What is Expedition Vagabond?
We are experts in non ordinary nature travel experiences. Expedition Vagabond was born after more than 13 years of cycling and hiking experience all over the world. On our bicycles, our compass have guided us throughout many different cultures across Asia, America and Europe. This has inspired us to create exciting, challenging and unique travel programs, without neglecting the touristic must-sees. We choose the best routes, that we know like the back of our hand. The best dates, seasons and places to stay are based on our own experience and knowledge.
Expedition Vagabond offers guides in 4 languages (Thai, English, French and Chinese) and 2 excursion programs: road cycling and hiking.
The cycling programs are available in three levels, from beginner riders who train regularly without the need for a club or peloton, to semi-pros.
There are two types of hiking trails available: the classic hike takes 4 to 8 hours to complete followed by overnight stays in hotels or hostels. Or, alternatively, for those who wish to experience the true Vagabond spirit by counting the stars in a tent or sleep in remote traditional mountain huts called "refuge".
The tour is divided into 3 groups: a private group of 2 to 4 (on request only), a small group of 5 to 8, and a large group of up to 12.
Vagabond mindset
Expedition Vagabond takes sustainable tourism very seriously. This is why we do not support activities that do not respect nature or may cause damage to the environment, animals and local cultures.
The DNA of Expedition Vagabond, by its nature, will push us away from the touristy places and the comforts these provide. This will be overcome at the material level, but this point refers mainly to food, the 4-cheese pizzas on the borders of Laos will remain at the dream stage, as will the instant noodles with dried shrimps in the Valais mountain pasture lodges. Except for allergies, other diets cannot be guaranteed.
For participants traveling in different weather conditions (clothing against the cold) or who need equipment prohibited on planes (harness, climbnig harness, 4-season tent, pegs, CO2 cartridge), equipment to rent or lend will be made available.
Vagabonds hikers
Having hiking experience is a minimum requirement and for Pure Vagabond formulas sleeping in a tent must already be experienced.
Vagabonds cyclists
Safety is our top priority. We ask that each cyclist/hiker participating in our tours will respect others, road traffic rules and make way for faster riders. Road rules and sharing of lanes for cyclists may differ from your country.
For each itinerary, 3 speed groups are offered: 23-27km/h, 26-30km/h, 29-33km/h. In order to better target the appropriate route, our calculation method is as follows: 100km outing, positive elevation less than 400m, without wind and alone. What average does your counter show? If it is between 23km/h to 33km/h, then Expédition Vagabond will have at least one route to offer you. Note that it is imperative that you choose the appropriate level, in order to be able to enjoy the adventure/trip and not penalize the rest of the group.
Is Expedition Vagabond right for me?
Expédition Vagabond is for anyone wishing to live a different experience from conventional tourist circuits. The positive aspects are multiple, but it is important to note the 2 preliminary conditions.
1.Active adventure trip
A regular practice of weekly low-intensity physical activity is a mandatory minimum. Whether walking or cycling, the circuits offered are not necessarily made for experts. Quite the opposite! This is the very raison d'être of Expédition Vagabond; that of sharing and making people discover and share new horizons, new limits and possibilities.
2.Vagabond in French mean wanderer, not tourist
Most of the trip will be away from any luxury that mass tourism brings. An adaptive mindset is a sine qua non. Expedition Vagabond is not a survival course, everything is done so that our participants have an unforgettable experience in optimal conditions, but it is also wrong to believe that it is all comfort. Those who believe in minimal effort will likely be nostalgic of 5-star privileges, which seem to go without saying, of their last holidays spent in Dubai. Forgetting about previous trips and having a taste for something new are the best things to keep in mind before joining us.
Advices
Be connected
Forget selfies, likes, networks social, wifi. For cyclists, forget sports apps, stopwatches, competition. Look up, be connected with your surrounding, the group and the other vagabonds you will meet
Weather
Don't necessarily expect ideal weather. Unless exceptional conditions, we will take place according to the program. Rain, wind, snow, all are just informations
Be ready
Physically choose the appropriate level (3 choices), know your limits. No broom wagons or taxis. Adequate equipment, checked and ready to use. Also recommended to be insured for theft and accident abroad
Comfort zone
Leave your habits at home. Adapt to your new environment. Climate, food, participants, traffic, your habits will inevitably be different
