FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What travel documentation do I need?

Please verify your personal travel documentation and vaccination requirements with your country's consulate before departing. Certain persons may require a visa to enter Thailand. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date and may require consecutive blank passport pages for entry and/or exit stamps.

ALL GUESTS

It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to verify, obtain, and be aware of all necessary travel documentation, required 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 requirements as well as the requirements of the airline you are traveling on.

Based on your nationality, you may require an entry visa to enter certain countries. It is the guests' responsibility to identify and to obtain all necessary visas.

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.

4LIFE TRIP GUIDELINES

4Life advises travelers to read and understand the guidelines required for entering and exiting other countries. The additional travel requirements related to travel documentation and vaccination will be the sole responsibility of the traveler. Please schedule, pay for, and successfully execute proper testing/documentation prior to departure. 4Life will assist with communication in the changing guidelines and requirements, but the responsibility to follow travel protocols will be up to each traveler.

Redemption: Once 4Life has purchased airfare, 4Life considers the trip redeemed. There will be no cancellation or deferment of the trip after this timeframe. If you are unable to attend for any reason, the trip will be considered forfeited. The trips are non-transferrable.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you must follow travel protocols in place by the governing body at your own expense and risk.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must adhere to the travel protocols in place by the governing body at your own expense and risk.
If you redeem a Great Escape program and for any reason are unable to travel last minute, your trip will be forfeited.
You will be responsible for travel expenses such as travel documentation and vaccinations.

Q. What airport should I arrive at and depart from?

A: Flights should arrive and depart from the Phuket International Airport (HKT).

Flights should arrive at the Phuket International Airport (HKT) on August 22, 2024.
Flights can depart the Phuket International Airport (HKT) anytime on August 27, 2024.

If you are extending your time beyond the scheduled group dates, you will be responsible for arranging your own transfers.

Q. When should I leave for the airport?

A: 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.

Q. How much luggage can I take?

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. Most airlines will allow you to check bags as well. Please check with your airline to confirm 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. Luggage may be locked only with a TSA approved lock.

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

Additional Information

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

Q. What items can I carry on?

A: 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 http://www.tsa.gov/.

Q. What's not included in my Travel Package?

A: The following personal travel expenses are not included in your travel package:

Mileage
Airport parking
Baggage and flight change fees
Meals outside of what is outlined on the agenda
Activities/tours you book on your own
Dry Cleaning
Laundry Services
In-room Movies
Room Service

Q. Who should I tip?

A: Customary gratuities have been taken care of on your behalf for all staff, including staff involved in our functions. Gratuities for services you book yourself (tours, spa, room service, or salon services) are not included and are at your own discretion.

Q. Is there a fee to change my flights?

A: With the exception of basic economy fares, most airlines permit changes to be made to your ticket any time prior to departure, and most airlines require change fees in addition to the difference in fare. All airlines charge difference in fare for flight changes, even if they do not charge a fee for changes. Please check with the airline for specific change fee amounts.

Q. What if the name on my flight ticket does not match my identification?

A: In order to be in compliance with the TSA Secure Flight Program, both the TSA and the airlines require that the name on your reservation matches the name on the government-issued photo identification you present at the airport. This requirement supersedes any requirement for airline frequent flyer accounts to match the name on your ticket, and you may need to submit a request to have the name on your airline frequent flyer account changed to match your ID.

Q. When will I receive my travel documents?

A: We will email your personalized travel summary a few weeks prior to travel.

Q. Will someone be there to greet me at the airport when I arrive?

A: Transportation will be provided for all guests who arrive on designated travel dates. After departing the aircraft, collect your luggage, and look for staff holding a 4Life sign and identify yourself. If you are arriving early or staying later than the designated travel dates above, you will be responsible for your own transportation.

Q. What is the weather like in Phuket?

A: Phuket has a tropical monsoonal climate. It's warm year-round, but the weather in August is generally nice and the island's favorite attractions remain uncrowded. There is typically some rain in August but the usual pattern is for brief but heavy showers, with plenty of sunshine between downpours. Temperatures over this period range between 20°C to 33°C (70°F and 90°F).

Thanks to its position in the Andaman Sea, Phuket weather is mostly mild. The island avoids the majority of the typhoons and tropical storms which occasionally batter Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Q. What electrical outlets are used in Thailand?

A: Electrical outlets in Thailand are charged to 220v at 50 cycles per second, which is compatible with appliances from the U.K. but not those from the US and many other nations. While most computer cables have adaptors for voltage, visitors from the U.S. and those not on the 220/50 v. will have to bring adapters to run most other appliances. Outlets in Thailand generally feature flat, two pronged plugs, though some feature holes for round plug ends. Few outlets feature three holes (grounded outlets) so it is often necessary to have a three to two prong adapter for using notebook computers in Thailand.

Q. What languages are spoken in Thailand?

A: While the official Thai language is widely spoken throughout Thailand, many Thais also speak and understand English, though more so in Bangkok and the major tourist areas. As visitors to Thailand also include many Europeans and other Asians, Thai people's language skills often also include these other languages to varying degrees. The Thai language itself is challenging to master, but Thai people are happy to help foreigners learn a few words to help them get around. However, English is typically the common currency for cross-cultural conversation as Thailand hosts visitors from around the world.

Q. What currency is used in Thailand?

A: The currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht

Currency Notes: Paper baht comes in denominations of 10 (brown), 20 (green), 50 (blue), 100 (red), 500 (purple) and 1000 (beige).

Currency Coins: There are 100 satang in one baht; coins include 25-satang and 50-satang pieces and baht in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 10.

Thai Baht is accepted everywhere and currency exchange booths are available around Bangkok in banks across Thailand. While major credit and debit cards are also accepted in most establishments and shopping centers, there are occasionally additional fees from both the retailer and your card provider. Travelers cheques can be cashed at most banks throughout Thailand though less so at retail establishments.

Banks or legal money-changers offer the best exchange rates. ATMs that accept Visa and other credit cards are easily found in the large cities and will provide you Thai currency, while many exchange booths will give you a cash advance on your credit card with a good exchange rate, though they will levy an extra fee.

Tipping is not a usual practice in Thailand although it is becoming more common. Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not require a tip, but the gesture is appreciated and 20-50 baht is acceptable for porters. In restaurants it is common for Thai’s to leave the coins as a tip, though an additional 20-100 baht is not unheard of in nicer establishments, particularly if the service is good.

Q. What are some cultural Do’s and Don’t in Thailand?

Thai people are extremely polite and their behavior is controlled by etiquette and influenced by Buddhism. Thai society is non-confrontational, and as such, you should avoid confrontations. Conflicts can be easily resolved with a smile.
Dress code is also important. Thais like to dress smartly and neatly. It is advisable to wear long skirts or long trousers when entering a temple.
Remove shoes when entering houses and temples.
Avoid touching people. The head is the highest part of the body, so avoid touching it. The feet are the least sacred, so avoid pointing it at anyone or kicking them as it is extremely insulting to do so. Thais usually do not shake hands.
The ‘Wai’ is the usual greeting. The hands are placed together and raised upwards towards the face while the head is lowered with a slight bow.

Q. What if I have a special health concern?

A: 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.