1.WHAT COSTS ARE NOT COVERED IN THE COST OF THE TRIP?
- Participants transportation to/from Washington Dulles International Airport
- Optional side trips/tours/excursions
- Additional meals and snacks (most meals are included in the package price of the trip)
- Additional transportation (if you choose, in your “free time”, public cabs/trams are available and inexpensive) Never go off alone. Always have a buddy!
2. WHAT ARE THE DRESS CODES?
- As it will be summer there, modest summer attire is acceptable, and for worship services, appropriate casual “church” attire (no suits or ties required)
- For the Gypsy neighborhoods, tennis shoes or any closed toe shoes are encouraged. The neighborhoods are very dirty and often have raw open sewage running in the streets. Although flip-flops are comfortable, they are not the most appropriate for the neighborhoods. (wear them around the hotel)
- Since Turkey is a Muslim nation, we suggest that women don’t wear tank tops or short shorts while in Turkey.
3. WHAT IS THE DEPARTURE DATE/CITY/TIME?
- Each participant is responsible for his own transportation to/from: Washington Dulles International Airport
- Arrival at the Washington Dulles Airport at least four (4) hours prior to the International departure is required
Group Flight
Washington Dulles à Munich, Germany
DATE: Thursday, August 2nd, 2007
Departure Time: 7:59 pm
FROM: Washington Dulles, International Airport
Airline: Lufthansa
Flight Number: 415
Arrival Time: 10:15 am
Munich, Germany à Bucharest, Romania
DATE: Friday, August 3rd, 2007
Departure Time: 1:15 pm
FROM: Munich Franz Straus Airport
Airline: Lufthansa
Flight Number: 3422
Arrival Time: 4:10 pm
4. WHAT IS THE RETURN DATE/CITY/TIME?
Istanbul, Turkey à Frankfurt, Germany
DATE: Wednesday, August 15th 2007
Departure Time: 6:05 am
FROM: Istanbul Ataturk Airport
Airline: Lufthansa
Flight Number: 3345
Arrival Time: 8:05 am
Frankfurt, Germany à Washington Dulles International Airport
DATE: Wednesday, August 15th 2007
Departure Time: 9:55 am
FROM: Frankfurt International Airport
Airline: Lufthansa
Flight Number: 416
Arrival Time: 12:45 pm
*You may find it necessary to take pre- or post days off from work to make the airline connection, but that is up to you.
5. WHAT ARE THE ENTRY/DEPARTURE REQUIREMENTS INTO AND OUT OF ROMANIA, BULGARIA & TURKEY?
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VISA: No visas are required for a stay of up to 30 days in Romania and Bulgaria. A visa is required to enter Turkey. The cost of the visa is included in the package price. Visa arrangements will be made at the Turkish border in route to Istanbul.
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Non-US Participants may need visas to enter one or all of the three countries Romania/Bulgaria/Turkey. Please check with your corresponding Consulate or Embassy for visa requirements.
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Passports: Must be valid at least six (6) months beyond the return date from Turkey. For example, passport must be valid until December 15th 2007.
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Your passport must be on your person (not in a purse or fanny pack) unless otherwise directed.
6. WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN ROMANIA, BULGARIA AND TURKEY?
Typically it is very warm and humid that time of the year. Sun-block and hats are always a good idea. The last few years the lord has really blessed us with warm dry days, protective cloud coverage and plenty of refreshing breezes, so we just ask again that he bless us this year with more of the same! ~ Thank you Lord!
Romania- Average High- 83 Average Low 59 degrees
Bulgaria- Average High- 78 Average Low 57 degrees
Turkey- Average High- 82 Average Low 65 degrees
(But it’s definitely a good idea to bring a light jacket and jeans/pants for the evenings)
7. WHAT IS THE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE?
As there is restricted space for luggage on the bus and planes, each participant will be allowed one (1) checked bag. The bag is not to exceed fifty (50) pounds and 62" (l+w+h). One carry-on bag is allowed, not exceeding 17 (Seventeen) pounds and 45" (l+w+h), Also one personal item such as a small purse or brief case is allowed in addition to your carry-on. Please be sure to follow the weight/size guidelines. You will be responsible to pay any additional weight charges.
8. CAN I BRING GIFTS TO THE GYPSIES?
It’s a wonderful blessing to be able to give to the poor. If you have a heart to bless the Gypsies with gifts, here are a few suggestions:
- New winter clothes for adults and children (if bringing used items, make sure they are in good clean condition please!)
- Tooth brushes and toothpaste (ask your dentist to make a donation!)
- Toys
- Shoes
- Jewelry for the little girls
Any toys you would like to bring for the children will be given to the local churches and distributed after we leave. This arrangement has been instituted for the safety and well being of both mission participants and children. It is very important that you follow these instructions, and save the toy distribution for the local churches.
Upon arrival, instructions will be given concerning these extra items brought for blessings/gifts. Please do not bring candy! This is a must. We have learned the hard way that candy in NOT a good idea. We have encountered stampedes of children when candy is passed out…so instead of candy bring them a toothbrush! :o)
Georgian has requested that each participant also bring celebratory items (tambourines, ribbon streamers, flags, banners, whistles, noise makers, etc) to be left with the Gypsies.
If you are a musician, your instrument may be checked with the airline as a second piece of luggage, but be sure the container/case is sturdy, as luggage handlers are not know for gentleness.
Please, please, please understand that space will be very limited and we are traveling to a new hotel nearly every day, so pack light!
9. MUST I BE A US CITIZEN TO PARTICIPATE?
No, citizens from other countries are encouraged to participate. However, if you are not a US citizen, you will need to check with your travel agent when purchasing your ticket for entry/Departure guidelines.
The following web site may be helpful as well: www.g3visas.com
10. MUST I LIVE IN THE US TO PARTICIPATE?
No, however, if a participant is not traveling from with the US with the group, he/she must make his own transportation arrangements to Bucharest, Romania and meet up with the group at the airport or hotel, and must depart from the group from Istanbul.
The price for those participants will be a land package price only, which will be calculated after the initial deposit is made.
11. IF I ONLY SPEAK ENGLISH, CAN I PARTICIPATE?
Yes! There will be translators for the group however, each participant will not have his/her own translator.
12. WHAT TYPE OF ITEMS ARE NECESSARY TO BRING FOR THIS TRIP?
- Each participant will need his own toiletries and clothes.
- Comfortable walking shoes will be a necessity.
- It is advised to bring your own supply of toilet paper for personal use, especially in the more rural areas. (Pocket packs of tissue paper, or Charmin’s portable travel rolls work great)
- If you are bringing any sort of electrical devices, it is necessary to convert the electricity with an adaptor/transformer pack as the electrical current is 220. Most hotel rooms provide hair dyers and irons are available upon request. If you need to buy an adaptor/transformer pack, you can find them at Wal-Mart or a luggage store.
- Antibacterial hand wipes and/gel to carry with you during the day to clean your hand is necessary.
- Hand laundry can be done, but do not anticipate regular laundry/dry cleaning facilities at all locations.
- Ear plugs and an eye mask are good idea for attempting to sleep on the plane or for afternoon naps (or while your roommate is awake and you are trying to sleep!)
- Melatonin or Tylenol PM is a good idea to bring to help adjust to the new time zone. Eastern Europe is 7 hours different from the East Coast, so you may need help getting to sleep the first night or two.
- Peptol Bismal and Imodium are also a good idea to bring, especially if you have any problems adjusting to new foods.
- It is also a good idea to pack a full change of clothes with you in your carry-on in case your luggage is delayed or lost on the international flight.
13. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT I SHOULD NOT BRING?
Personal laptops are not needed on this trip. We travel at a very fast pace, and there wont be a lot of time to use them, plus there are internet cafés in most cities we will be in. Also, do not bring an attitude that you are traveling alone and that your actions do not affect anyone else; you are traveling as a member of a group. Please remember to be on time, every time, because we have a very busy schedule. Our schedule is constantly changing, so please be flexible and cooperative. Since we are such a large group, be mindful that things may not be done the way you want. Please keep in mind the reason we are there: to serve, to bless, and to be a joy. Sometimes serving is not always convenient or easy, so we are asking you to be flexible.
14. ARE THERE CULTURAL DIFFERENCES OF WHICH I SHOULD BE AWARE SO AS NOT OF OFFEND ANYONE?
Please keep in mind that modesty in dress is essential.
15. HOW WILL I GET IN TOUCH WITH MY FAMILY TO LET THEM KNOW THAT I’VE ARRIVED SAFELY?
We know that many of you will want to let your loved ones back at home know that you have arrived safely. Our web host and photographer Niki Crosby will set up a Romania/Bulgaria/Turkey 2007 website that will be updated daily with pictures and journal accounts of each city we journey to. Your friends and family can visit the website, track our progress, see our faces, hear about the miracles, and most importantly pray for our journey. Also, it is most likely that there will be internet access at the hotel, or internet café’s close by that you can use to email your family and friends.
16. HOW DO I EXCHANGE CURRENCY?
When we arrive into each country, we will set aside time for the group to exchange money.
17. WHAT IS THE CURRENCY OF BULGARIA?
Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian Leva. The exchange rate fluctuates daily. The current exchange rate is $1US = 1.4622 BGN (Leva)
18. WHAT IS THE CURRENCY OF Turkey?
The currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira. As with Bulgaria, the exchange rate fluctuates daily. The current exchange rate is: $1US = 1,3715 TRL (Turkish Lira)
19. ARE CREDIT CARDS AND TRAVELER’S CHECKS READILY ACCEPTED IN ROMANIA, BULGARIA & TURKEY?
No, it is highly recommended that you anticipate using cash only. US dollars brought for exchange should be ‘clean’ currency: Bills should have no marking, writing, ink, stamps, etc. on them. You may request new or clean, unmarked bills from your local bank.
20. SHOULD I BRING MY CAMERA/VIDEO CAMERA?
Yes definitely. However, please be aware of the common courtesies required when photographing/filming those of other cultures.
Here’s a tip from Niki Crosby, our trip photographer:
This trip is a fantastic photo opportunity! If you are a returning member, I have found that it is a very special gift to present the Gypsies with any photos you've taken of them the previous year.
I would suggest digital cameras over film, as the X-ray machines at the airports, both in checked and carry on luggage, damage film, no matter what the security guards tell you.
In the past I have been able to talk security into swiping my film, as opposed to scanning, but it does take some extra time and may result in missing a flight if we have a short layover, so it's not the most fool-proof solution.
21. ONCE MY NAME IS ON AN AIRLINE TICKET, WHAT CHANGES MAY BE ALLOWED?
None. When you are ticketed, that ticket belongs to you. These tickets are only good for the flights booked. They have no cash valued or value for future travel. All participants will be "ticketed" on the final payment due date.
