Travelers

Travel Preparation Process

Step 1: Tour Registration

Do you already know the tour that you want to register for? If so, find it on the list and submit your details. If not, no problem! Find one of our many tours of interest and register for it. You can also choose to customize a tour to fit your interests & time schedule. Contact us for more details.

Step 2: Tour Deposit & Passport Copy

Within 48 hours of registration, submit your deposit either by mail with a check (payable to CelestialVoyagers) or by phone with a credit card. This will secure your space on the tour. In addition, send us a copy of your passport to verify your information for all tickets. If you do not yet have a passport, begin the process to obtain one and then send us the scanned copy as soon as you receive it. Upon receipt of your registration and deposit, you will be mailed a Statement of Account with the total tour amount due and any payments you have made thus far. You will also see the due date for the final tour payment.

Step 3: Passports, Visas & Parental Authorization

• All passengers traveling outside of the United States (including tours to Canada and Mexico) will require a passport.
  The following instructions are for those who hold United States citizenship. Your passport must be valid at least 6 months after the tour’s return date and must have at least 3 empty visa pages. If you already have your passport, verify that it meets these criteria. If not, you will need to begin the renewal process. If you do not have your passport, you should begin the application process immediately, as it could take up to 14 weeks to process.
  Please note that if you do not hold United States citizenship, you will need to contact your home country’s embassy for the process of international travel when departing from the United States.
• Depending on the destination, you may also require a tourist visa.
  Contact our visa services partner where you will find the specific requirements for each destination country. You can also find more information and specific requirements on the consulate websites of the destination countries and layover countries. Because the applicant must complete the visa application, we depend on you to take care of this step but will be available to answer any questions and clarify specific visa requirements.
• For tours going to Mexico, Belize, or Brazil, children under the age of 18 require a Parental Authorization Form to be signed and notarized within 30 days of the tour departure date. CelestialVoyagers will send you the form a few months prior to your departure date. Please ensure that you bring the form with you because it is required to get through customs in these countries.

Step 4: Additional Services

It is highly recommended that all participants purchase travel insurance to cover any unexpected issues while abroad (flight delays, baggage loss, emergency services). You can choose your plan through our partners, Allianz Travel. Should you have any questions about a specific insurance policy, please contact them. All information is provided on their website.
Aside from travel insurance, you can choose to request additional tour Add-Ons, Optionals, or Extensions. Any additional services that you request will be added to your Statement of Account and you will be billed accordingly. Make sure to sign up and pay for the excursions in full prior to the final payment due date found on your Statement of Account.

Step 5: Get Informed

Discuss with your tour organizer or leader to learn about any expectations and requirements while on the tour. You may also wish to give your input about any excursions or add-ons that you would like to do while at the destination.

Step 6: Save up and raise funds

Now that you’ve paid your initial deposit, your space is secured. It’s time to start saving! Your Tour Leader may also have opportunities for your group to fundraise.

Step 7: Tour Payment

Make sure to pay the final payment by the due date shown on your Statement of Account. If not, you will be charged a $100 late fee and be responsible for any increase in prices based on the original quoted tour price. If you have asked for any additional excursions or services, you will be responsible for this amount as well by that final due date. We prefer that you pay by check, made payable to CelestialVoyagers, and mail it to the address below. Please include the tour number and your name on the check.

CelestialVoyagers
27-28 Thomson Ave., Suite WS 11
Long Island City, NY 11101

Thank you.

Sample Packing List

The bottom line for any trip abroad: Pack light! Keep in mind you’ll be toting your own luggage around at the airports and hotels, and we cannot guarantee the availability of an elevator. Also, make sure that you can climb at least 1 flight of stairs with your luggage and that it meets the airline’s baggage weight requirement. You will be responsible for paying any overweight charges on-site at the airport.
To prevent this, bring only what you need—ideally in one suitcase and one carry-on bag. To sort it all out, see our packing tips below. You can also create your own personalized packing list online.

Clothing

Keep in mind that some religious sites require that shirts cover the shoulders and arms, and some do not allow shorts, short skirts or flip-flops.

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Shirts (short- and long-sleeved)
• Socks and underwear
• Shorts/pants/jeans
• Pajamas
• Bathing suit (if applicable)
• Dressier outfit and shoes (reserved for a special night out)
• Raincoat and/or umbrella

Toiletries (travel size)

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Soap
• Deodorant
• Hairbrush/comb
• Sunscreen
• Spare set of contact lenses/glasses (if applicable)

Money

• ATM card (call your bank prior to departure to alert them of the trip; foreign purchases sometimes result in a hold on bank accounts)
• Personal credit card
• At least $50 converted to foreign currency of the first country that you’re visiting – Pouch for storing money and passport under clothing (available at travel stores)

Electronics

• Alarm clock (many hotel rooms won’t have one) – Memory cards
• Adaptor/converter (available at electronic stores)
• Camera with ample batteries (batteries can be expensive abroad)

Documents

• Passport – remember to bring a photocopy of it (in case it is lost) and leave one copy at home.
• Visas (if applicable)
• A copy of the tour itinerary
• A list of important phone numbers and addresses to send postcards home
• Copy of any prescriptions (Customs officials may want to verify that a container’s contents match its label, so all medication should be carried in their original containers.)
• Any school supplies and books needed for your coursework (if applicable)

Carry-on bag

Here’s a short list of things you might need on the first day of the trip. Pack them in your carry-on just in case your checked luggage is delayed.

• Passport
• Money – Airline ticket
• Toothbrush and toothpaste (remember, toothpaste needs to go in a one-quart Ziploc bag, and can’t be bigger than 3 oz.)
• Hairbrush
• Contact lens case/glasses (to sleep comfortably on the plane)
• A change of clothes
• Medication
• Any valuables

Items NOT to bring:

• Pillow
• Blankets/Sheets
• Food – you will be fined upon landing for any perishable items (fruits, meats, breads, etc.). This holds true for your return to the United States.
• Anything that you would be devastated to lose such as expensive jewelry/accessories & technology devices.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Deposit

A deposit of $500 is due upon registration, at least 91 days prior to departure.

Cancellations, Penalties and Fees

All changes and cancellations must be provided in writing: