AJ's Birthday Celebration in Ghana

August 24 - 31, 2024 (departing the US August 23, 2024)

Note: Flights are not included in this package

8 days & 7 nights 

Join AJ has he celebrates his 50th Birthday in Ghana with close family and friends.

Expect a delicate and curated mix of culture, tradition, modernity, fellowship, delicious food, welcoming environment, incredible experiences, amazing parties, beautiful people, music, music, music, dance and fun.

Akwaaba (Welcome)!!!

1. Select your package, complete the questionnaire, and pay your  non-refundable deposit

To lock in your spot, you will be required to submit a deposit.  Deposits are non-refundable. Your deposit amount will be applied toward the total cost of your trip. All deposits and packages are non-transferable.
 

2. Create an account to manage your package and add-ons

When checking out, you should check the box next to "Create an account to manage your booking online." This will allow you to edit, adjust your trip, and select add-ons at a later date.
 

3. Take note of the processing fees 

When proceeding to payment, please expect to see a service fee if you pay by ACH or a 2.9% service fee if you pay by credit or debit card.
 

4. Manage payment over time

You can choose to set up automatic payments or go in monthly and make payments manually.  
 

5. Look out for a confirmation email 

Once we receive payment,  you will receive a confirmation email with your receipt, payment plan information, and the option to purchase travel insurance for this trip. 

 · Registrants should begin purchasing their flights immediately or as soon as available.

· Please note that most flights depart the day before arrival. Departing on August 23 will likely mean that you arrive on August 24. Do you best to arrive no later than 3 pm.

· Please note that flights with layovers through Europe or the Middle East could be delayed and may not offer additional/replacement flights until the next day if a flight is missed. This is the exception and not the rule.

· We highly suggest direct flights from the US. Delta, which departs from JFK, or United, which departs from IAD - both have direct flights however please choose whichever airline works best for you.

  Ensure Your Passport is Valid for Travel

· You must have a valid passport for at least six months after your scheduled return date and at least two blank visa pages.

· Your passport should expire after March 15, 2025

· If your passport expires before March 15, 2025 - you need to get another passport.

Visa Processing will begin in mid-May 2024

· Travel visas are required to enter Ghana.

· NOTE: Passports must be sent to the Ghana Embassy in Washington DC, for processing.  

· Each traveler should have their visa processed before the trip.

· We will help process visas beginning 3 months before the trip

· There are two types of visas – single entry ($60) and Multiple entries ($100).

Visa Requirements

Ensure You have Physical Proof of Your COVID-19 Vaccination

Ghana doesn't currently require this but we suggest having it on hand. You'll have to upload a copy with your visa request to the embassy.

· All travelers 18 years old and above are required to be fully vaccinated to enter the country. Fully vaccinated means one dose of J&J and two doses of either Pfizer, Moderna, or Novovax.  Boosters are not required to enter the country.

· Please have your COVID vaccination cards physically (not a photo) handy during travel. It is good practice to keep all your travel documents in a travel folder or a wallet and have easy access to them while traveling.

· We suggest keeping a copy of all your travel documents separate from your original documents.

Ensure You Have Physical Proof of Your Yellow Fever Vaccination

· The Yellow Fever vaccine is the only required immunization to travel to Ghana apart from the COVID -19 Vaccination.

· There may be a cost associated with obtaining your required travel immunizations. Please check with your insurance carrier.

· You need to get your shot at least 10 days before travel if you have not already done so. You must travel with a physical copy of your yellow fever immunization card.

· If you have had a yellow fever shot, you do not need to get another shot. One shot is good for a lifetime; however, you are required to bring physical proof that you have been immunized.

CDC on Yellow Fever

Consider Bringing Malaria Pills, Imodium AD & Cipro

· Malaria pills are highly recommended but not required. We suggest taking malaria pills for preventative measures.

· Traveler's diarrhea is common in a new environment with different foods and weather. We suggest you pack Imodium AD and/or Cipro in case of diarrhea.

· We will have Imodium AD on-site at each hotel as well as aspirin, Benadryl, and American-brand over-the-counter medicines.

Create A Plan for Your Prescription Medications (if necessary)

· We highly suggest all travelers consult with their primary care physician before traveling and refill any prescriptions they may require to remain in optimal health while traveling.

It's always a good idea to protect your trip. Life happens. You can purchase trip protection within 15 days of your initial registration by going to www.travelexinsurance.com.  Travelex offers the following options for international travel:

Travel Select

Travel Select provides comprehensive benefits and access to five unique upgrades.

· Emergency Medical & Dental

· Trip Cancellation

· Travel Assistance

· Five Optional Upgrades

View Policy Information

Travel Basic

The Travel Basic plan provides great coverage at an even greater price.

· Emergency Medical & Dental

· Trip Cancellation

· Travel Assistance

View Policy Information  

Please note: Travel insurance doesn’t cover everything. This is a general, brief summary only. Restrictions, exclusions, and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states, or provinces. Check the policy documents or ask Travelex for full details.

 
You are welcome to use any travel insurance program with which you're most comfortable.

Baggage

Each economy class passenger is allowed two 23kg (50lb) bags, a carry-on bag, and a personal bag. We don't suggest maxing out your luggage. We suggest one carry-on, one personal bag (book bag, briefcase, or purse), and one checked bag (50lb). Business-class travelers are allowed two bags at 32 kg or 70 lbs.  Extra bags or overweight bags normally cost about $200 each.

Weather

The average temperature is 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit in Ghana in August with possible rain showers. We provide water daily but encourage drinking plenty of water and dressing appropriately for the weather. We will provide a suggested packing list.

Electric Current

The electric current in Ghana is 220 Volts and we use 110 in the US. You will need to purchase an electric converter for your electronic devices that need to be charged while you're traveling.

Phone Service

Contact your phone service provider for the best international plan. If you own your phone outright or have an additional phone that is unlocked, you may be able to purchase a SIM card for data use on a local network or a mobile wifi unit.

Currency & Spending

The currency in Ghana is the Cedi. The exchange rate is currently between 11.- and 12.0 Cedi to 1 dollar. Please prepare to bring brand new $100 & $50 bills for the best exchange rate.$20 bills get you a lower exchange rate and $10, $5, and $1 are not accepted. We have reliable money changers throughout Ghana. Cash is King! Credit cards are widely accepted in Accra but not so much in other areas or with local vendors. If you plan to use your credit cards, please contact your bank and issue a travel advisory.

Here’s a list of useful suggested items to purchase for your journey:

· Travel Adapter - CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

· Travel Belt (Passport and Money) - CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE 

· Portable External USB Charger - CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE 

· Wet Ones Wipes - CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE 

· Purell Hand Sanitizer - CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

· Repel Insect Repellent (40% Deet) - CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE 

Advil - CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE 

Non refundable deposit is $250

Up to 60 days before departure, you are entitled to receive 75% of all monies paid minus non-refundable initial deposit by sending trip cancellation in writing.

Between 44 - 30 days before departure, you are entitled to receive 50% of all monies paid minus non-refundable initial deposit by sending trip cancellation in writing.

Between 30 - 15 days before departure, you are entitled to receive 25% of all monies paid minus non-refundable initial deposit by sending trip cancellation in writing.

There is no refund within 15 days of departure however, 25% of all monies paid minus non-refundable can be credited towards another trip within 6 months.

Welcome to an amazing journey in Ghana!

"Akwaaba! (Welcome) to Ghana! AKWAABA means Welcome!!!"

Get ready for an unforgettable DAY 1 on Saturday, August 24, 2024!

As you step out of the airport, our fantastic hosts will be there to greet you and whisk you away to the hotel. During this time, take a moment to unwind, unpack, change some money, and get ready for an incredible evening.

Once you've settled in, join us for a Welcome to Ghana Dinner. Let the flavors of Ghana tantalize your taste buds and set the stage for an amazing adventure.

Since it's Saturday night, get ready for a vibrant nightlife experience. We've got something special planned for the arrival party, and you won't want to miss it!

A quick tip: Make sure to book a ticket that lands by 3 pm. Hotel check-in starts at 3 pm, giving you the perfect opportunity to settle in comfortably before the dinner festivities begin.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of Ghana – your journey starts here!

Soulful Sunday: Church and Brunch

Embark on your second day in Ghana with a celebration of praise, gratitude, and thankfulness. Attend a local church service, setting the tone for a day filled with spiritual enrichment.

Following the uplifting church experience, transition seamlessly to a delightful brunch by the beach. Indulge in a culinary journey at the Atlantic Ocean, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of Afrobeat, hip hop, and R&B, complemented by local entertainment at the lavish Sandbox Beach Club.

As the day unfolds, the evening is yours to enjoy dinner in small groups and explore the vibrant nightlife that Ghana has to offer. Whether it's a quiet meal or dancing the night away, the choice is yours to make the most of this Sunday evening.

Discover Accra: City Tour Extravaganza

Moderate walking is on the agenda for today's exploration.

Embrace the theme of the day: T-Shirt Day (Love, Live, Life).

Kickstart your morning with a delightful breakfast buffet at the hotel before venturing out for our Accra City Tour. Prepare for an enriching experience as we visit:

• WEB DuBois Center, African American Association of Ghana & Diaspora Africa Forum
• Black Star Square
• Kwame Nkrumah Park
• Enjoy a provided lunch at a local restaurant
• Dive into the vibrant arts scene and shop at the Arts Center

After a day filled with exploration, we return to the hotel for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

For dinner, the choice is yours – either indulge in the hotel's offerings or explore local dining options with lists provided for your convenience.

As the evening unfolds, the excitement continues at Exhale Lounge in East Legon for Open Skies, the best and only Monday Night Party in Accra.

Join us for a night of celebration under the open skies, making your Monday memorable in the heart of Ghana's vibrant nightlife scene.

Sign up for an Excursion or Take the Day  - Free Day

Today is for you. Whether you want to sign up for one of the optional excursions or take the day to lounge at the pool, catch up with an old friend, visit an art gallery or simply do nothing and bask in the joy of being in Ghana, It's up to you.

Check the add ons for the optional excursions.

Note: All excursions include transportation and lunch. If you opt for a free day, meals are on your own.

Sign up for an Excursion or Take the Day  - Free Day

Today is for you.

Whether you want to sign up for one of the optional excursions or take the day to lounge at the pool, catch up with an old friend, visit an art gallery or simply do nothing and bask in the joy of being in Ghana, It's up to you.

Check the add ons for the optional excursions.

Note: All excursions include transportation and lunch. If you opt for a free day, meals are on your own.

Ancestral Journey & Celebration

AJ chose to remember his ancestors and take a journey to walk in their footsteps as he reflects on 50 revolutions around the sun.

We will head to the Central region to explore Ghana's history surrounding the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade and celebrate our resilience (3-hour drive).

We start at Assin Manso for the Last Bath Slave River and the first Bath of Return experience. This was the last bath enslaved Africans had before being marched to the dungeon and a major slave market.

Then we head toward Cape Coast to journey through the Door of No Return and back through the Door of Return. This experience is a heavy emotional journey for people of African descent but is crucial for our understanding of how far we've come and why we have so much reason to celebrate.

After the Cape Coast Dungeon, we will head to Mable's Table for a delicious lunch buffet. Individuals interested in testing for their African Ancestry will have their results revealed at Mable's Table after lunch.

After lunch, we will head back to Accra.

This evening, we celebrate AJ's 50th birthday, and we celebrate our collective resilience in a spectacular way at an incredible location.

Service and Grand Finale: Birthday Party Concert

If you know AJ, then you know service is a part of his way of life. Join AJ this morning/early afternoon as he commissions a borehole in Ghana to help provide clean, potable water to a community in need.

In the evening, we close out this incredible journey with an iconic concert and party of massive proportions!!!

Entertainment details to be announced.

Departures

This is our final day in Ghana.

We've partied for the last two days - HEAVY!!

Late check-out is included for everyone.

As long as you've provided your flight info, we'll be scheduling your airport transfer back to Kotoka International Airport (ACC).

Let us know if you want to change your ticket and stay longer.

We get it!

Safe Travels