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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ~ Funky People 2009 Brazil 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 2009 Brazil 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?
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 agents well in advance with your request for pricing and options.
(3) I've heard alot about Brazil and would love to go, 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, Trendsetters Tours has over 15 years experience in arranging group tours to Brazil having worked with many celebrities, magazine publications, and radio station personalities including Michael Baisden, WBLS in NY, WHUR in Washington, DC, WDAS in Philadelphia, Sister 2 Sister Magazine, etc. This will be the second 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?
A big misconception about this trip is that the Brazil Tour itinerary is jam packed and always geared for the travel group as a whole. That could not be further from the truth. In mid September 2009, attendees that are paid in full and booked will receive a final schedule of our activity plans, hotel nieghborhood maps, Brazil Travel Tips, recommended places to dine, and a list of some really cool things to do & see during your free time.
Although we'll provide daily group interaction and socializing, UNDERSTAND that this is your vacation to enjoy. Our travelers consist of couples, friends, and singles (ages 30-50) who have varied personalities. 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 pre-trip research, arrange additional sightseeing tours, and plan your very own Brazilian adventure. Use our suggestions provided upon arrival or grab some ideas from our '07 pics.
(5) Will I need a US passport for this trip? How do I get a Brazil Tourist Visa?
A Brazil Tourist Visa is also mandatory and the second requirement to enter Brazil. Funky People Online, it's agents and vendors will not be responsible for you acquiring this crucial document before our trip. US citizens can obtain a Visa from the Consulate of Brazil. Many US cities have an office of the Consulate of Brazil, so check local listings for the best location near you. Since the Consulate of Brazil will only issue a Visa to US travelers who possess a valid passport and a print out of a confirmed airline ticket, we advise that you begin the Visa process only after you have completed full payment for your trip and received your confirmation documents. (For our trip this will be about mid-September 2009.) This is a 2-14-day administrative process (and an additional cost of about $130). However, once obtained, a Brazil Tourist Visa is valid for 5 years of unlimited entry. Start your Visa application process online by selecting Visa Request at: https://scedv.serpro.gov.br/frscedv/index.jsp. Visit the website for the Consulate of Brazil in New York for questions and answers on the entire Visa process at: http://en.brazilny.org/index.php?/consulado/anchor/tourist/.
(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) How do I reserve a trip space? How do I contact your travel agent? 
(1) Who can attend this trip? Is it only for men?
Our travel group and website is headquartered in the NYC/NJ area, but the Funky People Online membership is spread across the US. You are welcome to attend this vacation no matter where you live. 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 agent to 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 "Rio Only" package includes: roundtrip airfare, airport ground transfers, hotel accommodations, breakfast everyday, a Welcome to Rio Dinner & Show Reception (nite tour), 2 Sightseeing Day Tours in Rio and exclusive private transportation. The "Rio & Salvador da Bahia" packages should also add: flights to Salvador from Rio, ground transfers to/from Salvador hotel, hotel accommodations, breakfaast everyday in Bahia, 2 Sightseeing Day Tours in Bahia, Bahia by Night Dinner Show (nite tour), plus exclusive private transportation. See the trip page for pricing options.
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! Rio de Janiero and Salvador da Bahia 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.
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. There's at least 12-18 hours of free time a day (add 4-6 more hours if you don't sleep, lol). Typical tours last a half day, with evening tours ending shortly after dinner (see 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 June 1, 2010, it must be renewed in order to travel with our group this coming October 2009. Check your expiration date! 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 October 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 Rio on the morning of Friday October 9th, our overnight flight plans are scheduled for a Thursday evening departure (10/8) from NY. The tour packages count the actual number of days spent "on the ground in Brazil", which will be 5 days in Rio and 9 days total for Rio & Salvador. Total travel time between most Eastern US cities and Rio de Janiero, Brazil is about 12-14 hours each way. Thus, the Rio only group that leaves Brazil on Tuesday October 13th, will actually land back in NY on Wednesday morning (10/14), while the Bahia group leaves Brazil on Saturday October 17th and touches down in NY on Sunday morning (10/18).
There are only 25 seats available for this trip. 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 (August 14, 2009). Our package prices will only be guaranteed upon recieving a trip deposit of $300. Prices are subject to change at anytime. Seating prices and availability will change dramatically as October 2009 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.
We are currently accepting reservations, and interested attendees can contact our travel agent for last minute details. Trendsetters Travel and Tours specializes in group vacations for Brazil and Gerard "Gerry" Pitchford (braziltravelagent@funkypeopleonline.com) is the travel agent coordinator working with the Funky People travel group. When calling, be sure to indicate you're with Tee Alford & Funky People Online and how you heard about the Brazil trip so that he can quickly assist you. If you find that contacting Mr. Pitchford by phone is difficult, please follow-up with an e-mail outlining your booking needs. There are many other people traveling to Brazil, and Mr. Pitchford will return your contact as promptly as possible..