Frequently Asked Questions




Q: WHY TRAVEL WITH CREATE CONNECTIONS?

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. 
 

Q: WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE? (*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
     

Q: WHAT DOES THE PRICE NOT INCLUDE?

  • International flights

  • Personal expenses

  • Travel Insurance (*Frequently required)

  • Alcoholic beverages

  •  Tips for guides and drivers
     

Q: WHAT IS THE TYPICAL GROUP SIZE?

  • 5-10 is ideal; groups may be up to 20. 
     

Q: CAN I CUSTOMIZE A GROUP?

  • YES! We love customizing trips to your groups' special interests. 
     

Q: WHO ARE TRIPS IDEAL FOR?

  • 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.
     

Q: WHO SHOULD GO?

Anyone can go! Solo or individual

  • Corporate teams

  • Educators & students

  • Families

  • Church groups / worship teams

WHAT TYPES OF SERVICE?

  • 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)

Q: WHAT ARE TYPICAL ACCOMODATIONS? *(May be customized, as desired)

  • Safe, comfortable, and moderate; home-style with personal touches and cultural influences.

Health & Safety (Travel Insurance Options)

● AIGTravelGuard. https://buy.travelguard.com/tgi2/proc/stateselector.aspx?br=agentlink &arc=175789&agencyemail=datysdal@gmail.com&agentlinkasp=yes

● IMG. https://producer.imglobal.com/international-insurance-plans.aspx?imgac=80000402

● SevenCorners. https://www.sevencorners.com/?a=2CF9E89E-C5C0-4162-87B0-4A8 C26F32F1E&z=HWD2SKN#start

● MissionaryTravelAssociation-MTA https://database.missionarytravelassociation.com/index.php/leaderform




 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

BELIZE FAQs:

DO I NEED A PASSPORT TO TRAVEL TO BELIZE?

YES! All visitors are required to have a valid passport that does not expire within 90 days of arrival, along with a return airline ticket. Visas are not currently required for travelers from the U.S., European Community, or British Commonwealth for stays less than 30 days.

DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?

The Belize Tourism Board no longer requires travelers to purchase travel insurance, however, it is highly recommended. https://www.belizetravelinsurance.com

WHAT ABOUT CELL PHONE COVERAGE?

Cell phones work across Ambergris Caye if you have activated international service with your provider. Contact your cellular provider before your departure for information on services available within Belize. Wi-Fi is available at restaurants and hotels.

DO I NEED TO BRING AN ADAPTOR?

Belize uses 110 volt, 60-cycle hertz, so guests from the United States do NOT need a converter or adaptor.

ARE TIPS CUSTOMARY?

All rates and any activity include a service charge. Tipping is customary in Belize, and 10-15% is standard. As always, tipping is at your discretion.

WHAT IS THE CURRENCY IN BELIZE?

The official currency for Belize is The Belize dollar, which is tied to the United States dollar and exchanged with most merchants at a fixed $2.00 (BZD) = $1.00 (USD).  When exchanging money in a bank, Central Banking exchange rates will apply.  Most places readily accept US dollars and/or credit cards, so there is no need to exchange currency before arriving.  However, your credit card company, may charge a slight exchange fee for processing your currency conversions. You can withdraw Belize dollars from local ATMs with a U.S. debit card.

WHAT IS THE TIME ZONE IN BELIZE?

The time zone is the same as US Central Standard Time. Belize does not observe daylight savings time. English is the official language, but almost half the population speaks Spanish. Garifuna (Carib), Maya, and Creole are also spoken as well as a German dialect (by the Mennonites).

WHAT IS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF BELIZE?

English is the official language of Belize, and taught in schools.  Most Belizeans speak English, so you will not have any trouble communicating while in Belize.  Belizean Creole and Spanish are also widely spoken throughout the country.  Other languages spoken include:  Carib, Mayan, Yucatec, Mopán, and Kekchí. Most Belizeans are multilingual.

WHAT CAN YOU BUY IN BELIZE?

You can find most all necessities, such as toothpaste, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, etc. in Belize, however many products may be more expensive as they are imported to the island. We suggest you bring travel-size items.

CAN YOU DRINK THE TAP WATER?

It is advised not to drink any tap water. Bottled/filtered water is available everywhere. It is recommended to bring a reusable water bottle for refills, as well as electrolyte tablets for hydration.

Travel By Air

After arriving at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City, and going through customs, you walk to the next terminal to take a 15 minute commuter flight to Ambergris Caye. We/you can book a flight via Tropic Air or Maya Island Air.

Travel By Sea
If you prefer to travel by sea, there are two ferry companies located in Belize City that offer daily service to Ambergris Caye; San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi and Caribbean Sprinter Water Taxi. This is a long journey, taking up to 90 minutes. The boats are large and covered and often operate at or just below passenger capacity.

Upon arrival to the Island, Resort Shuttle Transfer or taxis are available.

The resort offers a shuttle transfer service from San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye to the Resort for US$30 RT per person.

HOW DO YOU GET AROUND THE ISLAND OF AMBERGRIS CAYE?

The majority of people travel around the island by golf cart or bikes, which can be rented in town and at hotels. Taxis are also available.

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.  Belize can be hot, so prepare adequately for the sun.  A light windbreaker and rain jacket are recommended. As a basic rule, if you cannot get along without it, bring a spare.  This applies for contact lenses and glasses, sunglasses, flashlight and any personal items/medications. Suitcase must be under 40 pounds for airline limitations. *Weigh your bag at home & leave some room for souvenirs!

Passport!! (valid for 6 months from departure) 

Clothing

  • 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

Shoes

  • Comfortable daily walking shoes

  • River shoes and flip flops (good for walking)

  • Quality tennis/trecking shoes for walking/hiking *(based on excursions selected)

Excursion Clothing

  • 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

Toiletries

  • Washcloth/Face wipes

  • Prescription medications, antibiotic creams & vitamins

  • Shower gels, shampoo, soap (gels)

  • razors

  • Personal toiletry items

  • Contact lens & solution; glasses

Miscellaneous

  • 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.

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 retreats “at your own risk”.

We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover your investment. We recommend this insurance company for US citizens living in the US. Speak with the representative about the Safe Travels Outbound option. For any non-US residents or US residents living outside the States we recommend Safe Travels International Cost Saver or Safe Travels International plans. Please consider Trip Cancellation insurance in case of hiccups beyond your control.

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.

By submitting payments toward your retreat, 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.

Email:aaweb3@gmail.com