ONLY MAKE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS AFTER:
We typically need 6 firm enrollments in order to confirm the course as “GO.” If you purchase airline tickets before notified to do so, make sure you either purchase refundable/transferable tickets OR purchase trip insurance covering the cost of airfare in the event your course is canceled or if you are not cleared to participate. North Carolina Outward Bound is not responsible for refunding the cost of airline tickets, clothing and gear, etc.
TRAVEL DELAYS
If you are delayed while traveling, call us immediately at 800-878-5258. We work diligently to accommodate unforeseen travel delays. However, in certain cases of extreme delays, it may not be possible for you to join the course.
CELL PHONES
Traveling to and from course with a cell phone and charger is encouraged. Upon arrival and check in with our staff at the airport, we will remind participants to call their families immediately, as cell phones are not permitted once the course has officially begun. At that point, all cell phones will be turned off and stored in personal luggage until course end.
BE PREPARED
Be dressed in items from the clothing list, make all necessary calls and have eaten prior to departure from the airport.
Review current government regulations regarding carry-on items at www.tsa.gov. Many airlines charge for each checked bag. Check your airline’s baggage policy and pay any fees for you or your child’s inbound and outbound flights.
PASSPORTS
A passport is required for entry into Argentina. Passport applications may take two to three months to process so apply well in advance of your departure date. The passport application fee is $135 (subject to change). 2 Passport numbers must be submitted to Outward Bound no later than two weeks before the start of the course to ensure that we can complete permits necessary for traveling in Patagonia. Make four clear photocopies of your passport. Mail, fax or scan a copy to our office with your required forms. We encourage you to bring one copy of your passport to the course and leave one with your emergency contact at home.
ESSENTIAL CARRY-ON ITEMS
We advise that you pack all essentials from the Clothing and Gear list in a carry-on bag in case your luggage is lost or delayed. These items include:
More detailed descriptions of these items are available in the Clothing and Gear list. These items will outfit you during the first 24-72 hours of course if your luggage is lost or delayed. Include copies of your passport and your airline ticket itineraries. Be careful with your carry-on bag while traveling to avoid your bag being lost or stolen. We suggest using a money belt or traveler’s neck pouch for passports, cash, credit cards and airline tickets.
Do not finalize travel plans until you have confirmed that your Medical Record booklet has been processed, cleared and your course has been declared a “go.” The North Carolina Outward Bound School is not responsible for refunding the cost of airline tickets if the course cancels.
COURSE START ARRIVAL TIME/LOCATION
This is our only pick-up location/time. Look for Outward Bound staff wearing a shirt or hat with an Outward Bound logo and/or carrying an Outward Bound sign. This staff person will have a list of all course participants.
We advise all students download WhatsApp to your smartphone to communicate with Outward Bound via Wi-Fi in lieu of an international cell phone plan.
YOUR COURSE WILL END AT THIS LOCATION WHETHER YOU ARE DEPARTING BY PLANE OR CAR.
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) – www.flyavl.com
61 Terminal Drive – Fletcher, NC 28732-9442
This is our only drop-off location.
There are two airports in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
Some airline itineraries require a lengthy ground transport between EZE and AEP to/from San Carlos de Bariloche Airport (BRC). Other itineraries offer direct flights to/from EZE and San Carlos de Bariloche Airport (BRC), avoiding the airport-to-airport ground transport.
North Carolina Outward Bound recommends choosing a direct flight to/from EZE to BRC; however, flight availability changes regularly.
If your airline itinerary requires ground transportation between these airports, this transport is NOT included in your airline itinerary. You must arrange it separately before day of travel. If you choose this option, make sure your airline itinerary allows for 5 hours layover between the two airports. It will take significant time to clear airport security, get baggage, cross the city, check in and go through security again. Plus, there may be unforeseen delays due to traffic, road construction or weather.
Please refer to these websites to arrange ground transportation:
At least two weeks prior to course start, we will email a request for travel arrangements.
Please reference our COVID-19 Program Protocols.
Should you need to depart Outward Bound due to a positive COVID-19 test result or other illness symptoms:
Please reference the CDC recommendations for Protecting Yourself When Using Transportation and Considerations for Travelers.
Airfare, related travel costs, and non-refundable tuition payments are expensive. Insurance to protect your trip and course is not required but strongly recommended. If you choose not to purchase insurance and cancel your course or leave your course early you will be held to the terms of the Cancellation Policy (See above).
Outward Bound offers an option for insuring these costs from the third-party provider InsureMyTrip through its Academic Explorer Program. This program has coverage options that include your travel costs and the non-refundable tuition costs. A link to that program’s insurance coverage options is above. Alternatively, you may choose to purchase trip related insurance through a different insurance provider. In either case, the amount and type of coverage you choose is your responsibility and must be discussed directly with the provider.
You may also want to consider insurance for the cost of Emergency Evacuation. Health insurance often does not cover the cost of emergency evacuation by air or other means and these costs can be very expensive. North Carolina Outward Bound School will not be financially responsible for these costs in the event that your student requires evacuation.
The Academic Explorer Program offered through InsureMyTrip does not offer coverage for emergency evacuation. You will need to purchase that coverage from a different insurance provider.
Outward Bound makes no representations or warranties about these insurance options or how they handle claims.
In Bariloche (course start):
Asheville, NC (course end):
If you are traveling by air, be aware of TSA guidelines. To avoid TSA taking items out of your carry-on luggage (like insect repellent and sunscreen), pack these items in your checked luggage or do not exceed size specifications. For more information please visit the TSA website: Transportation Security Administration - Carry-ons