Frequently Asked Questions
For Travelers:
We believe your trip should feel effortless and free from distracting logistics and the hassle of constantly opening your wallet. That’s why we include more. With Otter, every detail is handled and every experience is designed so that your energy stays focused on adventure, connection, and relaxation.
Accommodations
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Thoughtfully selected accommodations that embody the true character of the region
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Luggage and gear transfers, as needed
Transportation
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Airport transfers in a luxury AWD SUV or Sprinter van
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For bike tours, a support vehicle that follows the day’s route, distributes refreshments, assists with mechanical issues, and offers lifts
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Transportation to and from daily activities
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Ad hoc local transportation to explore your surroundings, subject to availability. If unavailable, we are always happy to help you arrange transportation.
Meals
We design all of our meals to cater to active athletes with discerning palettes. Food will be plentiful and there will be options to satisfy a wide range of tastes and dietary needs, such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and high protein options at every meal. We source food locally and seek organic ingredients where possible. Travelers will also have the opportunity to inform us of any needs or special requests before the trip.
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Daily hearty breakfasts with diverse offerings, but always including premium rich coffee or made-to-order espresso, fresh fruits, an egg dish, breakfast meats, pastries and baked goods, yogurt and homemade granola.
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Daily lunches (unless noted, as in ski days) and nutritious snacks
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Après festivities, including varied offerings of satisfying appetizers and signature cocktails, craft beers, and local wines
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Gourmet dinners at our favorite local restaurants, renowned culinary establishments, or prepared in-house at private estates (unless noted as free nights)
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“The Farm Stand,” Otter's signature self-serve table of coffee, refreshments, and snacks, is available at all hours throughout your stay and is replenished frequently with fruits, fresh baked goods, chips, bars, and drinks.
Gear (activity dependent)
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Premium bicycles and bike accessories, optimized for the riding conditions and your preferences. For guests who choose to bring their own bike, Otter will receive (if shipped), assemble, and tune it prior to your arrival.
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Premium trekking/mountaineering gear
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Complimentary Otter gear and a swag bag
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Daily gear cleaning, maintenance, and storage of gear to ensure optimal performance
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GPS for rides
Activities
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All activities as outlined in the trip itinerary, except those noted as “Additional Activities”
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Entrance fees to historic sites, museums, parks, and all other exclusive events
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Gratuities for baggage, porters, and service related to accommodations
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Expert bilingual guides with extensive local knowledge, where applicable
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Airfare (unless noted, as in Private Charter trips)
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Dinner on free night(s)
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Lunch when noted (as in ski days, to accommodate on-mountain flexibility)
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Spa services and other additional activities not specifically mentioned in “What’s Included.”
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Excursions and activities not outlined in the itinerary or referred to as “additional activities.”
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Gratuities for Otter guides
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Travel protection
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Ski gear (available on request)
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Ski lift tickets (since many guests will have passes)
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Otter partners with nonprofits to provide them with risk-free and effortless fundraising. We commit to guaranteeing 10% of the trip's proceeds will go to donations, with the possibility of additional funds raised through activities (such as trunk shows where the vendor donates a portion of the sales) and in-kind donations. There will be no active fundraising or "hard sells" on the trip, but you will receive more information about the nonprofit you are supporting, and guests will always have the option to donate more if moved to do so.
Guests will receive a donation receipt from the nonprofit within one week of the trip's conclusion, along with "total funds raised" for the trip.
A $750 per person no-risk deposit is required to confirm your reservation. This deposit is fully refundable until the final payment due date.
Final payment is due 75 days prior to departure. At that time, any unpaid balance will be charged, and the deposit becomes non-refundable. Reservations made within 75 days of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
Guests will receive an email reminder of the upcoming payment one week before it is processed, and will have the opportunity to change the payment method on file.
Up to 75 days before departure: Your deposit and any payments made are fully refundable.
45–74 days before departure: You will receive a 50% refund of the total trip cost.
15–44 days before departure: You may apply 50% of the total trip cost as a credit toward any future Otter & Co. trip, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation.
Within 14 days of departure: All payments are non-refundable.Certainly. It's important to share the fun with friends and loved ones, even for those not interested in the primary activity. On most trips, such as ski trips, non-participating partners will have endless options to fill their days. On others, such as point-to-point cycling tours, they may need to be comfortable with some van rides (and time by the pool). If you'd like to hear more about what a "day in the life" would be like for a non-participating guest on a specific trip, please reach out and we can get into more detail about the logistics and the experience.
Absolutely. We're happy to accommodate and offer e-bikes for all trips, unless specifically noted. Batteries will be charged each night and spares will be carried in the support vehicle to ensure you always have power.
We strongly recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Please consult an insurance broker for more information.