FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is SACRED TEACHINGS OF INDIA hosted by?
The trip is hosted by Escape To..., a social travel enterprise that has hosted over 700 international travelers in India on volunteering and unique tours since 2010. Any other folks attending, whether they are teachers or not, will be present on the trip only as travelers and not in a teaching or facilitation capacity.
What's Included?
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?
March 15th 2022: $300 deposit
August 15th 2022: 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 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. Full refund on the trip cost, will be considered if we find someone else to take your spot from the waitlist. Otherwise, a 30% of the final balance is refundable.
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. If you are canceling for other reasons, we will discuss options with you for either travel insurance reimbursement or credit for a future trip.
WHAT IF I CATCH COVID-19 ON THE FLIGHT TO INDIA or while i’m on the trip?
Currently, India does ask international travelers to quarantine for 7 days if they test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival into the country. In this scenario, 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. In the scenario that this happens, after quarantine you can join another tour or we can organize a private tour for you if you decide to stay in India after the 7 days are over. We believe this scenario might be very rare and quarantine standards may also change as the trip is not until December of 2022.
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!
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?
As the trip is happening in December of 2022, it is hard to predict exactly what precautions might be needed. Based off the current travel protocols in India, a traveler must be vaccinated within the last 120 days and provide a negative PCR test 72 hours prior to boarding. We will check in with you in September of 2022 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 have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to travel to India. It is also highly recommended that you are vaccinated for all diseases recommended by the CDC’s India guidelines. We will discuss this during orientation upcoming orientations sessions which will be sent to you to attend upon booking of the trip.
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. 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 15 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!