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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ~ Funky People 2013 Brazil Carnival Tour
ABSOLUTELY NOT, Funky People Online does not plan or produce events exclusively for men or any other group. We are a professional network, social entertainment and travel group that produces diverse activities for people of all backgrounds with a particular mindset. If you're "Funky and progressive in your interests and activities", and like to socialize with similar personalities from different locales, then you are very welcome to join us. Just view our photo gallery of previous FP events to see what we've been doing. Besides, the very nature of the 2013 Brazil Carnival Tour itinerary should indicate that this will be another complete cultural immersion, designed to provide you with a relaxing, memorable vacation experience (as all of our trips are).
(2) What's included in my/our booking options? Can I depart from Miami or another airport?
Yes, If you reside in the mid-west, western or southern part of the US and would like to attend this trip, we can arrange for departure out of Miami International Airport or elsewhere as an option. Note that your package costs and minimum deposit payment terms will differ from our NYC depature packages. Your flight times and dates of travel may also differ. You should plan to secure any domestic flight connections to Miami from your area. Contact our travel planners well in advance with your request for pricing and options. Late or last minute planning will be extra costly for this trip.
(3) I would love to trave to Brazil, but why should I/we travel with a group?
There are always added benefits of traveling with a group besides the obvious security in numbers. Group package pricing buffers the individual or pair of travelers from hidden add-on costs associated with overseas travel. Other bonuses include: always having a group travel representative to assist you if needed, private transfers, private tours with English speaking guides, and vacation group travel experience. The Funky People Online members are well traveled and a really cool bunch as well! Our travel agent, Tra-Val Tours has over 20 years experience in arranging group tours to Brazil. This will be the fourth Funky People Online group tour to Brazil following several successful international trips since 2006.
(4) What will the group do while in Brazil? How much free time will I have?
One big misconception about our travel itinerary is that it is geared to always keep the travel group together as a whole. That could not be further from the truth. You can do as much OR as little as you wish - there'll be lots of cultural entertainment to explore on during Carnival! For your reference in January 2013, our trip planners will provide all attendees with a final schedule of our Carnival activity plans, hotel nieghborhood maps, Brazil Travel Tips & Things to Know, a 2013 Carnival Event Schedule and recommended places to dine, and a list of some really cool things to do & see. However, if you desire to just relax on the beach with a book, shop 'til you drop, dance all nite, or just do nothing at all - we won't be offended! Do your own web research, arrange activities for very own Brazilian adventure. You can even grab some ideas from our Brazil pics and videos.
(5) Will I need a US passport for this trip? How do I get a Brazil Tourist Visa?
A Brazil Tourist Visa is the second requirement and also mandatory to enter Brazil. Funky People Online, it's agents and vendors will not be responsible for YOU acquiring this crucial document before our trip. You should begin the Visa process only after you have completed full payment for your trip and received your confirmation documents. (This will be in early January 2013.) Expect a 10-15 day administrative Via process at an additional cost of about $60 to 160 to you. US citizens can obtain a Visa from the Consulate or Embassy of Brazil. Most US cities have an office of the Consulate of Brazil, so check local listings for the best location near you at: http://brazil.embassy-online.net/Brazil-Consulate-General-New-York.php. An alternative method is to use an expediting service for faster mistake-free Visa processing. Attendees of our prior Brazil trips have had satisfactory results using this option. We highly recommend contacting, ItsEasy Passport & Visa Service!
(6) If I make my own travel plans to Brazil, can I join the Funky People group that week?
(7) Why are the USA departure and arrival dates different from the actual trip dates?
(8) When is the deadline for reservations? Can I make payment arrangements?
We can assist you with a monthly payment schedule, if requested. Simply contact us with your travel intentions (occupancy, package option, etc). Our travel agent will determine your total cost and then advise you of the installment timeline. Your reservation only begins with a travel form and a deposit submission. You can make smaller multiple payments over time based on your package costs and the time reamining before the final payment deadline. Trip payments are refundable, but refer to the cancellation penalties on the travel form. You can also purchase travel/cancellation insurance to cover your trip as well.
(9) There's so much to consider, what's the best way to prepare for Brazil's Carnival experience?
(10) I want to reserve my seat, dow do I contact your travel planners for this trip?
(1) Who can attend this trip? Is this trip only for men?
ANYONE! Our adult travel group and website is based in the DC metro area, but the Funky People Online membership of professionals, artists and outgoing personalities (ages 30-55) is spread across the US and world. We have produced entertainment events in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Washington, DC for the past twenty years. You are welcome to attend this vacation no matter where you live, just realize that trip rates will differ slightly depending on your home city and times of travel. If you desire, you can arrange a custom package to fit your budget. Our main travel group will depart/arrive the US using New York's JFK International Airport or Miami International Airport and you can have our planners coordinate air connections via your city. Our package rates do not cover flight connections to NYC and Miami from your city.
You can choose to have your own room or share with one or two other people. There are no quad rooms. Have our travel agent secure a package for you with a minimum deposit. The "Salvador Bahia Carnival" package includes: roundtrip int'l airfare, airport ground transfers, hotel accommodations, breakfast everyday, a Welcome to Reception & Carnival Orientation, exclusive private transportation. The "Salvador & Rio de Janiero" packages should also add: flights to Rio from Salvador, ground transfers to/from Rio hotel, hotel accommodations, and breakfaast everyday in Rio. Depending on your preference, you can add tours and/or VIP Carnival Party events for each city. See the trip page for pricing options of the various packages.
The Funky People travel group coordinates vacation travel to worldly locations that appeal to our interest in rich history, and the Afro-Latin-Carribean culture. Brazil is very significant in it's connection to the African-American and Latin culture and religion. It is a recommended experience for anyone of color or of African and Latino descent. Don't go by what you've heard - experience the beauty of this country yourself! Salvador da Bahia and Rio de Janiero have plenty of coastal beaches, restaurants, upscale boutiques, malls and nitelife to offer for couples, friends, single women, single men, and groups of any size. As with most developing countries, it is no more or no less safe for foreign travelers than similar destinations in the Caribbean and Central America. For those who have never been to Brazil, it is our personal recommendation that your first experience occur during Carnival - your spirit will forever be changed!
The activity highlight for this trip will be Carnival! Are you kidding? You'll be smack in the middle of the most electric, energetic annual cultural event on the planet! Depending your package, you can add a different experience to your Brazil visit. We recommend the Tourist package if your budget fits! Or, for the more adventurous revelers, the VIP Carnival package will blow your mind! There's at least 12-18 hours of free time a day (even more if you choose not to sleep, lol). The typical sightseeing day tours last only a half day. Travel group activities are scheduled with enough time left the day to explore the allure of Brazil as much as you want on your own. (see the itinerary)
YES, a valid passport is mandatory to enter Brazil. You must also ensure that your current passport does not expire within six months of entry to Brazil. This means that if your US passport expires anytime before August 1, 2013, it must be renewed in order to travel with our group for February 2013. Check your expiration date now! Get this document in order first as you cannot even apply for a Brazil Visa unless your US passport meets Brazil's passport expiration requirements - NO EXCEPTIONS. Do not delay your trip departure in February 2013 by failing to meet this first requirement. Go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html to apply for or renew a US Passport.
NOT LIKELY. Access to find our group even at public venues while in Brazil will be difficult as only FP travelers will know our exact group schedule when they arrive. Admittance on the scheduled day tours, entertainment venues, and activities in Rio and Bahia will be exclusive to paid FP travelers. Our priority will be to focus on the travel comfort of our vacation group members. To guarantee Funky People group inclusion, make travel arrangements via our agent. If you are not familiar with this country we strongly advise you to travel with an experienced group like ours. Your trip will be far more enjoyable, since we've already done this several times before!
In order to arrive in Salvador on mid-day of Friday February 8th, our overnight flight plans are scheduled for a Thursday evening departure (2/7) from NY. The tour packages count the actual number of days spent "on the ground in Brazil", which will be 7 days in Bahia and 10 days total for Salvador & Rio. Total travel time between most Eastern US cities and Rio de Janiero, Brazil is about 12-14 hours each way. Thus, the Salvador only group that leaves Brazil on Wednesday February 15th, will actually land back in NY on Thursday morning (2/14), while the Rio group leaves Brazil on Sunday February 16th and touches down in NY on Monday morning (2/18).
Reservations are made on a "first-come, first-serve" basis. You can still join us until spaces are filled or up until the final booking/payment deadline (December 1, 2012). Our package prices will only be guaranteed upon recieving a trip deposit of $400. Prices are subject to change at anytime. Seating prices and availability will change dramatically as December 2012 approaches. The later you wait, the more you should expect to pay. It is wise to plan well ahead for a trip like this - start talking now to someone who is serious about going.
For first timers, we can assure you this will be the most unique experience ever. The happiness and energy expressed by the locales will be unrivaled to any Carnival you may have seen or been a part of. Our package options are quite simple, first decide if you wish to visit one city or two. Then choose your desired level of socializing. Just being in Brazil during Carnival will be great experience for most. We recommend, however, the tourist package, but the Carnival VIP package is good to consider as well. Just note, the Camarotes are elevated grandstands or cabins along the parade route. Blocos are the street parade groups that move with each Trio. Everyone belonging to a specific Trio-Bloco is identified by a shirt called an Abada. Both camarotes and blocos are semi-to-all inclusive, are secure from the public parade crowds, and offer an exclusive view/access to the Carnival experience. There are plenty of websites that detail more about Brazil's Carnival, or you can read our travel tips here. Use these video links to watch a glimpse of the atmosphere you can expect while visiting: Salvador's Carnival and Rio's Carnival!
Call us after March 1st to submit your reservation deposits! Use brazilcarnival2013@funkypeopleonline.com) to inquire quickly about any aspect of this trip. You can also call our travel planners, Monday-Saturday, 9am-6pm ET at 347.903.8659 to have your questions answered. Please be patient when calling during peak times of the business day, planners may be busy assisting other callers for other trips. We suggest to always follow-up an unanswered call with a brief e-mail clearly outlining your booking needs and interest. 
Make sure to indicate you are referring to this specific trip. Your contact will be returned promptly, when our planners become available. It's time to start early budgeting and time planning! Our travel partner, Tra-Val Services, is experienced in Belize travel since 2001, and looks forward to handling all arrangements for our vacation group. See you at Carnival!