FAQ

Maximum 45 teams can register. Thanks to our liberal definition of a team (1 to 4 people), that number can vary.

The deadline for the entrance fee is 45 days before the start of the challenge. We encourage you to send it in early to guarantee your place in the event.

After we’ve processed your Team Registration Form and we’ve told you that your place is confirmed, you can set about planning the trip. You’ll need all the usual paperwork that you need when travelling like:

• Your passport (with the correct visa, if applicable)
• Travel insurance
• Driving license
• International Driving Permit (for non-US citizens)

We also strongly advise that you make copies of all the relevant documents. If you’re only coming along as a passenger then you will not need a driving license.

Administration for our rallies is a full-time and year-round job, where the organizers and the additional staff in multiple offices across the globe. Whether it’s in head office, on the road or just scouting the route, we work hard to make things run as smooth as possible for the participants so that everyone has the time of their lives! Your fees help us to undertake route planning, research, logistics, and all the necessary administration while being able to pay our hard working staff! Apart from the above, your fee also includes:

• A detailed Road Book
• Rally gear
• Parties and activities along the route
• Organizer assistance

If you’re on the Basic package, then accommodation is your responsibility, but we’re not going to leave you to fend for yourself. In the road book, we’ll give you some hotel, hostel and camping options with as much information as possible, from luxury to budget options. We recommend, however, reserving in advance, especially if we’re going in high season. Those who opt for the Standard won’t need to worry, because we’ve got you covered with the hotel package, which becomes the Travel Scientists’ basecamp for the night.

While the US in general has some pretty good roads and highways, we will do a little rebel off-roading on some rocky paths in the more remote areas on our trip. The route is designed for all vehicles, but we do recommend taking a 4WD or at least a vehicle with a higher clearance, however it is not necessary.

While in theory we should say bad luck, you might find breaking down is the best and most memorable experience en route. You’ll get to test your own mechanical skills, or you’ll have to reach out to the locals or test your teammate’s nerves. If everything went smoothly there would be no stories to tell!

All participants are required to have the official Wild West Challenge stickers on their vehicle. However some teams like to offset the cost of the rally by finding their own sponsors. We say go for it!

You’ll be fine with a tourist visa, so just contact your local US embassy for more information and for any visa application processing. It’s best to apply early, we recommend at least 30 days before departure, just in case there are any issues or delays.

Whenever you travel somewhere new there are always risks, especially when you go to a new country. We believe that as long as you employ common sense and obey the local rules, you’ll probably do just fine. Of course, because this is a minimal assistance rally, you won’t have a support or rescue team, so anything can happen, but that’s the whole point of being on an adventure. Be sure to understand the risks. Just follow the Road Book and use common sense, and everything should be just fine!

You don’t need a GPS to take part in the Wild West Challenge, but if you want to use one – go ahead. The routes can be easily followed, and we’ll give you enough maps and navigational guides to make things run smoothly.

Before travelling to US, we highly recommend you talk to your doctor or check into a traveller’s clinic to find out what kind of vaccinations or pills you need for the trip. We also recommend you put your own medical kit together. We recommend bringing:
• Pain killers
• Ointments for insect bites
• High SPF sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Tweezers and needles
• Antiseptic alcohol
• Thermometer
• Eye drops
• Vitamins
• Antibiotics
• Anti-diarrhoea medication
• General First-aid