Frequently Asked QuestionS
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Create Connections offers a unique opportunity to learn, serve, and engage with the local community in such a way that everyone is deeply impacted through connections made, meaningful service actualized, and lives touched.
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(*Prices are determined by options selected):
Administrative and logistical support
In-country ground transportation (road, boat, air)
English speaking, professional tour guides for excursions
Preparatory reading materials
Admission and discounted fees to sites and program activities
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International flights
Personal expenses
Travel Insurance (*Frequently required)
Alcoholic beverages
Tips for guides and drivers
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5-10 is ideal; groups may be up to 20.
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YES! We love customizing trips to your groups' special interests.
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All ages and stages of life. We've taken 9-89-year olds and they've all been fantastic participants and equally appreciated the trip. This is an ideal opportunity for students, educators, families, corporate events, church groups, and many volunteer groups.
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Anyone can go! Solo or individual
Corporate teams
Educators & students
Families
Church groups / worship teams
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(*If you have a specific area you’d like to contribute, let us know!)
Literacy projects with elementary age children (Belize/Cuba)
English as a second language projects (Belize/Cuba)
Animal projects with the Zoo (Belize)
Reef preservation projects (Belize/Cuba/Colombia/Honduras)
Surf Camp (Nicaragua/ Colombia)
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Safe, comfortable, and moderate; home-style with personal touches and cultural influences.
Resorts available upon request.
GENERAL PACKING LIST
Most of what you will be wearing, will be casual. For evening attire, casual collared shirts & shorts (men) and sundresses (women) are appropriate. Clothing should be casual, breathable, lightweight, quick dry attire. A light windbreaker/rain jacket is recommended. Suitcase must be under 40 pounds for airline limitations. *Weigh your bag at home & leave some room for souvenirs!
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Passport should be valid at least for 6 months from departure.
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Casual khaki pants and/or light skirts
Walking shorts
T-shirts/blouses
Sundresses/skirts
Sarong (can be bought there!)
Swim suits and cover-ups for sun protection on boats
Long sleeve shirt for sun protection
Light sweater/wind-breaker; light weight rain jacket
1 Long pants (loose and lightweight) for travel/evenings
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Comfortable daily walking shoes
River shoes and flip flops (good for walking)
Quality tennis/trecking shoes for walking/hiking *(based on excursions selected)
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Swimsuits & cover-ups
Lightweight travel towel (REI style)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat/visor
Mosquito repellent; Skin So Soft
Hand sanitizer
Camera, Ziploc bag for camera/phones
Headlamp and/or flashlight
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Washcloth/Face wipes
Prescription medications, antibiotic creams & vitamins
Shower gels, shampoo, soap (gels)
razors
Personal toiletry items
Contact lens & solution; glasses
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Portable chargers & battery pack
Ear plugs
Notebook/journal
Reusable water bottle (wide-mouth, refillable, plastic bottles are best)
Electrolytes (dissolvable in water or chews) - suggest NUUN *(Whole Foods)
Power/energy bars (between meals/travel)
Cancellations
We reserve the right to cancel a trip in the event that our participants’ and/or staff's safety and security is in jeopardy. In the event that we decide to cancel a trip for reasons beyond our control (defined as any acts of government, war, revolution or natural disaster) in the destination country, which as agreed between the parties herein will prevent us from organizing a trip, consistent with our program standards at any time prior to the departure date, we will refund to each participant all payments received. We cannot accept responsibility for any losses incurred to any participants by this cancellation although we will make every reasonable effort to assist the participants in recouping their losses. We encourage refundable /changeable flights.
CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY - Travel & Health Insurance
The acceptance of a verbal or written confirmation from Create Connections Consulting, constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions listed herein. Participants are responsible to be adequately insured, therefore Traveler’s Insurance is strongly recommended*. Create Connections Consulting, and its staff/leadership assume no responsibility nor liability for any delay, loss, damage, injury or accident with regards to persons or property which may be caused by fault or negligence of any third party vendor. This includes hotels, transportation providers, and local operators participating in part for our services. Create Connections Consulting shall be held harmless for any expense caused by injury or accident, to any participants as well as any loss or damage of personal items while on our trips. We reserve the right to make any changes to services and itineraries, with or without notice, which may become necessary.
Create Connections Consulting, its affiliates, retreat facilitators, hotels, third party vendors, and tour providers, the ownership, or staff cannot be held responsible for events that are outside of our control. There are no refunds as per our cancellation policies. We highly recommend that all of our guests secure a quality travel insurance that will cover them for ANY event which may cause for a change of travel plans, or for ANY unfortunate event including, but not limited to:
Transportation delays, cancellations or changes due to strikes, labor disputes, or lockouts from airlines, boats, ferries or any type of transportation;
Any inconvenience or complication caused by bad weather, storms, and hurricanes: a direct hit, near miss, or significant threat of a hurricane strike;
Government/political actions, events or situations; threats or acts of terrorism, acts of war or declared war;
Personal health issues or personal situations in general which may affect travel plans;
Any loss, theft or damage of personal items at any stage of your trip;
Any accident causing injury during any stage of your trip;
Travel restrictions or illness associated with COVID-19.
All travelers join our trips “at your own risk”.
We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover your investment.
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. For your convenience, we offer Travelex Insurance Services protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For more information on the available plans, click here [KP1] or contact Travelex Insurance at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 12-0068.
We recommend Travelex Insurance Services for affordable and comprehensive insurance for US citizens living in the US.
We are not able to refund payments or extend credits due to complications in travel, rescheduling or closings due to Covid-19 or other travel complications.
In addition to travel insurance, we also recommend that you check your health insurance policy regarding treatment outside your home country in the rare case you would need care while away from home. We recommend and use IMG Travel Medical Insurance to cover us around the globe. Please consult with the agent to make sure the plan you choose covers Covid-19. Please let us know if you have purchased this insurance.
Health & Safety (Travel Insurance Options)
Our goal is to keep everyone 100% safe & 100% healthy. If you get sick, we all suffer!
We protect your safety, security and health by:
Monitoring U.S. State Department bulletins
Suspending programs upon U.S. travel warnings
Arranging safe and reliable lodging
Suggesting highly reputable places to eat
Providing bottled, purified water upon arrival
Offering in-country transportation with reputable drivers and vehicles
Facilitating service projects
Recommending team security measures
Coordinating and overseeing collaborative programs/projects
Providing knowledge of medical assistance, as needed
By submitting payments toward your trip, you accept these Terms and Conditions.
If you have any questions regarding the details of this retreat please feel free to contact us to set up a call or to receive further info via email.
