Tours and Transport

Why is transport exclusively by train or bus?

Affordability, spirit and sustainability. We love our planet and want to take care of it while we travel. Also, it keeps costs low and treats us to some amazing sights on the road. 

Do you offer travel or health insurance during the trips?

Our tours do not include travel insurance. Please make sure you have valid travel and health coverage before your trip.

Are the tours suited for travellers with accessibility needs or travellers requiring assistance?

This is mixed: we would love to take everyone everywhere but ofcourse we are dependent on the local infrastructure. We mention the accesibility of each tour on our site. Contact us if you have questions about this. 

How does accommodation look like?

The standard accommodation for most tours takes place in good quality, vetted hostels, in small dorm-rooms. If you are travelling as a couple, a group of friends or want a 1 person bedroom: please notify us during the process of booking. It may affect the price (but not always) and we will inform you of this before your final booking. You will not have to pay anything before you agree to your accommodation.

What is covered in the price for the multiple-destination tours?

Unless explicitly mentioned otherwise, our tours include accommodation, transport by train or bus, local transportation tickets at the destinations, breakfast, guided tours and tickets to selected attractions. 

Do I have to pay extra for Guided Tours?

No, not at all. An extra tip or fee is appreciated but not necessary.

Do I have to join all activities?

Ofcourse not. We organise guided tours, pub crawls, walking tours: you are very welcome to join us but you pay for your holiday and get to enjoy it the way you like. 

How does Interrail or Eurail work?

Interrail (European residents) and Eurail (non-European residents) are flexible train passes that let travellers explore multiple countries across Europe using a single ticket. We love Interrail/Eurail: it is easy to use, we use digital tickets and travel by train: win for us, you and the planet.  We will guide you through the process of reserving the right trains. 

What bus operators do you use?

For some trips we use Flixbus, Bla Bla Bus or local companies. Buses are a sustainable way of transport if used for proper lines of travel. 

Booking - Cancellation - Requirements

Booking, Payment& Cancellation                         Practical Travel Information 

How do I book a tour?

We will explain it step by step:
- Check out our tours.
- If you want to book, press the button 'Book Now'
- You can book a tour for a selected date on the tours webpage.
-Once you pressed the 'Book Now' button you will fill in a form.
- This form asks you for information to make sure you or your group will have the best experience: you can select your attractions and modify the accommodation.
- Once we received the information we will send you a confirmation of your booking.
- We will work our magic and come back to you with the final price. Then you can decide if you say yes or no.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept Ideal, bank transfer and creditcard. 

Do I need to pay a deposit?

There is a deposit to pay when you accept our offer. We use your deposit to confirm your reservations with the accommodation, transport, and activity partners. The deposit is non-refundable and is 20% of the total price. 

When is the final balance due?

Complete payment must be done 30 days before the start of the tour.

Cancellation & Refunds 
All information about cancellation and refunds can be found at the bottom of this page. 

Do I need a visa?

Most travellers do not need a visa to join our tours within the European Union. If you are an EU/EEA or UK citizen, you can travel freely with a valid passport or ID card. Travellers from visa-exempt countries can usually enter the EU for up to 90 days without a visa. If you are from a country that does require a Schengen visa, you must apply for it before your trip — we can provide booking confirmations to support your application, but we cannot arrange visas on your behalf.

What travel documents are required?

For EU travelers, only a paspport or ID-document will often suffice. Whether you are from the EU or not: always check the website of your government, state or munincipality for more information. 

Are there physical requirements for the tours?

Our tours are not extremely demanding. We don't organise sports or extreme activites. However, the tours include a good walk. Sometimes on stairs, hills or uneven terrains. 

How much luggage can I bring?

If we travel by train, there is no real limit on the amount of luggage most of the times. Ofcourse, you have to carry it. For most tours, one trolley and bigger backpack will enough. For tours that include buses a small fee may apply for bringing extra luggage.

What do the groups look like?

We accept everyone except minors (below 18). Groups, solo travellers: everyone is welcome. The maximum group size for a tour can be found on the webpage of the tour. 

Why the owl as a logo?

He has a name! His name is Frank and he is known in many ancient cultures as the owl of sustainable and fun travelling. 

Why is World Guides not operating in some countries?

We focus on affordable and sustainable travel in Europe. If we do not operate in some countries this has to do with restrictions (Brexit, pandemic, sanctions), the local laws (tour guides adhere to strict laws), safety concerns or human rights issues (LGTBQIA+ discrimination). 

How many people work at World Guides?

There are two overworked but happy people working at World Guides. They work from their homebase in Spain. We do hire freelancers for certain tours, work with other organisations and intend to hire interns through the Erasmus+ programme. Oh, and there are three cats. 

What is covered in the price for the multiple-destination tours?

Despite explicitly mentioned otherwise, our tours include accommodation, transport by train or bus, local transportation tickets at the destinations, breakfast and tickets to selected attractions. 

Cancellation Policy

We understand that travel plans can change. Below you will find our clear and transparent cancellation policy. By booking a tour with World Guides, you agree to the conditions outlined below.

1. Deposits

To secure your place on the tour, a non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 60 days before departure. If the balance is not received by the deadline, your booking may be cancelled and the deposit forfeited.

Have questions abou this or want to ask about other options? Contact us. 

2. Cancellation by the Traveller

If you need to cancel your trip, the following terms apply:

  • More than 60 days before departure:
    Refund of all payments minus the non-refundable deposit.

  • 30–60 days before departure:
    Refund of 50% of the total tour price.

  • 20–30 days before departure:
    Refund of 25% of the total tour price.

  • 0–20 days before departure:
    No refund is possible.

All cancellations must be submitted to us in writing (email is sufficient).

3. Changes to Your Booking

If you wish to make changes (such as a name change or optional add-on), we will do our best to assist. A small administration fee may apply.
Changes of this nature are possible up to 30 days before departure, depending on availability.

4. Cancellation by World Guides

In the unlikely event that World Guides must cancel the tour:

  • You will receive a full refund of all payments made.

  • No additional compensation will be offered for external factors (such as flights, hotels, or other personal expenses booked independently).

World Guides also reserves the right to cancel a tour if the minimum group size is not reached. If this happens, you will be fully refunded.

5. Force Majeure

World Guides is not liable for cancellations or changes caused by events outside our control, including but not limited to:
extreme weather, natural disasters, strikes, pandemics, political unrest, or transportation disruptions. In such cases, refunds follow the standard cancellation terms above.

6. No-Show Policy

If a participant does not show up on the first day of the tour for reasons outside World Guides’ control, no refund will be issued.
A participant can show up later during the programme if communicated with us. The payment will not be reduced in this case.

7. Insurance

World Guides does not provide travel or health insurance.
We strongly recommend that all travellers purchase travel insurance that includes:

  • Trip cancellation

  • Medical coverage

  • Luggage and personal items

  • Travel delays