FAQ: Jewish Wilderness Trip to Maine
Who comes on your trips? What is the age range? How religious is everyone?
Our trips are very diverse. For our young professionals’ trips, our age range is roughly 25 to 45, with most participants in the middle of that range at roughly 25 to 35. Most participants are affiliated in some way with the Jewish community, whether they identify as Reform, Conservative, Traditional, Renewal or Reconstructionist. Due to its nature this trip might not be suitable for the Orthodox and Modern Orthodox community.
What makes your trips different from your competitors?
First, our trips focus on small, local lodges and outfitters. We do not use “all-inclusive” resorts, as we believe that they are not the best way to experience the culture of our destinations and to benefit the local community, one of the goals of eco-tourism. Second, we strive to make our group trips affordable while including as many items as possible. You might find a cheaper trip, but you will find that most of the activities are optional and at added cost. We believe it is better value to include those items and facilitates our primary goals of giving you a fun experience in a group setting where you can meet new people.
Do I need to purchase special equipment for this trip?
We will provide you with Snowshoes, and can help you with winter boots and an insulated winter parka if you do not have those. You will need some personal winter clothing, a list of which can be found here.
Do I need to have prior outdoor experience?
No, this trip includes instruction in dog-mushing, cross country skiing and basic back-country skills.
Do I need to be in particular good shape?
Mushing can be physically demanding. We cannot predict trail conditions as they change daily, sometimes hourly. You should be in good physical condition for overnight trips. The dogs are strong; however, there are limits to their pulling ability. Therefore, we ask individuals who weigh over 215 lbs. to contact us prior to sending in their reservation form. You do not need to be an athlete! However, we do ask that you complete a medical form. If you have concerns check with your doctor.
Why Maine? Are you planning trips to other locations?
We think that a dogsled trip to Maine in the winter is a great kind of adventure - one we have wanted to offer our travelers for a while!
Over the past six years we have been offering unique group tours to Costa Rica. In the past we have taken a group canouing down the Delaware river, and in 2017 we will be offering Alaska, Cuba and Trinidad & Tobago group trips as well. We feel that with shorter and more affordable trips, we can introduce our travelers to amazing Jewish outdoor experiences. If you have any suggestions of places you’d like to visit with Greener Travel, please let us know.
Do I have to do all the activities? Can I get a partial refund if I skip one of the activities?
We try to make our trips accessible for travelers of most abilities and encourage all travelers to fully participate in the activities unless a traveler is afraid of a particular activity or cannot participate due to a medical condition or ability level. However, if you do not want to do a particular activity, you can opt out for any reason. Because we make our best efforts to offer an alternative activity for opting out travelers for no additional cost, we cannot generally offer a partial refund for opting out travelers. If you arrive to the trip meeting point on your own, and do not need transfers to and from Portland, we can offer you a $40 discount.
Where will we be sleeping? Who will I be sharing my room with?
We will be staying in double or triple rooms in the Telmark Wilderness Lodge. If you are joining the trip with someone you know, we will honor your requests to room together if you wish. If you are joining the trip by yourself, we will match you up with another same-sex traveler to share a room. If during the trip, you meet someone with whom you want to share a room with, we will try to honor your request at that time.
How much is airfare to Portland, Maine? Can you help me choose my ticket?
Airfare to Portland, ME from major metropolitan areas varies, depending on where you are traveling from. Return flights from Washington, DC begin from $250, from Philadelphia from $300 and from NYC from about $200. There are a few bus services (Greyhound, Megabus) that connect Boston, Montreal and NYC with Portland, as well Amtrak service along the NE corridor.
We advise travelers to check rates prior to booking a trip with us, however, you should not purchase your travel before the trip has been “called.” At that time, we would be glad to give you advice on which ticket to purchase.
I'm not religious and in fact I’m not sure I believe in God. Is this a program for me?
These trips are for anyone who appreciates untamed landscapes. We do not preach or sell religion. Our goal is to provide you with an inspiring, meaningful wilderness experience.