This is a precarious time for travel, with the coronavirus pandemic still not under control at home and around the world, but we're still here and staying optimistic. Here's an update on where things stand. We will continue to update this page as the situation develops. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 415-977-5522 or national.outings@sierraclub.org.
We hope that you and your loved ones are staying healthy and safe and we can't wait to get back outdoors with you once this passes.
What is the Sierra Club's response to COVID-19 and how does it affect trips?
All trips that begin between now and the end of February 2021 have been canceled to protect our travelers and staff. Please note that some trips remain listed as active as we work to reschedule them for a later date. Participants on these trips have been notified by their leaders.
What trips are available for 2021?
Many 2020 trips have been rebooked for 2021 and are now available for reservations. In addition, we recently launched a new batch of trips for 2021 including international and winter domestic. Browse the full lineup here. Other 2021 trips will be launched according to our usual new trips schedule.
Though some of these trips will undoubtedly be adjusted, we're hopeful that, with improved conditions, some will be able to run. We are doing everything we can to implement increased safety measures as your health remains our top priority. Decisions about whether to run these trips will depend upon local quarantine and social distancing policies and will be determined approximately six to eight weeks before their departure date for domestic trips and on a case-by-case basis for international trips.
Are there any changes to cancellation and transfer policies?
Yes. To encourage our travelers to make decisions that they feel are best for their own health and well-being, we are waiving all transfer fees on all trips through May 31, 2021. We have also modified our reservation and cancellation policy so that participants can cancel from any trip that begins before May 31, 2021 up to 30 days prior to departure and only forfeit their deposit. We are allowing all final payments to be deferred up to one month before the trip departure date; please call or email us if you would like to arrange for a deferral.
If I decide to cancel from a trip because of concerns or fears, will my fees be waived?
No. If the trip has not been identified as one in which fees are waived, then current cancellation fees apply. Some travel insurance companies do have a cancel-for-any-reason policy although they are more costly and cover less, but they would cover fees in this situation.
If my trip does run, what special protocols can I expect?
We are developing special trip protocols to reinforce best practices such as practicing good personal hygiene; bringing additional hand sanitizer; exercising caution when serving food; maintaining personal distance in large group settings; avoiding physical contact; avoiding sharing of water, food, and personal items; and isolating ill members of the group. We will continue to develop and refine these practices as the situation develops.
Where should I go for information on how the Sierra Club is responding to COVID-19 and impacts on Sierra Club events and activities?
Learn about our organizational response at sierraclub.org, including FAQs and articles, opportunities to donate to frontline organizations and take action, and other resources.