
Japan
9 days, 6+ races, countless adventures!
OVERVIEW
MAP & ITINERARY
WHAT TO EXPECT
PLAN YOUR TRAVEL
BOOK YOUR TRIP
FAQ
Run with the Rising Sun
We're flying across the Pacific to a country with deep cultural roots, remarkable natural landscapes, and state-of-the-art technologies. Run through history and diverse landscapes as we explore peaceful autumnal forests, quiet bamboo groves, and reflections of Mount Fuji in the calm surface of Lake Kawaguchi. Marvel at magnificent shrines and temples that are intricately carved and colorfully painted.
Fill your heart with memories, your eyes with wonder, and your belly with delicious food!
UPCOMING trip dates
2023 | 2024 |
---|---|
October 7-15, 2023 | March 23-31, 2024 |
October 21-29, 2023 | October 19-27, 2024 |
QUICK INFO:
- Daily afternoon activities
- Hotels, meals, and local transport included!
- International flight not included
- Covid-19 vaccination not required
- Arrive/depart: Tokyo airport
- 9 days/8 nights all-inclusive trip
- 6+ trail runs and hikes (7-12K)
Trip Highlights:
See Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka in one trip.
Relax as you partake in a river float through the countryside.
Journey through Kyoto's famous Fushimi Inari shrine.
Taste the flavors of Japan in the autumn.
Glimpse Mt. Fuji on your trail run.
Experience a traditional Japanese onsen.
"...you're guaranteed to leave with tired legs and a full heart."
- 2022 Global Adventurer
Meet Your Host Country: Japan
At first, many of us associate Japan with next-gen technology and the neon landscape of mega-cities like Tokyo. However, Japan is also a natural wonderland with 34 national parks spread across its four main islands. As beloved for the snow-capped Mount Fuji as it is for serene forests and surfer-friendly beaches, there's no limit to what you can discover here.
A visit in October brings calm weather and the cultural significance of the harvest season! Outdoor excursions, harvest festivals, seasonal dishes, and arts and culture displays are in full force this time of year.
CAPITAL
Tokyo
LANGUAGE
Japanese
CURRENCY
Yen
WEATHER
70° / 60° in
October
LANDSCAPE
Lush forests and soaring mountains
KNOWN FOR
2020 Summer Olympics, Nintendo, and so much more
Mount Fuji
At a height of 12,389 feet, Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and one of its "Three Holy Mountains".
It is will located outside of Tokyo and soars above an otherwise softly rolling landscape. This means you can see it from many angles and we're sure to catch a glimpse of the mountain whatever our trip holds in store!
Seasonal Harvests
No adventure is complete without a full stomach. Autumn in Japan means harvest time and the chance to indulge in seasonal items like Japanese sweet potatoes, wild mushrooms, and persimmons.
We'll take every opportunity we can to sample the comforting dishes of fall with you.
Pictured: Sukiyaki, a style of beef hot-pot with mushrooms and tofu, served with egg for dipping.
Running the Trails
We've collaborated with local guides and runners to put together trail runs that highlight Japan's natural diversity.
You can expect dirt and stone trails through dense forests, rolling hillsides, and around serene lakes. If we're lucky, you'll get to experience the vibrant fall foliage of Japanese maple trees as you run.
The Global Adventures Experience
The Best Dang Team On The Planet
Tireless travel directors, local guides, trail runners, photography gurus, and staff medics...we're all here to make your experience one for the ages.
Ask Us Any Question
Our event directors love to talk all things 'Global Adventures'. From travel advice to making sure a trip meets your needs, there is no question too big or too small!
All of The Fun, None of The Work
We've done the hard parts for you. Once you book your trip, our expert team handles all the details. From mapping out scenic runs to finding the comfiest beds and local grub.
Plus, we take care of that boring stuff like local transportation and even laundry.
All that's left is to book your flight and call in sick from work ;)
Who Goes On A Global Adventure?

Solo Travelers
connect with your curiosity
You can arrive solo, but you're never alone. Surrounded by like-minded travelers, you just may find your new travel companion — and a new favorite hobby to boot!

Dating + Daring
Entertain novelty
You may be partners, but that doesn't mean you want the "typical" romantic getaway. You two are more of the high-adventure type.
Hop on in!

Best Buds
LET MOMENTS BECOME MEMORIES
When's the last time your friends have had an excuse to get away? If smiling and laughing your butts off while exploring beautiful destinations isn't a good enough reason to get together, we don't know what is!

Turning a New Leaf
embolden your heart
Chin up and feet forward! You're looking for change or at least a week to turn your back on whatever you left behind. Escape, refresh, and leave with a new perspective.
Japan Itinerary
Please note that this is an example of activities and quality stays you will enjoy with us. Changes may occur based on weather, logistics, and new opportunities. We will always search for comparable alternatives when a change is made.
Scroll to explore!
Adventure Overview
- Day 1: Welcome to Tokyo
- Day 2: Nikko
- Day 3: Kawaguchi
- Day 4: Hakone
- Day 5: Kyoto
- Day 6: Kyoto
- Day 7: Nara
- Day 8: Osaka
- Day 9: Depart from Osaka
Saturday (Day 1): Welcome to Tokyo
Welcome to Tokyo — one of the busiest cities in the world! We'll start our trip together here before venturing to quieter parts of the country. We will be here for one night only, so if you want to experience the excitement and diversity of this incredible city, we recommend arriving to Tokyo a few days early so that you can explore.
Start planning your time in Tokyo by visiting our blog for ideas of things to do.
- Welcome dinner & orientation
- Shinagawa Prince Hotel
- Arrive in Tokyo, Japan
- Event check-in: approx. 5:30pm
Planning your travel? Click here to check out Plan Your Travel tab for more details.
Sunday (Day 2): World Heritage in Nikko
We're following a tip from the locals and starting our first full day in Nikko! The forested area of Nikko is north of Tokyo and it's a popular countryside spot where city dwellers go to get away from the hustle and bustle.
We'll run through the golden warmth of the autumn forest and will tour ancient shrines and temples. You won't believe how ornate some of these shrines can be. Take a peek at the Toshogu Shrine for golden decorations and the Shinkyo Bridge that leads to forested temples. Our time in Nikko is perfect for viewing remarkable architecture and is a great spot for nature lovers as we explore the countryside and Kegon Falls.
For dinner, we'll take the group for a local staple - pork tonkatsu!
- World Heritage sites
- Lake Chuzenji run (6.5km)
- Fairfield Inn Marriott
- Nikko, Japan
Monday (Day 3): Nikko River Float & Lake Kawaguchi
Today we're headed out for a run along a green, lush gorge. Afterwards, we'll recover with a beloved Japanese bento box picnic lunch. Then it's time to hit the water with our rafts for an energizing river float! Dry off, change, and let's head to our next night's stay in Kawaguchi.
Relax for the evening as we gather for a group dinner and continue trying new, local dishes.
- Rafting on Kinugawa river
- Dragon Gorge run (6.7km)
- Hotel Tominoko
- Kawaguchi, Japan
Tuesday (Day 4): Hot Springs in Hakone
Today we're heading down to Hakone. Here you'll get a special experience here as we board a "pirate ship" to travel across the lake. On the other side, we'll ride the famous "Hakone Ropeway" to get a bird's eye view of the local hot springs. This natural geothermal area, known as Owakudani, includes an active volcanic zone and hot springs and rivers. Here we'll try the famous black eggs cooked underground in by the natural heat of the area,
In the evening, we'll have dinner together at the hotel and then let you turn in for the night - or spend time in the outdoor onsen!
- Pirate ship ride, aerial gondola ride, Hakone hot springs
- Ishiwari Shrine run (7.2km)
- Hotel Tenseien
- Hakone, Japan
Wednesday (Day 5): Taking the Bullet Train to Kyoto
Hakone is known for its natural beauty and impressive views of Lake Ashinoko with Mount Fuji standing proudly to the northwest. Today's run will be a beautiful opportunity to witness serene waters and landscapes.
Pack your bags and get ready for a high-speed adventure! We're boarding the Shinkansen (a bullet train) and traveling to Kyoto. On the train, we'll get a taste of commuter life on the go with a classic bento box lunch. Train tickets are included in your trip!
For dinner, we're eating Japanese BBQ (yakiniku) to sample Wagyu beef and classic grilled meats. At last, we'll take an evening stroll through the historic Gion District, ending at Yakasa Shrine before saying our goodnights.
- Shinkansen bullet train, free time in Kyoto
- Lake Ashinoko run (10.3km)
- Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
- Kyoto, Japan
Thursday (Day 6): Fushimi Inari Shrine + a "choose your own adventure" in Kyoto
Today we'll shift gears from the modern technology of the train to the tranquility of bamboo forests as we run through the Aroshiyama Bamboo Grove. Get your cameras ready for the uniquely lush greenery and enjoy the morning running through this new landscape. The forest serenity continues as we visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Its thousands of red gates cast a warm morning glow on the pathways that carry our feet.
Afterward, the rest of the day is yours to explore! We can help you book a multitude of cultural experiences like a Japanese tea ceremony, a chance to try on traditional Kimonos, shrine and temple tours (there are over 1,600 in Kyoto!), and more!
You'll be eating lunch and dinner of your own choosing today. This is a great opportunity to enjoy sushi, ramen, or stop by an izakaya, or Japanese pub, for a local beer and yakiniku (grilled meats).
- Aroshiyama Bamboo Grove, Fushimi Inari shrine, free time
- Bamboo Forest run (5.8km)
- Lunch and dinner on your own
- Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
- Kyoto, Japan
Friday (Day 7): Heading to Nara
This morning we head out for a brief ride to the small city of Nara. When we arrive, we'll enjoy a park run which ends near Todaiji Temple and one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha.
Nara is known for its deer and we'll have a chance to meet and feed these cute little guys in Nara Park. With over 1,000 deer in the city they have become a symbol of the city and are a designated national treasure. We'll end our time here with a picnic lunch before we depart for Osaka where we'll spend the evening having dinner.
- Todaji Temple, Nara Deer Park
- Nara Deer Park run (8km)
- Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu or Hotel Monterey Osaka
- Nara to Osaka, Japan
Saturday (Day 8): Osaka
We'll start tour last day off with a morning run at Osaka Castle. Afterward, we will tour this majestic wonder to learn about the important role the castle played in uniting Japan in the sixteenth century.
Lunch follows our visit and then the rest of the day is yours to explore the area! Try takyoaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki for some local favorites. We will reconvene for our farewell dinner as we reflect on a week of joyful memories!
- Osaka Castle, free time
- Osaka Castle run (4km)
- Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu or Hotel Monterey Osaka
- Osaka, Japan
Sunday (Day 9): Depart from Osaka
All good things must come to an end. You’re free to move on to your next adventure anytime on Sunday, whether that’s a flight back home or carrying on for more travel.
Though this trip finishes in Osaka, we recommend flying out from Tokyo. You can reach Tokyo from Osaka via a short domestic flight (1 hour) or a trip on the bullet train (3 hours)!
Planning your travel? Check out the Plan Your Travel tab for more info!
What to Expect from Your Global Adventure
Get some insight on how a Global Adventure works from booking to farewells.
Quick Planning Guide
- Keep an eye out for emails from us from three months before your trip - we'll send detailed packing and itinerary info and a group WhatsApp chat to get acquainted!
- Japan in the autumn is temperate. Pack layers!
- Bring some yen for souvenirs and snacks.
- Avg. 50-75 people per trip
Culture Kick Trip
While all Global Adventures include daily trail runs, this trip focuses on giving you a backstage pass to each country's culture. We'll tour historical sites, learn traditional skills, and taste the local fare.
Before You Arrive
What to Expect From Us
After registration, you'll receive a welcome email with information to get ready for your Global Adventure! After this initial email, you can expect to hear from us regularly starting about 3 months before with further trip details, a packing list, a detailed trip itinerary, and more!
Keep an eye on your mailbox - we'll also send you a welcome packet with swag one month before your trip.
Your Pre-Trip Homework
boOK YOUR FLIGHT
Flights or other transportation to our host country are not included in the trip cost. You'll want to book these well in advance to get the best prices.
GET COVERED
We recommend having travel insurance to keep you protected while you're out enjoying each day. Companies like Safety Wing offer flexible coverage for your trip.
While we no longer require participants to be vaccinated, we encourage you to understand the travel requirements of each country you will visit or pass through on a layover.
COMPLETE YOUR TRAVELER PROFILE
Once registered, you'll have a traveler profile with us in RunSignup. Leading up to the trip, we will ask you to complete this profile with information about your flights, dietary needs, etc. This information is private to our event directors and is used to coordinate nitty-gritty trip logistics.
Want to chat with other Global Adventures runners?
Join our community of travelers on Facebook!
Daily Life on a Global Adventure
While each adventure is unique, the info below captures the daily schedule of a typical Global Adventure.
MORNING Run (~7:00 am)
Ok, we know you're on vacation, but starting the day early means we get to show you so much more. You didn't think we'd be sleeping on this trip...right?
We'll have breakfast at the hotel before departing for a 7-12K trail run. Pack your day bag (included as trip swag!) with a fresh outfit and an activity for the journey.
After the race we'll regroup to shower (when available) and refuel with lunch.
AFTERNOON activity (~11:00 AM)
After our run, each day brings something new! We'll have lunch and then head out for a range of activities depending on your Global Adventure.
Active Adrenaline - These trips keep your heart racing with more active fun like glacier treks, rock-climbing, kayaking, and more.
Culture Kick - These trips focus on giving you a backstage pass to each country's culture. We'll tour historical sights, learn traditional skills, and taste the local fare.
Expect to have a few hours of free time each afternoon to explore the towns we visit and take in the grandeur of the landscape. Our goal is to have enough adventure to fill your days without feeling rushed from location to location.
Evening wind down (6-8:00 PM)
It's time to wind down and enjoy the night! We'll have dinner together as a group at a local restaurant or at the hotel. Dinners typically include set menu options and wine or beer.
For two of the evenings you will be free to explore and find dinner on your own (not included in trip cost). Ask our local team for recommendations...or grab some food at the hotel, turn your phone on silent, and enjoy hotel amenities to re-coop from an active day. The night is yours!
We got you! Expect a team text before bed with details on tomorrow's race, weather conditions, and packing suggestions.
Foods You Might Try
Japan is home to an abundance of seasonal and regional dishes - some known the world over and others that may be new to you! We'll introduce you to some of the most popular dishes in each area we visit, but there's too much food to try it all together. Here's a quick guide to some dishes you might try on your own while running through Japan:
sashimi / sushi
Sashimi and sushi are prepared differently in each region to highlight the local ingredients. Expect a range of fresh seafood, vegetables, egg, and more.
Popular: toro (fatty tuna), maguro (tuna), ebi (shrimp), and samon (salmon)
Vegetarian: kappa-makie (cucumber), takuan-maki (daikon radish)
ramen
Ramen comes in every form imaginable - from 7-11 to Michelin star restaurants. In it's most basic form, ramen is a soup of egg noodles in a pork, seafood, or miso broth.
Popular: Shoyu (soy sauce), shio (salt & chicken), tonkotsu (pork)
Vegetarian*: Miso (soybean paste)
*Some vegetarian dashis, or broths, will still have meat in the dish. Always ask your server before ordering!
katsudon
Katsu refers to breaded cutlets, often served with cabbage or over a bowl of rice. This is a classic comfort food and perfect for a post-trail run meal.
Popular: Tonkatsu (pork), torikatsu (chicken)
Vegetarian: Yubakatsu (tofu skin)
yakinuki
Yakinuki refers to any Japanese grilled meat. These are usually skewered, cooked over a charcoal fire, and covered in a sweet and savory sauce.
Popular: Yakitori (chicken) is by far the most popular and comes in many forms
Vegetarian: Many izakayas will have seasonal vegetables, so don't be afraid to ask!
Okonomiyaki
Local to Osaka, okonomiyaki is a layered egg, cabbage, and seafood masterpiece. Okonomiyaki are often prepared on a flat-top grill and served hot and fresh - don't expect to stay clean eating it!
takoyaki
Takoyaki are made with fresh octopus cooked in a delicious batter, similar to a pancake consistency. You'll see these spherical bites prepared on the streets using a special pan that takes real skill to master!
Trail Runs and Hikes
Our trail runs will take you into the countryside, where you'll feel like part of the iconic landscapes that drew us here. We'll have crew on course to mind you, markings to guide you, and finish line food to revive you.
You can take these runs at your own pace - or go for gold! At the end of the week everyone earns a Global Adventures finisher medal, plus special awards for our fastest racers.
run difficulty & training
A typical Global Adventures trip includes 6 trail runs ranging from 7-12K in length. Most of these runs will have a decent amount of elevation gain. It is not uncommon for us to walk the uphill portions and run when the terrain is flat or downhill. If you want to train, we recommend working up to back-to-back trail runs with varied elevation gain.
We ask runners to maintain at least a 20-minute trail pace on these runs.
Japan trail runs
Exact trail runs may change based on permitting, weather, and the needs of our group!
Arriving early? We'll have an optional Saturday run at 3:00pm in Tokyo for anyone who wants to join! Your race director will send more details shortly before the event.
Lake Chuzenji Run (6.5km)
Route: Inclined loop
Terrain: Muddy trail, tree roots, some paved path
Level: Moderate
Let's start off with a serene lake run to take in the changing falls colors.
Dragon Gorge Run (6.7km)
Route: Point-to-point
Terrain: Flat paved, gravel, and trail route with some stairs
Level: Easy to moderate
This run near Ryuoko Gorge brings you deep into the dense, green forest.
Ishiwari Shrine Run (7.2km)
Route: Moderate incline loop
Terrain: Stairs, muddy trail and tree roots
Level: Moderate
You'll get road, trail, bamboo, and colorful foliage - plus, some mud! - on this atmospheric run.
Lake Ashinoko Run (10.3km)
Route: Flat point-to-point
Terrain: Single track dirt and mud trail and paved sections
Level: Moderate
We'll run through villages and past forest shrines on our way to the river.
Bamboo Forest Run (5.8km)
Route: Flat loop
Terrain: Paved path, gravel, and some stairs
Level: Easy to moderate
We'll run through villages and past forest shrines on our way to the river.
Nara Deer Park Run (8km)
Route: Flat point-to-point
Terrain: Gravel road with muddy sections
Level: Moderate
This is short but has some challenging elevation through the trees. If we're lucky, we'll meet some deer along the way!
Osaka Castle Run (3.9km)
Route: Paved loop
Terrain: Paved path
Level: Easy
Our final run is in the city! Let's people watch like the locals do as we wind through the park and circle the famous Osaka Castle.
Plan Your Travel
Now that you're as excited as we are, let's get down to the gritty details of your adventure.
Travel Details
Arrival (Saturday):
- Please plan to arrive in Tokyo mid-afternoon on the first day of your trip (we'll have an optional 3pm run at the Imperial Palace!)
- Haneda International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT), Tokyo, Japan
- Check in to the Shinagawa Prince Hotel
Depart (Sunday):
We recommend booking a round trip flight from Tokyo! Round trip flights to/from Tokyo are much more economical, and traveling from Osaka to Tokyo is easy.
Travel FAQ
How do I get from the airport to our Tokyo hotel?
From Haneda Int'l Airport (HND):
- Directions: Take the train from Haneda Airport and get off at Shinagawa Station. Walk 10 mins and you'll arrive at the hotel.
- Price: $1-3 USD
- Travel time: Approx. 30 minutes
From Narita Int'l Airport (NRT):
- Directions: Take the train from Narita Airport and get off at Shinagawa Station. Walk for about 10 mins and you'll arrive at the hotel.
- Price: $8-30 USD
- Travel time: Approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes
How do I get from Osaka to Tokyo?
There are two main transportation options, the train or a domestic flight, to get you back to the Tokyo airports for your departure flight.
Osaka Central to Haneda Int'l Airport (HND)
1) Train from Osaka to Haneda
- Directions: Take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen Nozomi (68NozomiTokyo) train at Shin-Osaka Station and get off at Shin-Yokohama Station. From there take the Airport Shuttle Bus to Haneda Airport.
- Price: ~$110 USD
- Travel time: Approx. 3 hours
2) Flight from Osaka to Haneda
- Directions: Take a domestic flight from Osaka's Itami Airport or Kansai Int'l Airport directly to Haneda Int'l Airport.
- Price: Approx. $150-300 USD
- Travel time: Approx. 1 hour flight
Osaka Central to Narita Int'l Airport (NRT)
1) Train from Osaka to Narita
- Directions: Take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen Nozomi (204NozomiTokyo) train at Shin-Osaka Station and get off at Shinagawa Station. From there, take the Narita Express 13 to Narita Airport.
- Price: Approx. $120 USD
- Travel time: Approx. 4 hours
2) Flight from Osaka to Narita
- Directions: Take a domestic flight from Osaka's Itami Airport or Kansai Int'l Airport directly to Narita Int'l Airport.
- Price: Approx. $70-200 USD
- Travel time: Approx. 1.5 hour flight
Pro tip: You can use Google Maps Public transport details or RometoRio app to check more information on the travel options.
Do I need to purchase a bullet train ticket?
Group train ride: During the week we plan to take one bullet train ride from Hakone to Kyoto. This ticket is included in your trip cost and you do NOT need to purchase a separate ticket.
Extended trips & post-event travel: If you booked your round trip flights from Tokyo and plan to travel from Osaka to Tokyo by train OR if you plan to stay in Japan longer than the event, we highly recommend buying the JR PASS. The JR Pass allows you to ride all JR trains. This includes bullet trains, local trains, and most subways. *Most of the trains in Japan are run by JR*.
Note: JR Pass prices are expected to increase as of October 1st. We recommend purchasing your pass online in advance, but do not activate it until when you are ready to start using it for the purchased time frame.
Do I need a visa for traveling to Japan?
Currently, tourists with U.S. passports do not need visas for short-term visits (up to three months). Because travel regulations and restrictions are complex and are subject to change with little notice, we strongly recommend checking Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website periodically.
Does Japan has Covid-19 requirements?
Effective as of midnight April 29, 2023 (Japan time), all US travelers arriving in Japan will no longer need to present proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test certificate. For more info check here.
Training Prep
Adventurers of various skill levels can enjoy our running adventures. If you want to train, we recommend working up to back-to-back trail runs with varied elevation gain.
We do ask all participants to maintain atleast a 20-minute per mile trail pace during these runs.
Check out the Japan trail runs for more info on what to expect!
Travel Insurance
You may want to consider travel insurance for such an epic adventure! Vacation Races does not offer travel insurance, but companies like Safety Wing offer flexible coverage for your trip.
Packing for Japan
Japan in the autumn is temperate, so pack layers as your starting point.
Packing List: These are fast-paced events. We'll send you a packing list before the trip to help you feel ready to tackle...well, just about anything!
Ask Us Any Question
Our event directors love to talk all things 'Global Adventures'. From travel advice to making sure a trip meets your needs, there is no question too big or too small!
Upcoming Trip Dates
2023 Dates
Oct 7-15, 2023
9 Days | 8 Nights
$4,800
per guest
Based on double-occupancy rooms. Flights not included.
only a $500 refundable deposit due at registration!
This trip is SOLD OUT
October 21-29, 2023
9 Days | 8 Nights
$4,800
per guest
Based on double-occupancy rooms. Flights not included.
only a $500 refundable deposit due at registration!
This trip is SOLD OUT
2024 Dates
March 23-31, 2024
9 Days | 8 Nights
$4,800
per guest
Based on double-occupancy rooms. Flights not included.
only a $500 refundable deposit due at registration!
October 19-27, 2024
9 Days | 8 Nights
$4,800
per guest
Based on double-occupancy rooms. Flights not included.
only a $500 refundable deposit due at registration!
Got questions?
Included in all Global Adventures
- 6+ trail runs or hikes (7-12K)
- Expert team of staff, guides, and a medic
- Daily activities and outings
- Hotels and lodging
- Most meals (and drinks!)
- Local transport
- Travel swag and race medals
Got Questions? We've Got Answers:
Payment & Policy Info
Pricing Breakdown
Trip Pricing:
$4,800 (double occupancy room)
$5,600 (single occupancy room)
Deposit:
$500 (Refundable until 5 months before the event!)
The full trip cost is refundable minus a fee until 3 months before the event. Please read the Registration Policy for more info.
Registration Policies
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration & Trip Planning
Will I need a passport or visa?
This is an international running adventure. A valid passport is required for participation. Though every country is different, a good rule to follow is that your passport should not expire within 6 months of your planned travel.
We do not anticipate that you will need a visa. However, visa requirements vary by country and by nationality. If you are unsure, please reach out to us and we will help you determine whether you will need to apply for a visa at all, in advance, or on arrival.
How much does a Global Adventures trip cost?
All Global Adventures trips include the cost of daily hotels, included group activities and entrance fees, domestic transportation in the host country, and most food and drinks.
The cost of your flight to and from the host country is not included to allow participants to choose the travel options that are right for them.
Looking for the exact cost of this trip? Head to the Book Your Trip tab!
Are there discounts available?
We do not currently offer any discounts for Global Adventures trips.
What are the hotels like?
We typically have 3-star lodging booked for you. Rooms will be comfortable, clean, and safe, but no frills; a place that you would feel ok relaxing in!
On some adventures, we have alternative lodging like glamping tents. Check your itinerary and the photo gallery for pictures and additional information.
Who goes on Global Adventures trips?
From solo travelers to groups, teens to the silver-haired, seasoned thrill-seekers to those ready to step out of their comfort zone for the first time - these trips offer an experience for everyone. Our past adventurers come from all walks of life but all share a love of life and a willingness to challenge themselves.
Seriously. Don't be afraid to come alone. You are sure to leave with new friends, new confidence, and approximately 800 photos of moments that took your breath away!
How much free time will we have?
Our days start between 6:30-7:00 am for breakfast before we head out run the trails. Expect to have a few hours of free time each afternoon to explore the towns we visit and take in the grandeur of the landscape. Our goal is to have enough adventure to fill your days without feeling rushed from location to location.
In addition, all Global Adventures will have 2 free evenings- you'll be able to walk around town and maybe stop by that cute pub you passed earlier in the day for dinner!
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
If you have a particularly specific or complex dietary requirement, please reach out to us. While we cannot guarantee full accommodations, we'll always try our best!
Are there any age restrictions?
There are no age restrictions for attending these running trips. As long as you are comfortable with the runs and activities, we'll be glad to have you whether you're 12 or 112 years old!
Some of our Global Adventures trips do involve alcohol-oriented events like whiskey tastings, so please keep this in mind. For activity-specific restrictions, read below:
Patagonia Trips: The glacier hike is restricted to ages 64 and under. Individuals 65 and older are not permitted to participate, but we will try to find an alternate activity for them.
Ireland Trips: The whiskey tasting event is 21+
What Covid-19 measures are being taken?
While much of these trips is spent in the great outdoors, there's still a level of risk with any travel. Here's what we can do to limit that risk:
First, While we will no longer require the vaccine, we strongly encourage everyone traveling with us to make sure you're aware of the Covid-19 travel restrictions of each country you will visit or pass through on a layover.
Second, we have a staff medic on each trip. Please let us know right away if you have any symptoms or just need a test for travel purposes. They will be able to help you locate and schedule Covid testing as needed. We will also have rapid tests and masks on hand.
Lastly, staying healthy is a group effort. We ask all our adventurers to respect each others boundaries and preferences. If you remain unsure of the risks, we encourage you to wait to take a Global Adventures trip until you feel confident joining us!
The Races & Activities
How difficult are the runs?
Global Adventures are meant to challenge you. That being said, we welcome runners of various levels and will support you towards the finish line.
Each day we’ll be running/hiking between 7-12K (approx. 3-6 miles). Most of these runs will have a decent amount of elevation gain. It is not uncommon for us to walk the uphill portions and run when the terrain is flat or downhill.
We plan for runners to maintain at least a 20-minute per mile trail pace on these runs. If we believe this pace becomes too difficult for a runner, we may ask them to sit out a run or offer a shorter course for them.
Do I have to run every day?
This is your vacation- you should do what you want!
If you want to take a break for a day or two, then by all means do it. Our goal is to make sure you have the best possible experience on the trails, whatever that means for you.
Are there aid stations?
There are no aid stations in these trail runs.
Most adventurers choose to wear a hydration backpack or carry a water bottle in hand (along with a few gels or other snacks as needed).
You are required to bring your own hydration system. Our team loves the hydration options developed by Nathan Sports. Give them a look!
Will we run into animals on the trails?
If you are lucky, you’ll get to see some local wildlife (Moose, goats, whale, oh my!) We will be visiting wild places and encounters with animals are always a possibility. However, we will be on well traveled trails which tend to keep the animals away.
All Global Adventures trips partner with expert guides from the area to provide tips on staying safe on the trails. Mosquitos will vary greatly with the climate and even changes year-to-year. We recommend packing mosquito repellent.
Can I bring someone who doesn't run?
If you want to bring a partner to the event that doesn’t want to participate in the runs, that’s totally fine. They'll still get to join in the daily activities and explore the destination - just not on the trails. They can join us as a fast hiker (20 minutes per mile) if they choose!
Just sign up for the event as a regular participant, but let us know in the registration notes that your partner is not running.
What other activities will we be doing?
Each Global Adventure is different - expect a range of activities like historical tours, boat cruises, hands-on workshops, and more!
For activities specific to this trip, check out the itinerary. You'll also receive a detailed daily itinerary a few weeks before your arrival date.
Not passport ready? Join the email list.
We'll send you updates about registration opening, price jumps, and future trip dates to keep you on track!
Still have questions? Our team loves to talk to new adventurers! Schedule a chat with us.