Student or Traveler: Get All the Facts in Writing Before You Leave or Sign Up!
If you are considering traveling with Heather, be sure to get a full itinerary in writing up-front which clearly outlines exactly what you will be receiving for your money and be sure that refund/cancellation policies are in place that protect you. If a contract is signed, it needs to contain all the daily and full trip itinerary information and also be sure that it protects you in the case of cancellation, unforeseen circumstances, emergencies or changes in venue.
A map of the intended tour route and sites to be visited should be provided pre-trip. Back-up plans for sites to visit or coursework should be in place in case of inclement weather, site closures etc. Heather also needs to sign the contract and you should receive an original, signed copy.
Don't rely solely on-line postings of pretty pictures and descriptions about the trip, get everything in writing before-hand! It is easy to get caught up in the romance of pictures! Do your homework before you spend your money! Contact several others who have taken classes or traveled with her in the past, don't rely on one or two reviews to base your decision on.
For trips, especially overseas: Be sure there is a full itinerary which clearly outlines the modes of transportation, exact places you will visit, course materials to be presented and given to you, guest speaker time and locations, travel times between locations, initial and continuing meet-up locations with information on airport, bus or train transfers and directions/how to get to meet-up locations, meals included, free time for personal exploration of areas visited etc.
There should be Regular comfort breaks at least every 2-3 hours of travel and time to purchase food and the locations for breaks and food on the route should be included in the itinerary. Accommodations should be listed and the number of roommates at each site should be clearly spelled out. Meals included should be fully explained and the types of food available should actually be offered at the meal sites listed. For example: Organic, locally grown, vegan etc.
Be sure there is a knowledgeable, professional driver and guide who will be in charge of the travel, or that a tour company familiar with the area and sites to be visited has been hired which will provide transportation, navigation and supervision through the length of the trip.
There also needs to be sufficient separate space for luggage and safe seating for all tour participants throughout the trip. You should not be holding your backpack or suitcase on your lap while traveling to each location, it can get uncomfortable after a few hours! You also would not want to have one of the tour participants sitting on your lap for several hours due to lack of sufficient seating!
If these listed items/conditions are not provided, you should consider travelling with a different herbalist. There are many trustworthy and professional herbalists who are great teachers! read more