On our Inn Trips we stay indoors and explore the regions by kayak or foot. We offer coastal kayaking, mountain trekking and multi-adventure Inn Trips. We stay at lodges, guest houses and rorbus (traditional fishermen huts). Accommodations are double occupancy. Single supplements may be available on some trips.

We also offer Educational Courses that are open to anyone with an interest in learning how to safely travel in the outdoors. In our Sea Kayaking, Guide and Wilderness First Aid courses theoretical classes are mixed with practical learning opportunities. See All About Our Trips

Do you design custom or private trips?
Crossing Latitudes designs and organizes customized trips for individuals, families and organizations including youth camps, corporations and travel companies. Customized trips are a great way to create that special experience. You can set your own dates for one of our regular trips or have us create a trip that meets your specific goals and desires. We handle all the details: Accommodations, Transportation, Guides, Logistical Support, Meals and Outdoor Equipment. See Private Trips. Link to this page.

What's included in the price?
The price includes: All meals, transportation from our first meeting day till the last day, hostels, hotels and camping (included in the itinerary), first and last nights lodging, storage of luggage, group equipment such as stoves, pots and pans, tents, rescue equipment, all sea kayak related equipment such as boats, paddles, spray skirts, life jacket, first aid kit, repair kit, reindeer etc.

The price does not include: Passport fees ( a passport is required, but tourist Visas are not required for stays up to three months in Europe), air fare, transportation from airport to starting location, airport fees and taxes, accident and travel insurance, optional tipping to our guides, meals not included in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, medical fees, personal equipment, individual services apart from the group, personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls etc.

What are the accommodations like?
All accommodations are comfortable and practical. On our “Expeditions” we camp most of the time, but may stay in guesthouses, cabins or hostels as well. On our “Inn Trips” we do not camp out at all. On our Inn Trips we stay at guesthouses, fishermen cabins and lodges. Accommodations are based on double occupancy. Single supplement may be available on some trips upon request.

What is the food like? Is it a problem if I don't eat certain foods?
We are very conscious of providing healthy and delicious meals. We carry a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and spices to compliment our main courses. During most of our trips there are opportunities to stop along the way and purchase fresh sea food, and other local delicacies. We are happy to accommodate special dietary desires and restrictions. Notify us during the sign up process and we will be sure to meet your needs.

How do you rate the difficulty of your trips and do I need prior experience?
We do not "Rate" the difficulty, we have found that it is far more practical to simply have people review the trip descriptions and itineraries. All our trips and expeditions are designed for active individuals in good physical condition. The more fit you are, the more enjoyable your experience will be. You do not need prior experience unless it is specified for a particular trip. Many of our trips are designed for people who simply have an interest in sea kayaking or an outdoor adventure. Our staff is eager to introduce you to a new outdoor activity in a safe and comfortable manner. That's what being a good outdoor leader is all about.

What about group size?
We limit our group size to 10 or 12 depending on the trip. All trips have at least two leaders. This provides you with an excellent guide ratio of 1:5 or 1:6. This allows us to optimize safety, provide personal attention and easy group management. It gives you a quality experience with plenty of personal attention and a comfortable social environment.

What do I need to bring?
We provide all the group oriented sea kayaking, hiking and camping equipment such as boats, paddles, life vests, tents and cook gear. You are only responsible for your personal equipment. A detailed personal equipment list will be sent to you after signing up. Please see Equipment Lists linked to each trip.

Do I need to be able to speak another language?
No, this is not necessary. Most Scandinavians speak English. Each Scandinavian trip has at least one guide who is bilingual. In Greece and Croatia most locals speak some English. Communication has never been an issue on our trips. Most often it has been the catalyst for fun and adventure. It is rewarding and an excellent ice breaker to learn a few phrases.

Can I bring my children?
Yes, all minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian and must meet minimal physical requirements to ensure safety. Adult ages typically range from the mid 20's to the mid 60's. One of our "most mature" participant was 88 years "young". It is often refreshing and stimulating to have a full spectrum of ages on each trip. This provides us with a broader perspective and richer experience. We also offer custom trips for families and youths. Contact us about physical requirements.

What will the weather be like?
Scandinavia Summer trips above the Arctic Circle are usually a bit cooler though the Gulf Stream current creates a surprisingly mild climate for being so far north. Typically, we get a wide variety of summer weather conditions. You can expect anything from sunny warm weather in the lower 70's to cooler wetter weather in the upper 50's. Overall, the climate is somewhat similar to that of the Pacific Northwest and the New England region of North America.

The wintertime weather in Arctic Scandinavia can be anything from mild to freezing cold. Sometimes the temperatures can be above 32 degrees Fahrenheit but more often they will range between low 30's and into the 20's. If the wind is blowing the actual temperature will be even lower on our skin. We can expect cold and clear days with not a cloud in the sky but also windy and blustery days with possible heavy snowfall.

Alaska weather is somewhat similar to Arctic Scandinavia in summer. Daytime temps can be between the lower 50's to the upper 80's. It can be clear and sunny or completely overcast and rainy.

Greece weather in September/October is typically warm and dry. We may have occasional winds that may keep us from paddling but rain is uncommon at this time of year.

The weather in Croatia in June is usually quite warm and dry. Temperatures can reach into the mid 90's.

Will there be opportunities to catch fish?
Yes! The Scandinavian countries do not require a license for salt water fishing. There is nothing quite like catching your own dinner and cooking fresh fish on the beach. We provide fishing tackle for jigging from the kayaks. If you would like to fish with rod and reel we recommend you bring your own gear. In Greece and Croatia we can order fish at the local restaurants. Fresh Sea food is also commonly enjoyed.

Sea Kayaking

What types of kayaks do you use?
We try to provide a variety of singles and doubles on each trip to accommodate everyones paddling preferences. Most of our kayaks are fiberglass and some are plastic. We carry a variety of singles to accommodate individual skill levels and body sizes. Some of the brands we use are; Necky Arluk and Looksha, Northwest Kayaks SeaScape Expedition, Seaward Navigator and Ascente, Nigel Dennis NDK Explorer, Romany and Greenlander, Point 65's and Prijons'.

Can I bring my own paddling gear?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own paddle, PFD or other gear. We also provide quality paddles (Werner paddles), Kokatat vests and Kokatat sprayskirts etc.

Do I need to know much about sea kayaking?
Not necessarily. In each Trip Description we state whether prior experience is necessary. All of our Inn Trips and many of our Expeditions are open to beginners. Our experience is founded on Outdoor Education, therefore we thrive on teaching skills.

Hiking

What are the Jotunheimen Mountains like?
The rugged glaciated peaks of Jotunheimen National Park will take your breath away. Jotunheimen, which in Norwegian means “Home of the Giants” contains many 2000 meter peaks. You don’t need to be a climber in order to enjoy Jotunheimen. You just need to be in good shape and enjoy hiking in alpine environments.

Where is Jotunheimen?
Jotunheimen is half way between Oslo and Trondheim just northeast of the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway.

Reindeer Trekking

Are the reindeer well trained?
Yes, even though they are often free ranging during the winter months these animals are very used to humans and are docile by nature. There are a few precautions that will help you maintain a happy relationship when handling the reindeer, such as not grabbing their antlers and keeping ahold of the rein.

How much do they carry?
Each reindeer can carry approximately 55 pounds of gear. We use them to carry group related gear such as food, tents and cook gear. Participants carry their own personal gear.

What's the terrain like in Laponia?
It's a high plateau alpine setting with patches of birch forest and open stretches of tundra. Lakes and streams abound. Moose, arctic fox, bears and wolverine live in this prestine area. We can not promise that we will see all these animals but the chances are there.

Will there be opportunities to catch fish?
Yes, there are trout and arctic char in the lakes and streams. Fishing licenses are available and can be bought for the day or week. We have a couple set ups for spin and fly fishing. We encourage enthusiasts to bring their own fishing gear.

Preparing to Take a Trip

How do I sign up for a trip?
Signing up is easy! Please go to Reserve a Trip, email us at crossinglatitudes.com, or call us at 1-800-572-8747 or 1-406-585-5356 and reserve a space with a deposit on your Visa or MasterCard.

What's the deposit and payment schedule?
For regularly advertised trips there is a $500.00 non-refundable deposit to reserve your space. The balance is due 60 days before the trip departure. All payments must be made in US dollars.

For custom or private trips there is a planning fee after the first Itinerary Draft Proposal is delivered to you. This simply covers the administrative costs of further planning. If you decide to take a private trip with us the planning fee will be credited toward the trip cost. Once you accept a Private Trip Itinerary you are subject to the same deposit as our regularly scheduled trips. Please contact us if you have questions about deposits and payments.

What information will I receive once I sign up?
Immediately after we receive your deposit, we'll send you a Trip Information Packet containing: an equipment list, reservation & release of liability form, terms and conditions, medical form, detailed itinerary, invoice, insurance information, and other travel information needed to prepare for your trip.

Do I need travel insurance?
Crossing Latitudes offers coverage through Travel Guard International called the Protect and Assist Program. The benefit of this package is that it provides trip cancellation, interruption and delay coverage, baggage loss and delay protection, worldwide emergency assistance, as well as an additional $10,000 in medical coverage and $20,000 in emergency evacuation coverage. It is effective the day we receive your designated payment for the insurance. If you purchase the coverage within 7 days of makig your trip deposit any pre-existing medical conditions are waived. Please note that trip deposits are not applied toward your additional insurance premium.

Do I need a visa?
A passport is required but tourist Visas are not required for stays up to three months in Scandinavia, Greece or Croatia.

What if I want to transfer to another trip or even cancel my trip?
Should you cancel less than 60 days prior to the trip, a refund (less the non-refundable deposit) will be returned only if you, or Crossing Latitudes, Inc. can fill your space. All notification of cancellations must be received in writing. If you transfer from one trip to another more than 60 days before departure (of the trip you are transferring from) the Transfer fee is $50.00. If you transfer within 59 days of departure, you are subject to the Cancellation policy outlined above. We recommend you purchase trip cancellation insurance. No refunds will be given for unused lodging, meals, transportation, entertainment events and other services once the trip has started.

Can you help me with sightseeing plans before or after my Crossing Latitudes trip?
While we don't handle travel arrangements, we can provide some information on airlines, trains and ships, hub cities, lodging during lay overs, sights along the way. We would be happy to recommend things to do, places to go and sights to see before or after our trip. Because we have traveled extensively throughout the areas where we operate, we feel this is a valuable service we can offer our participants.

If you have more questions ... please call or email us!