FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What travel documentation do I need?

UNITED STATES CITIZENS

All United States citizens must have a Government Issued Passport, valid for at least six months beyond the return date of your trip, in order to travel to The Bahamas. Your passport must have at least one blank page per stamp. More information for United States citizens can be found HERE​.

NON-UNITED STATES CITIZENS

If you are NOT a United States citizen (are traveling on a non-United States passport), please verify your specific documentation and vaccination requirements with your country's consulate before departing. Please note that non-United States citizens may require a visa to enter The Bahamas, may require passports be valid for at least six months beyond your return date, and may require blank passport pages for entry and/or exit stamps.

ALL GUESTS

It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to verify and obtain all necessary documentation and vaccination requirements when traveling to another country. Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return and may require blank passport pages for entry and exit stamps. Some citizens may be required to obtain a Visa and/or have specific vaccinations to enter certain countries.

It is also the sole responsibility of the attendee to verify, obtain, and be aware of all necessary documentation requirements for any required Covid-19 testing, proof of vaccination or negative test, etc. when traveling to another country. Many countries have different requirements for entry and exit; please check your country's specific Covid-19 requirements as well as the requirements of the airline you are traveling on.

We also recommend packing a photocopy of the picture and signature pages of your passport. If your passport should get lost, the photocopies will make it much easier to get an emergency replacement.


Q. Passport Question?

Click HERE to learn everything you need to know about how to obtain or renew a United States Passport.


Q. What are the Covid-19 travel requirements for entering the Bahamas and returning to the United States?

THE BAHAMAS

Both the Bahamas Health Visa and pre-arrival COVID-19 testing requirement have been eliminated. All visitors, regardless of their vaccination status, are welcome to travel freely to and throughout The Islands of The Bahamas.

UNITED STATES

As of June 12, 2022, the CDC will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight. For more details, please visit the CDC Website.


Q. Can I extend my stay at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar?

Hotel extensions at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar may be available up to three nights prior to April 9 and up to three nights after April 14. Hotel extensions are an additional cost of $660.00/Room/Night (Based on Double Occupancy) for run of house accommodations. Extensions are based on hotel availability and are NOT guaranteed until confirmed with the hotel. Please do NOT solidify your airfare until your extension dates have been confirmed.

Please note that you will be financially responsible for any expenses outside of the program dates. If you book extension dates and then later cancel, you will be held liable for any cancellation fees for the extension nights.

If you are extending your stay at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, transfers will be included for your arrival and departure. If you are extending your stay elsewhere, transfers will be your responsibility.


Q. What is the cost to bring additional guests?

If you are interested in bringing additional guests beyond your plus one, please see below for additional guest costs. Hotel rooms can accommodate up to 4 people total.

Age 12 or Older: $1,000/Person
Age 11 or Younger: $500/Person

*The above costs include hotel accommodations (same room as the qualifier and plus one), FDL hosted events, and transfers to and from the airport. Airfare is NOT included in the above costs. Please note that you will be financially responsible for any additional guests.


Q. How is airfare being handled for this event?

Guests have the option to book their own airfare and will be reimbursed up to $1,100 per flight OR the cost of the ticket whichever is less. Reimbursement is for coach/economy tickets only. First Class, business class, exit row, and other upgrades will not be reimbursed. Guests who choose to book their own airfare must submit itineraries for reimbursement no later than Friday, February 23, 2024.

When registering for the trip, you will have the option to book your airfare through our travel partners, Destinations, Inc., or book your airfare on your own.

If you choose to book your airfare through Destinations:

Destinations partners with Sequel Travel (Formerly Hess Travel) to fulfill any event air needs. There is a fee of $40 per ticket for airfare assistance, in addition to the cost of flights. Additional ticketing fees may apply after ticketing due to possible schedule changes that require re-issues by our air desk.

Our main point of contact at Sequel Travel is Lyra Yamasaki. She will reach out to the main registrant by emailing a proposed schedule, or she may contact you by phone. It is very important to respond to the agent as quickly as possible to ensure the best pricing and schedules are confirmed. After ticketing, there is typically only a 24-hour window to make changes. Please review your ticketed itinerary as soon as possible and advise if there are any changes required. If you are departing from a city where there are 10 or more travelers, you may be included in a group block. Notification of this schedule will be sent to you by the project manager over your event.

You may also request assistance and add flight information for additional (third and fourth) guests, but please note this will be at your own expense.

If you choose to book your airfare on your own:

​You must purchase your airfare and submit your itinerary no later than Friday, February 23, 2024. This itinerary must include the cost of the ticket for reimbursement and tax purposes. We will reimburse each qualifier up to $1,100 per ticket for you and your plus one OR the cost of the coach ticket—whichever is less. Reimbursement is only for coach fare – any upgrades (first class, exit row, preferred seating, etc.) are at the expense of the qualifier. Please submit your full receipt to Jessica Kraut at jessica.kraut@funeraldirectorslife.com.

Arrival & Departure Parameters

Your flights should arrive and depart from the Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS). If you are arranging your own flights, we recommend that flights arrive by 4:00 PM on April 9, 2024. Flights can depart anytime on April 14, 2024.


Q. If I booked flights on my own, where can I submit my flight itinerary?​

Once you have booked your flights, please fill out the Flight Itinerary Form so that transfers can be arranged for you and your guest(s).


Q. When should I leave for the airport?

​The recommended airport check-in time for international flights is three hours prior to departure. Please check with your airline for schedule changes or flight delays and confirm the recommended check-in time prior to leaving for the airport. Please remember to allow extra time if you are unfamiliar with the airport, are leaving during heavy traffic times, or have excess baggage.

For general travel information issued by the State Department, please visit the U.S. Department of State website at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html.


Q. What can I expect when arriving and departing?

Arrival Information

Upon arrival, guests will proceed to Immigration. After clearing immigration, guests will proceed to the baggage carousel area to collect their luggage. Once they have located their luggage, they will move towards the customs area. Guests will clear customs and exit the secure area. Outside the airport, guests will be greeted by Equilibrium Events staff, who will be wearing white button-down shirts with the Equilibrium logo, yellow scarves or yellow ties, black slacks, and white island hats. The staff will also be holding the FDL logo. Airport porters will be present to take guests' luggage and accompany them to their awaiting vehicles. The travel time from the airport to the Grand Hyatt is approximately 15 minutes.

Check-in time is 4:00 PM and Check out time is 11:00 AM. Our goal is to have rooms available upon arrival, however this will depend on how quickly they turn over the rooms. If you arrive early and the rooms are not ready, you can start your vacation upon arrival by changing in the Arrival/Departure Lounge located in the West Tower Lobby and the resort will provide complimentary luggage storage for your convenience.

Departure Information

A few days before your departure, you will receive an electronic departure notice to your registered email address. This email will have specific information regarding your departure and transfer information, including your pick-up time on your departure day. Typically departures are 3 hours prior to your flight time.

Please be ready 15 minutes prior to your transfer pick-up time. Make sure all of your luggage is loaded onto the vehicle before departing the resort. If your departure plans change, please let Destinations staff know.


Q. Should I purchase travel insurance?
​
Because unforeseen circumstances may arise, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. Travel Insurance gives you access to a 24-hour assistance hotline for expert, personalized support in a crisis. Travel insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, non-refundable trip costs - including vacation rentals, car rentals, hotels and flights - if you have to cancel for a covered reason, and can reimburse you for eligible meals, accommodation and transportation expenses during a covered delay. Travel insurance can also reimburse you for care following a covered medical emergency while traveling. Travel insurance can even arrange and pay for a medical evacuation if needed. Coverage is only available for United States citizens.

You will need to provide your state of residence, the total cost of the trip, traveler date of births and ages at time of travel, departure date, return date, and initial date of deposit. Please copy the Destinations Travel Partner contact on your email so they can provide you with the trip cost and initial deposit date.

For full details of coverage and to purchase travel insurance, please contact:

Phone: 801-292-8687 OR Toll-Free at 800-882-8028
Email: Vacations@SequelTravel.com

*When contacting, please advise that you are looking to purchase travel insurance and you will be transferred to a leisure agent. Also mention that you are part of a group traveling with Destinations.


Q. How much luggage can I take?
​
Carry-On Bags

Most airlines permit each passenger to take one carry-on bag and one additional personal carry-on item, such as a purse or briefcase/laptop case. All carry-on items must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment. Carry-on baggage size requirements differ between airlines so please check with your airline before traveling to make sure your carry-on bags fit your airline's specified dimensions.

Checked Bags

Most airlines will allow you to check bags as well. Please check with your airline to confirm the current luggage limitations and any applicable fees for carry-on and checked baggage. Please note that many airlines charge significant fees for overweight or oversized luggage.

Important Items

Be sure that all baggage and personal belongings are properly insured. Items such as medications, jewelry, or other valuables, breakable or perishable items, and travel documents should be hand-carried. Responsibility will not be assumed by the airline for loss of or damage to these items.

*Please note that all baggage fees are at your own expense.


Q. What items can I carry on?

Due to potential security issues on flights, the Transportation Security Administration has updated its aviation security measures. For the latest information regarding what to bring, what to leave at home, and what to generally expect while traveling, please visit the Transportation Security Administration website at https://www.tsa.gov/.


Q. Does the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar place a credit card authorization at check-in?

There will be an authorization hold on your credit card when you check-in. This hold is intended to cover any incidental charges you may incur during your stay, and it will be set at $150 per night. If your total charges exceed this amount, the system will automatically block any additional charges on your credit card. Before checking out, you will need to complete and sign a credit card form to authorize any balance owing to be charged to your card on file.

We recommend using a credit card instead of a debit card for this incidental hold to avoid any full-week charges.

If you prefer not to provide a credit card for the incidental hold, you can choose to opt-out. In this case, you will not be able to charge anything to your room during your stay or use the room credit. It's important to note that the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is a cashless resort, so if you decide to opt-out, please ensure you bring a credit card with you to purchase food and other items around the resort.

Each qualifying person and their primary guest will receive a $600 room credit per person, which can be used at various restaurants and activities within the Baha Mar Complex, such as golf and spa. To use this credit, simply put all your charges on your guest room, and the Front Desk will process them accordingly. Please note that room credits cannot be used at the casino.

Once your room credit runs out, you'll need to have a credit card on file to post any additional charges to your room. At this point, you can use your credit card to pay for each transaction, whether it be at different food outlets or for any activity.


Q. What time zone is The Bahamas in?

Eastern Standard Time is used on all islands. From the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, The Bahamas recognizes Daylight Saving Time, in conjunction with the U.S.


Q. What form of currency does The Bahamas use?

​The Bahamian dollar is maintained at the same level as the U.S. dollar and both are accepted interchangeably on all islands. Major credit cards and most debit cards are acceptable for payment throughout the Islands. In addition, most ATMs on the islands will offer cash advances from your cards subject to a small fee.

Take the following steps to make the most of your credit and/or debit card(s) while traveling to the Bahamas:

1) Notify all of your issuing banks you’ll be traveling to the Bahamas and the dates you’ll be traveling on before you leave to ensure access to your funds.
2) Check with your issuing banks to see whether your debit or credit card is subject to daily spending, withdrawal restrictions, or international fees while abroad.
3) Be sure you know your PIN for your debt and/or credit cards.


Q. Is tipping expected in The Bahamas?​

Tipping is customary in The Bahamas, and you should tip according to the quality of service you receive. Many restaurants automatically add 15% to all food and beverage checks in lieu of gratuity. For exceptional service you may wish to leave something extra. Taxi drivers should be tipped about 15% of the fare.


Q. What should I pack?

Resort and sport attire is appropriate during the day. Shoes and cover-ups are required in the casino, lobbies, and indoor public spaces. For sports including tennis and golf please wear tennis shoes and sport clothing. At the pool, pool attire and similar apparel are permitted.

Casual spring and summer dress is appropriate throughout the year, but be sure to bring a jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings.

For dining in more elegant and upscale restaurants, casinos, and some nightclubs, you may need dressier attire such as a collared shirts, slacks, and sometimes a sports jacket for men, and slacks, blouses, dresses, or skirts for women. Bathing suits are acceptable only on the beach, pool, and poolside dining, not on the streets or in restaurants.

Beachwear is inappropriate in churches, restaurants, and casinos. Away from the beach or the pool, you should cover your swimsuit with shorts or a long shirt when walking city streets.


Q. Do I need an electricity adapter?

Electrical outlets in The Bahamas are 60 cycles/120 volts, which is compatible with all American devices.


Q. Can I use my cell phone in The Bahamas?

We recommend you contact your cellular provider for rates that may apply while traveling and your options for international calling plans, in advance of your arrival to avoid excessive charges.


Q. Is there a car rental agency at the resort?

There are no car rental agencies located at the resort; however, major car rental providers such as Avis, Hertz, and Budget offer services at the Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) should you wish to rent a car (please note, this would be at your own expense). The Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) is a six-mile, 14-minute drive from the resort. 

British driving rules apply, so please remember to drive on the left side of the road. Roundabouts are common, be sure to enter on the left side. Visitors may use their home license for up to three months.


Q. Is parking available at the resort?

Complimentary self-parking and valet parking services are available 24 hours at the resort.

Self-Parking: Free
The self-parking lot is located beside the convention center.

Valet Parking: $25/day
Includes in and out privileges.


Q. Can I drink the water?

Tap water is safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available throughout the island.


Q. What if I have a special health concern?

If you have any health concerns that may require special attention, please contact us prior to departure. Passengers requiring prescription medications are advised to keep them in their carry-on luggage. While we don't require information about the extent of your health concern or disability, the more information you can share with us about your specific needs, the better we are able to assist you.