Poor Refund Policy
The Adventurists do not have a great cancellation/refund policy when an adventure must be canceled beyond the control of the participants (for instances such as COVID or political instability). Rather than refunding deposits paid, they only offer you to re-book into a future adventure based on current availability...which could be a year or more away. In my specific example, I'm booked for the Oct. 2022 Sri Lanka Rickshaw Run. Sri Lanka is in crisis with no fuel, violent protests, and severe instability. All Western governments advise against any travel to the country and it would be irresponsible to hold the rally in Sri Lanka as they need every drip of fuel to survive. The new PM said these conditions will continue for many month which includes when the Oct. '22 Rickshaw Run will be held. The Adventurists are only offering a 50% refund or the option to move to a different adventure, of which there are none with availability until October 2023. If I were needing to cancel for my own reasons, the 50% refund is more than fair. But, when I have no control of the situation, a full refund (with, say, a 100 Pound admin fee, or similar, in recognition of The Adventurist's effort) would be far more appropriate.
I would think twice before considering booking an adventure with this organization. If you can't be sure that the adventure will proceed as scheduled, know you will likely be out a significant portion of your deposit. I should note that this policy is outlined in the agreement I signed. The agreement does not have a special provision for cancelations made beyond your control. My assertion is that if The Adventurists were concerned for their customers, the ethical thing to do would be to offer a better refund in these rare circumstances.
I should also note that I've been on two adventures with them in the past and they are a blast. My poor review only reflects their handling of deposits and cancellations beyond your control.
20. maj 2022
Uopfordret anmeldelse