Guest Code of Conduct

Guest Code of conduct

(Effective May 3, 2026)
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Purpose
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Birchwood Tours, LLC (dba Essential History Expeditions) (EHE) is committed to creating immersive, intellectually engaging, and culturally respectful travel experiences. This Guest Code of Conduct ensures that every participant contributes to a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment for all travelers, guides, and communities we encounter. By joining an EHE expedition, each guest agrees to uphold these principles and values throughout their journey.
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Please note that the Terms and Conditions found at https://www.historyexp.com/join-us-historyexp/, which you accept when booking a tour with EHE, also apply to your tour (T&Cs). In the event there is a conflict between this Guest Code of Conduct and the T&Cs, the T&Cs shall control.
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1. Respect for People and Cultures
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     •	Approach every encounter with openness and curiosity.
     •	Treat local hosts, guides, and community members with courtesy.
     •	Honor local customs, traditions, dress codes, and etiquette.
     •	Seek permission before photographing people, religious ceremonies, or culturally sensitive locations.
     •	Avoid behavior, language, or gestures that could be perceived as disrespectful or disruptive.
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2. Commitment to Learning and Engagement
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     •	Participate actively in discussions, site visits, and educational briefings.
     •	Keep an open mind when encountering differing historical interpretations or cultural perspectives.
     •	Ask questions that deepen collective understanding.
﻿
3. Safety and Well-Being
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     •	Follow all instructions from trip leaders, guides, and staff, especially during transportation, walking tours, or excursions.
     •	Inform the trip leader promptly of any medical conditions, injuries, or concerns that may affect participation.
     •	Consume alcohol responsibly; avoid behavior that could endanger yourself or others.
     •	Comply with all local laws and regulations in every destination.
﻿
4. Environmental and Cultural Stewardship
﻿
     •	Leave sites as you found them—take only photos, leave only footprints.
     •	Avoid touching fragile artifacts, monuments, or heritage structures unless expressly permitted.
     •	Support local economies by purchasing responsibly and respecting cultural artisanship.
﻿
5. Inclusivity and Group Conduct
﻿
     •	Be punctual for scheduled activities; delays affect the experience of others.
     •	Treat fellow guests, guides, and staff with kindness and respect, regardless of background.
     •	Refrain from offensive or discriminatory comments or behavior.
     •	Maintain confidentiality and discretion when sharing stories or photographs of fellow travelers. 
     •	The Trip Leader reserves the right to address inappropriate or unsafe conduct.
     •	In rare cases of severe or repeated misconduct, EHE may, at its discretion, remove a guest from the tour without refund to preserve the safety and integrity of the experience.
﻿
6. Use of Electronic Devices
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     •	Keep phones on silent mode during lectures, museum visits, or ceremonies.
     •	When posting online, represent the journey accurately and respectfully, and do not tag others without permission.
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7. Our Shared Promise - Ambassadorship
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By participating in an Essential History Expeditions journey, each guest joins a community of travelers united by curiosity, respect, and the desire to learn from history and culture firsthand. We are ambassadors first, during the trip, of the locations and organizations we come from and represent; and, second, after the trip, ambassadors of the people and places we have visited as we share our experiences with others. Together, we create the conditions for discovery, connection, and meaning.
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why is travel insurance so important?

In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans.
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For your convenience, we offer a Travelex Insurance Services protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For more information on the available plans click here or contact Travelex Insurance 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0263.

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535, state of domicile: New York), 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196. Coverages available to residents of U.S. States and the District of Columbia only. Certain coverages are not available in all states.

(Effective May 3, 2026)
﻿
Purpose
﻿
Birchwood Tours, LLC (dba Essential History Expeditions) (EHE) is committed to creating immersive, intellectually engaging, and culturally respectful travel experiences. This Guest Code of Conduct ensures that every participant contributes to a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment for all travelers, guides, and communities we encounter. By joining an EHE expedition, each guest agrees to uphold these principles and values throughout their journey.
﻿
Please note that the Terms and Conditions found at https://www.historyexp.com/join-us-historyexp/, which you accept when booking a tour with EHE, also apply to your tour (T&Cs). In the event there is a conflict between this Guest Code of Conduct and the T&Cs, the T&Cs shall control.
﻿
1. Respect for People and Cultures
﻿
     •	Approach every encounter with openness and curiosity.
     •	Treat local hosts, guides, and community members with courtesy.
     •	Honor local customs, traditions, dress codes, and etiquette.
     •	Seek permission before photographing people, religious ceremonies, or culturally sensitive locations.
     •	Avoid behavior, language, or gestures that could be perceived as disrespectful or disruptive.
﻿
2. Commitment to Learning and Engagement
﻿
     •	Participate actively in discussions, site visits, and educational briefings.
     •	Keep an open mind when encountering differing historical interpretations or cultural perspectives.
     •	Ask questions that deepen collective understanding.
﻿
3. Safety and Well-Being
﻿
     •	Follow all instructions from trip leaders, guides, and staff, especially during transportation, walking tours, or excursions.
     •	Inform the trip leader promptly of any medical conditions, injuries, or concerns that may affect participation.
     •	Consume alcohol responsibly; avoid behavior that could endanger yourself or others.
     •	Comply with all local laws and regulations in every destination.
﻿
4. Environmental and Cultural Stewardship
﻿
     •	Leave sites as you found them—take only photos, leave only footprints.
     •	Avoid touching fragile artifacts, monuments, or heritage structures unless expressly permitted.
     •	Support local economies by purchasing responsibly and respecting cultural artisanship.
﻿
5. Inclusivity and Group Conduct
﻿
     •	Be punctual for scheduled activities; delays affect the experience of others.
     •	Treat fellow guests, guides, and staff with kindness and respect, regardless of background.
     •	Refrain from offensive or discriminatory comments or behavior.
     •	Maintain confidentiality and discretion when sharing stories or photographs of fellow travelers. 
     •	The Trip Leader reserves the right to address inappropriate or unsafe conduct.
     •	In rare cases of severe or repeated misconduct, EHE may, at its discretion, remove a guest from the tour without refund to preserve the safety and integrity of the experience.
﻿
6. Use of Electronic Devices
﻿
     •	Keep phones on silent mode during lectures, museum visits, or ceremonies.
     •	When posting online, represent the journey accurately and respectfully, and do not tag others without permission.
﻿
7. Our Shared Promise - Ambassadorship
﻿
By participating in an Essential History Expeditions journey, each guest joins a community of travelers united by curiosity, respect, and the desire to learn from history and culture firsthand. We are ambassadors first, during the trip, of the locations and organizations we come from and represent; and, second, after the trip, ambassadors of the people and places we have visited as we share our experiences with others. Together, we create the conditions for discovery, connection, and meaning.
﻿