WILDLIFE AND WILDERNESS OF GUYANA TRIP NOTES

Transcription

1 WILDLIFE AND WILDERNESS OF GUYANA TRIP NOTES Trip Code: WAY (AAY) Country: Guyana Amended: October 2013 Edition No: TH Valid from: 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2014 HIGHLIGHTS Visit beautiful and remote Kaieteur Falls Search for wildlife including Giant otters and the very elusive jaguar Stay in lodges deep in the rainforest Admire incredible birdlife in a range of pristine environments Explore a country which gets fewer visitors in a year than Machu Picchu gets in a day SUMMARY Guyana is the hidden jewel in South America's rich natural crown. Every year only a couple of thousand visitors journey into the lush and sparsely populated interior to discover the incredible variety of wildlife which inhabits the dense rainforests, rolling savannahs and meandering rivers. This trip is designed to penetrate deep into the heart of Guyana, and along the way we take in the incredible Kaieteur Falls, remote Amerindian villages, and a fascinating canopy walkway in the Iwokrama Reserve. Kaieteur is considered to be one of the world's most powerful waterfalls, and as it thunders over the cliff into the canyon below it's easy to see why. The falls are often just an optional extra on many tours which visit Guyana, but as Kaieteur is the best place to see giant bromeliads, Golden frogs and the Guianan cock-of the-rock we consider the falls an essential part of any itinerary. For wildlife lovers, Guyana is one of the best places in the world to see the elusive jaguar, which still roams free in the forests. Sightings along the road which runs through the Iwokrama Reserve are not uncommon with sightings being made as often as once or twice a month, as the open space allows this timid New World predator to find its prey. Our river trips offer us a chance to spot endangered Giant river otters and the sizeable Black caiman, as well as the possibility of sighting the world's largest freshwater fish - the mighty Arapaima. But perhaps the most striking thing about Guyana is its spectacular birdlife - the range of natural habitats means that over 800 species have been recorded within its borders, including the protected Scarlet macaw, the giant Harpy eagle, the colourful Toco toucan, and the striking cock-of-the-rock. Exodus Travels Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 0NE Sales & Reservations: sales@exodus.co.uk

2 along the way we may see Harpy eagles, colourful motmots, kites and several species of monkey. As the day starts to cool, we take to the river again this afternoon to see the petroglyphs at Kurupukari Falls, and visit an Amerindian village. (B,L,D) Day 4 Iwokrama Canopy Walkway IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU? Although we stay in comfortable accommodation throughout, you should note that the majority of the trip takes place in remote areas with little access to luxuries. Lodges all have running water and private bathrooms, but hot water is rarely available, although this is seldom a problem given the heat and humidity which characterise the whole country. These areas are difficult to reach, so you should be prepared for bumpy drives on dirt roads and flights on small planes. Guyana is often hot and humid, particularly in the interior, and although we have planned this trip to fall outside the main rainy season it may be necessary to change the itinerary in case of bad weather since rain can fall at any time of the year and can be very heavy. We have some selected departures recommended for bird watching but there is excellent bird watching on every departure. LAND ONLY ITINERARY The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner). Day 1 Fly to Georgetown The group flights leave London this morning and arrive in Georgetown this evening. We will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in central Georgetown for the night. Day 2 Kaieteur Falls and Iwokrama We leave early this morning on a small plane to the magnificent Kaieteur Falls. The sheer volume of water falling into the 226m deep gorge means that the falls are permanently capped by a rainbow, and the surrounding rainforest is home to unique flora and fauna. We land on a nearby table-top mountain and explore the falls and the forest in search of giant tank bromeliads (the world's largest) and the tiny golden frogs which inhabit them. With luck we will catch sight of the Guianan cock-of-the-rock in full display. After a couple of hours at the falls, we continue our flight over the rainforest to Iwokrama River Lodge, set in the vast wilderness of the Iwokrama Rainforest. This million acre reserve is a model of sustainable forest management, protecting countless species whilst still providing economic and social benefits for the indigenous Makushi people who have lived here for thousands of years. This afternoon a ranger will take us on a guided walk along the forest trails looking for some of the birds which live here, including potoos, woodcreepers, Guianan red cotingas and the beautiful Crimson topaz. After dinner we take a night boat trip on the river, listening for nocturnal birds and keeping our eyes peeled for caiman, snakes, tree frogs and capybara. (B,L,D) After a dawn wildlife walk, we head south through the reserve in 4WD vehicles. Far more than just a simple journey from A to B, the drive takes us along a dirt road through the Iwokrama Forest. This area is gaining a reputation as one of the best places in Guyana (and perhaps the whole Americas) to see jaguars in their natural environment, we make no promises but many have been lucky with sighting right on the side of the road as often as once or twice a month! In addition, myriad bird species frequent the forest edge, and we may also see mammals such as tapir and agoutis. Our destination, the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, consists of a 30-metre high, 154-metre long walkway with 4 platforms which affords an ideal opportunity to seek out birds and mammals which are usually hidden from view in the tree crowns. Our home for the next two nights is the Atta Rainforest Lodge, a short stroll from the walkway. (B,L,D) Day 5 Birdwatching and canopy walks We spend the full day close to the lodge today, either on the walkway or in the forest. The lodge is set in a clearing which is a great place to see the beautiful Crimson fruit crow, which often comes in to feed in the trees. There is also a habituated family of Black curassow which can sometimes be sighted walking through the grounds. Camera traps which have been set up near the lodge have demonstrated that jaguars can come right up to the edge of the lodge at night. (B,L,D) Day 6 Forest walk and Surama Village After enjoying the dawn chorus on the canopy walkway, we board 4WD vehicles and drive south to the Amerindian village of Surama, stopping en route for a walk through the forest in search of the cock-of-the-rock and possibly Harpy eagle. Set in the savannah and surrounded by the richly forested Pakaraima Mountains, Surama is home to members of the Macushi tribe who still observe many traditional practices. We will be welcomed by one of the village counsellors and taken on a guided walk around the village to see the school, church and houses, and later in the afternoon we will see the forest through the eyes of the indigenous people as we take a guided walk on a short trail. This is followed by a night-time wildlife walk which highlights the mystique of the forest after dark. We stay in the Surama Eco Lodge for the next two nights. (B,L,D) Day 7 Surama Mountain and boat excursion Setting off before dawn, we walk across the savannah and climb Surama Mountain in the cool of the morning - the best time to see birds. Breakfast is served at a lookout point which offers incredible views of the village and the savannah, as well as the Pakaraima range. In the afternoon we walk for three miles to the Burro Burro River, where our local guides take us in canoes to look for the animals which live in and alongside the water, including Giant river otters, tapir and Spider monkeys. (B,L,D) Day 8 Rock View Lodge This morning we drive through the savannah and skirt the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains, with excellent opportunities to see Jabiru storks and other grassland birds. Eventually we reach the small community of Annai, which sits on the edge of the Rupununi Savannah, a vast area of grassland with huge termite mounds and scattered woodland. Rock View Lodge, where we stay for the next two nights, is a tropical oasis in the savannah, and its gardens attract many nectar feeders and frugivores from the mountains, whilst the plains and riparian forest harbour very different avifauna from that encountered in the rainforests of the north. (B,L,D) Day 9 Forest walk and Amerindian villages Day 3 Boat ride and birdwatching This morning we take a boat on the Essequibo River and circumnavigate nearby Indian House Island to experience the incredible dawn chorus provided by countless swifts, swallows, antwrens and tinamous. After breakfast, we take a boat to the base of Turtle Mountain, one of the smaller peaks in the Iwokrama Mountains. A two-hour trail takes us to the summit for spectacular views of the rainforest canopy, and 2 At dawn we hike along the Panorama Trail in the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains, watching the changing colours of the savannah as the sun rises. Antwrens and jacamars abound in the trees, as do a host of hummingbirds, flycatchers and tanagers. Later in the day we can visit the local Amerindian villages and watch a demonstration of traditional cashew nut roasting at the lodge. The day finishes with relaxing drinks by the lodge pool. (B,L,D)

3 Victoria Amazonica, the world's largest water lily and Guyana's national flower. The flower will slow bloom as dusk settles.. B,L,D Day 13 Early this morning we will head out to an area of grassland where Giant anteaters can be seen. With a bit of luck we'll locate one of these unusual animals excavating termite hills for its breakfast. After your own breakfast you will depart for the flight back to Georgetown. In the afternoon you discover the historic centre of the capital on a walking tour which includes the cathedral and Stabroek Market. You also visit the botanical gardens which house one of the most extensive collections of tropical flora in the Caribbean region. B Day 14 Transfer to the airport for your trip home. It is also possible to combine Karanambu with Caiman House upon request. Day 10 Return to Georgetown After breakfast we walk to the nearby airstrip for our flight back to Georgetown. In the afternoon we discover the historic centre of the capital on a walking tour which includes the cathedral and Stabroek Market. We also visit the botanical gardens which house one of the most extensive collections of tropical flora in the Caribbean region. (B,L) Day 11 Depart Georgetown Those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport this morning for the overnight flight back to London. (B) For those on group flights, these depart in the morning and will arrive in the UK the following day. KARNAMBU EXTENSION Please call our Sales team for current prices. It is possible to extend your time in Guyana by heading deeper into Rupununi Grasslands and spend a couple days at the Karanambu Lodge, home of Diane McTurk known for her work rehabilitating Giant otters. This is also a good region to see various bird species, monkeys, caiman and even, with a bit of luck, Giant anteaters. Day 10 After breakfast transfer to the Ginep Landing where a boat will be awaiting for the transfer to the Karanambu Lodge. Travelling down the Rupununi River you may spot a number of birds including vultures, falcons, storks and curassows. Both Spectacled and Black caimans and various monkeys can also be seen on this journey. You should also keep a look out for Giant otters as a number of families live along this stretch of river. ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD In Georgetown, we stay at Cara Lodge, a charming colonial hotel in the heart of the city. Our accommodation in the interior is in small, comfortable lodges with twin-bedded room and private bathrooms. Running water is available at all lodges, but it is unheated, and you should not expect hot showers outside Georgetown. Facilities at the lodges are generally limited to a restaurant/dining area. Surprisingly, even in these remote lodges you will find internet connections available. We include the majority of meals in the cost of the trip due to the remote nature of the lodges we visit. Each lodge provides plenty of freshly cooked food at mealtimes, and the cuisine is a mix of Amerindian, Indian and Caribbean. Vegetarians and other special diets can be catered for - please advise us at the time of booking if you have any specific meal requirements. Single Accommodation: Single rooms can be arranged throughout the trip for a supplement of 275 (subject to availability). Extra Accommodation: If you would like to extend your stay in Georgetown at the start or end of the trip, please ask for up-to-date prices. TRANSPORT On this trip we use a variety of transportation, including small turboprop planes, air-conditioned minibuses, 4WD trucks and motorised canoes. WEATHER AND SEASONALITY Karanambu Lodge is home to conservationist Diane McTurk who is famed for her work rehabilitating orphaned Giant otters. The ranch has a long history of visiting naturalists and her father, Tiny McTurk, welcomed both David Attenborough and Gerald Durrell. Dinner with Diane includes fascinating stories on the history of the family and the Rupunani Savannah. B,L,D Days 11 and 12 These two days we may make an early start to reach an area of rolling grasslands, which in the past has been the home to a population of Giant Anteaters. With luck we shall locate one of these six-foot long animals excavating its breakfast from one of the red termite mounds that stud the savannah. The remainder of the day will be spent exploring the area around Karanambu. We will undertake boat journeys along quiet stretches of river, explore seasonally flooded wetlands and lakes, and walk trails through a variety of woodland habitats. We will explore the maze of lagoons along the Rupununi River with our hosts, in search of Giant River Otters, scanning the treetops for family parties of Red Howler Monkeys and the exposed riverbanks for Capybara and Black Caiman. These quiet backwaters are also home to the legendary Arapaima, the largest of all scaled freshwater fish. Late in the afternoon take a boat trip to view the The average temperature in the shade is 27ºC with the average maximum being maximum 31ºC. The temperatures rarely go below 20ºC but the heat is greatly tempered by cooling breezes from the sea in the north. There are two wet seasons in the north of the 3

4 country, from May to June and from December to January, whereas the southern interior regions have just one wet season from May to July. All wet seasons may extend into the months on either side, and humidity levels rise considerably just before and during the wet seasons. Please bear in mind that rain is a common feature of any trip to Guyana. miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense. If you would like us to organise a private transfer, please ask your sales consultant for a quote. Please ensure that you provide us with all relevant information at least 2 weeks before departure. The cost of a taxi is likely to be about 15 / US$25 should you decide to make your way independently. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company. JOINING THE TRIP IN THE UK 12 days, normally depart London Wed, return Sun Itinerary Start The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary. Flights from London We normally use the scheduled services of British Airways or Caribbean Airlines (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up-to-date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure. Internal flights during the trip are with a local airline. UK Regional Flights The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit for a useful overview of the options available, and contact our sales team for expert advice. If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays. Airport Transfers Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight, even if Exodus has booked it. Those arriving from London on non-group flights should read the airport transfer section below for information on reaching the start point. Please check with the Exodus office. On this trip we stay at Surama Eco-Lodge, owned and managed by a local Amerindian community. We also spend 4 nights in the Iwokrama Forest Reserve, and the income from our visit goes directly to preserving this important conservation area. Our local partners in Guyana, along with other key players in Guyana, are actively involved in promoting sustainable tourism, training and community development and improvements in local infrastructure. For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit: PRACTICAL INFORMATION Passports and Visas All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 3 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below is primarily for UK passport holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects. Visas are not required by UK citizens, Western European nationals, Americans, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans and most other nationalities. If you are in any doubt please contact the nearest Guyanese Embassy or High Commission. Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required. Vaccinations and Health Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad. There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for this trip. Recommended vaccinations for this trip are: Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Yellow Fever. JOINING THE TRIP IN GEORGETOWN 11 days, normally start Georgetown Wed, end Georgetown Sat Itinerary Start Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Georgetown in the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two weeks before departure. Hotel check-in times are normally from around 3pm. Airport Transfers If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or 4 Malaria prophylaxis is essential on this trip, and we suggest that you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria tablets to take. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited on this trip. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. A Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers, but essential if travelling from an infected area - if this is the case you will be required to show your certificate in order to enter Guyana.

5 Extra Expenses and Spending Money An international departure tax of GYD4000 (US$22) is payable when flying out of Georgetown at the end of the trip - it is not included in the cost of your ticket and must be paid locally in either local currency or US Dollars. Throughout the trip, opportunities to spend money are limited, since all meals outside Georgetown are included in the cost of the trip. Alcoholic drinks are not included at any of the lodges or hotels, and you should expect to pay approximately US$2-3 for a bottle of beer and around US$25 for a bottle of wine. Soft drinks cost roughly US$1.50, and bottled water US$1. You should allow between US$15-20 per person for dinner in Georgetown at the start and end of the trip. The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Insurance - are you adequately covered? You must have adequate travel insurance, and if you are joining a trip which goes to high altitude, you must check that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are resident in the UK we strongly recommend Exodus travel insurance, which is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If you are a UK citizen and travelling in Europe you should obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your Post Office. This gives free medical care in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Local Time GMT -4 hours Electricity Most sockets in Guyana are two- or three-pin US-style 120/240V outlets, so we recommend taking an adaptor and transformer for your electrical items. There are opportunities to recharge batteries at all hotels and lodges on the trip, although electricity is not always available in every room (sometimes just in main lodge buildings) and is usually restricted to just a few hours each day. Group, Staff and Support The group will generally be between 4 and 12 people. There will be a local leader and drivers and local guides where needed. We use an experienced local tour leader throughout the trip, along with local guides at each lodge for the daily excursions. The minimum age of clients on this trip is 18 years. MONEY MATTERS Currency Information The national currency of Guyana is the Guyanese Dollar (GYD), with an exchange rate of 326 to the UK and 204 to the US$. Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication. The easiest currency to change into Guyanese Dollars is the US Dollar, and we recommend taking the bulk of your spending money in US Dollars and changing into local currency at the hotel in Georgetown at the start of the trip. A money changer will be available at the hotel with the equivalent of US$200 per person in local currency for this purpose. There are no facilities to change money once we leave Georgetown. Sterling and Euros are more difficult to change, and will attract poor exchange rates. As a rough guide, US$150 per person should be sufficient to cover incidental costs, tips, alcoholic beverages and occasional souvenir shopping on a trip of this length. Tipping (leader and local staff) Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. However, tipping is an optional but very much customary practice in Guyana and forms part of the local service culture. To show appreciation to the leader, a tip of around US$3 per day from each group member is sufficient. You may also want to form and manage a 'tip kitty' with the other members of the group to facilitate tips for local guides, drivers and other local staff - you should allow around US$30 for this purpose. By definition, gratuities are not something we can include in the tour cost. WHAT TO TAKE Essential Equipment and Clothing Lightweight long-sleeved shirts Full-length, quick-drying trousers Walking boots or shoes with ankle support Sturdy sandals Moisture-wicking socks Lightweight raincoat or poncho Wide-brimmed sunhat Sunscreen Sunglasses Insect repellent Torch Plastic bags or dry sacks to protect electrical items Optional items: Reusable water bottle Walking poles Binoculars First aid kit Swimming gear Alarm clock for early starts Baggage and Baggage Allowance At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage. Internal flights in the destination country are subject to a weight limit of 9kg. As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check and/or the airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure. ATM availability/credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques The only opportunity to use ATMs and credit cards is in Georgetown, where we spend very little time. Only the more expensive hotels, restaurants and shops will accept cards. You will not be able to use credit or debit cards once we head into the interior. Travellers Cheques can be exchanged in Georgetown, but rates are poor. 5

6 Weight limit on internal flights Please note that due to the fact that small planes are used for domestic flights, there is a strictly enforced baggage allowance of 20lb (approx. 9kg) to avoid overloading - this covers both hold and cabin baggage and so we recommend that you pack light to stay within this allowance. In addition to this, there is a total maximum weight limit for each flight (i.e. baggage plus passengers) - this will vary depending on the aircraft used, and Exodus is required to provide the weight of every client to the airline before departure. If you do not provide this information it may mean that we are unable to accept your booking. Reading List: Guyana Bradt Travel Guides Birds of Northern South America: An Identification Guide: Plates and Maps v.2 Helm Field Guides (this is the best book to cover Guyana's fantastic avifauna. There are 2 volumes but the plates and maps volume is the most useful). Birds of Venezuela Helm Field Guides Wild Coast: Travels on South America's Untamed Edge John Gimlette and Alfred A. Knopf Three Singles to Adventure Gerald Durrell Maps: Guyana and Guianas International Travel Maps If you are interested in any of these books then you can order them from our own Exodus shop, 'Exodus Travel Essentials', JOIN THE EXODUS ONLINE COMMUNITY Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can view the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups which have featured in the national media and take advantage of some special deals on travel gear and equipment. In the Compass Café forum you'll find the Departure Lounge where you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you depart. When you get back from your holiday remember to upload your images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other people see what our holidays are really like and you'll be entered automatically into our monthly photo competition. To make full use of the Compass Café you'll need to join My Exodus. It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting for? IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CLIENTS Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can be contacted on 0044 (0) Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or at www. exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/essential-information? Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary. As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and airlines manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder than ever to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to keep our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of date. For accurate prices we recommend that you contact one of our Travel Experts, or your Travel Agent. Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of publication. The most up-to-date prices can be found on the Exodus website. Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP 1. Check availability Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or Secure your place You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days. 3. Complete your booking and payment When you re ready to book, go to for online booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque. Book with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA - The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to us for your trip are fully protected. 6