Who Shouldn’t Come on an Expedition?

Expeditions aren’t for everyone—and that’s fine. It doesn’t make you weak, or lazy, or boring. It just means you’re better off doing something else with your time. What’s not fine is signing up and turning into dead weight halfway through because you didn’t understand what you were getting into.

So let’s be clear: here’s who shouldn’t come on an expedition.

People looking for a holiday

This is not a break. It’s not a retreat. It’s not a curated wellness experience. You will be tired, uncomfortable, and probably dirty for most of the trip. If you want a deckchair, a cold drink, and someone else to do the hard work—you’re in the wrong place.

People who hate being told what to do

You’re going to be following instructions. A lot. From guides who know what they’re doing. If you don’t like being told to change your kit, walk slower, drink more water, or stop doing something stupid—you’re a liability. Out here, ignoring advice puts people at risk.

People who need to be the centre of attention

Expeditions are team efforts. No one cares if you’re the fittest, the loudest, or the most “experienced.” If you constantly talk over others, make everything about you, or need constant praise—you’ll drain the group fast. Bring humility, or stay home.

People who quit when it gets hard

It will get hard. That’s part of the deal. If your first reaction to discomfort is to moan, check out, or blame someone else—you’re going to make life worse for everyone. We don’t need superheroes. We just need people who don’t fold at the first sign of adversity.

People who won’t take responsibility

Your kit, your health, your effort—your problem. If your bag’s a mess, if you didn’t bring the right clothing, if you haven’t done any training—it’s not someone else’s job to fix that. We’re out here to push ourselves, not carry passengers.

People who don’t like other people

Expeditions are close-quarters living. You’ll eat, walk, sweat, and sleep next to the same people day after day. If you can’t tolerate noise, mess, or other people being human, you’re going to struggle. This isn’t solo travel. You’re part of a team whether you like it or not.

People who aren’t prepared to adapt

Plans change. Weather turns. Routes get blocked. Someone gets sick. If your whole world falls apart the moment things deviate from the plan, you’re not going to cope well. Flexibility isn’t optional—it’s survival.

People who don’t respect the environment

If you’re going to litter, damage wildlife, or act like the place owes you something—don’t come. Expeditions are about moving through the landscape, not trashing it. Respect the place, or don’t bother showing up.

People doing it for the photo

You’ll get great pictures, sure. But if the only reason you’re coming is to collect likes or tick a box on your personal brand—you won’t last. This isn’t an Instagram moment. It’s days of hard graft and sore feet. If your motivation is shallow, you’ll fall apart when it stops being photogenic.

There’s nothing wrong with deciding this isn’t for you.
But if you do come—show up ready. Mentally, physically, and with the right attitude.

The team deserves that. So do you.