F.A.Q.
“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”
Do you offer one-on-one journeys or are they all open to the public?
Yes, we offer one-on-one journeys. If you see a journey you love and you prefer no strangers, just select Custom Dates at checkout. We also leave multiple weeks per year available specifically for custom journeys so if a particular date doesn’t work for you, just reach out with your idea!
Do you offer private journeys for groups or organizations?
Yes! If you’d love a journey just for your group, let us know! We offer group discounts and can customize campfire content for your cool crew!
Do you offer family trips?
Yes. If you’d like a journey just for your family, let us know. We can definitely arrange that for you.
Do you offer journeys for children or adolescents?
Yes, with permission from their legal guardian(s).
Do you offer the same journeys each year?
Yes and No. BE guides Colorado and Utah every year. The thru-hikes, thru-bikes, international journeys, and Seven Summits change!
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Regardless of the journey and its cost, we offer customized payment plans. To begin a payment plan, we recommend you place your deposit via the website and then BE will email you to setup a payment plan that best meet your needs. Our goal is to get you outside, living simply, and pursuing dreams. Our payment plans help us do that!
Can you tell me more about the payment plans?
Of course! Payment plans with BE are actually quite simple. We do not charge extra fees or interest. We simply require a $250 deposit then divide the remaining cost of the journey by how many months until the journey. For example, if your journey is $1,000 and it begins in 10 months, we would request $250 for deposit then $83 for nine more months. Easy. Simple. No added fees. #BESimple. #BEOutside. Please note that retreats require a $500 deposit and international journeys require a $1,000 deposit.
How much is required for the deposit?
$250 for domestic journeys, $500 for retreats, and $1,000 for international journeys. Deposits hold your spot and is applied to your balance. You will have until one month prior to the journey date to pay the balance in full. Deposits and payments are made via the website.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
We know things come up and plans change and we definitely try to work with you. Journeys canceled 90+ days in advance will be 100% refunded minus the deposit and processing fees. Journeys canceled within the 3-month to 1-month window from the start date will receive a 50% refund minus the deposit and processing fees. Lastly, journeys canceled within one month of the start date will not be refunded. Please note, BE partners with several international companies which have different refund policies. Booking a journey with one of our partners? Please read their refund policy.
I’ve followed Belay’s journeys for years. She bicycles 100 miles a day and hikes 25 miles a day, there’s no way I can do that. Does BE offer beginner trips?
Yes. We never advocate riding 100 miles or hiking 25 miles a day unless that is your personal goal. If that is your goal, we can successfully get you there with a custom journey. Otherwise, all of our journeys are created for beginners. If your fitness level is of concern, just be sure you can walk 2 miles or 1 hour around your neighborhood with your pack on. No breaks!
I’ve signed up for a backpacking/mountaineering journey, what should I do for physical training?
Excellent question! Although there’s nothing like the real deal, we suggest you start training now! We’ve created a 6-month, 3-month , and 1-month training program but ultimately, you need to be able to walk for one hour with your pack loaded up. The 6-month training plan can be found here, the 3-month training plan can be found here, and the 1-month here! Happy training!
I want to sign up for Kilimanjaro but am afraid I’m not fit enough. Do you have a workout plan?
What is the recommended recovery routine post journey?
Sleep, consume copious amounts of protein and vegetables, drinks tons of water, sit in a hot bath or jacuzzi, and massage your legs. They deserve it!
What kind of food to we eat?
Real food from the local grocer! Belay was a chef at a wilderness lodge and loves to cook. Thus, BE has fresh produce for every meal! In fact, 80% of the food is produce. No dehydrated, pre-packaged meals stuffed full of preservatives that teach nothing and cause constipation. Our meals keep you full, healthy, light on your feet, and teach you how to cook in the wilderness and on an expedition. Real food for real expeditions!
I’m a little concerned about potty time on the trail. How is that handled?
This is a common question and concern! BE recommends bringing baby wipes, they smell better when packed out. Yes, since BE journeys through wilderness area, we must pack out everything manmade. Well, not everything...but definitely toilet paper and baby wipes. Regulations also have us use the bathroom 200 feet away from water sources and bury our human waste 6 inches deep. BE recommends using trekking poles or a trowel to dig. BE packs out used baby wipes and toilet paper in a 1-gallon Ziplock, each person having their own. It's pretty simple actually: away from water, 6 inches deep, pack out tp!
Do you allow dogs?
BE only allows dogs on the Colorado Fourteener 1-Day journey. At this time, overnights are restricted to only humans; partly due to allergies, partly due to National Park restrictions, partly due to logistics, partly due to equipment.
Do you sell gear or clothing?
No, we only provide rental gear. We advocate living simply, meaning we only possess what’s needed. It would be against our values to stockpile items to sell.
What happens if I quit a journey?
Participants who choose to leave an active expedition for any reason are not entitled to a refund. Due to the nature and heavy costs of operating permits, BE must adhere to the above itinerary and refund policy. We will try to be flexible where we can but ultimately if someone drops out of a journey, they will be responsible for their itinerary once off the mountain and/or journey and required to proceed without a BE guide.