Maui Tips and Facts

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ARE YOU READY FOR A VACATION IN MAUI?

BELOW ARE LOADS OF DETAILS THAT YOU'LL WANT TO KNOW IN ORDER TO HELP MAKE FOR A SMOOTH VACATION EXPERIENCE. MAIN TOPICS INCLUDE:

WHAT TO BRING
GENERAL INFO
RENTAL CAR SERVICE
HOTEL CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT
VELA MAUI WINDSURF CENTER
VELA WINDSURF LESSONS
DARE2FLY KITESURF LESSONS
BEFORE RETURNING HOME

WHAT TO BRING

It's always nice to pack light, but there are a few things we don't want you to forget. In Los Barriles, you are an hour away from any major tourist area, and you won't easily find things like wetsuits and booties. To avoid the possibility of lost luggage, we recommend that you carry-on your luggage whenever possible, particularly important items. Here is our list of things to bring:

- A printout of your invoice confirming full payment and this web page.
- Driving directions (North Shore) or condo address (South Shore ) to find your home away from home. * IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THIS INFORMATION CONTACT VELA BEFORE YOU LEAVE*
- Airline tickets
- Current driver's license and major credit card in name of rental car driver (you will need these to rent your car)
- Extra spending money (see "Currency/credit cards" below)
- Paperback books for flights and evenings (Our staff appreciates current newspapers / magazines - especially windsport related!)
- Daypack for bike rides & other excursions you may take.
- Ear Plugs (a good idea if you are a light sleeper and if you're practicing those forward loops!)
- Aspirin or Ibuprofen for muscle aches.
- Medical tape for tired hands.
- A small flashlight to find your lock-box in case you come home to your guest house late at night.

What we have:
The following items are all available in wonderful variety on Maui, so you may want to pack light and roomy and bring home some island-grown gear. Otherwise, we do recommend that you also bring:

- Harness, shorty wetsuit and/or thermal rashguard, booties,
- Gloves to prevent blisters while sailing
- 100% UV sunglasses w/ eyeglass retainer (floating)
- Waterproof sunscreen lotion (oil makes board slippery)
- Beach towel (condo towels just don't do the job)
- Helmet and/or PFD, if desired.
- Light jacket/windbreaker

CHECK YOUR DOCUMENTS NOW for accuracy and then RECONFIRM ALL FLIGHT TIMES with your airline before you go to the airport. If your flight arrival time is different than what you supplied to Vela during the reservation process, please call Dollar’s Kahului office directly at 808-877-2732 and update their agents with the correct flight information. (Dollar will automatically cancel your reservation if your car is not picked up within two hours of this time.)

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GENERAL INFO

Location:
Maui is right in the middle of the Pacific ocean in a chain of the Hawai'ian islands. Over 2,000 miles from the West Coast, these islands are the furthest from major continents, though the sense of still being in America makes them feel much less remote. The topography and varying climate changes throughout the island makes Maui one of the most incredible places to explore... of course, if it is windy you might not make it 100ft above sea level, but try to get out there and see more of this beautiful place on earth. A sunrise from atop the 10,000 foot Mt. Haleakala will give you a new sense of the sublime and awe-inspiring power of nature. Or sleep in, wait for the winds, and relax!

Language:
English. You are still in the US, and the most Hawai'ian you'll hear is either 'Aloha', 'Mahalo', or if you go to a lu'au, 'Hana Hou!'...

Weather:
Maui is a lush tropical destination. The rain that produces the lush vegetation is more frequent in the winter months, so expect it to be a little wetter and somewhat cooler in winter, drier and a bit warmer in summer. Generally it will be in the mid-80's during the day and slightly cooler at night. In the "Upcountry" area or up on the rim of Haleakala crater, it can be much cooler. Bring a light jacket for evenings and a very warm one if you plan on catching the spectacular sunrise on top of Haleakala. People dress casually on the island. Only in some of the most expensive restaurants would a coat or dress be expected. You might want to leave a little space in your luggage for clothing acquired in Maui; some people consider Maui a paradise for shopping as well.

Water and Health:
All properties offered by Vela include metered municipal water that is safe to drink. If you are visiting more remote parts of the island you may want to ensure that the property isn't using catchment rainwater.

Currency/credit cards:
We recommend that you bring some cash, travelers checks and a major credit card. The Maui Windsurf Company will accept credit cards for any additional services or goods you may want to purchase on-site. Most establishments on the island accept major credit cards. We suggest you bring extra cash or traveler's checks of at least $50 per person per day of stay. You may go home with most of it, but if you want it, you'll have it.

Electrical Voltage:
You are still in the US, normal 110 voltage.

Email / Phone Services:
Most Northshore properties have free WiFi available on-site, but unlikely to be available in the Southshore condos, though finding am unlocked signal could be likely. Internet cafes are plentiful, as are WiFi Hotspots. Your cellular phone will work throughout most of the island, though depending on your provider you may find roaming charges on your statement once you get home.

Meals:
If on the Northshore, definitely check out Cafe de Amis in downtown Paia for some great dinner crepes or a tasty desert crepe instead if you've already had dinner somewhere else in town. Anthony's Coffee serves up great breakfast options including tons of baked goods and (of course) some caffeine to get you started. On the Southshore there are simply too many places to mention. The staff at Vela Maui also are your best source of information about restaurants and nightlife. They have hosted many, many sailors on Maui and are getting constant feedback about what's happening where.

Other Activities:
Maui has one of the widest selection of activities of any vacation destination in the world. Your new friends at NeilPryde Maui know the best deals and operators and can send you in the right direction. Good snorkeling and diving trips leave daily from nearby Ma'alaea Harbor. Hiking, horseback riding and exciting downhill bicycle excursions are available on the slopes of the mighty volcano Haleakala. Shopping is legendary, especially at the Shops at Wailea located next to the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort.

Tipping:
You are still in the US and normal tipping customs are the same here: if the service is good, feel free to leave a little extra. Surprise our staff with tips if they've helped dial in great gear and advice for your experience on Maui!

Emergencies:
Should an emergency necessitate an early return home, we will do all we can to get refunds for you. Standard hotel cancellation fees usually exceed any unused balance, but hotels are quite often understanding of emergencies. To assist us in this you must get written verification of check-out date from your hotel front desk and also from the windsurf staff.

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RENTAL CAR / TRANSFERS FROM THE AIRPORT

Airport Arrival:
The Kahului airport luggage area will give you your first sense of the warm tropical weather you've been waiting for! Once you have your bags, follow the signs to the rental car area, a short 100 yards away from the main terminal.

Rental Cars:
Your package likely includes a rental car with Dollar. Once you have your bags and have walked to the rental car booths at the airport, find the Dollar counter and give them your last name. IMPORTANT: The Dollar desk will be open until 23:00. If you arrive late or have flight delays AND have provided us with your flight information in advance, a Dollar employee will remain on a graveyard-shift awaiting your arrival. You will sign up for the car here and then be taken to the Dollar parking lot a short 2 minute shuttle-ride away. If you have lots of luggage, you may want to send only the driver, who can them return to pick up the rest of the group and bags. Dollar will be glad to provide directions to your accommodations and Vela Maui (located within Neil Pryde Maui - hours 8:30 am to 5:00 PM), where you will pick up your racks and equipment.

The agents will offer collision damage and personal injury insurance at a significant additional daily rate. We recommend you check with your own car insurer before leaving for Maui; your policy may already include such coverage. Regardless, as is standard with all rental car companies, Dollar will require a signed, blank imprint of your credit card or a cash deposit. Depending on your situation, there may be some other charges not payable in advance of the return of your car. Dollar has a minimum driver age of 25 (or additional $15 plus tax per day for ages 21-24) and additional drivers are $6 per day. Dollar rents on a 24-hour basis and if you are keeping your car an hour or so later than the time on the clock that you picked it up, you will owe them an additional $10-$12 an hour, which is cheaper than us charging you a full additional day's rental. If your departure time is several hours later than your arrival time, check your Vela email invoice to make sure the "" date is one day later than you are actually leaving. We should have included an additional day's rental in your package, but only if we know what your flight times are. You should find your car full of gas and relatively clean. If you return it otherwise there may be additional gas or cleaning fees (see: RETURNING YOUR DOLLAR RENTAL CAR). DOLLAR WILL CHARGE YOU A $3/DAY STATE IMPOSED SURCHARGE and a 7.5% AIRPORT RECOVERY Tax.

Taxis Paid On-Arrival:
You should really consider having a rental car, as Maui is very much a driving island. But just in case... taxis are available from the airport (and all around the island for that matter) to take you where you need to go.

Transportation During Your Vacation:
Make certain to carry a good map of the island in your rental car, and heed the warnings from the rental car company: if they mark a road that you can't take the vehicle on, listen to them! If you find yourself somewhere without a car, hitch-hiking is legal and another windsurfer is likely to pick you up if you are wearing your sailing gear and carrying your harness with you! Ideal for any unintended downwinders that go wrong...

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HOTEL CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT

Hotel Check-In:
Procedures for check-in vary for Northshore and Southshore properties, however some general policies apply to both. The normal check-in time is at 3:00PM for all properties, although we can request early check-in if available. No paperwork is necessary for check in. Simply arrive at the front desk and give the agent the last name of the person who made the reservation. If there are any questions, please show them the email invoice that you should print and take with you. NOTE: If your plane is scheduled to arrive late in the evening please let us know in advance in case any special arrangements need to be made.

NORTHSHORE
Once full payment has been received, we will email complete property information including driving directions and check-in details. Many properties require a gate code and/or lock box code to get into your unit. This will help you in getting to your accommodations and checking in. In this letter you will also find a number to call if you need to talk to someone about your condo while on the island. Your condo management company is always available to help make your vacation an enjoyable one. If the plumbing plugs up, the toaster doesn't work, etc., call them immediately. It's their job to see that it gets fixed now. Then go enjoy Maui. Chances are good it will be fixed by the time you get back from sailing. If not, stay in communication with them. We have chosen the best, most responsive condo management companies on the island. You are in good hands.

*IF YOU DO NOT HAVE DRIVING DIRECTIONS PLEASE CONTACT VELA IMMEDIATELY*

SOUTHSHORE
See the instructions on your document cover letter which was emailed to you to confirm full payment. The address of the condo is listed on the invoice, and you should have no trouble finding your condo. If you have any questions, please call us. This will help you in getting to your accommodations and checking in. In this letter you will also find a number to call if you need to talk to someone about your condo while on the island. Your condo management company is always available to help make your vacation an enjoyable one. If the plumbing plugs up, the toaster doesn't work, etc., call them immediately. It's their job to see that it gets fixed now. Then go enjoy Maui. Chances are good it will be fixed by the time you get back from sailing. If not, stay in communication with them. We have chosen the best, most responsive condo management companies on the island. You are in good hands

***IF YOU KNOW THAT YOU WILL ARRIVE AFTER 5:00PM, PLEASE CONTACT VELA ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE FOR AFTER-HOURS CHECK-IN DIRECTIONS, WHICH VARIES BY PROPERTY***

Hotel Check-Out:
Please respect the checkout time posted in your unit, typically 11:00 at the latest. If you have a late flight out of Maui, you might be able to check out of your unit later in the day. When you arrive, or at least several days before you leave, check with the property management company directly (NOT THE FRONT DESK) about this. Get the name of the person who says OK and how late is OK. If someone happens to be checking in the same day you are leaving, it will not be possible to stay late because your unit must be made ready for them; however, with advance notice, arrangements can often be made. If not, Kanaha Beach Park has freshwater showers so you can still play all day and not have to fly home sandy or salty.

Important Note:
Should an emergency necessitate an early return home, we will do all we can to get refunds for you. Standard hotel cancellation fees usually exceed any unused balance, but hotels are quite often understanding of emergencies. To assist us in this you must get written verification of check-out date from your hotel front desk and also from the windsurf staff.

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VELA MAUI WINDSURF CENTER

Getting To Vela Maui:
Vela Maui is located in the NeilPryde Maui shop at 400 Hana Highway. From the airport, stay straight on Keolani Pl (it will become Dairy Rd.) Follow the signs to Lahaina and Kihei, Cross the Haleakela Highway and the Hana Highway (2 lights). Make the first right on Alamaha St. he next street is Papa Place, turn right. Vela Maui is located at the corner of Papa Place and the Hana Highway. As a point of reference, Fed-Ex is right next door to the Vela Maui entrance.

To get fast answers while on Maui, contact the Vela Maui staff at 800-321-7443.

Checking In To Get Started:
Center hours are 09:00 to 18:00 daily. Our staff will be anticipating your arrival. You can find our staff members at the Vela Maui rental area, either behind the counter or helping guests in the shop. Give any team member your name and they will set you up with an orientation. A credit card is required for safety deposit and for setting up your account at the center. If you arrive after 5:00 pm you can pick up your equipment the following morning. Prepaid lessons and equipment are not refundable after your scheduled arrival date. Though the center closes at 18:00, please try to get there at least 15 minutes before they clsoe if you need to return your rentals or exchange gear for the next day.

Windsurf Equipment:
Vela Maui is equipped with the latest in high performance gear featuring NeilPryde sails and rigs and is the official test-center for JP Australia with a complete lineup of all their latest boards. Please help us maintain the high quality of our fleet by handling with care.

Getting On The Water:
Equipment is with you so you don't really have set hours to sail, though you will need to respect local regulations on launch times. If you are on a "Complete Rig" package, your package includes use of a 1 board 1 complete-rig, and 2 sails (w/ correct masts) at a time. This easily handles the needs of most people. Many people who have brought some of their own sails have reported that they stayed in their bags the whole trip. Also, the airlines can charge you up to $150 each way if they know you are checking "windsurfing equipment". However, you may feel you want to bring one or two small sails with you and choose the larger ones from Vela Maui so that you will have other sails at your disposal while at the beach. Have any questions about odd sails, etc? Feel free to call Vela Maui before you go. Please note that equipment fee is per person and not transferable.

Pre-booked Beginner Rental:
Due to the fact that you'll be packing your gear on top of your rental car we do not offer first-time beginner gear in our rental fleet. Instead, we urge beginners to arrange for a 3-day or 4-day lesson program which includes 2.5 hours of group instruction each day including all equipment during lessons time waiting for you at the beach.

Getting Your Gear:
You will be given an orientation session before checking out your equipment. All guests must use the equipment sign-out / sign-in sheet located at the equipment area to check out equipment. If you want to change your board or rig during the day, simply return to the center and ask for our staff to help you. All this will be covered in your "Center Orientation" on your first day sailing with us.

Rig Adjustments:
Make sure to ask our staff any questions you may have regarding adjustments to your gear. They will be pleased to show demonstrate anything for you, as you will ultimately need to make these adjustments yourself at the beach. You will be responsible for any incorrect handling of the rig that damages the sail, so make sure that you understand the steps for any changes you plan to make.

Damage to equipment:
You will be asked to leave a credit card as deposit when you take out equipment. Once you sign out a board and sail, it is your responsibility to return it in the same condition! To minimize the possibility of damage, please choose equipment that suits your ability level and conditions, and handle equipment carefully when launching and coming in to shore. Items that need replacing such as fins, sails or mast will be charged at cost plus 10% for parts and labor. For items that can be repaired, standard charges will apply. This must be paid directly to the center in full upon return of the damaged equipment. If you purchased travel insurance through Vela, you can claim any charges ($1,000 coverage limit, less a $100 deductible) for equipment damage or loss upon your return.

On-Site / Walk-Up Rentals:
If you have not paid for equipment as part of your vacation, note that rentals will only be available after the staff is satisfied that all pre-paid guests have had their first choice. Daily rentals start at $65 per day. No 1/2 day rentals available. Rates are subject to change. Again, we cannot guarantee equipment availability unless you pre-book with Vela with advance reservations.

Gear Storage:
Sorry, we do not offer any space to store your personal gear due to lack of available space.

Vela Wind Warranty:
Vela's Wind Warranty works differently on Maui, with a day-for-day credit offered for a return trip to Maui. This "Lay Day" policy requires you to return all equipment to the center on any no-wind days. If you don't return the gear, you will not get credit for the unused day. If you have swapped windsurf gear for a surfboard or Stand-Up Paddle board instead, you will also not get credit for the unused windsurf rental day.Any questions? Feel free to call us toll free at 800-223-5443 or while on Maui, ask our Vela Maui staff at 800-321-7443.

Sailing Conditions and Safety:
Conditions vary dramatically depending on the time of year, size of ocean swell, and what launch you are sailing from. IMPORTANT NOTE: By county ordinance there is no sailing in Maui before 11:00am. This is out of respect for other water users, surfers and fishermen.

NORTHSHORE
The northshore beaches stretch from kite beach (lower Kanaha) all the way to Hookipa at the eastern end. Conditions range from fun flat water and chop to the ultimate wave sailing at Hookipa. Depending on surf conditions and wind you will be able to find a spot that is suitable for your taste.

Kanaha Beach Park:
Location: Very near the Kahului Airport, Kanaha consists of several shallow sandy coves along the eastern end of Kahului Bay on the North Shore.
Recommended Ability: Beginner in the most eastern cove through advanced in the most western cove and beyond the reef.
Wind and Water: A reef 400 yards offshore means flat water in summer and larger chop in winter. On the reef there are large waves in winter, early spring and fall. Smaller waves prevail in summer with rolling swell outside. Wind picks up from light in the morning, to strong in the afternoon.

Spreckelsville Beach:
Location: 4 miles east of Kanaha, Sprecklesville's quality surf conditions draw some of the best sailors on the island. Obtain directions from the rental shop.
Recommended Ability: Intermediate to advanced wave-sailor.
Wind and Water: Same sideshore, consistent trade winds as Kanaha, only a little stronger. Sprecklesville reef produces some excellent conditions to hone your skills for the next step up....

Ho’okipa Beach Park:
Location: 2 miles east of Paia on the Hana Highway just past Mama's Fish House Restaurant. The tiny beach, tucked in a cove below, serves as a launch for the premier wave venue in the world.
Recommended Ability: Sail only if you are an expert wave-sailor, or watch the best from the bluff.
Wind and Water: Same sideshore, potential for big waves.
IMPORTANT NOTE: There are special rules posted on a large sign at the beach explaining when windsurfing MAY BE RESTRICTED, primarily dependent on the total number of surfers in specified zones in or around the sailing area. If in doubt, don't go out, and check with the locals to be sure. DON'T PARK IN ROBBY NAISH'S PARKING SPOT!

KIHEI BEACHES:
These narrow, palm fringed beaches stretch from Maalaea Bay through the beach town of Kihei, always accessible off N. Kihei Road. Sailing areas range from beginner, with sheltered side-offshore wind conditions directly in front of the Sugar Beach Condominium Property, to advanced north of the Sugar Beach area.

Pavilions (Maipoina Oe Lau Beach Park):
Location: Just north of Kihei off N. Kihei Road, this site really cooks when the winds shift to the north creating what locals call 'Kona Winds'.
Recommended Ability: Intermediate to advanced sailors
Water and Wind: Flat with some chop. 15 to 30 mph blowing side-onshore in a northerly (Kona) and side-offshore during normal tradewind conditions.

Ka Ono Ulu Beach Park:
Location: Less than a mile south of Pavilions. Same conditions as Pavilions but a rocky launch and less sailors.
Recommended Ability: Intermediate to advanced sailors
Water and Wind: Flat with some chop. 15 to 30 mph blowing side-onshore in a northerly (Kona) and side-offshore during normal tradewind conditions.

Sugar Beach:
Location: Directly in front of Sugar Beach Condominiums in the lee of the buildings you'll find lower velocity side-offshore wind. It is possible for beginners to sail here, although Kanaha is more ideal. A ten minute walk up the beach is "Speed Beach" where offshore winds up to 30 mph, particularly in a northerly, create a speed slalom heaven with flat water conditions.
Recommended Ability: Beginner in front of resort, intermediate to advanced at Speed Beach.
Wind and Water: Flat close-in. Swell and chop in bay. Up to 30 mph blowing offshore at Speed Beach.

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VELA WINDSURF LESSONS

Lesson Program:
Alan Cadiz and his staff of HST instructors have been setting the standards in windsurfing instruction since 1985. Their instructors' high level of skill allows them to sail right next to you on the water, giving you the confidence and the coaching you need to excel quickly. Lessons are taught at Kanaha, Kihei, and from private beachfront locations along Maui's North shore. HST offers beginner through advanced, group and private lessons including jibing and wave sailing. As all lessons are by appointment only, reservations are recommended as far in advance as possible. If you have prepaid for lessons and need to reconfirm start times while on Maui, or want to add some lessons while on-site, please call Vela Maui at 800-321-7443 or HST directly at 800-YOU-JIBE (968-5423). Lessons cost $219 for 3 days of lessons, $279 for 4 days of lessons. More details on lesson plans below...

Beginner Lessons:
All beginners should meet at Kanaha Beach Park at 09:00 to get started on their lessons. We will bring all the beginner gear you need during you 2.5 hour group lessons.

Advanced Lessons:
For anyone working on waterstarts or who has progressed during the start of the trip, you will move into the next level of instruction. Individualized, private instruction that is catered to your specific needs, whether that may be jibing, stance, footstraps, jumping, etc. These lessons cost the same but are 1.5 hours of private instruction and DO NOT INCLUDE EQUIPMENT which you will need to have rented separately. Most advanced lessons begin after 12:00 noon, on call for ideal winds depending on what you are working on.

Elite Instructors:
Ever sailed with the pros? Matt Pritchard, Alan Cadiz, and others are available to meet with you to work on whatever skills you hope to improve. No need to be intimidated by their bios: these guys LOVE to teach, any level of ability. Times subject to wind conditions and instructor availability. Cost start at $125 per hour with a 2 hour minimum.

Group Clinics:
Please contact us if you are interested in arranging a specialized clinic with local professionals for your group. Ideal when staying on the Northshore at a privately owned guest house with on-site launch and equipment storage. Anything you want to arrange, we can do it.

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DARE2FLY MAUI KITESURF SCHOOL

Kitesurfing Lessons:
The Dare2Fly Maui services are provided by our partners at KSMaui and HST. Both have a team of IKO certified instructors who are all eager to share knowledge about the sport they love. Instruction for all ability levels are available in private lessons. If you have already booked time in advance please make sure to check-in at the Vela Maui center either the day before your lesson or at 09:00 the day of your first lesson. All lessons take place at Kite Beach, which is within the greater Kanaha Beach Park., to the west of the main windsurf launch. We always recommend booking lessons in advance to ensure your spot on the schedule. Note that it is not allowed to reserve lessons off the beach due to (another) county ordinance. Contact us if you need to reserve some time at Dare2Fly.

Kitesurfing Equipment:
Dare2Fly, our integrated Vela kiteboarding school is powered by the latest Cabrinha and North equipment. Experienced kiters and students ready to take gear out on their own are welcome to get on the water with our fleet. Rentals will not be provided until proof of level-3 IKO certification (or similar) or completion of lessons and receipt of level 3 IKO certification.

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BEFORE RETURNING HOME

Returning Rental Equipment:
Be aware of The Vela Maui opening and closing times - 9:00 - 6:00. If you are not planning on sailing the day you leave, you may find it easier to return equipment the afternoon before, rather than in the morning. See if you have taken care of your final tab for additional services you may have purchased. If you have had some bad luck in the wind department, make sure to get your 'Lay Day' credit form before you go, and we hope that you have still had a great vacation overall in spite of Mother Nature!

Returning Rental Car:
Dollar has to get your car ready for someone else to use. If you return it low on gas or really dirty and full of sand, they will charge you. There are gas stations on your way back into Kahului. If you are the rare type to really trash a car, Dolphin Car Wash at 156 Wakea has vacuums. If you're concerned about this, clarify with Dollar their policies before taking the vehicle. Leave plenty of time to drop off your equipment, gas your car, check it in, and catch the shuttle to the airport.

At The Airport:
You will have to pass agricultural inspection. Prepackaged fruit sold specifically to be taken back to the mainland is usually OK. Fruit bought in the supermarkets to be consumed on Maui is generally not allowed off the island.

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READY TO GO? ARE YOU SURE? PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU DEPART. HAVE A GREAT TRIP AND DON'T FORGET TO WRITE!