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About this trip
****Scroll to the bottom to see the full itinerary****
Have you ever longed to travel with other people who can relate to your experience of being Childless Not By Choice? Well now's your chance!
After experiencing an unforgettable group trip with Heart of Travel to Guatemala in 2022, Vanessa Swier of @both_childless_and_childfree was inspired to create such an opportunity. So, out of a love of travel and a desire to connect with other CNBC folks, CNBC Wanderlust was created.
CNBC Wanderlust is excited to be collaborating with Heart of Travel on this inaugural CNBC group trip and we hope you're excited to join us!!!
Scroll down to see the full itinerary.
Please note that while travel to the island IS legal for US citizens, using the name of the country on the trip description page can cause problems for our third-party payment processor. Therefore, we will be referring to the country as "the island" on this page and its people as "the islanders". By clicking the link above you can view a more detailed and uncensored look at our itinerary!
The island is easily one of the most unique and interesting destinations to visit in all of Latin America, if not the world. While you may come here looking for answers, you're more than likely to return home with even more questions. The island's vibrant culture is reflected in its art, music, dance, food, drink, and overall energy. However, it's important to recognize the struggles that islanders have been facing for years, with their fate in the hands of an oppressive government and the outdated US embargo.
In recent years, islanders, both on and off the island, have been raising their voices and demanding change on the island. The government's response to the July 2021 protest was a direct violation of human rights as they censored citizens, reduced access to resources such as the internet and electricity, and wrongfully imprisoned civilians for peaceful protest and personal expression. The decision to resume tours to the island was not taken lightly, but we eventually decided it was ultimately in the best interest of our local operators on the island to resume tours to the island and continue with our mission to educate people about the island.
CNBC Wanderlust's trip gives you the opportunity to hear a variety of experiences and perspectives directly from islanders as we discuss the island's history, politics, economy, and current events, all while traveling and connecting with other CNBC folks like yourself. All of the activities on our trip are designed to support small, privately owned businesses and individual freelancers. We will not be staying in any government-owned hotels or eating in government restaurants and we will get absolutely as much of every cent possible directly into the hands of civilians and not government-operated businesses.
Our island tours immediately immerse you as you settle into your "casa particular" owned and run by a local. From there you will jump into learning about the island's historic and cultural past and present while traveling throughout both urban and rural parts of the island. Our in-country host families, local guides, and drivers look forward to sharing the real island with you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does double occupancy mean?
Double occupancy spots are for people traveling with a companion or roommate OR for someone traveling solo who is open to being paired with another solo traveler of the same gender to share a room. When you sign up for a double occupancy spot, please indicate if you are traveling with someone and if so, who, and how many beds are needed in the room (1 or 2). In the event, there is an uneven # of double occupancy sign-ups, a trip participant may end up rooming with a Tour Leader for parts of the trip or will be given the option to upgrade to a single supplement if desired.
What does single occupancy mean?
Single occupancy spots are for travelers who want their own room and bathroom. This applies to solo travelers who are not traveling with a roommate and do not wish to be paired with another traveler. To secure a single occupancy spot, please select the "single supplement add-on" at the time of registration. If you have any special requests for your room please let us know.
What are "additional nights"?
Often times travelers desire to add on an extra night of accommodation at the beginning or end of the trip. You can book additional nights through us by adding them to your cart at the time of registration. Likewise, they can be added later if you are unsure of your plans at the time of enrollment. Note the price is per room.
Will Heart of Travel help me book my international airfare?
Heart of Travel does not book international airfare for trip participants nor are we responsible for changes or delays in your reservation or flight. However, we will be more than happy to research and provide information on suggested flights. Simply provide us with the airport code for any airports that work for you to fly in/out of and we will be glad to take a look!
I have special dietary restrictions and/or medical needs or concerns. Can you accommodate me?
Yes! Heart of Travel has years of experience accommodating a range of dietary restrictions and preferences, even in some remote locations. Just let us know what you need and we've got your back. As for medical needs or concerns, Heart of Travel does its absolute best to accommodate all trip participants' preferences, needs, and abilities to ensure everyone stays safe and healthy and has a good time. If you have a medical condition or concern that needs to be discussed in greater detail please let us know as soon as possible so we can set up a time to chat and make sure we fully understand your needs and can prepare accordingly.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
In the event, a Heart of Travel trip has not been canceled by Heart of Travel, but rather you have chosen not to join the trip for whatever reason, including COVID-19, the following policy will apply:
- Cancellation 151 days or more before the trip start date: Fully refundable
- Cancellation 91 - 150 days before the trip start date: Loss of deposit, the rest of the trip payment is fully refundable.
- Cancellation 60 – 90 days before the trip start date: 50% Refundable
- Cancellation 59 or fewer days before the trip’s start date: No refunds are guaranteed, however, you could apply 70% of your payment towards a future trip to the same destination or 50% towards a Heart of Travel trip to an alternate destination.
*If you can’t make it on a trip but someone else can go in your place we are happy to transfer over your registration and dues paid to this person’s account. However, in some instances, there may be a domestic flight or another type of reservation with a third-party supplier that can only be transferred to a new person with a transfer fee. In this case, the new participant would be responsible for covering this fee.
TRIP POSTPONED OR CANCELED by Heart of Travel
In the event, a Heart of Travel trip is not possible due to COVID-19 (be it due to border closures or because we’ve determined the trip is not in the best interest of travelers and/or employees) we will notify participants immediately of the cancellation or postponement of the trip.
- If the trip is canceled with 75 days of notice or more, travelers will have the option to receive a full refund, join the trip on the postponed dates, or transfer the amount paid to an alternative trip.
- In the event, the trip is impacted less than 74 days before the start date the trip, it will not be canceled but rather postponed. This means there is no refund, however, you can receive a full 100% credit for the amount paid, good towards any other Heart of Travel trip to any destination at any time, or wait to go on your original trip at the new dates.
Travel Insurance
While adventure and connection through cross-cultural experience is our passion, we understand that there are inherent risks when it comes to international travel. Here at Heart of Travel, we believe in leaving places better than you found them, and part of making an impact is partnering with companies that share our values. That’s why we recommend purchasing Insured Nomads Travel Insurance before your upcoming travels. Insured Nomads Travel Insurance believes in safe, ethical travel that minimizes harm and leaves a positive impact on local communities.
Travel insurance is a sustainable practice because when you purchase a plan, this ensures you have the financial means to care for yourself should you get sick or hurt while traveling. This lessens the burden you may impose on a local community’s medical resources and guarantees that each worker gets paid for their services. Travel insurance also allows you to rest easy, knowing you’ve got someone in your corner should you get sick or experience travel disruptions. Visit Insured Nomads Travel Insurance and shop their available policies here. Have any questions? Insured Nomads offers incredible customer service and will make sure to find the perfect plan for you.
Disclaimer: Heart of Travel is a partner of Insured Nomads Travel Insurance. We offer their travel insurance plans and earn a commission for each plan sold. This does not impact your pricing in any way. Here at Heart of Travel, we are not insurance experts. Please contact Insured Nomads Travel Insurance for any questions regarding coverage, your plan, and filing a claim. Be sure to visit Insured Nomad’s website for complete coverage information.
Payment Plan
Our standard payment plan involves a refundable deposit at the time of registration. The remaining balance is then divided into 2 additional installments. The trip is due in full 91 days before the departure date. If you pay with a credit/debit card you will automatically be enrolled in auto-payment and future payments will automatically be deducted from your account.
If you are interested in an alternative payment plan involving smaller monthly payments or custom payment dates please reach out to us at hola@theheartoftravel.org. We are happy to set up personalized payment plans and can offer interest-free payment plans for up to 12 months.
What’s included
- 6 nights accommodationPrivate room + bathroom inside casa particulares
- 16 mealsIncludes one beverage at each meal
- In country transportGround, air, water as indicated on itinerary
- Entrance + guide feesFor all activities included on the itinerary
- 24/7 access + supportProvided by bilingual Heart of Travel Tour Leader
- CNBC ConnectionsWith fellow CNBC travelers and a CNBC travel host
What’s not included
- International airfareTo/from the island
- Travel Medical InsuranceRequired, usually included in flight. We will provide assistance
- Tourist Card/VisaYou can purchase at airport on departure day or in advance online. We will provide assistance
- Meals not statedAny meals not indicated on itinerary
- Trip insuranceRecommended, not required
- TipsTo local guides
Available Packages
Available options
Learn the basics of Spanish for your upcoming trip with our online, self paced Basic Travel Spanish Course! Access granted within 48 hours.
Itinerary
Upon arriving at the airport, one of our Program Directors will be waiting to greet you. They will then accompany you to the capital's historic center to get settled into your accommodations. You will then be given a brief orientation to the neighborhood.
That evening we will all enjoy a welcome dinner during which you can get to know your fellow CNBC travelers as well as your guides, while we discuss the itinerary for the following days.
You'll later have the option to get into the spirit of the island with cocktails and live music at one of the historic center's most iconic, privately owned, bars just steps from the Capital! Or you can head back for the night for some R&R.
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