Get to know the country ahead of time!

ALBASOL TOURS will provide all registered participants with a package of reading materials about Venezuela 30 days prior to the tour.  The info package will include links to various websites, articles, papers, presentations, brochures, etc.  We will not be including information that can readily be found in mainstream media (i.e. CBC, Globe and Mail, NY Times, etc.).

Packing it up:

Travel light!  We recommend you bring one bag plus your personal carry on (like a small backpack).  You will be required to move your own bags. 

Items to bring (aside from the obvious clothing):

•    Comfortable walking shoes, flip flops (for the beach and showers)
•    Mosquito repellant
•    Sunscreen – the sun is very strong!  We recommend a hat if you are sensitive to the sun.
•    Bathing suit and beach towel or mat
•    A journal
•    Anti-acid tablets, Gravol, Immodium (you get the picture ….)
•    Spanish-English dictionary

It’s not Kansas Dorothy!

Canadians pride themselves on their tolerance, openness and their “laid-back” nature.  Here’s some info to know in advance that will make your trip smoother:

•    Venezuela is near the equator, therefore it is HOT (average temp over 30 degrees C).  Dress appropriately, and bring cool, comfortable walking shoes.  Do bring one warm-ish sweater in case of colder weather in higher altitudes.
•    Because it is HOT, many hotels do not have hot water – why would you need it in that heat?  Enjoy cooling off in the cool water!
•    Since this is a solidarity tour, we will not be staying at any five-star hotels owned by multi-national corporations or wealthy families.  The accommodations will be comfortable, safe and clean.  We make all efforts to stay in accommodations run by cooperatives.  All rooms will have private bathrooms.
•    While ALBA Solidarity Tours is conscious of the range of dietary practices in Canada, please be aware that this is a big MEAT eating country.  If you are a vegetarian, you will have plenty of choices, but perhaps not the variety you are used to in Canada. 
•    Ensure your personal safety by dressing modestly and keeping your money and documents in inconspicuous places (a fanny pack is NOT inconspicuous).  Play it safe!  For example, it is not a good practice to walk around with a camera slung around your neck.
•    Canadians are very punctual, Venezuelans are not.  That’s a fact.  Events may not start exactly on time – please be flexible.
•    Speaking of being on time – we would (as would others) appreciate it if YOU would show up at the prescribed time for departures – at least that will keep US on time!
•    Plans can change.  We will do our utmost to ensure everything goes smoothly, but we can’t predict last minute changes in plans (it’s like the punctuality thing above).  Our itineraries are “approximate” – we may have to substitute an event if there is a last minute change.  There is always a “Plan B”!!   

Money:

Check the official exchange rate before you leave.  You cannot buy Bolivares (Venezuela’s official currency) in Canada.  You can access money in the following ways:  1) bring Canadian, US or Euros in cash and exchange it in official currency exchange locations and banks; 2) bring your VISA or MASTERCARD and take out cash advances at a cash machine or inside a bank.  We recommend a combination of the two.  We definitely recommend that you exchange money when you arrive at the Simon Bolivar airport.

Language:

As you already know, Venezuela’s official language is Spanish.  Very few people speak English, particularly outside of big cities.  You will have interpreters (2-3) during planned events and exchanges.  When you have free time, you will not have an interpreter.  We recommend you learn a bit of Spanish before you go so you can ask for directions, say hello-good-bye-please-thank-you, make purchases and order in a restaurant.

Communication with the folks back home:

Almost every city, town or village has an internet/cyber centre.  Cost is around $2/hour.  You can make telephone calls back home at the ubiquitous “centros de comunicaciones” where they have several telephone booths.  Phone calls to Canada aren’t so cheap – depending on where you are, a 15 min. call might cost you $10.   

Your health:

Of course, you should take extra precautions to safeguard your personal health.  Drink bottled water, and ensure you are eating in sanitary places.