Program Updates and Reminders

Program Updates

• We have removed the trip to the Bahia Palace. Our operator has advised that most of the site highlights are under construction, and the renovation of the sewer system makes the visit unpleasant. We will visit Dar el Bacha Museum on September 19 and allow for an afternoon at leisure on September 21.

• We have added a power bank for charging your phone to the recommended packing list for the overnight in the desert camp.

• We may encounter begging from children while in the larger cities on our tour. Our operator has recommended that we bring pens, pencils, or notebooks to pass out in lieu of money and to encourage education. This is optional; we are sharing this information ahead of the trip so that you may bring these items with you if you choose to do so. 

• Our local partners have also recommended that you bring single dollars as a token of appreciation if you plan to take pictures of small shops and shopkeepers in the medinas. This is not expected at all shops (and some shopkeepers do not allow their photo to be taken), but it may smooth the way if you encounter someone who would like to be compensated.

Reminders

Travel

• You will need to bring a collapsible overnight bag for our night in the desert camp. Our suitcases will be stored by our local operator and cannot be transported to the desert camp in our 4x4 vehicles.

Documentation

• If you have not already, be sure to check your passport to make sure it is valid for six months after your return date to the U.S. and that it has at least one completely blank visa page (not including the amendment pages at the back of the passport).

• U.S. citizens traveling abroad may wish to enroll with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so the Department of State can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency. You can find out more on the State Department website. 

Health

• The tap water is not safe to drink or use to brush your teeth. We will provide bottled water. You do not need to bring a personal water bottle.

• Get necessary immunizations and prophylaxes (refer to the health and medical page of this microsite). 

• We ask you to be mindful of your activities in the time leading up to your trip and to do your best to join the trip healthy. Masking while in transit (on your flights and in airports) can go a long way toward helping you start the trip healthy. We want a safe and enjoyable trip for all, and we appreciate your help in making this effort. 

• There is an inherent risk of becoming ill when traveling with a group. We strongly encourage all participants to be up to date on their seasonal vaccinations, including influenza, Covid-19, and pneumonia (per your doctor’s recommendation). Travelers who exhibit cold or flu-like symptoms, including those who test positive for Covid-19, will not be required to isolate from the group and will be subject only to local health protocols. However, they will be asked to wear a mask and advised to practice social distancing/isolate if their symptoms are particularly severe. If another guest exhibits symptoms of upper respiratory illness, you may opt to wear a mask or distance yourself as needed.