MedTreks is a high-touch adventure travel company built by medical professionals. We design carefully curated trips with trusted local partners, with strong attention to safety and comfort, and a team deeply involved before, during, and after you travel.

If you’re considering a MedTreks trip, you may be wondering how these experiences actually work. Are they more like a vacation or a course? Do you need to be a medical professional? How active are the days? What’s included?

These are all common questions, and we hear them often. That’s why we put together this MedTreks FAQ.

Is MedTreks a travel company or an education company?

Both, but travel comes first! We handcraft real trips in places we care deeply about, with a strong emphasis on thoughtful pacing, good local partners, comfortable accommodations, and experiences that stand on their own. CME is available on many of our departures, but it is meant to support the trip, not define it.

How does CME work on a MedTreks trip?

CME is optional and integrated into our trips in a way that feels natural. Depending on the itinerary, that may look like short evening lectures, hands-on scenarios, group discussions, or field-based teaching sessions that connect to what you are seeing and doing during the day.

It is not a conference-style experience. We design each trip as a vacation first, with education as an added layer for those who want it. You are always free to participate as much or as little as you’d like. Many guests appreciate that the learning feels relevant, practical, and engaging rather than rigid or overly academic.

Are non-medical guests welcome to join?

Yes! You do not have to be a medical professional to join a MedTreks trip. Partners, friends, and non-medical guests are very welcome. Our trips are designed as vacations first, with CME available for those who want it. In most cases, non-medical guests pay the standard per-person trip rate, even if they choose not to participate in the academic sessions.

Some trips are also family-friendly. If you are considering traveling with children, feel free to reach out and we can help you determine whether a specific trip is a good fit. You can always reach us at 541-205-9980.

Do non-medical guests pay less?

In most cases, no. Since the CME portion is optional and typically blended into the itinerary in a relaxed way, guests who do not participate in the academic sessions usually still pay the standard per-person trip rate listed on the itinerary. If a trip is structured differently, we’ll clarify that clearly.

Do I need to be an expert hiker, surfer, rider, or paddler?

No. Many MedTreks trips are designed for people who enjoy being active but do not consider themselves experts. Some trips include options for different ability levels, and many are supported by local guides who are used to working with a wide range of guests.

That said, some itineraries are more demanding than others. We would much rather help you choose the right trip up front than have you end up on one that is not ideal for your comfort or goals.

What are the accommodations like?

We choose deluxe accommodations intentionally. Depending on the trip, that may mean a boutique city hotel, a mountain lodge, a beachfront retreat, a comfortable yacht, or a more remote property that is simple but well run.

Comfort is important to how we design our trips, but that does not always mean the same style of lodging in every destination. We look for places that are comfortable, well-run, and reflective of the destination. If a partner uses language like “glamping” or “eco-lodge,” we clarify exactly what that means and share photos when available.

What is usually included?

Each trip page includes an “Included / Not Included” section, and we try to keep that as clear as possible. In general, MedTreks trips include the core experience: accommodations, key meals, guiding, group transportation, trip leadership, and any workshops or educational elements listed on the itinerary.

The most common extras are:

• flights
• alcohol
• spa treatments
• tips
• some optional add-on activities
• personal purchases

If you are unsure about a specific trip, send us an email at info@medtreksinternational, or call us at 541-205-9980, and we will be happy to help.

Are alcohol and extra activities included?

Usually not, unless they are specifically listed. Alcohol is often treated separately, and optional add-on experiences such as diving, spa treatments, horseback riding upgrades, or additional excursions may be extra depending on the itinerary. We know these small details matter, so if anything is unclear on a trip page, we are happy to clarify.

What about tipping?

Tipping varies by destination and by the style of trip. For some itineraries, we provide specific guidance in the welcome materials so guests know what is customary and what to budget for. If a trip involves multiple guides, drivers, hotel staff, boat crew, or instructors, we try to make the expectations clear before departure.

This is one of the details we include in pre-trip communication because we know it can be hard to estimate on your own. Thanks for reading our MedTreks FAQ!

What kind of pre-trip communication do you send?

We send a welcome package before departure with practical information for your trip. Each itinerary is different, but we always include a packing list, weather guidance, arrival details, educational materials, payment reminders, and destination-specific notes.

As the trip gets closer, we also send follow-up emails and are always happy to answer questions by phone or email. We want you to feel informed and well-supported before you leave home.

Will I get a packing list?

Yes! We provide a packing list and destination-specific guidance before the trip. Our team tries to include practical details that may not be obvious at first glance, like whether you need a swimsuit, layers for evenings, footwear for wet landings, or clothing for cultural sites.

We know packing can affect comfort in a big way, so we try to make these lists practical and realistic. Click here to view our Cuba 2025 recap video! 

What if it is MedTreks’ first time running a trip?

That’s a fair question. When we launch a new itinerary, we don’t choose a destination randomly and put it online. New trips come from scouting, local partnerships, prior travel experience, and detailed planning around pacing, safety, accommodations, and overall fit.

We don’t expect guests to take on the risk of a loosely built trip. If we offer an itinerary, it’s because we believe it’s ready to run well. Next on our MedTreks FAQ: 

How is MedTreks different from other travel companies?

A few things matter to us:

• We are high-touch by design. Real people answer emails and phone calls. Our founder and small leadership team are involved in itinerary design and oversight.
• Also, we curate rather than resell. We work closely with local partners we trust and choose accommodations and experiences intentionally.
• Comfort is our priority without making the trip feel overly polished or disconnected from the place.
• And, we take safety seriously. Many of our guests work in healthcare, and our planning reflects that mindset: calm, thoughtful, prepared.
• And perhaps most importantly, the trip has to stand on its own! The destination, pacing, lodging, food, guides, and overall experience come first.

What does a typical day look like on a MedTreks trip?

Each trip is a little different! Mornings are usually the most active. It depends on the destination, that might mean a guided hike, time on the water, a cultural visit, or another key experience for that location.

Midday usually includes a break to rest, eat, and reset. On some trips, this is when CME sessions take place, often in a more informal setting that connects to what you’re experiencing. Afternoons are typically more flexible. You might continue exploring, join an optional activity, or simply take time to slow down and enjoy where you are. Evenings are more relaxed. We often gather for dinner, and on some trips there may be a short CME session, group discussion, or time to reflect on the day.

Overall, the pace is intentionally balanced. The structure is there, but it’s not rigid. You don’t need to participate in everything, and there’s space to be as active or as relaxed as you’d like.

As with any travel, plans may shift due to weather, road conditions, or other factors outside our control. When that happens, we work closely with our local partners to adjust thoughtfully and keep the experience running smoothly.

What if I still have questions?

That is what we are here for! We are an active women-led team, all working from different corners of the world, ready to help you. If you would like help thinking through activity level, accommodations, rooming, CME, travel logistics, or whether a specific trip feels like a good fit, send us a message, or give us a call at 541-205-9980.

We are always happy to talk it through. Thanks for reading our MedTreks FAQ!