Ginette Beaudoin/Anna Panszczyk An Exotic Hiking Holiday in the Azores Archipelago SUMMARY OF TRIP INFORMATION An Exotic Hiking Holiday in the Azores Archipelago Leader Ginette Beaudoin Co-leader Anna Panszczyk Azores Islands Sept 2-12, 2017 Total # of days 11 Backpacking Bicycling-Mountain Bicycling-Road Title of trip Leadership Location(s) Dates Type of trip check all that apply Primary type of trip Number of participants (excluding leaders) Advertised cost Airfare range if not included When should the trip notice be published in AMC Outdoors? Do you wish to have your trip listed online before it is published in AMC Outdoors? Smaller trips and leader subsidization Camping Cultural Family Hiking Paddling-Canoeing Paddling-Sea-Kayaking Skiing-CrossCountry (Nordic) Trekking (e.g., hutto-hut) Hiking Minimum 14 Skiing-Downhill Snorkeling (Alpine) Walking Other – please describe Select one of those checked above. Maximum 18 $ 2625 Does it include airfare? Yes No $ 680-800 Will leaders assist participants with flights? Yes No First Appearance: Month July Year 2016 Last Appearance: Month July Year 2017 Note: AMC Outdoors is only published in Jan., March, May, July, Sept., Nov. Yes No If yes, please list the approximate month and year when it should be posted on line. ASAP Is this proposal for a small group trip – i.e., less than 14 participants and 2 leaders or 7 participants and 1 leader? Yes No If yes, why is a small group proposed? If a participant fee increase of more than 15% is proposed, please explain why? LEADER AND CO-LEADER INFORMATION Leader name Leader address Leader email Leader phone Wilderness first aid training CPR training Prior leading experience Ginette Beaudoin 66 Graham Street, Biddeeford, ME 04005 ginette4000@yahoo.com Home 207-294-6302 Work Cell 207-590-4431 WFA AWFA WFR Expiration: 5/2017 will be renewes spring 2017 Trip one Trip two CPR BLS Expiration: 5/2017 If this is your first Adventure Travel trip as a Leader you must be present at the AMCATC meeting at which the trip proposal is considered. Please list the last three longer (5+ day) trips you have led for the AMC including destination, type of trip, dates and number of participants. Feel free to list additional trips you have led, particularly if they demonstrate experience related to the trip you are proposing. Day Hiking in Tuscany, 17 participants, October 2015 Day hiking in Glacier National Park, 18 participants, September 2015 Trip three Day Hiking in the Dolomites, 18 participants, July 2015 Form Revised September 2015 Adventure Travel Trip Proposal Form, page 1 of 6 An Exotic Hiking Holiday in the Azores Archipelago Other related trip experience Ginette Beaudoin/Anna Panszczyk Numerous other AT trips to Yosemite National Park, Minnesota, Austrian Alps and Cinque Terre/Tuscany Co-leader name Co-leader address Co-leader email Co-leader phone Wilderness first aid training CPR training* Prior leading experience Trip one Trip two Trip three Other related trip experience Scouting Have either of you led this trip before or traveled to this area? Languages Does either the co-leader or leader speak the local language? Couples Do the leader and co-leader have a significant personal relationship? Private trips Do either of you lead trips that are private - not sponsored by the AMC? Anna Panszczyk 22 Alfred Rd, Arlington, MA 02474 annatp12@gmail.com Home 781-648-2492 Work Cell 617-429-2175 WFA AWFA WFR Expiration: 5/2016 will be renewed this spring CPR BLS Expiration: 5/2016 If you are a new co-leader you must submit an application to be an Adventure Travel leader or co-leader prior to submitting this application. Also, it is strongly recommended that you be present at the AMC-ATC meeting at which the trip proposal is considered. Please list the last three longer (5+ day) trips you have led for the AMC including destination, type of trip, dates and number of participants. Please indicate if you were the leader or co-leader. Day Hiking in Tuscany, 17 participants, October 2015 Day Hiking in Glacier National Park, 18 participants, September 2015 Day Hiking in Dolomites, 18 participants, July 2015 Numerous other AT trips to Yosemite National Park, Austrian Alps, Minnesota and Morrocco Yes No If yes, please describe below: have run this trip previously Co-leader: Yes No Leader: Yes No Not applicable: Yes No If yes, please list who has agreed to be your back-up in case one or both of you need to drop out. This is required for approval! Yes No If yes, please note that you cannot advertise AMC and private trips together unless there is a clear distinction between the two in any materials you send out. LOGISTICAL DETAILS OF TRIP Summary Please provide a description of the trip and the activities planned. If available, please include or attach an itinerary. Accommodations Please describe your plans for accommodation(s) Meals: Please describe your plans for providing meals. If the budget includes any funds for leader meals not shared with the group please justify. Form Revised September 2015 Fly from either Boston or New York to Ponta Delgada, the Azores capital city on San Miguel Island. This hiking tour comprises 9 nights duration in 3 hotel destinations. Visits to Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial Islands; staying in 3 and 4 star hotels. Transfers via private and public bus, taxis, air and ferry boat. Guided walking and cultural highlights program throughout. Special focus on authentic local dishes. Opportunites to experience the lesser traveled regions of the Azores that the average tourist do not generally visit. Optional opportunites for wine tastings, whale watch tour and summit hike to Mt Pico. Staying in 3 and 4 star hotels with shared twin accommodation with ensuite bathroom, telephones, cable TV, hair dryers and AC in two of the hotels. Single room available at an additional charge of $540 Breakfast buffet will be provided at each hotel as part of the hotel accommodation charge. On some days we will be having picnic lunches arranged by the outfitter company, on other days participants will need to pack their own lunch and we will assist them in getting supplies. The trip price includes some dinners and these will be eaten at local restaurants. Beverages are only included in the trip price at breakfast. Leaders will assist participants in restaurant choices/availability for those meals which are not Adventure Travel Trip Proposal Form, page 2 of 6 An Exotic Hiking Holiday in the Azores Archipelago Local Transportation Please describe your plans for local transportation Will leaders or participants be drivers of motor vehicles? Permits or permissions Does the trip require special permits or permissions? (required on many U.S. federal lands and national parks) Special equipment Does the trip require special equipment? Special experience Does the trip require special skills on the part of the participant? Ginette Beaudoin/Anna Panszczyk included in the trip price. Outfitter will make reservations for inter island flight, ferry between two islands. Use of hired vehicles, local buses and taxis on island where appropriate. Neither volunteers nor leaders will be drivers. Will leaders be drivers? Will volunteer participants be drivers? If so, MVR checks will be needed. See Appendix S1. Yes No If yes, please describe below what you will need to do to obtain them: If no, please describe the process you went through to find out that they were not required: Outfitter has been to the area previously and verified that no special permits are needed. Yes No If yes, please describe below what type of equipment and how you will ensure that people know how to use it: Yes No If yes, please describe below what type of experience? Also describe how you will ensure that the participant has this experience? The participants must be able to demonstrate that they can hike for 4-5 hours per day. A guideline for hiking abilities will be supplied with the prospectus so participants can rate themselves. Leader/coleader will follow up with AMC local chapter contacts to see if participants will be a good fit for this trip. Phone calls will be used if uncertain about abilities and being a good group player. Yes No If yes, please describe below what you will do: Pre-trip activities Do you plan to get your group together before the trip for an activity or social event? Conservation, education and recreation How will this AMC-AT trip meet the mission of the AMC? www.outdoors.org/about/mission.cfm This trip meets the mission of the AMC in that it includes physical activities respectful of the environment as well as cultural aspects on all the islands we visit. The outfitter has a social and environmental business practices operating policy. [See the website for this information] TOUR OPERATOR AND GUIDE SERVICE INFORMATION This section should be completed if the trip will be using a tour operator, outfitter, guide service, travel agency or other such company or person(s) for a significant part of the trip or for the entire trip. Any person(s) or companies that are handling a significant portion of trip funds or arrangements need to be vetted. If there is more than one tour operator please provide this information about each such entity. Will this trip require a tour Yes No operator or guide service Please describe their services. If you are using a tour operator for the entire trip, during part of or for the please describe why you will be using them rather than doing this trip on your own: Because it is a distant foreign country and neither leader speaks the local language. We entire trip? feel very confident with the outfitter and their experience as well as their safety record. Outfitter will be able to provide a superior trip experience in the Azores due to his intimate knowledge of the islands as well as his fluency of the Portugese language. It will allow for a seamless and pleasurable experience for the participants. His familiarity with the islands will allow for an enhanced experience by being able to explore regions of the Azores few travelers have the opportunity to visit. The outfitter and guide have conducted numerous trips to the area and are well acquainted with the local customs, flora, fauna, trails, transportation etc. Hopping between islands using different transportation mediums (plane, ferry) will require a good knowledge of timing (of hikes and to the departure points) and routes to meet the transports on time. Guides who are familiar with the region can provide that comfort to the group. The Azores archipelago is not as readily accessible to tourism as other parts of the world (ie Yosemite Valley; Neustift, Austria; Switzerland; Tuscany etc) and the use of a well organized outfitter will maximize participants trip enjoyment. AMC leaders will augment guide's services by Form Revised September 2015 Adventure Travel Trip Proposal Form, page 3 of 6 Ginette Beaudoin/Anna Panszczyk An Exotic Hiking Holiday in the Azores Archipelago Name of tour operator/guide service Tour operator website Safety record Please provide information about their safety record. Insurance Do they have liability insurance? Emergency response Please describe the outfitters’ response plan in the case of an emergency. educating participants in "Leave No Trace" policies, trail safety, history and culture of the Azores. AMC leaders will assist in leading hikes, assist in hike selection based on condition of trails, participant abilities and weather conditions. Adventure Bug Worldwide Ltd./ Matt Butler adventurebug.com Adventurebug has operated worldwide (based from Spain), since 2000. They have put thousands of participants (from children to corporate groups to pensioners), through countless expeditions and tours that involve travel in the form of hiking, biking, kayak, horse travel, 4x4, camel treks, rafts, mountaineering and more. Adventurebug has NO single claim on its PUBLIC LIABILITY insurance nor has it had any liable suits or charges against them in its entire company history. Liability? Yes No Maximum amt: $ 1,200,000 euros Are they willing to list AMC as an Yes No additional insured? Adventurebug employs a detailed emergency evacuation plan for all group events, tours and expeditions (see copy attached). This program starts with ´on location´ first aid procedures followed by ´evacuation´ planning that involves accessing nearest medical support and finally, ´care facility´ listing such as hospital or surgery nearest the locations of the tour / expedition. This is all contained in one document that is carried by all leaders for easy access. RISK ASSESSMENT Please assess the risks and hazards of your trip. Carefully consider each area of risk and how it may affect your trip. Devise a plan to prevent each hazard and to respond to it if it becomes necessary. Please be very specific for each section if applicable. Trail conditions, river crossings, weather, wildlife (bears, snakes, etc.) Climate/terrain Potential hazards Slipping on/off trail, rock fall, exposure on cliffs, rain, and cold exposure. Response Stay on marked trails, observe slopes and weather changes, instruct hikers on trail safety and etiquette. Carry rain gear, extra layers, hats, gloves, gaiters, polypro and wool layers, first aid kit. Political concerns, crime, language translation, terrorism Foreign Country Potential hazards Azores is a part of Portugal. Crime is minimal, language is Portugese with a limited amount of English spoken by a few residents of the islands. No past history of terrorism. Response Check State department advisories. Know some Portugese, carry small dictionary and phrase book. Warn participants in advance of thieves in airports and ferry terminals. Road conditions, drivers, insurance Transportation Potential hazards Commercial airlines to Azores. Shuttle bus from/to airport. Private and local buses, local ferry service, and regional airline intra/inter island while in Azores archhipelago. Response All have proven safety records. Level of fitness, screening concerns, experience with equipment or activity Participants Potential hazards Intermediate hiking skills required of all participants. Health conditions will dictate what level participant will be allowed to hike. Must be a group player and not an individualist. Response Careful screening: application response, phone calls, chapter feedback, recent excursions (local and ME), list of hikes done in past 2 years. Participants will need to be up front and accurate with all health conditions and medications. Participant must be a group player, if not they will put the groups safety in jeopardy and this would not be acceptable. Conditions unique to this type of trip Other Potential hazards Poor Weather Conditions - Lack of Visibility and Group members separating Response The Azores is known for periods of frequent low cloud and fog. On Pico summit (7000 ft) and the Caldeira of Faial Island (highest point). It´s important to follow weather patterns, satellite images and local advice before comitting to higher altitudes. Form Revised September 2015 Adventure Travel Trip Proposal Form, page 4 of 6 An Exotic Hiking Holiday in the Azores Archipelago Ginette Beaudoin/Anna Panszczyk EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN Please describe your plans for dealing with emergencies. Give as much detail as possible and list any special communications equipment you may need to ensure the safety of your participants. DO NOT LEAVE THIS BLANK Outfitter has set emergency procedures in place (see separate paperwork). Pan European Emergency communication Phone contacts, language, phone number is 112. Calls to 112 are free from any phone (mobile, cellular or land documentation, distance from line). The operator will put us in contact with the medical emergency service in emergency services ENGLISH language. Outfitter will have emergency first aid equipment on hand. Emergency equipment What sort of emergency first Communication in the back country will be via cell phone (excellent coverage on the aid or communication small islands), and the cell phones have Portuguese SIM cards for direct connection. equipment (satellite phone, Some GPS navigational points can be used in the event of emergency response reporting. two-way radios) do you plan Two way radios are available and will be brought by the local outfitter so the front and to use, if any? back of the walking group can be in touch. Outfitter also carries a Garmen GPS unit. Nearly all hiking routes are accessible by small motor vehicle (quad bike or 4x4), and in Evacuation Please describe your plan for most cases ambulance access is very good. With the exception of some walks in the evacuation from the rural regions of Faial (Caldeira) and Sao Jorge. Evacuation from this area requires either backcountry location if helicopter evacuation (available) or on foot via emergency stretcher device (carried by applicable? Adventurebug leader). Walks on the Islands of Picos and Faial are within 100 and 1000 meters to road networks in which case evacuation can be human assisted to a vehicle or ambulance service. 112 is the European number (in all languages) to report an emergency. There are numeros, modern medical facilities on the Azores. The following facilities Medical care Please describe the medical apply: care available in the area(s) where you will be traveling SAO MIGUEL ISLAND - Hospital Divine Spirit of Espirito Santo - Address: Rua and list names and telephone Grotinha 9500-370 PONTA DELGADA / Tel. +351 296 203 300 numbers for these facilities. http://divinoespirito.pai.pt/ PICO ISLAND - Hospital Santa Casa de Misericordia - Address: Praça Dr. Caetano Mendonça 9950-027 Bandeiras, Madalena PICO / Tel. +351 292 622 480 Centro de Saude da Madalena, Praca Dr. Caetano Mendonca, Madalena Tel +292 622 241; Fax +292 622 483 Raacsm@mail.telepac.pt SAO JORGE - Centro de Saude de Velas, Corpo Santo, Velas Tel +295 412 122/+295 412 656; FAX +295 432 290 Raacsv@mail.telepac.pt FAIAL ISLAND - Hospital General of Horta - Address: Estrada Príncipe Alberto do Mónaco 9900-038 Horta Tel. +351 292 201 000 COST AND BUDGET DETAILS Euro is used in Azores as they are part of Portugal, have budgeted an exchange rate of $1.30 per euro. Have also budgeted a contingency of 8% to offset increases in the euro. Current exchange rate as of 4/1/2016 is 1 euro= $1.13 Please note: The price of the AT is given in good faith based on current tariffs & rates and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate increases will be passed on to participants. Outfitter requires 10% of outfitter fee per participant by April 1, 2017 IF we have a confirmed trip by that date with a sufficient number of participants. Foreign currencies For int’l trips list each foreign currency, the current $US dollar exchange rate and what contingencies you have if that rate changes. If a tour operator or agent is being used, what currency is the agent to be paid in? Group Trip Deposits What deposits will be required from you by airlines, hotels, tour operators, etc., and when? Group Trip Refunds What is the latest date you can cancel and still receive a full refund of any deposits? Form Revised September 2015 Period before trip: More than 90 days(13 weeks) Between 60-89 days Between 30-59 days Cancellation Charge: 100 Euros 10% of outfitter fee per participant 50% of outfitter fee Adventure Travel Trip Proposal Form, page 5 of 6 An Exotic Hiking Holiday in the Azores Archipelago Between 29 and 15 days 75% of outfitter fee Less than 14 days 100% of outfitter fee Cancellations can be transferred at no additional expense to another participant (on waiting list), or who decides to take up the trip place internally. $1000 with application Balance of payment due on May 1, 2017 Participant deposits What are the initial deposit and your schedule of payments by participants to you? Cancellation policy What will be your cancellation policy for the participants? Minimum numbers Will you still run the trip if you do not get the minimum number? Reference web links: AMC-ATC Home Page: Forms: Deadlines: E-Mail Addresses: Club House: AMC-ATC Chair: Form Revised September 2015 Ginette Beaudoin/Anna Panszczyk If you cancel after being accepted for the trip, $50 is non-refundable. But if you cancel after April 1, 2017, minimally $200 is nonrefundable, if (and only if) anther person takes your place. We will establish a waitinglist. Should another person replace you, you will be charged only the $200 cancellation fee. However, your cancellation shall not raise the cost of the trip to any of the participants or trip leaders. Thus if you cancel and are not replaced, you will forfeit the $200 plus the per capita expenses already incurred and any other unpaid expenses for which the trip cannot obtain a refund. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. Information on a company recommended by the AMC will be sent to you. Please note: The price of the Major Excursion is given in good faith based on surrent tariffs and rates and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate increases will be passed on to participants. Yes No If yes, please describe conditions: We would consider running the trip with as few as 12 participants http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/ http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/application/ http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/committee/proposals/ nholland@outdoors.org scohen1234@gmail.com Adventure Travel Trip Proposal Form, page 6 of 6