We want you to savour the delights this island has to offer as well and by abiding by our advice we feel you will have a truly wonderful holiday.

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2 INTRODUCTION This handbook was originally intended as a guide to all aspects of a tour with The Leap and INTO, but we now insist that each client reads and upholds the advice given in the book. We want you to savour the delights this island has to offer as well and by abiding by our advice we feel you will have a truly wonderful holiday. You will be requested to sign a declaration that you have read and understand the contents of this book before your departure from our base. Please read this guide thoroughly, adhere to it as closely as possible and take it with you as a reference on your journey. If on your return you feel you would like to add anything we may have missed please let us know. PREPARATION FOR YOUR HOLIDAY We would like to draw your attention to the following important areas: YOUR TEAM We can accommodate a maximum of 36 per departure, with one driver and one English speaking guide per vehicle. Please note this program has a minimum group size of 6. The program cannot run with less than this. Three months prior to departure, if the group size is less than, or drops below this figure, you will be offered an alternative placement on a similar placement, depending on availability and preference. FOOD and WATER Barbados has many choices ranging from casual to fine dining, we would suggest budgeting approx. USD $ 85-$100 per day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Water is $2,50 per bottle, per person. WEATHER Barbados weather is generally warm and sunny all year round with an average daytime high of 30 C / 86 F. In fact, Barbados has over 3,000 hours of sunshine each year! The prevailing northeast trade winds blow steadily so that although it is bright and sunny, it is not unbearably hot. The nights are usually slightly cooler. The rain typically comes in quick showers. The dry season lasts from January to June. TRANSPORT Depending on the group size will be either an air conditioned coach or mini bus. KEEPING IN TOUCH Most Barbados hotels, apartments and guesthouses provide free Wi-Fi access for their guests. Some also offer computers with internet access for those travelling without their laptop, tablet or phone. You

3 should also check with your local carrier about roaming options and cost. Be sure to check if you need an adapter for your device. Many of the island's coffee shops also offer free Wi-Fi access for customers. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE Barbados airport is Grantley Adams International Airport. The Barbados airport is situated in the south - east of the island, approximately 13km (8 miles) from the capital city of Bridgetown, and also serves as a hub for the islands of the Eastern Caribbean After proceeding through immigration and customs, you will enter the Rep arrivals hall, which is where your St. James Travel & Tours representative will be waiting with appropriate signage. The representative will then provide your transfer arrangements. SAFETY AND SUPPORT You will be provided with an English speaking guide and driver per vehicle and will be on hand to help you throughout your holiday. Our program managers are see below: St. James Travel & Tours 24/7 Emergency Contact No. (246) FIRST AID Each vehicle is equipped with a First Aid box. Barbados as one main Government hospital, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, located close to the main city of Bridgetown. There are also several private clinics available throughout the island. TRAVEL INSURANCE No journey to Barbados should be contemplated without valid comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical repatriation, cancellation and curtailment. The costs of a holiday are considerable and if you are forced to cancel due to illness before you travel or during your holiday, you will lose money if this is not covered. It is your responsibility to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all aspects of your holiday. You must ensure that you will be covered for activities. You must ensure that your insurance covers you for medical evacuation and repatriation both internationally and locally, and we would advise that your policy covers loss and theft of your possessions. We recommend you purchase your policy after having paid the deposit. You must carry your insurance details with you at all times. UK Residents We are happy to introduce you to a travel insurance product designed for us by: Global Travel Insurance Ltd, The Turret, 25 Farn Combe Rd, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 2AY Tel: E: enquiries@globaltravelinsurance.co.uk ADD web link to policy and alter numbers below if using GTI Please read the policy carefully for cover.

4 We suggest you purchase your travel insurance once you have paid your deposit, so you are covered for any insurable reasons in the unlikely event you have to cancel. Make sure you purchase it to cover the full length of time you are abroad, including travelling after your placement and the nights you fly. If you wish to extend your travelling whilst you are away, you must remember to extend your insurance before your placement ends. Medical and Health Disclosure Pre-existing conditions may be exempt from your insurance or attract a higher premium, so please ensure you fully disclose any health issues. Please provide us with details of your travel insurance before you travel via My Leap. We cannot send you overseas without this. To do that, you ll need to fill out or insurance details form. Accidents Minor injuries will be sorted out at a local clinic. Injuries Involving Hospitalization and/or Emergency Evacuation: If you have your own travel insurance policy (not GTI), please check their terms and emergency procedures. With GTI you must call Specialty Assistance (SA) to initiate an evacuation on +44 (0) They have multilingual co-coordinators on-hand to offer assistance, help and advice 24 hours a day. You will need to tell them your insurance company (Global Travel Insurance), your contract and document number, and the company you re travelling with. Please note: This is your responsibility to do this and to stay in touch with the insurers, although we will do all we can to help. Claims Procedure for GTI Minor Medical Expenses You will have to pay yourself and claim back on your return. Please note: You must take a credit/debit card to meet any unforeseen expenses. You must notify Global Travel Insurance within 30 days of an event. You need to send a claim form and receipts, bills etc. when you return to the UK. If you have a medical problem that requires the project manager driving you to and from a local clinic a number of times, they may well ask for you to pay for the fuel keep receipts of this. Major Incidents or Emergencies You must notify GTI and Specialty Assistance (SA) immediately. SA will deal with any expenses directly, if the local hospital agrees, but there is excess on every claim under 500. If the hospital refuses payment from SA, then you will have to pay yourself and claim back on your return. Payment often has to be made locally, therefore you will need a credit or debit card with sufficient credit limits. Many local hospitals will not allow patients to leave until they have been paid. UK insurers, by law, cannot pay a hospital overseas without a medical report from the hospital which are often slow to arrive, causing delay with being discharged. In very serious situations, insurance companies usually fly the family out to visit patients and to fly home with them. VISAS & PASSPORTS Barbados

5 The Barbados High Commission Lower Collymore Rock PO Box 676 Bridgetown, Barbados Tel: (246) Fax: (246) Volunteers holding a British Passport will obtain a three month social/business visit pass in their passport, on arrival in Barbados, free of charge. This will enable you to travel to Barbados as often as you need to within a 3-month period. If you don t hold a British Passport please check directly with the Embassy. Visa Extensions It s a difficult process to extend a 90-day visa in-country so our advice is to leave the country, for a few days and upon your return you ll obtain another 90 visa. Visitors wishing to extend their stay in Barbados should apply to: The Chief Immigration Officer Immigration Department Careenage House, The Wharf Bridgetown, Barbados Tel: (246) All travellers must have a valid passport (in good condition) which has at least three unused pages and be valid for at least six months. It is your responsibility to check that you have the correct visa for wherever you are travelling. LUGGAGE Please take the following advice when packing: Restrict yourself to a maximum of one 22kg bag per person. Remember not to pack any items of value or any medication in your checked in luggage, always put these items in your carry-on luggage. It is also unwise to accept packages or give lifts to strangers. LAUNDRY Most hotels have laundry facilities average cost is USD$10-USD$15 per item. ELECTRICAL PLUGS It is best to be armed with a universal adapter. Most sockets tend to be the two pin smaller style. A definitive online list can be found at: WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS Please check with your airline for weight restrictions on luggage and also dimensions for your carry -on and checked in luggage. CHECKING IN FOR INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS Please check in early at all airports as airlines do overbook flights.

6 RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST Clothing list and Kit: Underwear and socks 1 fleece or jumper 1 warm jacket (winter) 2 pairs of shorts 1 pair of long trousers Nightwear 3 T-shirts or polo shirts 1 long sleeved shirt Swim wear 1 pair of sandals/ flip flops 1 pair of trainers/ walking shoes 1 pair of smartish flat shoes 1 casual outfit for evening Sun hat and sunglasses Light rain gear for wet season Wash bag Antihistamine tablets Sun cream (high factor, 30+) Rehydration salts Malaria tablets Insect repellent Personal medical kit Wet wipes Sewing kit A good strong torch and head torch Camera equipment & batteries Binoculars Mobile phone and charger Credit card and cash (see money section) Immunisation certificates Pen and paper, diary or notebook Guide books Passport Day pack Money belt Insurance documents What to wear Hot weather can encourage one to wear limited clothing, however in some countries this could offend the local population. Please be conservative where possible and investigate seasons prior to travelling to ensure you are prepared. To avoid being a target of crime it is important that you do not wear conspicuous jewellery. Kit Recommendations Ridgemont Outfitters They have cleverly combined the best of converse with a walking boot, to get you from the beach, to the top of a mountain. Website: ridgemontoutfitters.com Cotswold Outdoor One of the largest suppliers of outdoor clothing and equipment. Use this code AF-LEAP-N8 to claim a 15% discount on the internet or download this letter to use in their shops. Website: cotswoldoutdoor.com MONEY As a guideline allow between 5-15 per person for additional food and drink per day. To avoid being a target of crime do not carry excessive amounts of money on your person. Wherever possible, leave money and important documents in the lodge/hotel safe or in a secure location. US$ US$100 bills are generally not accepted and bills must be in a good condition or they will be rejected.

7 TRAVELLERS CHEQUES Although useful in the past the traveller s cheque has probably had its day due to the difficulty in cashing them. We therefore do not recommend taking them. CREDIT CARDS Most establishments in Barbados will accept Visa or MasterCard. Cash points can be found in airports and most major towns and will issue local currency. We recommend you get some local cash on arrival at the airport where you should get a good rate of exchange. Beware that individual cards may not work in some machines. TIPPING Tipping is not compulsory. If you want to tip because you have received good service, we recommend between US$5 and US$10 per guest per day for general staff. This should be placed in the communal tips box or handed to the hotel manager so it can be distributed among the staff. You may wish to tip your guide separately, please ask the hotel manager for guidance. DRINKS POLICY Every hotel has a different drinks policy; these costs can be paid for by credit card. DRINKING WATER Bottled mineral water is available all over Barbados in various sized bottles, so for peace of mind we recommend that you always drink bottled water. Our program manager can provide water for $2.50 per bottle. COPIES OF HOLIDAY VITALS It is worth leaving copies of your itinerary, credit cards, passport, visa and insurance details with family or friends so that they can be contacted in case of an emergency. An even better plan is to also yourself scanned copies of these important documents just in case. FOREIGN OFFICE ADVICE While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. You should be aware of the current advice from the Foreign Office about your holiday destination and we encourage you to visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for safety and other information about the country (ies) you will visit. The FCO website is: TOP TIPS CULTURE There is no doubt that if you are unaccustomed to this type of environment and travelling for the first time, there will be a period of adjustment known as culture shock. Arriving in a foreign country can be an assault on the senses. Feeling overwhelmed for a while until you adjust to your new surroundings is very common. Please be sensitive to the variety of religions and faiths that you ll encounter. FOOD/WATER Assume the water is not safe to drink. With 80% of the world s diseases being waterborne, you need to take this issue seriously. On the program you will get clean drinking water, but if you are travelling independently we recommend you take a water purification tablets or stick to bottled water.

8 It is very important that you sufficiently hydrate yourself whilst working and travelling. It is generally recommended that you drink at least 2-3 litres of water (depending on temperatures) per day to limit the effects of dehydration. This excludes tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages, which are dehydrating drinks. In addition, you need to replace your body salts by periodically taki ng rehydration powders or simply adding small amounts of salt and sugar to a glass of water. A few top tips to avoid traveller s tummy: avoid roadside stalls, use straws to drink from bottles, use clean cutlery, peel fruit first, avoid ice cream and ice in drinks, as this is usually made from dirty water. TRANSPORT You ll be met on arrival at the airport and transported to and from, and during the program in vehicles with experienced drivers. We carry out thorough risk assessments and safety audits including research on servicing, driver experience and mileage etc., for the vehicles that are used throughout. ACCOMMODATION All our accommodation is checked via our risk assessment process. Fires Check for fire exits, smoke detectors and escape routes. DOCUMENTS/MONEY We recommend you hand over all your important documents passport, insurance policies, flights tickets etc. to your program manager who can store them in a safe place. Don t take large amounts of cash with you. As a guide $50.00 per person should be sufficient on tour. Before you leave Set up internet banking Tell your bank you are going overseas so your card isn t blocked PLACEMENT GUIDELINES/ITINERARY Our placement guidelines referred to in our booking conditions, constitute your itinerary (the program description received on booking), The Travel Booklet and the advice provided in My Leap. OUR SUPPORT Your health, safety and welfare are our main priorities. We provide 24-hour emergency backup and support through a combination of expert in-country directors, program managers and the UK team. We provide, on average, one program manager for every 10 clients, supported by other staff. Secure accommodation, road worthy vehicles, medical evacuation access and emergency communications are standard in each program. SPORTS & ACTIVITIES Make sure your travel insurance covers all activities you choose to do. WILDLIFE & PLANTS

9 In all our countries, you re going to meet a strange meddle of wild animals, bugs, snakes, insects, birds, flora and fauna etc., alien to ones found at home and often very dangerous. Top Tips: Do not pick and eat wild plants or fruit unless you are absolutely sure you know what it is. Shake shoes and bags before use (favourite spot for snakes). FOREIGN OFFICE ADVICE We take advice from the Foreign Office (FCO) before your departure and act on any advice given. In the event that the FCO places a travel restriction or ban on a country due to war, terrorism, flood, epidemic, riot or civil commotion etc. prior to your departure, The Leap will offer you different choices as described in our Booking Conditions. However, in the event that the FCO decide that you need to be evacuated from your destination (curtailment), after departure, the following will happen: We will notify you and your families of the action to be taken, informing the BHC/Embassies, Change your flights and coordinate any emergency services required, You will either be taken to an emergency rendezvous point or stay in situ at your hotel until your flight home, Should there be extra costs involved, then you will need to pay for these directly and claim back through your personal travel insurance policy. Keep all receipts. FLIGHT BOOKING Approximately 5 months prior to departure we will make a provisional flight booking for the whole team through STA Travel, who specialise in flexible tickets. STA will contact you directly for payment and to reconfirm your personal information. Once the ticket has been issued they will not offer any refund unl ess there is a travel ban to the country. In the event of a travel restriction, and we agree to postpone the scheme to the same country, the airline may change the ticket for a small charge. STA Travel Contact Details Will be provided by STA group bookings. Please do not make arrangements through any other branch of STA, as they are not adequately briefed to deal with The Leap bookings. STA is a bonded member of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA 99209), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and holds a Civil Aviation Authority s ATOL Licence (3206). Non-UK Clients If your flight is en-route via the UK we can provisionally book you a flight with the others from Heathrow. If you are not flying via UK we will give you the arrival/departure dates and times so you can co-ordinate. Booking Your Own Flights If you want to arrange your own flights, please check the minimum numbers in the team have been reached and the exact dates as there will be extra costs if you arrive on a different day. Changing Return Dates Tickets can be changed once in-country but extensions must be done 72 hours before the planned return date otherwise you will be a no show and this will result in you having to buy an entirely new

10 ticket. Airport Departures We advise you getting there about 3 hours prior to departure for international flights, 2 hours for European connections. Airport Arrivals If you are not arriving/departing on the team flight, you ll need to pay the host a private transfer fee in - country. Departure Taxes Please be aware that in some destinations the airport will charge a departure tax payable on your return journey. This is paid either in cash or by card at the airport before going through security and the price varies per country. Airline Cancellation Departing It is your responsibility to check your flight status prior to departure. If the flight is cancelled or altered after you have checked in, then the airline will take responsibility for you until you fly. If you re unable to get to your destination country or are delayed your insurance will pay you for the part of our trip you have missed, (if this is included in your policy). Returning Home You need to reconfirm your flight 72 hours prior to departure. If there have been issues (ash clouds, strikes etc.) that result in your flight being altered or cancelled you ll need to check daily with the airline on its status. In the unlikely event that your flight is cancelled then the carrier is required to look after you until you fly. If they don t we will have provided as much advice and assistance as possible. HOSPITALS & CLINICS We are happy to advise on all things health and share our experience, but it is essential to consult your GP or travel clinics for a definitive plan of action. Tried and tested travel clinics: The Hospital For Tropical Diseases in London: Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) Tel: Inter Health on Tel: NHS For Travel Travel insurers have a researched list of hospitals and clinics in each country, who all have screened blood available. In emergencies, you will be taken to the closest clinic or hospital for initial assessment. Your travel and medical insurance policy should include air repatriation and rescue. HOSPITALS IN BARBADOS:

11 Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) Located in St. Michael, South Coast Bayview Hospital Located in St. Michael, South Coast Sandy Crest Medical Centre Located in St. James, West Coast Martindales Road St. Michael (246) St Paul's Avenue Bayville St. Michael (246) Sunset Crest Holetown St. James (246) PERSONAL MEDICATION If you are taking any medication prescribed by your doctor, please take an extra supply and research what the drug is called generically in case you need to find the local equivalent. Shipping or posting medication overseas is unreliable and in some cases illegal, so please take enough with you. If you have any allergies, please let us know. If severe we recommend you take an epinephrine injection pen. Our program managers are advised to carry these but it s not guaranteed they will have one at all times, or allowed. Please note: It is your responsibility to take your prescribed medication for any eventuality and for the full term dictated to you by your Doctor. If you don t, you are putting yourself at risk from getting ill, further anxiety etc. If you are found not to be taking your medication, we may need to send you home for your own safety. HEALTH & IMMUNISATION You should always consult your doctor regarding recommended inoculations for your trip. There are a few basic health matters that require care and attention. We are not medical practitioners and the following are only recommended guidelines. Please consult your doctor prior to departure for up to date advice. Vaccinations The following list is a guide only. You should have your injections at least 6 weeks prior to departure. Tetanus Hepatitis A and B Typhoid Meningitis Malaria Malaria is widespread and its control has become increasingly complex. The best insurance against contracting malaria is to prevent being bitten, so use mosquito repellents liberally, wear long -sleeved shirts and trousers in the evenings, spray accommodation with an insecticide like DOOM or equivalent, use bed nets, zip up your tent and use mossi coils. Symptoms

12 Flu-like symptoms including sweats, fever and diarrhoea whilst still on prophylaxis or once you ve stopped. It is essential to seek specialist advice a delay of even 24 hours can be dangerous. Prompt and proper treatment of malaria should always be successful. Six/seven days is the mi nimum incubation period. We recommend that everyone travels with stand-by malaria treatment such as Fansidar, which is for treatment only and not as a preventative. If you are allergic to sulphur-based drugs, you should consider quinine tablets for treatment. Malaria Tablets Expert opinion differs regarding the best approach to malaria prophylaxis, again please consult your doctor. Doxycycline, Malarone or generic Malarone (Atovaquone and Proguanil) are excellent and we can recommend buying them through Travel Pharm, who provide excellent advice and charge less than the High Street. Branded Malarone is the most expensive to buy. Please note that Doxycycline is an antibiotic so it s a good idea to take probiotics at the same time. We don t recommend Larium, as this can have bad side effects, such as mood swings, depression, nightmares, shivers etc. DISEASES Dengue Fever Recently there have been outbreaks in Asia and South America. Although there are no vaccines to protect against dengue, you can greatly reduce the risk of infection by avoiding mosquito bites. Typical symptoms: Fever, rash, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain. Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are common. Diagnosis can be given by blood test and treated by taking on extra fluids and bed rest. Tick Bite Fever A bacterial infection transmitted by ticks, usually found in the African bush or areas with long grass. Therefore, when walking in these areas, wear long sleeved clothing and tuck trousers into socks or boots. Typical symptoms: Fever, headaches and rashes. Tick bite fever usually takes about 2 weeks to recover from, although this can be accelerated by use of antibiotics such as doxycycline. AIDS/HIV This is prevalent everywhere and the amount of infected people around the world rises daily, particularly in the developing world. HIV is transmitted via infected blood, semen, breast milk and vaginal secretions transmitted via sexual intercourse/activity, sharing needles, home tattoos, blood transfusions etc. It is not transmitted through saliva, sweat, tears, faeces, urine, hugging, shaking hands, sharing showers etc. It s very important you don t assist anyone bleeding unless you are wearing protective gloves please ask a member of staff for help in this situation.

13 COMMON COMPLAINTS Traveller s Tummy It s fairly normal to experience traveller s tummy when you arrive. This is just the body readjusting to the different environment and normally passes fairly quickly. Top tips: When eating out, choose decent venues and avoid roadside stalls. When drinking, don t drink straight from the bottle, always use a straw. Take care to peel fruit, avoid ice cream, salads and ice in drinks. Boil or purify your water including the water used to brush your teeth. It s very important to remain hydrated by drinking plenty of water with small amounts of salt and sugar added. You can also take rehydrating powders. If you still feel ill after 3-5 days, consult a doctor. Acclimatisation When at higher altitudes, it s common to feel slightly short of breath and to get minor headaches. It will take about 4 days for your body to acclimatise, after which the feelings will pass. Fitness Most countries involve minor physical activity of some sort and if carrying out project work some minor manual labour, so you need to be reasonably fit and in good health to participate. Dehydration The sun is likely to be far stronger than you are used to, especially at altitude. Remember to slap on the suntan lotion and pop on a hat. Dehydration is very common and easily avoided. Please remember to drink about a pint an hour minimum, and replace your body salts, either using dioralyte sachets or by putting a small amount of sugar and salt in a glass of drinking water. If you don t, heat exhaustion can creep in, which will make you feel ill rapidly and can be fatal unless quickly treated. You must consult a doctor immediately if you start sweating profusely, feel parched, suffer flu symptoms, have diarrhoea or vomit. You must rapidly rehydrate and cool yourself down. We have more problems from dehydration than any other medical issue. REHYDRATION SALTS Dehydration can be defined as the excessive loss of water from the body. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can lead to dehydration as can a very hot climate. Often, dehydration becomes a major problem in an otherwise self-limited illness. Fluid loss may even be severe enough to become lifethreatening. While travelling it is very important to drink between two and three litres of water and if necessary, in the hotter months, to drink some rehydration salts on a daily basis. Coca Cola is also a good source of sugars and salts. Rehydration advice We recommend rehydration salts as part of your packing list. A good source of medical equipment may be found at Nomad:

14 VALUES & BEHAVIOUR Over the years we ve developed fantastic partnerships overseas, working together to make a difference. Our relationships are successful based on the trust that you respect common courtesy and decent well - mannered values, and will endeavour to act accordingly. Keeping within these parameters will give you a fulfilling, happy time. PROBLEMS & COMPLAINTS If you feel something is not going according to plan, please let your program manager know ASAP and /text us. Most things can be nipped in the bud but if left, little niggles can fester, becoming bigger by the day so acting fast is key. Top Tips Act quickly and try to sort it out on the ground. Do not leave a problem until you return home, as it s too late. COMPATIBILITY TO YOUR PROGRAM Ultimately we want to ensure that you feel comfortable with the challenges within your program. Rest assured you don t need to be super human, far from it but you ll be working and living in a different culture and climate than you re used to, which can be challenging at times, so you need to pre pare yourself for inevitable highs and lows. You should have discussed your program with a member of the leap team and read your program itinerary which describe everything in detail. If at any stage you re worried, please talk to us we are here to help and can talk it all through with you. Likewise, we ll pick up on any concerns with your compatibility to the program from your Personal Details form. TYPICAL CHALLENGES YOU MAY FACE Different terrain and weather, physicality of project work, different food and potentially less comfortable accommodation/washing facilities than you may be used to, tummy bugs or at times, lack of sleep. Preparing for Your Program: Get fit Read as much as you can about the local customs and culture When you arrive in-country there will be time to acclimatize CONTACT DETAILS The Leap Overseas ltd 121 High Street Marlborough SN8 1LZ Office Hours: +44 (0) Non-office Hours or Weekends (Leap Emergency Phone): +44 (0)

15 Overseas St. James Travel and Tours Thyme Bottom 1 Pilgrim Place Christ Church, Barbados BB17109 T: (246)