Arctic 2010 Exped attendees discussions

[Chris the Cat]

Sure there will be mate, I think( tho. I could be wrong!)
that Tony is talking about flights ( if the trip is called off.)
Fingers crossed!
Chris.

[Tony]

Yep, that's absolutely right Chris, it's very unlikely but if it does happen my concern is that people are paying for flights and they need to be covered for that, not just in case we cancel but in case something happens that was unforeseen, such as a family member getting ill, or even yourselves having a problem somewhere. It's not a lot of dosh to make sure that there's gong to be no loss, if people ahve covered themselves then there's no issue with getting flights now.

that make sense?

[Leonidas]

Hi Folks - Thought it might be useful to share what I have put in place etc so folks can opt to do same or otherwise.

The insurance I took also covers the course fee just for added piece of mind, however as Tony has already mentioned the course fees are covered as per T&C's.

Please do not let any misunderstanding around flight costs or risk put you off this wonderful opportunity.
There is a very cost effective way (£14.75) to alleviate exposure to cancelled flights etc.
PS...I have no affiliation or connection to any insurer, I work for HP

Keep in mind there are multiple components to this exped that create a chain of events.

Flight form UK to Oslo
Oslo to Bardufoss (BDU)
The weeks events
BDU to Oslo
Oslo to UK

I have made extensive enquiries and subsequently taken insurance out that not only covers the usual.....medical, baggage, but also that all important cancellation etc....

Things to keep in mind when taking insurance.
If one component breaks down will the insurance cover the balance of events?
The short answer is....even good insurance will only cover some of them, but there is a cunning plan afoot....


Here is a summary of what I insured for

First and last leg of journey (UK to Oslo return flights) Covered
Oslo to BDU NOT COVERED, If you find ANY insurer that will insure a connecting flight good luck :-)
However! The cunning plan to mitigate this part....
If we do the group deal for Oslo to BDU via Norwegian we only need to provide a deposit then pay 30 days prior to departure, so anything untoward occurs up to 14th Jan 2010 the only exposure is 'approx' £40 deposit.

Cost of travel insurance that covers the usual medical / baggage plus cancellation / curtailment was £14.75 (which includes £2 usual virtual robbery via booking fees etc)
I have asked for a group discount scheme, they need 10 people for this and is gives 5% discount.....
For 10 people covering NO pre existing medical conditions the price is £110 inc IPT
For 10 people and covering pre existing conditions STC the price is £142 inc IPT
If 10 or more folks are interested let me know and I'll have the insurers contact you directly.

If anyone is interested let me know...but bear in mind it is not a kings ransom so don't sweat it
Insurer are insureandgo.com
To be clear....there are other travel insurers from £5.99 BUT I have spoke to several of them....the cancellation I was looking for was not covered. Only things like the airline going bust etc is covered under standard cancellation policies (Read small print).

Anyone need any help with insurance or logistics or kit or AOB let me know I'll help if I can..for mysteries of the universe I reserve the right to defer to Steven Hawking

UPDATES
NORWEGIAN GROUP BOOKING
As some of you know I've approached Norwegian for a group deal on the Oslo to BDU return flights (as posted earlier in this thread), their quotes are higher than the prices we can get from the internet.
i.e. the group quote comes out at £164 per person at today's exchange rate (They quote in DK) Important to note this includes 2 pieces of luggage of max 20 kg per piece per person, in any case they also allow 1 piece of cabin luggage, max 10 kg (55x40x20cm)

A flight booked today on the web costs £121.....however there is an additional £8 charge (£4 each way) for one piece of checked luggage...
I do not mind paying a little more to secure more checked luggage etc if others are interested.....if there is no interest in the group booking please let me know asap and I'll cancel the enquiry.

LIFT TO HEATHROW
The offer of a lift to Heathrow airport from North Hampshire (Bordon or en-route) for a flight departure of 0720am or later, is still available. I have room for three plus gear.

GEAR
I have a couple of Arctic sleeping bags and Bivvi's, they are available to borrow if required.

Best to everyone
Tom

[Tony]

Excellent post Tom

[Gailainne]

I've tried quite a few variants on a theme, this is the best I've come up with if you are flying from Scotland;

KLM 14 th Feb;

05:55 Edinburgh - 08:30 Amsterdam
10:20 Amsterdam - 12:10 Oslo.

That only leaves an 1 hr and 5 mins to catch the connection to Bardufoss Remember that will probably mean collecting your rucksack and booking it in again, I've still to check if KLM will do a bag transfer to another carrier.

Return; Two choices;

KLM 20th Feb, Very tight, you land at 16:05, again that may be possible if Norwegian do bag transfers to other carriers.
16:55 Oslo - 18:55 Amsterdam
21:10 Amsterdam - 21:40 Edinburgh

KLM 21st Feb
10:00 Oslo - 12:10 Amsterdam
15:05 Amsterdam - 15:35 Edinburgh
NB I'm not sure why it takes 2:35 to get to Amsterdam from Edinburgh but only 00:30 to return

I prefer the flight on the Sunday morning, not rushed, Saturday night in Oslo

Cheers

Stephen

[Chris the Cat]

Tom you totally deserve beer (and/or wiskey) for your troubles mate!
Put me down for whatever you are doing (I will travel up to Heathrow from the west country)
Tony,are we good to go yet! (numbers wise)? There was a post on the other thread from some new Cat saying 'this trip is full' (New full member from Canada I think!)
Cheers all ,talk soon.
Chris.

[Leonidas]

Another piece of essential equipment that is useless.....until it is needed, then it is priceless, literally.

The EHIC European Health Insurance Card

In another Exped thread it was advised that folk obtain one of the above EHIC cards.
I can only report upon UK process being a UK resident, our friends living outside of the UK will need to check arrangements with their respective health authorities.

The following is for guidance only, it is the absolute responsibility of each individual to ensure they obtain a EHIC and the appropriate level of additional medical insurance.

They (EHIC's) are free and take literally 5 minutes on-line to obtain. You will need your National Insurance (NI) number.
Whilst applying I also applied for an EHIC for the missus, the same basic info is required and I'm assuming you can recall your partners birth date....oooops


What is it?
Essentially the EHIC is a card that allows you to receive the same basic level of state medical care afforded to that countries residents. (Provided state medical care exists in that country!)

A little more info taken from the on-line UK EHIC site.

EHIC is not a substitute or replacement for private travel insurance.
Does not cover the costs of private healthcare or services that are not part of the state healthcare system.
Does not cover the costs of being brought back to the UK.
The card may not be used in some regions, as there may be no state provided healthcare available.

The EHIC is normally valid for three to five years.
Covers any medical treatment that becomes necessary during your trip, because of either illness or an accident.
Gives access to state-provided medical treatment only, and you'll be treated on the same basis as an 'insured' person living in the country you're visiting.
Remember, this might not cover all the things you'd expect to get free of charge from the NHS in the UK.
You may have to make a contribution to the cost of your care.

Where to get it
Apply on-line here

Most folks absolutely do not leave home without a credit or debit card, look upon this as your European basic health card....

Cheers
Tom

[Leonidas]

UPDATE
NORWEGIAN GROUP BOOKING (Oslo to BDU return)
As some of you know I've approached Norwegian for a group deal on the Oslo to BDU return flights (as posted earlier in this thread), their quotes are higher than the prices we can get from the internet and Norwegian will not budge on the group price they quoted.....and I'm not inclined to waste any more time on the matter

Summary

Group booking
£164
Includes - 2x20kg checked luggage and 1 x 10kg cabin luggage

Upside only 20% deposit now with balance no later than 30 days prior to flight.
Downside £24 more expensive

Book your own directly
£121.30 (Today, price may increase closer to departure date)
Includes - 1 x 10kg cabin luggage (No checked luggage)
Checked luggage £8 return per 20kg (2 x 20kg 'max' would be £16)

Upside is £24 cheaper
Downside needs payment in full at time of booking

In essence the group tariff is £24 per person more expensive than the equivalent individual tariff (£32 if you only check 1 x 20kg piece of luggage)
For a group of 16 that is £384 + which may equates to a sled outing, couple of hot tubs or similar activity

If all in favour I'll drop pursuit of the group deal in favour of our booking the Oslo Bardufoss return leg directly

Cheers
Tom

[barryasmith]

UPDATE
NORWEGIAN GROUP BOOKING (Oslo to BDU return)
As some of you know I've approached Norwegian for a group deal on the Oslo to BDU return flights (as posted earlier in this thread), their quotes are higher than the prices we can get from the internet and Norwegian will not budge on the group price they quoted.....and I'm not inclined to waste any more time on the matter

Summary

Group booking
£164
Includes - 2x20kg checked luggage and 1 x 10kg cabin luggage

Upside only 20% deposit now with balance no later than 30 days prior to flight.
Downside £24 more expensive

Book your own directly
£121.30 (Today, price may increase closer to departure date)
Includes - 1 x 10kg cabin luggage (No checked luggage)
Checked luggage £8 return per 20kg (2 x 20kg 'max' would be £16)

Upside is £24 cheaper
Downside needs payment in full at time of booking

In essence the group tariff is £24 per person more expensive than the equivalent individual tariff (£32 if you only check 1 x 20kg piece of luggage)
For a group of 16 that is £384 + which may equates to a sled outing, couple of hot tubs or similar activity

If all in favour I'll drop pursuit of the group deal in favour of our booking the Oslo Bardufoss return leg directly

Cheers
Tom

Tom,

I am one of three going on this. We'll be going from Heathrow so count us in on your planning if you dont mind. PM me if you want my number. Barry

[Leonidas]

HI Barry - Have PM's you

Tom

[Leonidas]

Folks going on the Arctic Exped Feb 2010
Please see my earlier post regarding the group flight booking for the Oslo to Bardufoss leg of the Exped being more expensive than booking individually.

I have no problem at all arranging the group booking with Norwegian if there is enough interest....even if it is approx £24 more per person.

We have 5 folks so far who have noted interest for the group booking for the Oslo to Bardufoss leg via Norwegian Airlines.....assume other folk are hiking / train / driving / feather up the provebial

Unless you have already done so, please let me know by tomorrow if you want to do a group booking on the dates provided in the previous post.

If we do not get 10 folks interest by the 8th Oct the quote lapses anyway.
Should this occur I'll book my flight directly and advise on cost and options.

Cheers
Tom

[john wings]

Another piece of essential equipment that is useless.....until it is needed, then it is priceless, literally.

The EHIC European Health Insurance Card

In another Exped thread it was advised that folk obtain one of the above EHIC cards.
I can only report upon UK process being a UK resident, our friends living outside of the UK will need to check arrangements with their respective health authorities.

The following is for guidance only, it is the absolute responsibility of each individual to ensure they obtain a EHIC and the appropriate level of additional medical insurance.

They (EHIC's) are free and take literally 5 minutes on-line to obtain. You will need your National Insurance (NI) number.
Whilst applying I also applied for an EHIC for the missus, the same basic info is required and I'm assuming you can recall your partners birth date....oooops


What is it?
Essentially the EHIC is a card that allows you to receive the same basic level of state medical care afforded to that countries residents. (Provided state medical care exists in that country!)

A little more info taken from the on-line UK EHIC site.

EHIC is not a substitute or replacement for private travel insurance.
Does not cover the costs of private healthcare or services that are not part of the state healthcare system.
Does not cover the costs of being brought back to the UK.
The card may not be used in some regions, as there may be no state provided healthcare available.

The EHIC is normally valid for three to five years.
Covers any medical treatment that becomes necessary during your trip, because of either illness or an accident.
Gives access to state-provided medical treatment only, and you'll be treated on the same basis as an 'insured' person living in the country you're visiting.
Remember, this might not cover all the things you'd expect to get free of charge from the NHS in the UK.
You may have to make a contribution to the cost of your care.

Where to get it
Apply on-line here

Most folks absolutely do not leave home without a credit or debit card, look upon this as your European basic health card....

Cheers
Tom

Tom I applied for the european health insurance card from "Here" and was asked for nearly a tenner to process it.(imap is the set up concerned)
They are available for free.

[Chris the Cat]

Tom,count me in ( if you haven't already!)
My best,and thanks!
Chris.

[Leonidas]

Tom I applied for the european health insurance card from "Here" and was asked for nearly a tenner to process it.(imap is the set up concerned)
They are available for free.

This is weird, I did not need to pay for mine or my good ladies card...
Even now, when I click the link it takes me to the official EHIC site where no payment is required...

It even states 'The EHIC is issued by the Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA) and is free of charge.'

For some reason the link routed you to a pay channel.....big brother is watching.....
Hopefully it is a one off, in any case if anyone has any difficulty please PM me, glad to help.

Tom

[gingerscot]

Me and my partner are going and have paid the deposit.

hopefully it'll go ahead as I'm really looking forward to it, it'll be a new experience for both of us.

Kit-wise will be interesting. If anyone is offering a spare sleeping bag or bivi then we'll gladly take it! I've got a exped synmat 7 standard which is rated to -17 but not sure how accurate this is and its possibly pushing it.

We'll not spend to much money until its confirmed though, same with flights. We're based in Edinburgh and annoying it seems cheapest to fly down to London first.

[Leonidas]

UPDATES
NORWEGIAN GROUP BOOKING (QUOTED PRICE FOR GROUP FLIGHT EXPIRES TODAY)
FYI - THE PRICE WILL INCREASE....
As per previous post....I've approached Norwegian for a group deal, the quote is higher than the prices we can get from the internet. (BUT NOT FOR LONG)
i.e. the group quote is IRO £164 per person (Inc 2 x checked bags AND sitting as a group)
(Recall the idea is to only outlay a deposit rather than a full flight at this juncture...)

If you booked a flight yourself YESTERDAY on the web it would have cost you £121...TODAY that same flight is £128.....(Plus check bag charge of £16 rtn for 2 pieces of checked luggage)

By my calculations there are 7 folks interested in the group booking

Tom (Moi)
CdC
Barry + 2
Gingerscot + 1

Unless we get three more for the GROUP Oslo BDU flight 14th <> 20th Feb 2010 the group quote will expire and I'll be booking my flight directly today as the cost has already increased and will continue to do so as we get nearer to Christmas......


FYI - If we do get 10 folks we need to pay a 20% deposit (None refundable), that is approx £33 each.
The deposit must be paid in a single payment so I'll need the deposit from all ten folks 'ahead' of making the booking. (Plus address, contact details, inside leg measurement etc...
See group flight conditions Here

LIFT TO HEATHROW
The offer of a lift to Heathrow airport from North Hampshire (Bordon or en-route) for a flight departure of 0720am or later, is still available. I have room for three plus gear.

GEAR
I have three spare Arctic sleeping bags and one Bivi, they are available to borrow if required. If someone wishes to borrow them I'll be bringing them to Heathrow on the 14th and will expect them back on the 20th (I'll hold your passport in-between )

Best to everyone
Tom

[Leonidas]

Folks - Whilst we are in the throes of bolting down logistics recommend you subscribe to this thread and select instant email notification upon update....

Just a thought....

[john wings]

Something to consider;It may be well advisable if a medical emergency does come to pass that you have to hand rules governing the reciprocal national health rules,in the appropiate language of the country youre visiting;plus a similar card listing a selection of medical symptoms again in the appropiate language, for you to point out to medical staff!
john wings

[Gailainne]

Guys

Be aware I went into the Norwegian site to book my flights and the take off time on the 14 Feb has changed from 13:15 to 12:35 which has screwed up my plans to use KLM.

The return flight times haven't changed.

Cheers

Stephen

[Ahjno]

Guys

Be aware I went into the Norwegian site to book my flights and the take off time on the 14 Feb has changed from 13:15 to 12:35 which has screwed up my plans to use KLM.

The return flight times haven't changed.

Cheers

Stephen

Which model of the Sorel boots did you use Stephen?
Cheers,

Johan

[Gailainne]

Which model of the Sorel boots did you use Stephen?
Cheers,

Johan

They are called Alpha Trac Pully, but I don't think they make them any more, I got mine in the clearance section at Cabelas, what drew me to them was they are comfortable at -40 deg and they have a inner boot, that can be used as an inside shoe.

[Leonidas]

Be aware I went into the Norwegian site to book my flights and the take off time on the 14 Feb has changed from 13:15 to 12:35 which has screwed up my plans to use KLM.
The return flight times haven't changed.
Cheers
Stephen

Hi Stephen thanks for flagging the flight change....sorry to hear is snafu's your plans to use KLM.

Fortunately it does not impact the BA flights form Heathrow as per below.
On the up side their is now just over an hour between inbound touch down in BDU and meeting up in the BDU arrivals area.

Below is an updated overview of flights for anyone departing via Heathrow (via BA or another flight with similar departure time)

Outbound leg 14th Feb 2010
Arrive Heathrow (LHR) 0600
Depart LHR 0720 - Arr Oslo-Gardermoen (OSL) 1030 (British Airways BA0762)
Depart OSL 1235 - Arr BDU 1425 (Norwegian Airlines DY394)

RV Bardufoss (BDU) arrivals 1530 14th Feb
HAVE LOADS OF FUN
Dropped of at BDU at 1300 20th Feb

Return leg 20th Feb 2010
Depart BDU 1415 - Arr OSL 1605 (Norwegian Airlines DY395)
Depart OSL 1710 - Arr LHR 1840 (British Airways BA0767)

PS We did not get enough folks for the group Norwegian flight booking
Please book directly with Norwegian as required, the group offer price has now expired


Tom

[Leonidas]

Which model of the Sorel boots did you use Stephen?
Cheers,

Johan

Got a superb deal at Sierra Trading Post for the following plus a load of other bits....

Sorel Blizzard Boots plus rated to -40 they are monster boots...
Got two sizes larger so could replace the standard 10mm liners with Sorels 13mm Glacier inner boots.
Heaven knows what they are rated at now

The 10mm liners will make toasty sleeping bag booties.
Got the North Face Down Booties are for camp and travelling....

Removed pictures now as slowing loading time

[Chris the Cat]

MSG for Tony realy!
Are we good to go,numbers wise!?
If you give us the nod I shall pay the outstanding amount
and get booking my flights!
Many thanks.
Chris.

[Tony]

hi Mate, we still need another 5, there's quite a few info packs that have gone out and a number of people saying they're going to come, we're just waiting to see.

I'm surprised, especially due to the interest we got on here and via email, we'll see

if anyone is interested in coming to the Arctic because you want to have a great life experience let me know

[Peterlee_Paddler]

I'm going to work in a few minutes and will get my holidays confirmed and will pay the money when I get back tonight.

[Chris the Cat]

Good work that man!
C da C.

[Peterlee_Paddler]

I've just sent the money via bank transfer, so now all I need to worry about is how to get there

[Leonidas]

I've just sent the money via bank transfer, so now all I need to worry about is how to get there

Hi PP - Note! The group deal discussed earlier was for the 2nd leg of the journey only.
As we did not get enough interest in time (10) the group deal quote lapsed.

Not sure of your departure port but seems many of us will meet up at Oslo (OSL) at some point for the second leg from Oslo to Bardufoss (BDU).
There is one carrier at this point, Norwegian.....

Ironically booking individually is £20/£30 cheaper than a group deal. However is does include two pieces of checked luggage and we all get to sit together.....(Bless)

The only thing I could suggest to everyone is that as soon as we get 10 names prepared to place a deposit down for a the Norwegian airlines flight that i ask for another quote....

BUT! prior to the end of the month I'll be booking the 2nd leg with Norwegian in any case as the price will probably go up....

Tom

[Peterlee_Paddler]

Thanks Tom.
Well I'm up for a group flight, for one.

Cheers.