase. As such, although the overseas travel element would be refunded, Outlook would not refund the reasonable costs associated with delivery of the UK phase up to that point.

The exception to this is our Explore trips, as these do not include the UK Leadership Development Phase, so families booked onto an Explore would receive a full refund of monies paid to Outlook.

Your expedition cost includes cover for medical expenses, from the moment the team step onto the airplane. This means that for any medical issue – Covid-19-related or otherwise – students have the 24/7 support of their in-country leader team, UK Operations Room, and medical professionals.

To further protect families, we always recommend that participants secure their own travel insurance. This protects students should they have to withdraw before departure for any reason, whether medical or otherwise, that may prevent them from travelling. We advise the below criteria when choosing a policy:

- Annual Multi Trip (choose the cover start date from 330 days prior to departure – which is when Outlook’s travel cancellation charges become applicable)

- Ensure the policy covers the cost of the expedition

- Check the policy covers you for Covid-19-related cancellations

- Ensure you declare any pre- existing conditions if required

- If you are relying on a family policy, check if insurance will cover a child travelling without a parent but with a guardian

- Which?, the consumer choice group, has published guidance on finding the right travel insurance

Insurers may ask what activities your child will be involved with during the trip. You do not need cover for expedition activities as you protected through Outlook. The insurance policy you need to get is for cover in the event you have to cancel your child’s place prior to departure.

In the unlikely event that Outlook ceases to trade, the cost of your expedition is protected under the ATOL scheme.

The Outlook Programme is made up of two phases; a UK Leadership Development Phase and an Overseas Expedition Phase:

The UK Leadership Development Phase begins 18 months prior to departure and is designed to prepare students not only for their overseas adventure, but also for the next stage of their lives and beyond

The Overseas Expedition Phase is a learning experience like no other designed to foster independence, encourage exploration, and build valuable qualities and life skills

Should the original destination become or remain unviable for safety reasons, within 60 days of departure, Outlook will always aim to divert to a suitable, alternative destination. This would be in consultation with the school, as it would affect all participants.

Outlook will absorb the cost of any increases as a result of an itinerary change, and refund families the difference if a cost saving has been made

Safety is our number one priority, and we are constantly monitoring destinations for anything that could cause implications for risk management – including Covid-19 restrictions and outbreaks.

If Outlook has to cancel your trip for any reason, you will receive a guaranteed refund for services not delivered:

For Explore students, this is a full refund of any money paid to us

For Expedition students who have taken part in the UK Leadership Development Phase, this is a full refund of the overseas travel element of your expedition

You are covered for all medical expenses while overseas – including for Covid-19-related issues.

Individual travel insurance policies are readily available through insurance comparison websites. We recommend protecting yourself should you have to withdraw before departure for any reason. For example, personal bereavement, a medical incident or perhaps, Covid-19.

In the unlikely event that Outlook ceases to trade, the cost of your expedition is protected under the ATOL scheme.