Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Traveling with the Eford Group.
We add more FAQs, as we receive them. So please check back frequently.
If you have a question, we have not covered, feel free to send them to us: ghanatravel@efordgroup.org
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Has the Eford Group ever traveled to Ghana before? Yes. This is our 3rd trip. The last group trip had 17 passengers and three of them have since relocated to Ghana permanently. Our CEO, Simone Joye has extensive knowledge of Ghana and is a consultant to a former government official, as well as being a Queen Mother of Development in Kumasi.
Can I book my own flight and still travel with the group?
Yes. We do provide land-only packages, which will include the entire itinerary except your flight. Land-only packages must land with us, or before us, at our destinations in order to participate. We will not wait for your flight.
If I choose to leave from another city than New York City, can I still attend the trip? Yes. You can purchase a land-only
package. We will also provide you with our flight numbers in case you want to connect with us in Amsterdam or
Ghana.
If my final destination is not New York City, will I receive a discount on my flight?
No. Our airline ticket prices are based upon leaving and returning from New York City on specific dates.
What is the airline charge for baggage?
Here is Delta’s current policy for travel to Ghana. You may check up to two bags that meet our size& weight
restrictions at no extra charge. *Remember to save room for all of the trinkets, clothing, artwork, etc. you may
be returning with.
Can you provide me with a bulk-seat or exit door seat on our flights?
We will do our best to obtain these larger seating areas for you from Delta and they are first come, first serve. However, there are no
guarantees they will honor our request.
How can I purchase a Business Elite or First-Class seat? Please email Simone Joye at simone@efordgroup.org
What is the temperature in Ghana and what type of clothes should I bring?
Pack Light! You should bring casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes. For Ghana, you should pack as if you are visiting a
Caribbean island or Florida during the summer. A sweater, light jacket or demin jacket is suitable for nighttime.
Don’t forget your bathing suit and sun hats!
When we leave New York City, you should have on jeans and bring a light jacket with you for travel in Amsterdam as the temperature is expected to be in the 50s or 60s when we arrive.
Do I need a Passport?
Yes. A passport is required and you will need your passport to exit the airport for Amsterdam, as well as returning back to the
USA. Do not wait until the last minute to obtain one as it can delay your trip.
Do I need a VISA?
Yes. A VISA is required to travel to Ghana. We will send you an Invitation Letter to include with your application to the Ghanaian Embassy in Washington, DC. Please do not apply for your VISA until you receive our Invitation Letter, as it may delay your application processing. You must also follow the“specific” instructions on the VISA application that the Ghanaian Embassy provides or your application may likely be delayed.
How many shots do I need to travel to Ghana?
Just one! A Yellow Fever shot which is good for up to ten years. You are also advised to bring anti-malaria medicine and mosquito repellent spray.
Can I travel as a single passenger?
Yes. We have great people who travel with us and often may do not have traveling companions. The good news, we all become like family on our trips. If you are in need of a room share, we will do our best to assign you a roommate. If we cannot pair you with a suitable roommate in time, you will be responsible for the single occupancy rate.
Can you explain the payment plan?
Each month a minimum amount will be due for your trip. You can pay any amount, at any time, in which you are comfortable with as long as the total due is received by the due date. For example, by December 14th, for double occupany, the amount that should have been paid by that time is $1,160. All final payments are due no later than April 14, 2014.
Can I use American dollars, credit or debit cards?
In Amsterdam: It is recommended you exchange US dollars for Euros with the group at the airport or plan to use your credit/debit card while in town. As of this writing: $1.00 equaled .77 Euros
In Ghana: $1.00 equals $1.88 Ghanian Cedis; Ghana only accepts VISA cards. However, it is strongly recommended you
do not use any debit or credit cards at any time during our stay.
How much spending money will I need?
That depends upon your spending habits. In the past some have bought as little as $300 and were comfortable, others a lot more. However, you should know Ghana is a very economical destination. You can purchase things relatively cheap compared to the US.
For example, to get your hair braided, the cost is approximately $25. Plentiful meals are usually $10-$15. Taxis average $1.00 per
mile and to get dresses/suits made you will be about $50 per dress or suit.
Exploring Ghana:
I have heard there is a lot of war and famine in Africa, is Ghana safe?
Ghana is very safe! And even safer with us! Ghana is a very friendly country, ideal for first time travelers to
Africa, the people are generally very helpful and welcoming. In addition, as in any metropolitan city, you are advised to watch your
personal belongings and beware of pickpockets, etc.
How is the food in Ghana?
Ghanian food is spicy and reminds us a lot of New Orleans Cajun-style and American Soul food. Fish and chicken are delicious and plentiful, along with fried rice, salads etc. There are also many American, British, Indian and Chinese restaurants. You will not go hungry in Ghana! In addition food prices are very reasonable (usually $10-$15 for a large meal). Only bottled water is recommended to drink.
How will we get around in Ghana?
We will be transported by a private driver in air-conditioned modern charter bus or van. Water and snacks will be available each
day. For individual excursions, we will have taxi’s and private car drivers available for you.
Can I purchase gold in Ghana?
Yes. Ghana is the Gold Coast of Africa. We will be visiting Precious Metals Jewelry
and information on the costs, etc. are located on their website.
I understand we will be stopping at a school in Ghana. What should I bring?
Although not a requirement, we ask that you bring school supplies for the high school students we will visit.
In Ghana, families must pay for their child to attend high school, so every little bit helps, but remember airline luggage weight restrictions.
Exploring Amsterdam
How much time will we have in Amsterdam? Not including landing and departure times, we will have approximately six-seven (6-7) hours free time to explore Amsterdam, assuming getting through customs will not be delayed. You do not have to stay with the group and may tour on your own. We are not responsible for any delays which may prevent us from leaving the airport.
Is it legal for me to smoke or purchase Marijuana in Amsterdam? Yes and No. Amsterdam’s Drug Policy: Trafficking in (importing or exporting), selling, producing and processing either hard or soft drugs are offenses in Holland. As you will probably be aware though, the Netherlands and especially the Amsterdam authorities carry a liberal policy on 'soft' drugs (marihuana and hashish). This means that although legally the selling and buying of soft drugs is forbidden, certain 'coffeeshops' are allowed
to sell small quantities and you're allowed to smoke your purchase inside. Be careful though, while smoking can be allowed in certain places it is certainly not considered acceptable behavior everywhere. As a general rule, if you see other people smoking it should not be a problem. You should ALSO REMEMBER, we will be leaving Amsterdam for Ghana. In Ghana, drugs are HIGHLY illegal, detested and you will likely be immediately arrested for transporting any illegal substances (or drug paraphernalia) into the country. So be very careful and make sure you leave any evidence of drug use in Holland if that is your choice.
What is the Red Light District?
You can find information on the Red Light District here online.
We add more FAQs, as we receive them. So please check back frequently.
If you have a question, we have not covered, feel free to send them to us: ghanatravel@efordgroup.org
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Has the Eford Group ever traveled to Ghana before? Yes. This is our 3rd trip. The last group trip had 17 passengers and three of them have since relocated to Ghana permanently. Our CEO, Simone Joye has extensive knowledge of Ghana and is a consultant to a former government official, as well as being a Queen Mother of Development in Kumasi.
Can I book my own flight and still travel with the group?
Yes. We do provide land-only packages, which will include the entire itinerary except your flight. Land-only packages must land with us, or before us, at our destinations in order to participate. We will not wait for your flight.
If I choose to leave from another city than New York City, can I still attend the trip? Yes. You can purchase a land-only
package. We will also provide you with our flight numbers in case you want to connect with us in Amsterdam or
Ghana.
If my final destination is not New York City, will I receive a discount on my flight?
No. Our airline ticket prices are based upon leaving and returning from New York City on specific dates.
What is the airline charge for baggage?
Here is Delta’s current policy for travel to Ghana. You may check up to two bags that meet our size& weight
restrictions at no extra charge. *Remember to save room for all of the trinkets, clothing, artwork, etc. you may
be returning with.
Can you provide me with a bulk-seat or exit door seat on our flights?
We will do our best to obtain these larger seating areas for you from Delta and they are first come, first serve. However, there are no
guarantees they will honor our request.
How can I purchase a Business Elite or First-Class seat? Please email Simone Joye at simone@efordgroup.org
What is the temperature in Ghana and what type of clothes should I bring?
Pack Light! You should bring casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes. For Ghana, you should pack as if you are visiting a
Caribbean island or Florida during the summer. A sweater, light jacket or demin jacket is suitable for nighttime.
Don’t forget your bathing suit and sun hats!
When we leave New York City, you should have on jeans and bring a light jacket with you for travel in Amsterdam as the temperature is expected to be in the 50s or 60s when we arrive.
Do I need a Passport?
Yes. A passport is required and you will need your passport to exit the airport for Amsterdam, as well as returning back to the
USA. Do not wait until the last minute to obtain one as it can delay your trip.
Do I need a VISA?
Yes. A VISA is required to travel to Ghana. We will send you an Invitation Letter to include with your application to the Ghanaian Embassy in Washington, DC. Please do not apply for your VISA until you receive our Invitation Letter, as it may delay your application processing. You must also follow the“specific” instructions on the VISA application that the Ghanaian Embassy provides or your application may likely be delayed.
How many shots do I need to travel to Ghana?
Just one! A Yellow Fever shot which is good for up to ten years. You are also advised to bring anti-malaria medicine and mosquito repellent spray.
Can I travel as a single passenger?
Yes. We have great people who travel with us and often may do not have traveling companions. The good news, we all become like family on our trips. If you are in need of a room share, we will do our best to assign you a roommate. If we cannot pair you with a suitable roommate in time, you will be responsible for the single occupancy rate.
Can you explain the payment plan?
Each month a minimum amount will be due for your trip. You can pay any amount, at any time, in which you are comfortable with as long as the total due is received by the due date. For example, by December 14th, for double occupany, the amount that should have been paid by that time is $1,160. All final payments are due no later than April 14, 2014.
Can I use American dollars, credit or debit cards?
In Amsterdam: It is recommended you exchange US dollars for Euros with the group at the airport or plan to use your credit/debit card while in town. As of this writing: $1.00 equaled .77 Euros
In Ghana: $1.00 equals $1.88 Ghanian Cedis; Ghana only accepts VISA cards. However, it is strongly recommended you
do not use any debit or credit cards at any time during our stay.
How much spending money will I need?
That depends upon your spending habits. In the past some have bought as little as $300 and were comfortable, others a lot more. However, you should know Ghana is a very economical destination. You can purchase things relatively cheap compared to the US.
For example, to get your hair braided, the cost is approximately $25. Plentiful meals are usually $10-$15. Taxis average $1.00 per
mile and to get dresses/suits made you will be about $50 per dress or suit.
Exploring Ghana:
I have heard there is a lot of war and famine in Africa, is Ghana safe?
Ghana is very safe! And even safer with us! Ghana is a very friendly country, ideal for first time travelers to
Africa, the people are generally very helpful and welcoming. In addition, as in any metropolitan city, you are advised to watch your
personal belongings and beware of pickpockets, etc.
How is the food in Ghana?
Ghanian food is spicy and reminds us a lot of New Orleans Cajun-style and American Soul food. Fish and chicken are delicious and plentiful, along with fried rice, salads etc. There are also many American, British, Indian and Chinese restaurants. You will not go hungry in Ghana! In addition food prices are very reasonable (usually $10-$15 for a large meal). Only bottled water is recommended to drink.
How will we get around in Ghana?
We will be transported by a private driver in air-conditioned modern charter bus or van. Water and snacks will be available each
day. For individual excursions, we will have taxi’s and private car drivers available for you.
Can I purchase gold in Ghana?
Yes. Ghana is the Gold Coast of Africa. We will be visiting Precious Metals Jewelry
and information on the costs, etc. are located on their website.
I understand we will be stopping at a school in Ghana. What should I bring?
Although not a requirement, we ask that you bring school supplies for the high school students we will visit.
In Ghana, families must pay for their child to attend high school, so every little bit helps, but remember airline luggage weight restrictions.
Exploring Amsterdam
How much time will we have in Amsterdam? Not including landing and departure times, we will have approximately six-seven (6-7) hours free time to explore Amsterdam, assuming getting through customs will not be delayed. You do not have to stay with the group and may tour on your own. We are not responsible for any delays which may prevent us from leaving the airport.
Is it legal for me to smoke or purchase Marijuana in Amsterdam? Yes and No. Amsterdam’s Drug Policy: Trafficking in (importing or exporting), selling, producing and processing either hard or soft drugs are offenses in Holland. As you will probably be aware though, the Netherlands and especially the Amsterdam authorities carry a liberal policy on 'soft' drugs (marihuana and hashish). This means that although legally the selling and buying of soft drugs is forbidden, certain 'coffeeshops' are allowed
to sell small quantities and you're allowed to smoke your purchase inside. Be careful though, while smoking can be allowed in certain places it is certainly not considered acceptable behavior everywhere. As a general rule, if you see other people smoking it should not be a problem. You should ALSO REMEMBER, we will be leaving Amsterdam for Ghana. In Ghana, drugs are HIGHLY illegal, detested and you will likely be immediately arrested for transporting any illegal substances (or drug paraphernalia) into the country. So be very careful and make sure you leave any evidence of drug use in Holland if that is your choice.
What is the Red Light District?
You can find information on the Red Light District here online.
