Information & Guidelines - Terms & Conditions

COVID-19: Travel Restrictions in HOPI Reservation:
- It is NOT required to be vaccinated.
- It is NOT required to be tested.
- Wearing a face mask is NOT required on the bus and indoor meetings and in the open air on some of the excursions.
- on the Hopi reservation, wearing a face mask is NOT required. It’s only optional.
- Washing and sanitizing your hands is recommended.

If you have any health issues or special needs we must know before you register.

BASIC ITINERARY SCHEDULE

ITINERARY: MARCH 19-26, 2024


DEPARTURE to USA – Monday March 18, 2024

- Traveling day for non-USA locations – Overseas passengers depart with overnight flights from gateway cities for Phoenix, Arizona

Day ONE – ARRIVAL DAY: Tuesday March 19, 2024

Arrive at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (airport code: PHX)

Our Hotel in Phoenix: Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport, 4300 East Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034

Centrally located, only 1 mile from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Map, Directions & Transportation to the hotel

After your arrival at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and collecting your luggage at the Baggage Claim, please call The Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport Hotel to order the 24-hour complimentary hotel shuttle: Phone: 602-273-7778 Further instructions will be given to you for the time and location for your shuttle pick-up.

Included: Breakfast, porterage, airport transportation 24/7, valet parking, wifi throughout hotel, mini refrigerator in room, fitness center.

Check-in time 3:00PM Relax & Rest
Meals included: D

Day TWO: Wednesday March 20, 2024

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Introductory Meeting & Orientation with Gregg Braden
Meals included: BL

Day THREE: Thursday March 21, 2024

After your breakfast please arrive at the hotel lobby by 9:00 AM, to check out of your room at the front desk, and be prepared to board our bus with your luggage.

We will then depart for our trip. This will take approximately 4 hours drive arriving at arrive at Hopi Cultural Center Motel and have lunch at their restaurant and check into our rooms.

Check-in time from 4:00 PM
Evening: Hopi Welcome Meeting – Ceremony - Dinner
Meals included: BLD

Day FOUR: Friday March 22, 2024

Hopi Mesas and sites Excursions and Meetings with Gregg Braden and local village Hopi guides elders Bertram Walker Tsavadawa and Dickson Silas.
Meals included: BLD

Day FIVE: Saturday March 23, 2024

Hopi Mesas and sites Excursions and Meetings with Gregg Braden and local village Hopi guides elders Bertram Walker Tsavadawa and Dickson Silas.
Meals included: BLD

Day SIX: Sunday March 24, 2024

Hopi Mesas and sites Excursions and Meetings with Gregg Braden and local village Hopi guides elders Bertram Walker Tsavadawa and Dickson Silas.
Evening: Hopi Closing Meeting – Ceremony – Dinner
Meals included: BLD

Day SEVEN: Monday March 25, 2024

9:00 AM Gathering and boarding for our bus journey.
This will take approximately 4 hours drive, arriving at our Phoenix hotel to have lunch and check into our rooms.
Meals included: BL

Day EIGHT: DEPARTURE DAY – Tuesday, March 26, 2024

After breakfast transfer on your own to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Meals included: B

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Hopi Cultural Center Motel: Guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, with easy access to the courtyard and amenities:
    Non-smoking, Private Bathroom, Cable/Satellite TV, Wi-Fi, Microwave, Mini Fridge, Coffee Maker, Worktable, Bath, Hairdryer, Air Conditioned.
    Single-bed: One Queen bed, Sleeps 2. Double-bed: Two Double beds. Sleeps 2.

TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

  • Airfare to USA, Phoenix
  • Travel Insurance (Cancellation and Medical Insurance)
  • Transportation on arrival from Phoenix International airport to the hotel in Phoenix
  • Visa and/or passport charges
  • Charges for personal services (i.e. laundry, drinks, telephone calls, personal clothing)
  • Extra meals not included in the itinerary
  • Gratuities for guides, non-group meals, waiters, porters, hotel and restaurant staff and room housekeeper, at your discretion
  • Any item that is not specified as being included

HOTELS & RELATED INFO

ROOM SHARE

Note: If you are not traveling with a companion and you wish to be in double occupancy, we pair women with women, men with men.

GRATUITIES

All group tipping to waiters, hotel and restaurant staff, baggage handlers, guides, bus drivers is included. The price does not include tipping for personal items: your room housekeeper, laundry service, drinks, health clubs tips for personal meals and other personal items, and personal tipping for guides.

WIFI

Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport hotel 
Hopi Cultural Center Motel

TOUR PRICES

Our itinerary provides information as to the prices of the tour and the accommodations and services that are included. Unless otherwise explained in the tour itinerary, the fee includes: lodging and meals usually drinks on your on your own as indicated per day (other food or beverages may be purchased by you at your own cost). The tour price also includes all transportation during the tour, sightseeing as specified in the itinerary, entrance fees for parks and other areas that are designated in the itinerary, and services of a tour guide. We reserve the right to substitute lodging accommodations if necessary, and will endeavor to provide accommodations of similar quality. Tour prices are based on group rates and no refunds will be given for unutilized services.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive Travel Insurance (Cancellation and Medical Insurance) to protect against cancellation fees and additional travel expenses or financial default that may incur before, after or during the trip.

There are 3 types of insurance you should consider under a comprehensive plan: trip cancellation insurance, travel health insurance and medical evacuation insurance. These will cover different situations and may give you financial peace of mind, as well as allowing for safe and healthy travel.

Please contact your medical provider, airline or travel agent to obtain a policy for this trip. This is important.

Important: Please make sure you have your medical insurance policy provider’s contact information with you, before leaving for the USA.

Recommended Travel Insurance companies:

We suggest you call and speak with an agent about all options available.

World Nomads
www.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance

HTH Worldwide
Tel: 1-888-243-2358
www.hthtravelinsurance.com/index.cfm

USI AFFINITY Travel Insurance Services
Tel: 1-800-937-1387
www.travelinsure.com/what/wmedhigh.asp?32963

Insure My Trip
Tel: 1-800-487-4722
www.insuremytrip.net

TIC (Travel Insurance Coordinators)
Tel: 1-800-379-9628
www.travelinsurance.ca

For Canadians

TIC (Travel Insurance Coordinators)
Tel: 1-800-379-9628
www.travelinsurance.ca

PASSPORT & VISA

Please check with your local Embassy or Consulate on obtaining a ‘Tourist Visa’ for USA as soon as you register.

Tourism & Visit

Foreign travelers to the United States for short visits, for example tourism, vacation, visiting family and friends, or medical treatment, need visitor visas unless they qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. Please read more here:
travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit.html

Valid Passport

Be sure that your passport will not expire during your stay in USA.

All visitors to USA must hold a passport that have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your country or travel destination.

People with no nationality must hold a valid laissez passer, as well as a visa back to the country that issued it.

Visitors are entitled to remain in USA up to three months from the date of their arrival, in accordance with the conditions of the visa issued to them.

Passport Safety

Keep your passport in your purse or a secure pocket where it cannot be seen; never pack your passport in your suitcase.

Leave a copy of the front inside information page at home, another copy in your suitcase, three more copies for hotel check-in and your original passport with you. If you use your hotel safe, remember to check your hotel safe before checking out of your room. Total 4 copies to bring with you and your original passport.

AIRFARE

Most international airlines operate flights to USA.

Your flight arrival to USA and departure should be to/from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Code: PHX).

You can also book your flights with your travel agent or Internet-based travel agencies companies such as:
www.orbitz.com www.expedia.com www.cheapoair.com www.travelocity.com www.cheaptickets.com
www.cheapflights.com www.onetravel.com www.travelzoo.com www.Kayak.com (within Kayak get pricing from: Priceline, WebJet, CheapOair, Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, Airfare, JustFly, FlightHub)
www.flightsfrom.com explores destination through non-stop flights from a specific airport.

AIRPORT TRANSFER TO THE CROWNE PLAZA PHOENIX AIRPORT HOTEL:

After your arrival at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and collecting your luggage at the Baggage Claim, please call The Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport Hotel to order the 24-hour complimentary hotel shuttle: Phone: 602-273-7778 Further instructions will be given to you for the time and location for your shuttle pick-up.

Upon arrival you may also want to stop and exchange some money which is available at the airport.

MONEY

Your home currency may be exchanged at the airport, your hotel, one of the local money changers, or at one of the many ATMs throughout USA. It is advisable to stop and get some USD before you leave the airport to cover your Tip for your shuttle or Taxi.

In USA the USD is used as currency. Exchange rates vary depending on what you use in the exchange: cash, check, travellers check or credit card. Be sure to check with your hotel for the exchange rate as it can fluctuate daily. At all larger stores and restaurants you may use either your credit card or debit card.

Please check Visa or MasterCard on the web before departure for the current rate of exchange.

Major credit cards as Visa or MasterCard or your ATM card are excellent to have in case of an emergency and for buying more expensive items. They provide a good exchange rate and receipt. Always ask for the carbon, if used, along with your customer copy. Important: before you depart overseas, please notify your bank or credit card provider of your schedule, and that you will be making purchases out of the country.

We do not recommend the use of traveller’s checks, as you may experience difficulty using and/or cashing them. In addition, banks usually charge a handling fee when cashing traveller’s checks. Major credit cards are recommended for purchases.

TAX

Read here:
www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g191-c1484/United-States:Sales.Tax.html

TIPPING & ETIQUETTE

Read here:
www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g191-s606/United-States:Tipping.And.Etiquette.html

LUGGAGE

  • You are responsible for your luggage and additional pieces at all times.
  • Always pack fewer clothes than you think you need.
  • Include a closable canvas bag inside your suitcase, in case you need extra luggage for items you have purchased.

PACKING, CLOTHING & THINGS TO TAKE

  • Closed-toe shoes: The scenery is beautiful, but the terrain can be rough in spots. We recommend you wear shoes with good traction that will protect your feet from thorns. High heels are NOT recommended for women. Bring sandals and water shoes for the pool.
  • Hat/Sunscreen: The sun will find you while you are on your tour. Skin protection is highly encouraged.
  • Layered clothing: Weather in March: average high 63°F, average low 30°F. In general weather in the Hopi Reservation can be very unpredictable. Windstorms, can and do occur without warning throughout the year. These storms can bring lightning, rain or snow with them, depending on the season.
  • Be sure to include: travel packages of tissues, sleeping mask, earplugs, sunglasses, lip balm, moistened towelettes, washcloth, pocket size tissues (for restrooms), notebook, pen, highlighter, compact folding umbrella in case of rain.
  • Extra film and batteries for camera with protective case for x-ray machines.
  • See VOLTAGE section. We recommend a universal adapter and converter kit.
  • Prescription medicines in original container.
  • Calling cards or cell phone or smartphone.
  • Money (more than you think you will need, in small bills).
  • Do not pack: valuables, including items of sentimental value. Leave them at home.
  • We recommend checking the weather forecast for Hopi Reservation, AZ before you pack.

PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES

  • Be sure to pack enough of your prescription medications to last through the trip. Pack your medicine in the original bottle and bring some in your carry-on bag.
  • Bring an extra week’s supply, your doctor’s phone number, and a copy of the generic names for each.
  • Have your doctor write a USA equivalent prescription for life-dependent medications. Not all prescriptions are interchangeable. Your doctor will be able to advise you.
  • If you are allergic to any medicines, please keep a list of these with your passport.
  • In USA you may need a prescription for medicine that is sold over the counter in other countries.
  • You should pack some aspirin, antacids, and similar items you use at home that you feel you might need on the trip.
  • If you suffer from motion sickness, bring along any medication you use to prevent this on the plane and trip.

TIPS TO REDUCE JET LAG

  • Get ample rest before your flight departure, and drink plenty of water and fluids.
  • Go to bed and get up at normal times for the new time zone. Your body will adjust quicker if you do not stay up all night or sleep during the day.

TIPS FOR THE FLIGHT

  • Wear comfortable clothing on the flight. Dress casually; wear loose-fitting clothes.
  • Bring a jacket and inflatable neck pillow for long overseas flight.
  • Drink plenty of fluids while traveling. Avoid coffee and alcohol.
  • Stand up and stretch several times during long flights. Stretch and contract your calf muscles with frequent foot exercises.

VOLTAGE

Country Plug type Plug standard Voltage Frequency
United States A
B		 NEMA 1-15 P
NEMA 5-15 P		 120 V 60 Hz

Read more:
www.friendlyplanet.com/facts/electricity.html

PREPAID PHONE/SIM CARDS – CELL PHONES & SMARTPHONES

COMPUTERS, LAPTOPS, iPADS

BUSES

  • The deluxe touring motor coach is air-conditioned with restrooms.
  • Be on time and be prepared to rotate seats on the bus.
  • Bottled water available on the bus.

DAY TOUR DEPARTURE & RETURN

Usually, we will depart after breakfast between 8:00-9:00 AM. We will announce the excursions, program schedule and a wake-up call for each day’s itinerary.

LOST ITEMS

  • Double check your belongings before leaving the plane, hotels and buses. We cannot assume responsibility for lost items.
  • Put your name and a contact number on your belongings. You can include our company information too.
  • Please check your hotel safe for any valuables before your leave the room.

WEATHER IN HOPI RESERVATION

We recommend checking the weather forecast before you leave:
weather.com/weather/tenday/l/734856bf9474bd4f71b0f7fd3b6056e54a66cc8b4c15f95f81c2948f54cb7eea

TIME IN HOPI RESERVATION

Hopi Reservation Time is in the Mountain Daylight Time Zone (MDT). GMT/UTC – 07:00 hours during Standard Time

Current time in Hopi Reservation:
www.timetemperature.com/tzaz/hopi-indian-reservation.shtml

SECURITY CHECK (UPON DEPARTING PHOENIX)

Passengers must arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure time.
Passengers will check in their luggage and receive a boarding pass and seat number. All passengers will have to pass through security with their carry-on luggage.

  • Have all travel documents readily available at check-in, placed in your carry-on or purse, NOT in your luggage.
  • Be prepared to submit yourself to a body check by metal detector or by physical means if necessary.
  • Be prepared to open all luggage for inspection at check-in. All packages, including gifts, may be opened at this time.
  • Do not lock your CARRY-ON bag in any way, because they may check the carry-on in front of the passenger.
  • Do not accept anything presented to you unless you have inspected the contents.

TOUR DATES, DELAYS, ROUTE CHANGES AND CANCELLATION

Organizing the tour has substantial financial commitments, contracts and conditions with many of the tour suppliers in the US (Hotels, Chartered Buses, Operators, Parks, and other services). The schedule is established over one year or more before the tour, so it is possible that route changes, delays, postponements or new tour dates may become necessary if there are circumstances beyond our control, such as unexpected weather conditions, political turmoil, pandemic and/or similar causes that may require changes to the itinerary. We and our providers reserve the right to cancel or postpone the tour prior to departure, in which case the refund policy is as follows:

  • If the tour is canceled 90-119 days before the first day of the tour, any payment you have made to us will be refunded minus a 10% cancellation fee within 30-60 days.
  • If the tour is canceled 60-89 days before the first day of the tour, any payment you have made to us will be refunded minus a 20% cancellation fee within 30-60 days.
  • If the tour is canceled 30-59 days before the first day of the tour, any payment you made to us will be refunded minus a 30% cancellation fee within 30-60 days.
  • If the tour is canceled 15-29 days before the first day of the tour, any payment you made to us will be refunded minus a 40% cancellation fee within 30-60 days.
  • If the tour is canceled less than 15 days before the first day of the tour, any payment you made to us will be refunded minus a 50% cancellation fee within 30-60 days.

In the unforeseeable event that the tour was to be canceled while the tour is taking place, due to a pandemic or other causes beyond our control, no reimbursement of unutilized days of the tour may be returned to the participants – as these fees would be non reimbursed to Shaloha Productions.

Note: Gregg Braden has been traveling the world for over 40 years and has never missed an event or tour he was scheduled for and committed to. In the unforeseeable situation due to circumstances beyond his control that would prevent him from participating in the tour, we will do everything in our power to reschedule the tour to a different date; however, if we are not able to do so and the tour is cancelled, the same cancellation policy fees above will be applied.

If the tour is postponed to another date, any payments you have made will be applied to the new tour dates. If you are not able to attend the new rescheduled tour dates, the same cancellation policy fees above will be applied.

You waive the right to any further claims for compensation or damages, for any loss, consequential damage, expenses, or loss of time or inconvenience which may result from such cancellation. These terms, conditions, and policies may not be challenged nor negotiated. Herein you make a full agreement.

We will always do everything in our power to postpone a tour rather than cancel. Also, we will always strive to refund you as much of your funds as possible, taking everything into consideration at the time of cancelation. It is highly advisable that you obtain comprehensive Travel Insurance to recuperate any losses you may incur.

IMPORTANT NOTE

The services described herein, and in the itinerary, are organized by us and/or our providers. All arrangements made on behalf of you are made on the condition that we and our providers shall not be held responsible for any injury, death, accident, delay, loss or damages which may be caused in all or in part, by the acts or omissions of others. The information contained in this page is correct to the best of our knowledge, but we accept no liability for any inaccuracies herein.

We reserve the right to alter any itinerary or service at any time without penalty. Any additional expense or cancellation costs shall be borne solely by you. We reserve the right to withdraw or refuse any service to any customer in our sole discretion. Your payment of your deposit is your acknowledgment of, and agreement to, the terms herein.

CONSUMER DISCLOSURE NOTICE

We and our agents act only in capacity as agents for our customers in all matters connected with lodging accommodations, tours and transportation by any means. You hold us free of responsibility or liability for any damages related to the tour, regardless of cause. We and our agents will not be responsible or liable for any damages, expenses, or inconveniences caused by late departures, changes of schedule, strikes or work slowdowns, pandemic, natural catastrophe, hostile acts, or any other events. We will not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage to baggage or any of your personal property. We and our affiliates, officers, employees, servants, and agents shall not be responsible for personal injury, illness, death, accident, delay, loss, damage, terrorist acts, natural catastrophe, irregularity, or property damage as a result of force majeure or for any other losses or damages incurred by any person or tour participant caused by any delay, cancelation or change of itinerary or arising out of any act, including, but not limited to, any act of negligence by any person acting for or on behalf of us.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK

You understand and agree that during the course of the trip certain risks and dangers may occur, including but not limited to the hazards of traveling in USA. You agree to assume all risks associated with the journey and agree that no liability will attach to us or our outfitters, employees or agents, or to any member of the tour group in respect of death, personal injury, illness or delay, or for any loss of or damage to your property during the course of the trip, regardless of cause. You accept all risk of any walking, hikes, motorcar and bus. You certify that you are not ill or carrying any contagious diseases or illnesses. We reserve the right to withdraw a service or any part of it, to make alterations in the itineraries as we deem necessary or desirable. We reserve the right to decline, to accept, or to retain any person as a member of any party at any time. “Catch-up fees” are the responsibility of you in the event of missed transportation at any leg of the trip. You understand that neither traveler’s insurance nor medical insurance is provided by us, and it is your responsibility to obtain such insurance if it is desired.

SPECIAL NOTE

We place great emphasis on harmony amongst the tour-goers and all other persons involved in the tour. We reserve the right to remove any disruptive attendee from the tour, without reimbursement of any fees. If an attendee chooses to leave the tour for any reason, there will be no reimbursement of any fees.

AUDIO - VIDEO – PHOTOS

Taking Photos, Audio and Video of certain lectures, meditations, ceremonies and sacred sites is NOT permitted.