California - LA and San Fran - ENERGISE Trip 2019/20
INFORMATION
Urban Heartbeat offers tours to the great cities of the world, allowing you to be immersed in the local ways of life, whilst enjoying a variety of fitness activities that will make you feel great! We've done all the time-consuming research for you, so all you need to do is get on board for the adventure of a lifetime. So what are you waiting for?!
The tour will begin in Los Angeles on Saturday December 28th 2019 and conclude in San Francisco at approx midday on Saturday January 4th 2020.
We advise for you to get flights into Los Angeles Airport on the 28th December and then out of San Francisco Airport on January 4th. However, you can also return from Los Angeles Airport on January 4th as we will be returning by car to LA on this day also. Please enquire if you have questions about this.
NEXT STEPS:
To confirm your place on this exciting tour, you will need to provide us with your deposit. This can be done via our sign-up page either through our PayPal link or via a direct bank transfer to our Australian based bank.
Following your deposit, we will require the following necessary information which we will collect from you via email after you have made your deposit. This includes:
· Registration information (general personal information for us to complete your bookings)
· Emergency contacts information
· Urban Heartbeat Contract – please read through the contract which is located on our payment page before you make your deposit.
Please look through the itinerary for the tour, this general further information, as well as responses to our frequently asked questions. We hope that all of this information answers any questions you may have, however, if you do have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us either by phone or email to discuss.
The tour will begin in Los Angeles on Saturday December 28th 2019 and conclude in San Francisco at approx midday on Saturday January 4th 2020.
We advise for you to get flights into Los Angeles Airport on the 28th December and then out of San Francisco Airport on January 4th. However, you can also return from Los Angeles Airport on January 4th as we will be returning by car to LA on this day also. Please enquire if you have questions about this.
NEXT STEPS:
To confirm your place on this exciting tour, you will need to provide us with your deposit. This can be done via our sign-up page either through our PayPal link or via a direct bank transfer to our Australian based bank.
Following your deposit, we will require the following necessary information which we will collect from you via email after you have made your deposit. This includes:
· Registration information (general personal information for us to complete your bookings)
· Emergency contacts information
· Urban Heartbeat Contract – please read through the contract which is located on our payment page before you make your deposit.
Please look through the itinerary for the tour, this general further information, as well as responses to our frequently asked questions. We hope that all of this information answers any questions you may have, however, if you do have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us either by phone or email to discuss.
General Further Information
ITINERARY CHANGES
Our itinerary may be updated before or during the tour to incorporate changes out of our control. Please note that while we endeavour to follow the provided itinerary, some changes may occur in our itineraries due to inclement weather, local circumstances or events and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route, schedule, amenities and modes of transport. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary from time to time, based on the aforementioned reasons.
INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is compulsory for all participants. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
You won't be permitted to join the tour until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been provided to us.
If you have credit card insurance, we will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
It is important to purchase travel insurance as soon as you have confirmed your place on the tour, as it will cover you in case you have any accidents between when you book and the commencement of the tour.
SAFETY
We will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While we will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we make no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that we have the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
Please note that in the US the legal drinking age is 21. When out drinking in bars please be responsible and take the same precautions you would at home. Don't accept drinks from strangers, and don't let your drink out of your sight. It is always a good idea to go out with a group and stick together.
PHYSICAL FITNESS:
We recommend that you undertake regular aerobic exercise in the weeks before you travel, particularly if you are not in the habit of regular exercise.
PASSPORT
If you do not have a valid passport, you will need to apply for one so that you can depart Australia. Please keep in mind that passport processing can take a number of weeks, so be sure to do this at your earliest possible convenience. We also recommend that you check the validity of your passport. Many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of your departure, however, the USA does not have this requirement at the time of writing this document. We require that you provide us with a copy of your passport when you reserve a place on our tour.
VISAS
Entrance requirements to the USA have changed in recent years so please read the following instructions carefully, even if you have travelled to the USA before.
Many countries now operate under a visa waiver program (meaning a visa isn't required) however you still need to obtain an authorisation which confirms that you have been approved to travel. This authorisation must be obtained in advance of travel.
Many citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries can travel to the USA without a visa for a 90 day stay, if they meet certain requirements. Travellers from all Visa Waiver Program countries must present a machine-readable, biometric passport (which meets US requirements) at the port of entry to enter without a visa, otherwise a US visa is required. You can get further information from the US Department of State website:
- http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors.html
Also please note, all travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries must obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to their flight from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
All ESTA registration applications or renewals require a US$14.00 fee paid by credit or debit card. You should apply for your visa waiver authorisation at least 1 week prior to travel to avoid any last minute delays. You will require your passport details and your address in the US - you can use the hotel address of our San Francisco accommodation:
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, California
Zip-Code: 94109.
Phone: +1 415-441-4000
Please note that if there is any discrepancy between the name on your ESTA, your passport, your tickets and even your frequent flyer membership, you may be detained at Immigration and subject to a secondary inspection which could take a few hours. If you have recently changed your name, please check that your details have been updated everywhere.
MONEY
The cheapest and most convenient way to acquire money is via an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) which are plentiful throughout California. This allows you to draw funds from your personal account at a superior exchange rate. Bank fees for these withdrawals can be either a flat rate or a percentage of the amount withdrawn. Check with your bank for information on their international fees. Some banks waive the withdrawal fees if you use their partner bank or if you have particular account types. For example, if you are a Westpac customer, you can withdraw cash from Bank of America ATM’s without incurring a standard withdrawal fee.
Don't forget your PIN and make sure you know the telephone number for cancelling your card if it's stolen. Keep this in a safe place. When using your debit card, check your receipts and keep them to compare against your statement when you get home.
WHAT TO PACK/CLOTHES
There are no compulsory items of clothing that you need to bring with you. Please review the itinerary and consider the activities you will be undertaking and what clothing you will need for this. Keep in mind that whilst laundry services are available through the selected accommodation and externally of your accommodation, you may not always be in the position to utilise these services. So ensure that you pack pursuant to the activities listed, as well as a practical selection of clothes for both warm and cool weather. You may encounter a wide variety of temperatures due to unforeseen weather conditions - so be prepared!
HEALTH
PERSONAL MEDICATIONS:
Medical prescriptions written outside of the US aren't accepted at pharmacies. Therefore, we recommend you bring along your personal medications in the necessary quantities for your trip.
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. Please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that if, in the opinion of us or any local guide or service provider, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Urban Heartbeat reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
If you do have a health concern that you believe will jeopardise your ability to complete an activity, we would ask that you bring it to our attention and we will endeavour to make sure that your health is not compromised, and that you are still able to partake in the activity or a similar alternative activity.
TOUR RULES
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect to both ourselves and towards everyone we encounter, particularly the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. We reserve the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure on their trip. We don’t tolerate any form of sexual harassment at Urban Heartbeat, either between participants or involving our leaders or local operators. Sexual relationships (consensual or otherwise) between a guide and a participant are unacceptable. If you ever feel another person is behaving inappropriately please inform us immediately
TELECOMMUNICATIONS:
Even though you are on holiday, you may still want to keep in touch with friends and family back home. There are an abundance of good options when it comes to global roaming these days. Should you require further information on these options, then we are happy to advise on what is available. If you would like a local sim card for use in the USA, we can organise one for you at an additional cost. This will allow you to make local calls, texts and access data services.
We highly recommend you install apps before you depart Australia such as Whatsapp, Viber and Skype to keep in touch with people back in Australia. You will be able to use these services for free when you connect to WiFi. Free WiFi services are plentiful in the USA, including at your accommodation around California, and at many cafes, restaurants and tourist attractions. We also recommend that if you have not organised a roaming plan before you go, that you switch off data-roaming services on your smart phone as this is the most common way that people accidentally accumulate a substantial bill whilst travelling.
TRAVELLING WITHIN A GROUP:
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will comprise of people from different walks of life to you. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We believe that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.
MEALS:
To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more flexibility regarding budget and preferences of cuisine. Please consider this in your personal budgeting for this trip. We will certainly provide you with suggestions on where and what to eat, however the final decision is up to each participant.
TIPPING:
The USA is known for its tipping customs, which are essential to the operation of their nation’s economy. If you're happy with the service you receive, providing a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across the USA.
The following amounts are based on local considerations:
Restaurants: We suggest 18% to 22% of your bill.
Taxis: We suggest a minimum 15% of the fare.
Bars: Recommended US$1 for each drink ordered to ensure you are served again.
EMERGENCIES:
In case of an emergency, local authorities can be contacted by calling 911 – this is the toll free phone number for the police, fire department and the ambulance in the USA. In case of doubt, call the operator on 0.
CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS:
Currency conversions are an ever changing component of the world we live in, which comes in to particular scrutiny when travelling around the world. The prices mentioned in this information pack are in line with currency at the time of providing you with this information (dated at the top of the letter). Should currency fluctuate drastically prior to or during the tour, we may need to make changes to the itinerary. Should any fluctuation cause a major impact on the successful operation of the tour, then we will inform participants of such events and provide alternative options.
Our itinerary may be updated before or during the tour to incorporate changes out of our control. Please note that while we endeavour to follow the provided itinerary, some changes may occur in our itineraries due to inclement weather, local circumstances or events and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route, schedule, amenities and modes of transport. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary from time to time, based on the aforementioned reasons.
INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is compulsory for all participants. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
You won't be permitted to join the tour until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been provided to us.
If you have credit card insurance, we will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
It is important to purchase travel insurance as soon as you have confirmed your place on the tour, as it will cover you in case you have any accidents between when you book and the commencement of the tour.
SAFETY
We will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While we will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we make no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that we have the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
Please note that in the US the legal drinking age is 21. When out drinking in bars please be responsible and take the same precautions you would at home. Don't accept drinks from strangers, and don't let your drink out of your sight. It is always a good idea to go out with a group and stick together.
PHYSICAL FITNESS:
We recommend that you undertake regular aerobic exercise in the weeks before you travel, particularly if you are not in the habit of regular exercise.
PASSPORT
If you do not have a valid passport, you will need to apply for one so that you can depart Australia. Please keep in mind that passport processing can take a number of weeks, so be sure to do this at your earliest possible convenience. We also recommend that you check the validity of your passport. Many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of your departure, however, the USA does not have this requirement at the time of writing this document. We require that you provide us with a copy of your passport when you reserve a place on our tour.
VISAS
Entrance requirements to the USA have changed in recent years so please read the following instructions carefully, even if you have travelled to the USA before.
Many countries now operate under a visa waiver program (meaning a visa isn't required) however you still need to obtain an authorisation which confirms that you have been approved to travel. This authorisation must be obtained in advance of travel.
Many citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries can travel to the USA without a visa for a 90 day stay, if they meet certain requirements. Travellers from all Visa Waiver Program countries must present a machine-readable, biometric passport (which meets US requirements) at the port of entry to enter without a visa, otherwise a US visa is required. You can get further information from the US Department of State website:
- http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors.html
Also please note, all travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries must obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to their flight from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
All ESTA registration applications or renewals require a US$14.00 fee paid by credit or debit card. You should apply for your visa waiver authorisation at least 1 week prior to travel to avoid any last minute delays. You will require your passport details and your address in the US - you can use the hotel address of our San Francisco accommodation:
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, California
Zip-Code: 94109.
Phone: +1 415-441-4000
Please note that if there is any discrepancy between the name on your ESTA, your passport, your tickets and even your frequent flyer membership, you may be detained at Immigration and subject to a secondary inspection which could take a few hours. If you have recently changed your name, please check that your details have been updated everywhere.
MONEY
The cheapest and most convenient way to acquire money is via an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) which are plentiful throughout California. This allows you to draw funds from your personal account at a superior exchange rate. Bank fees for these withdrawals can be either a flat rate or a percentage of the amount withdrawn. Check with your bank for information on their international fees. Some banks waive the withdrawal fees if you use their partner bank or if you have particular account types. For example, if you are a Westpac customer, you can withdraw cash from Bank of America ATM’s without incurring a standard withdrawal fee.
Don't forget your PIN and make sure you know the telephone number for cancelling your card if it's stolen. Keep this in a safe place. When using your debit card, check your receipts and keep them to compare against your statement when you get home.
WHAT TO PACK/CLOTHES
There are no compulsory items of clothing that you need to bring with you. Please review the itinerary and consider the activities you will be undertaking and what clothing you will need for this. Keep in mind that whilst laundry services are available through the selected accommodation and externally of your accommodation, you may not always be in the position to utilise these services. So ensure that you pack pursuant to the activities listed, as well as a practical selection of clothes for both warm and cool weather. You may encounter a wide variety of temperatures due to unforeseen weather conditions - so be prepared!
HEALTH
PERSONAL MEDICATIONS:
Medical prescriptions written outside of the US aren't accepted at pharmacies. Therefore, we recommend you bring along your personal medications in the necessary quantities for your trip.
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. Please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that if, in the opinion of us or any local guide or service provider, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Urban Heartbeat reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
If you do have a health concern that you believe will jeopardise your ability to complete an activity, we would ask that you bring it to our attention and we will endeavour to make sure that your health is not compromised, and that you are still able to partake in the activity or a similar alternative activity.
TOUR RULES
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect to both ourselves and towards everyone we encounter, particularly the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. We reserve the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure on their trip. We don’t tolerate any form of sexual harassment at Urban Heartbeat, either between participants or involving our leaders or local operators. Sexual relationships (consensual or otherwise) between a guide and a participant are unacceptable. If you ever feel another person is behaving inappropriately please inform us immediately
TELECOMMUNICATIONS:
Even though you are on holiday, you may still want to keep in touch with friends and family back home. There are an abundance of good options when it comes to global roaming these days. Should you require further information on these options, then we are happy to advise on what is available. If you would like a local sim card for use in the USA, we can organise one for you at an additional cost. This will allow you to make local calls, texts and access data services.
We highly recommend you install apps before you depart Australia such as Whatsapp, Viber and Skype to keep in touch with people back in Australia. You will be able to use these services for free when you connect to WiFi. Free WiFi services are plentiful in the USA, including at your accommodation around California, and at many cafes, restaurants and tourist attractions. We also recommend that if you have not organised a roaming plan before you go, that you switch off data-roaming services on your smart phone as this is the most common way that people accidentally accumulate a substantial bill whilst travelling.
TRAVELLING WITHIN A GROUP:
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will comprise of people from different walks of life to you. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We believe that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.
MEALS:
To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more flexibility regarding budget and preferences of cuisine. Please consider this in your personal budgeting for this trip. We will certainly provide you with suggestions on where and what to eat, however the final decision is up to each participant.
TIPPING:
The USA is known for its tipping customs, which are essential to the operation of their nation’s economy. If you're happy with the service you receive, providing a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across the USA.
The following amounts are based on local considerations:
Restaurants: We suggest 18% to 22% of your bill.
Taxis: We suggest a minimum 15% of the fare.
Bars: Recommended US$1 for each drink ordered to ensure you are served again.
EMERGENCIES:
In case of an emergency, local authorities can be contacted by calling 911 – this is the toll free phone number for the police, fire department and the ambulance in the USA. In case of doubt, call the operator on 0.
CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS:
Currency conversions are an ever changing component of the world we live in, which comes in to particular scrutiny when travelling around the world. The prices mentioned in this information pack are in line with currency at the time of providing you with this information (dated at the top of the letter). Should currency fluctuate drastically prior to or during the tour, we may need to make changes to the itinerary. Should any fluctuation cause a major impact on the successful operation of the tour, then we will inform participants of such events and provide alternative options.
