optional trip to bluefields

PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME!
On your trip to Nicaragua, you’ll be welcomed by the local staff who will be your hosts for the week.
You’ll visit the homes and communities of sponsored friends and learn about their joys and challenges
while experiencing the beauty of the Nicaraguan people.
Trip Dates: February 27– March 5, 2016, with optional trip to Bluefields March 5-8
July 23– 30, 2016
Trip Size: 12-30 participants
Registration is on a first come, first served basis. We recommend applying by at least 90 days
prior to the trip. If you still wish to apply after this date, contact a trip coordinator regarding
availability. Although some trips fill up quickly, spots may still be available. Registration will
close one month prior to the trip.
Note: Sponsors with sponsored friends in Nicaragua may join either trip as you will have the
opportunity to meet your sponsored friend regardless of the trip chosen. However, we
encourage you to choose the trip that corresponds with your sponsored friend’s subproject.
Please refer to page three for guidance.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
Please note that this is a sample itinerary. A detailed schedule and additional information will be sent one to two weeks prior to
departure in the pre-departure packet. For trips to Nicaragua, Unbound will make every effort to offer the opportunity to attend
Mass on Sundays.
Day 1: Arrive in Managua. Local Unbound staff will welcome you at the airport.
Days 2-4: Visit both rural and urban communities to meet your sponsored friends. Some of the
families will invite you into their homes to introduce you to what life is like in their community.
By visiting the homes of the sponsored families, you not only see their house, but you will learn
about their hopes, dreams and what they need to do to make those dreams into a better future
for the next generation.
Day 5: Enjoy the day with your sponsored friends. Visit a recreation center and enjoy lunch
with sponsored members.
Day 6: A group of Unbound mothers is waiting to welcome you to their community! The
mothers will share about the sponsorship program and about their lives.
Day 7: Enjoy lunch with some sponsored members in their community. Visit the local artisan
market in Masaya for your souvenirs.
Day 8: Depart Managua.
OPTIONAL SIDE TRIP TO BLUEFIELDS
Day 8: Travel to Bluefields by air. Welcome to the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua!
Days 9-10: Meet your sponsored friend, take a boat ride and play together on the beach. Travel to some of the communities
where Unbound works in and around Bluefields. Visit families living in this unique region of the country. Tour the city of
Bluefields before traveling back to Managua by air.
Day 11: Depart Managua.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO COVER:
Please note that all outside fees and costs are estimates and are subject to change.
Trip Fee: $650
International airfare: varies
A valid passport is required through the end of your stay for U.S. passport holders.
If you are traveling from another country, check with your Department of State for passport validity requirements.
Tourist card upon entry: $10 (paid in US dollars)
Departure tax: $32
Optional trip to Bluefields, March 5-8: $300
WHAT WE PROVIDE:
In-country ground transportation
Lodging/Meals/Bottled water
Interpreters
The opportunity to meet your sponsored friend
Lodging and transportation costs for your sponsored friend (and chaperone or local staff)
Planned group activities
ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD
While in Nicaragua, you will enjoy simple accommodations, typically in a retreat center or modest hotel. Married couples and/
or families will be assigned rooms together. For those traveling individually, we will assign a roommate of the same gender.
While running water for showers is available, it might not be heated. Please also remember that the tap water is unsafe for
drinking. Instead, we will provide ample bottled water throughout the trip. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the trip fee,
but there may be occasions when you will have the opportunity to purchase them. Meals are eaten with the group and will be
simple fare from the local cuisine.
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Much of Nicaragua has a tropical climate which is humid. In February, the average temperatures have highs in the upper 80's
and lows in the upper 60's. In July, the average temperatures have highs in the low 90's and lows in the low 70's. Minor tremors
are common in Nicaragua and may occur during the trip.
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
This trip may take routes along winding or rough roads, which can cause motion sickness. Consult with your doctor to see if this
will affect you. Please contact a trip coordinator with any concerns. 5/15 The two Nicaragua trips hosted by Unbound in 2016 will each visit different regions of the country.
Sponsors with sponsored friends in Nicaragua may join either trip as you will have the opportunity
to meet your sponsored friend regardless of the trip chosen. However, we encourage you to choose
the trip that corresponds with your sponsored friend’s subproject. See the mailing labels that accompany your sponsored friend’s letters to determine your friend’s subproject location.
Refer to the next page for more information on the optional trip to Bluefields, Nicaragua. The Bluefields area
subprojects are BAC, BCC, BCC-A, BDN and BNS.
Nicaragua - A
February 27– March 5, 2016
Choose this trip if your friend is in one of the following
Managua subprojects:
ARM*
MES - A
PRM*
BAC
MRM*
SE
BCC
MSD
SJC
BCC-A
MSD - A
SLS
BDN
MTG
SRM*
BNS
MTG - A
SSL
MDM
MUY
TRM*
MDM - A
MUY - A
MES
MZU*
Nicaragua - B
Sonja Pac Luisia
Managua ABS
CH 00525477
Subproject code John and Jane Doe Project name July 23– 30, 2016
Choose this trip if your friend is in one of the following
Managua subprojects:
ABS
PRM*
ARM*
RFA
BSL
SPC
DNC
SRM*
JNA
TRM*
MRM*
USD
MZU*
VFM
PA
* Both trips will visit these subprojects.
OPTIONAL TRIP TO BLUEFIELDS, NICARAGUA
MARCH 5– 8, 2016
Located on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, Bluefields is an ethnically and linguistically diverse port
city. The climate boasts of high temperatures and humidity. The population of approximately 50,000
people includes many immigrants searching for a better life. Extreme poverty and unemployment are
high, forcing many children to work to support their families. Unbound in Bluefields is helping to provide
education and nutrition for these children and teaching families to support and care for each other.
Sponsors attending the Bluefields side trip and who have sponsored friends in Managua subprojects
BAC, BCC, BCC-A, BDN and BNS will meet those sponsored friends during the side trip to Bluefields.
Otherwise, sponsored friends from Bluefields will travel to the Managua area to meet their sponsors.
DATE: The group will fly from Managua to Bluefields on Saturday, March 5 and then return to Managua
on March 7 in order to return to the U.S. from Managua early on March 8, 2016.
FEE: $300 (Includes round-trip flight between Managua and Bluefields, food, lodging and ground
transportation.) Due Nov. 27, 2015.
NEXT STEPS: Complete the form below and return it to Unbound with your trip application.
Return to: Unbound, Attn: Trip Coordinators, 1 Elmwood Ave., Kansas City, KS 66103
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RSVP: OPTIONAL TRIP TO BLUEFIELDS
____ Yes, I am interested in participating in the optional trip to Bluefields in 2016.
____ No, I am not interested in participating in the optional trip to Bluefields in 2016
Printed Name__________________________________________________________________________________
Signature________________________________________________________________________
ASC_____________________
Date ________________________________
01/16
TRIP APPLICATION
Each traveler must complete and submit this form and the Travel Agreement. Submit forms along with a non-refundable
deposit of $100 per person to: Unbound, Attn: Trip Coordinator, 1 Elmwood Avenue, Kansas City, KS, 66103-9816. If applying
within 90 days of the trip’s departure date, please include full payment. Make checks payable to “Unbound.” Submit your
application as soon as possible. Space is limited for each trip. Please print clearly. Fax: 913-384-2211 Email: [email protected]
Member ID: (if applicable) ASC
Trip date
Destination
Name to appear on your name tag (first and last name)
Birth date MM / DD / YYYY Check one
Male
Female
Adult T-shirt size S
M
L XL XXL
Name of Parent/Guardian (if under 18)
Mailing Address
City, State, ZIP
Daytime phone
Cell/Other phone
Email
Preferred contact
Legal/passport name
*Passport Issued By:
Email
Phone
*Passport No.
USA
Other country
*Passport Expiration Date DD Month YYYY
(*)If you are in the process of applying for or renewing a passport, you may submit the information once it is received.
Will you need an interpreter? (Spanish speaking countries only)
Yes
No, I speak Spanish fluently
Travel companion (name and relationship)
Solo travelers are assigned a roommate of the same gender. If you are a solo traveler and would like to be
contacted about the option and cost of a single room, check here. (Not available for all trips.)
Would you like to visit a sponsored friend?
Write the full name of sponsored friend
CH# (if known)
I’d like to visit more than one sponsored friend
and have listed additional names and CH#’s on the
back of this form.
I am interested in sponsoring before the trip.
Please contact me.
(Optional) Please use the space below to tell us about yourself (occupation, interests, etc.).
___
___
___
___
How did you hear about the trip? (circle one or more)
Brochure
Website
Friend/Family
Returning traveler
At church
Letter from my sponsored friend Other ______________
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TRAVEL AGREEMENT
A relationship of mutual respect between sponsor and sponsored person is central to Unbound’s mission.
Unbound Core Value IV
We have developed the following agreement and guidelines for the protection of each sponsored person, the privacy of
travelers, and the integrity of Unbound as an organization. We require that all trip participants adhere to these standards to
ensure a positive and fulfilling experience for all involved. Unbound reserves the right to determine whether a participant’s
behavior is considered offensive or inappropriate and has instructed the local staff to notify Unbound-Kansas if there is a
violation of any policy and to notify local authorities when necessary. This agreement provides standards of behavior including,
but not limited to:
I. Unbound Visit Standards
a.
Sponsors may visit with a specific sponsored friend/family once per calendar year. This visit can occur either on an
awareness trip or through an individual sponsor visit (ISV) scheduled through Unbound’s Kansas City office.
b.
Unbound reserves the right to prioritize first-time travelers visiting their sponsored friend for the first time.
c.
In an effort to offer the awareness trip experience to as many sponsors as possible, Unbound may ask trip participants who
have attended awareness trips to the same destination in consecutive years to refrain from applying for that destination for
one year. Instead, we will invite these travelers to schedule an individual sponsor visit, apply for an awareness trip to
another destination, or wait until the following year before returning to that country on an awareness trip.
d.
Unbound has the right to deny participation on awareness trips for any reason.
II. Behavioral Policies and Guidelines for Travelers
a.
Traveling to another country and with a group requires an extra level of behavioral sensitivity. Treat everyone with respect,
patience, courtesy, dignity and consideration.
b.
Always follow the directions of Unbound staff members.
c.
For security reasons, trip participants must stay with the group and follow the planned itinerary at all times. All personal
engagements must take place prior to the start of the awareness trip or after the trip concludes. No personal itineraries,
agendas, or unregistered guests are permitted during the trip.
d.
Be culturally sensitive when choosing your clothing. Revealing or immodest clothing is inappropriate. Clothing must cover
the knees and shoulders unless otherwise stated in the trip’s pre-departure materials. Do not bring excessive or expensivelooking jewelry.
e.
Never give monetary gifts or other valuable gifts directly to a sponsored person, family member or Unbound staff member.
All monetary gifts must be made through Unbound’s office in Kansas City. This allows us to ensure that your contribution is
used appropriately and effectively, in the best interest of the child or aging friend. Also, we can send you a receipt so that
your gift may be tax deductible. Field offices cannot provide receipts required for tax-deductible donations.
f.
If a sponsored friend or a family member asks for additional monetary or material assistance, please speak with a local
Unbound staff member before agreeing to provide any additional assistance. Remember, monetary gifts may not be given
directly to a sponsored friend or family member. Please be aware that we discourage these types of requests from
sponsored friends and their families.
g.
Randomly distributing gifts in public, including candy and money, is not permitted. Such actions are disrespectful to the
dignity of community residents and can create uncontrollable, chaotic situations.
h.
Excessive consumption of alcohol and/or public drunkenness is not acceptable. Refrain from consuming alcohol in the
presence of sponsored members.
i.
The use or possession of illegal drugs is prohibited at all times. This is a serious offense, subject to the laws of the country
visited.
III. Protection and Consideration of Sponsored Members, Travelers and Staff
a.
A staff member or volunteer of Unbound must accompany you at all times when visiting with sponsored members. For
your and everyone’s protection, you should never be alone with a sponsored member.
b.
Be sensitive to another’s need for space. Sponsored members should not be held, kissed, touched, cuddled or hugged in a
manner that a reasonable person might construe as inappropriate.
c.
Flirting, unwelcome flattery, suggestive comments, or intimate relationships with members of our community or staff is
unacceptable.
d.
Never provide, ask for, accept or record personal contact information (including addresses, phone numbers and email) to
a sponsored friend, family member, or directly to local Unbound staff. All communication during and after the visit must
follow our regular correspondence guidelines.
e.
Do not locate or connect with sponsored friends, their families or Unbound staff through social media sites such as
Facebook or Twitter. Violation of this policy goes against Unbound’s sponsored member protection and communication
policies and may jeopardize your friend’s eligibility for sponsorship and your eligibility to sponsor.
f.
For the protection and well-being of our sponsored families, do not geotag your locations. Please make sure location
services on your GPS enabled devices, such as smartphones and cameras, are turned off. Refer to your user's manual for
information on how to disable geotagging. For example, a geotagged photo includes specific geographical data, which can
then be pulled from the photo when posted to social media, emailed or shared in any other digital format.
g.
Do not ask for or accept accommodation with the family of a sponsored friend or staff member during or following the
trip.
h.
Do not offer or accept a petition to bring a sponsored friend to visit or reside in the U.S. or your country of origin.
Non-compliance with the aforementioned standards or recommendations of local Unbound staff could result in the loss of
visiting privileges or termination of sponsorship. If, during your visit, you observe others acting inappropriately or
inconsistent with these standards, please report this activity immediately to the local Unbound staff.
I have read, understand and agree to abide by the aforementioned Travel Agreement. I have also read and understand the
Awareness Trip Payment and Cancellation Policy.
Printed Name
Date
Signature
A copy of this Travel Agreement will be in the travel guide included in your confirmation packet.
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Keep this page for your files. Do not return it to Unbound.
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY
PAYMENTS
All trips require a $100 non-refundable deposit, which is applied to the total trip fee. The trip fee is the same for adults and
children. The trip fee includes: in-country ground transportation, meals as outlined on the trip itinerary, bottled water,
lodging, planned group activities, interpreter services, and the cost of your sponsored friend’s transportation, meals and
lodging in relation to their visit with you. The trip fee does not include: airfare for international travel, airfare for flights within
the destination country (unless otherwise stated), passport, travel medical insurance, immunizations, entrance and/or
departure fees, visa, trip cancellation insurance, and alcoholic beverages.
Full payment is due 90 days prior to the trip’s departure, unless otherwise stated in your confirmation letter.
To register for a trip within 30-90 days of a trip’s departure, submit full payment with the application.
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Some of our trips may have a waiting list. If the trip you apply for is full, you will be placed on a waiting list and your
deposit will be returned to you. A trip coordinator will contact you if a space becomes available.
The trip fee (including the deposit) is not tax-deductible, because you receive a service in exchange for payment.
We only accept payments made by credit card, EFT or check (personal or cashier's). Personal checks are only accepted
in U.S. dollars from bank accounts within the United States.
Unbound cannot guarantee a visit with sponsored friends due to unforeseen circumstances that may arise. No refund will
be issued if a visit does not occur.
Your sponsorship contributions must be current to travel on an Unbound awareness trip.
Private rooms are available for married couples and families. Individual travelers will be assigned a roommate. Single
occupancy rooms are available in some areas for an additional fee. This fee varies by trip and is confirmed approximately
one month prior to departure. When a single room is available, requests are accommodated on a first-come basis. Single
room requests should be made in advance.
CANCELLATION BY TRAVELER
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Notify a trip coordinator as soon as possible if you must cancel for any reason.
If a traveler must cancel his/her trip prior to the payment due date, the deposit can be transferred to a future trip no
more than twice, and must be applied toward a trip in the next two years. Unless otherwise stated in your confirmation
letter, the payment due date is 90 days before departure for most trips.
Deposits cannot be transferred to a future trip if the traveler cancels after the payment due date.
If a traveler needs to cancel his/her trip prior to two weeks before departure, trip payments made to Unbound excluding
the $100 deposit are refundable, unless otherwise stated.
In the event of a cancellation by the traveler within two weeks of departure, the refund amount will depend on
reservation expenses already incurred.
No refund will be given if a trip participant cancels after the scheduled trip activities have begun or chooses to leave the
trip for any reason.
No refund will be given if a trip participant is traveling without a confirmed seat assignment (e.g. standby) and needs to
cancel on the arrival day or thereafter.
CANCELLATION BY UNBOUND
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Unbound reserves the right to cancel an awareness trip. In the event of a trip cancellation by Unbound, all trip payments
made to Unbound including the $100 deposit will be fully refunded for registered participants.
Unbound requires a minimum of 12 paying travelers for each awareness trip. If registration has not reached 12 confirmed
travelers by the trip payment due date, Unbound may cancel the trip.
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