FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is INTENSIVE AWAKENING RETREAT hosted by?
The trip is hosted by Bill Free, meditation teacher of Pure Presence Productions and Fairkonnect, a travel company that has hosted over 800 travelers on retreats and tours in India, Sri Lanka and Mexico. It is our collective love for the Truth that allowed this retreat to manifest and our shared passion to share the deepening of awareness in the sacred land of Thiruvannamali.
What's Included?
A four week online course with Bill Free, total pre-departure support (orientation on health, culture, safety and arrival details, what to pack, etc.), airport pick up and drop off in India, accommodation, meals as indicated in the itinerary, transportation, entrance fees to places of interest as per itinerary, and all activities as per itinerary.
What's Not Included?
Round trip airfare, visa, travel insurance, laundry while in India, alcohol, activities you may do in your own free time, shopping and personal expenses, extra snacks and drinks outside of meals, meals that are specifically not listed in the itinerary.
WHAT ARE THE PAYMENT AND REGISTRATION DEADLINES?
December 31st: $400 deposit
January 15th 2024: Final Balance
WHAT IS THE REFUND and CANCELLATION POLICY?
90 Days or More Prior to the Trip: 100% of the final balance is refundable
45-89 Days Prior to the Trip: If you have been affected by COVID-19 or other illness, we work with you and your travel insurance company to have your trip reimbursed by them. The $400 deposit cannot be reimbursed, but 50% of the final balance will be refunded back to you. Full reimbursement will be provided if you are able to find someone to replace you.
44 Days or Less Prior to the Trip: If you have been affected by COVID-19 or other illness, we will work with you and your travel insurance company to have your trip reimbursed by them. We are not able to provide refunds but a full refund on the trip cost will be considered if you are able to find someone else to take your spot.
WHAT IF I CATCH COVID-19 ON THE FLIGHT TO INDIA or while i’m on the trip?
Currently, COVID-19 remains a low risk while traveling to India. If you do get sick, we would work with you and your travel insurance company to help you recover your costs of not being able to participate in the tour. If you are feeling better after 3 days of rest/quarantine, you can rejoin the retreat. We believe this scenario might be very rare and quarantine standards may also change as the trip is not until February of 2024.
I’VE NEVER TRAVELED OUTSIDE OF THE COUNTRY. IS INDIA A SAFE PLACE FOR ME?
That’s okay! We host all people—those that have or haven’t traveled abroad before. Our trip is designed to provide 24/7 support with experienced travelers and local experts to make your trip as safe as possible. We travel, live and do daily activities together so you do not have to feel nervous about being alone. India is a safe country with a growing tourism market. We have scouted out all the locations and activities on the trip in advance to ensure safe experiences.
CAN I BRING A FRIEND, SPOUSE OR FAMILY MEMBER?
Definitely! Folks come solo or with people they know. Everyone is welcome.
WILL I GET SICK?
Most travelers to India often get stomach upset and mild diarrhea. We will provide meals at trusted, hygienic restaurants that we have tried and tested and you will always have access to bottled, mineral water.
WHAt is the trip’s Covid-19 related precautions?
We will check in with you in October of 2023 for a pre-departure orientation in which we will review current COVID-19 related procedures. Additionally, we will encourage wearing masks to anyone who would feel more comfortable wearing them at any part of the trip.
DO I HAVE TO BE VACCINATED IN ORDER TO TRAVEL TO INDIA?
As of January 2022, you do NOT have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to travel to India. It is best to follow the guidelines from the CDC for the latest vaccine recommendations for India.
I HEAR INDIA IS CONSERVATIVE...WHAT DO I WEAR?
We recommend wearing loose-fitted clothing (khakis, long skirts and capris) during the day. For women, we recommend wearing short sleeved, 3/4 or long sleeved shirts and dresses. For early mornings and evenings, always have a light cardigan or sweater available in the mountains or on trains. The weather will be changing between the three cities that we will be visiting so pack for summer and spring.
WHO WILL THE OTHER TRAVELERS BE?
Our trip is meant for travelers over 18, from around the world who want to travel to India through a meaningful and culturally responsible experience and a shared love of Truth and self-realisation. We will form an online group 30 days prior to the trip for a virtual meetup before the trip begins so that we can get to know one another.
WILL WE ALL FLY TOGETHER?
Not necessarily. We will get participants from around the world so everyone is responsible to fly on their own in India. Whenever possible, we will connect those of you who are flying from the same city.
HOW MANY people WILL BE ON THE TRIP?
We are capping our program at 12 travelers.
WHERE DO MY TRIP FEES GO?
Your trip fees help provide on-ground support in the form of airport pickups, accommodation, food, transportation, all activities as per itinerary, and 24/hour staff to guide the group through the experience. Through our activities, we are supporting the work of impactful non-profits and causes along the way.
YOU HAVE NOT ANSWERED MY QUESTION. WHO DO I CONTACT?
Please email prachi@fairkonnect.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible!