Travel FAQ

 

1.                  Can I travel with someone not participating in the documentary program?
YES, we welcome spouses and other traveling companions who would like to accompany you, but don’t want to participate in the documentary program. Non-participating travelers can go along with the documentary team, or explore on their own, depending on the specifics of the destination and available transport.
2.                  What level of accommodations will we have?
Our goal is to provide comfortable, western standard accommodations at the 3 or 4-star level whenever possible. However, sometimes accommodation vary, with the emphasis being on the travel and shooting objectives. When rougher accommodations are planned, we will let you know that.
3.                  What kind of pace can I expect on a Documentary Expedition?
We want to make sure that we see what we are coming to see, and get the shots that we need. We also want our clients to feel that their time was well spent. So, our schedules are generally quite full. However, there are no forced marches, and when possible we try to adjust our schedule to fit the preferences of group members.
4.                  How much free time will we have?
Our daily schedules for shooting are built around the travel schedule and being at the place we want to shoot when the light is best. However, we generally try to create some free time in the schedule, so that there is time for shopping, email and other personal pursuits.
5.                  What do we do in the evenings?
We will sometimes use evenings to review our day’s shooting, and present optional seminars on topics aimed at improving our videography and/or photography skills.
6.                  How fit do I need to be to participate in Rannoch Documentary Expeditions?
The answer to that varies by expedition. Generally, our expeditions require a reasonable level of fitness, including the ability to walk moderate distances carrying a few items of camera gear, get in and out of off-road vehicles, climb stairs and sloping ground and trails.
7.                  How will weather affect our planned activities?
Believe it or not, rotten weather often produces the most dramatic images and footage. So, we let weather interfere with what we want to do as little as possible. One of the important lessons we will teach is how to protect your video and photo gear, while shooting in rain or snow. Having said that, we respect weather and don’t knowingly take chances with extreme weather.
8.                  Do I need to purchase trip insurance?
We require everyone participating in Rannoch Documentary Expeditions to have medical evacuation insurance. This is becoming standard in the industry, and it offers very good value, considering the protection it provides. 
Since most of our programs have non-refundable cancellation provisions, we also strongly recommend that all of our clients purchase general travel insurance covering at least the cost of the trip.
9.                  Do I need to bring any camera gear of my own?
No, you don’t. We will provide adequate camera equipment for the program, plus some backup capacity. But, please keep in mind that the typical program we offer involves team-shooting and you will not have a camera in your hands all the time. By the way, if you want to bring a camera of your own, that is OK, but we prefer that you do most or all of the shooting for the record with our equipment.
10.             What languages are used on Documentary Expeditions?
English is usually the primary language. Depending on demand, we may offer documentary expeditions in other languages or in dual languages from time to time. 
11.             Why do you schedule Documentary Expeditions in the off season or shoulder season?
There are two reasons: First, have found that a mixture of good and bad weather often produces more interesting and dramatic images than bright, high-noon sunlight. Second, we strive to make Rannoch Documentary Expeditions affordable. So, we work with hotel, ships and other service providers to find times when there are savings we can pass on to our clients.