FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions:
When will the event take place? September 26 - October 2, 2010.
Will I need a Passport? Yes. All US citizens will need a valid passport. Passport should be in good condition and valid for at least 6 months after departure. Failure of either could deny you departure or entry to the specific country.
Will I need a Visa? All of the countries we visit do not require a Visa at this time. If this changes information will be communicated to you.
Are my expenses Tax Deductible? Since we are not tax attorneys we highly recommend you consult with one, and we’ll also defer to the IRS and for some light IRS reading you can go to http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p526.pdf
How is the weather? Go to www.weather.com and enter Barcelona, Spain. This is the closest city to where we will be staying.
Is the route challenging? The route is considered to be moderate with challenging hills every day. Each day is designed so that everyone can finish. In addition, many of the roads are packed sandstone and you may be traveling on foot paths.
What happens if I can’t Ride or Walk a particular part of the route or day? No problem, we are there for you. If you are out on the route we will pick you up. If you start the day being unable to ride or walk, you can come with us in the van.
Are there laundry facilities? YES - there are limited laundry facilities at the castle.
How do I get to the event? Transportation to and from the event is at your expense. Our events are usually situated near a train station or within a reasonable distance to a major city. In most cases there are enough people arriving from a single destination so that group transportation can be arranged and this will be communicated to you prior to the event.
When can I arrive at the event? Our events usually begin on a Sunday, but you should check the specific event dates. You can arrive anytime on Sunday after 2:00pm (14,00h) and before 6:00pm (18,00h). This will give you time to unpack, meet everybody, and be ready for the safety meeting at 6:30pm (18,30h).
When can I leave the event? Our events usually start on a Sunday and end on the following Saturday, you should check the event specific dates. Everyone must be out of by 10:00am (10,00h). Please book your train schedules accordingly.
What happens if I need to leave early? If you need to leave early, you can do so at any time. We will try our best to get you to a train station, but we may not be able to accommodate your schedule.
If I leave early can I get any of my money back? No. Unfortunately we cannot offer you a refund if you leave early. The event has been confirmed as a group, it’s how we get lower rates and are able to pass these savings on to you.
Are all my meals and snacks included during the week? Each morning’s breakfast is included, as well as each night’s dinner with the exception of a “free” night when you can have dinner on your own in a local town. All event water and snacks are also included. Lunches are also included in the cost of the trip. Alcohol is NOT included. If you want different or additional snacks or meals you will be responsible for paying for them.
If I decide not to eat with the group can I get a discount or part of my money back? No. The event has been confirmed as a group, it’s how we get lower rates and are able to pass these savings on to you.
Will I need additional cash/spending money? Yes. There is usually a night or two when dinner is on your own, any alcohol you consume, and any additional snacks you may want. In addition you may want to buy souvenirs and tips are not included and will be additional.
What kind of food is served? This depends on the country we are visiting, but in general local cuisine, to get a flavor for the country. Dinners usually consist of three or more courses a soup or salad, main course (Meat or Fish) and a dessert. Breakfasts are hearty with eggs, meats, cereals, juices, coffee or tea, fruit, yogurt, and other items, local to the area we are visiting.
I’m a vegetarian; can you accommodate me? Yes, but make sure you tell us before hand and note this on your registration form. If you are a strict vegetarian and will not eat anything that is cooked on the same grill as a meat product, this may not be the event for you.
I have food allergies, what can I do? Make sure you note this on your registration form. We will try to make every effort to accommodate you, but there are some things we may not be able to avoid. If this is the case, you will be notified before your registration is accepted.
I have medications that need to be refrigerated; can you make accommodations? Yes, but please make sure you note this on the registration form. Please note that at times your medications will be kept in a cooler on ice. If this is not acceptable, this may not be the event for you.
What is a siesta? This is a period during the day when all the shops close. If the country we are traveling to recognizes siesta, most businesses will close around 2:00pm (14:00) and start to re-open around 4:00pm (16:00)
What is military time? Military time is a form of time stated in a 24-hour period. Most time descriptions in are noted in military time. An example would be 1:00pm = 13:00 and 12:00am = 24:00 (midnight).
What are the sleeping arrangements; will I have to share a bed? We try to choose properties that have a combination of full/queen sized beds and twin beds. Rooms are allotted as registrations come in, in some cases you may be sharing a full or queen size bed, think of it like sharing a tent only you are not sleeping on the ground. If it makes you feel more comfortable you can bring a sleeping bag, but one is not required.
Do I have to share a room? Yes. If you do not want to share a room there is a supplemental cost of $1,000.
Who will I be rooming with? If you do not come with a friend you we will match you up with someone who needs a roommate.
What happens if I don’t get along with my roommate or I want a different roommate? There are no extra beds for someone to move to if they are not getting along. If, when you get to the event you would like a different roommate, we will try to accommodate you.
Is any part of my deposit refundable if I decide not to go on the Event? No, once you have paid your deposit, it is not refundable.
Is my deposit transferable if I decide not to go and can get someone else to go in my place? Yes, if you cannot go on the event and can find a replacement your deposit is transferable. Please note that we will not issue a refund you would need to get your deposit back from the person taking your place.
Am I required to meet the fundraising minimum? All participants are required to meet the fundraising requirement for the registration option they have chosen, before arriving at the property.
What happens if I arrive at the event without meeting my fundraising requirement? You will be asked for a credit card and the balance of your fundraising requirement will be charged to you.
If you charge me my remaining fundraising requirement can I get it back if I meet my requirement after the event? No. Your donation is not refundable even if you surpass your fundraising requirements after the Event.
What happens if I cannot meet my fundraising requirements? We will help in anyway for you to meet your fundraising requirement. If you are unable to meet your requirement you will be required to make the difference up yourself. Also, if you have a friend who is participating, he/she can give you their pledges if they have surpassed their fundraising requirement.
Are pledges refundable? No. Once our office receives a pledge, it is not refundable. Pledges are in fact donations, not a pledge or promise to pay.
How much is the registration fee? This depends on the Registration and fundraising option you choose. There are 3 registration options, $500.00 with a minimum fundraising requirement of $2,500.00; $1,650.00 with a minimum fundraising requirement of $1,000.00; and $2,500.00 with no fundraising required and you will receive a tax deduction letter of $1,000.00.
Why is the registration fee so high? This fee covers your expenses while on the Event, including meals, lodging, snacks, and sweep vehicles. While the registration fee may seem expensive at first, when compaired to other organized week-long walks or rides, it is about half of what you would expect to pay.
Can I pay the registration fee with pledges? No. We are unable to use pledges as payment for your registration fee.
Can someone else pay my registration fee? Yes.
Do matching gifts count toward my fundraising requirement? YES! We encourage you to ask all your donors if their company has a matching gift policy. This is a great way to raise over and above the minimum. Because of the complexities around Corporate Matching Gifts, they must be actually paid before the event starts and not be in a pending status. For more information or any questions about Matching Gifts and how they work, please send us an email.
What is a matching gift policy? Matching gift policies can vary from company to company, but many companies will match an employee’s contribution to a non-profit company, registered as a 501(c)(3).
What is a 501(c)(3)? This is the designation given to non-profit companies by the IRS.
Are the beneficiaries registered 501(c)(3) organizations? Yes.
Is For A Cause, Inc a registered 501(c) (3)? Yes and all your donations are fully tax deductible.
Will my cell phone work in Europe? This depends on your service provider and we encourage you to call and ask your provider.
If there is an emergency, how can someone contact me? You will be provided with a phone number where someone can leave a message for you. Keep in mind that if we are out on the route you may not receive the message till we get back. Also, please remember this number is for emergency situations only and there is a minimum 7-hour time difference.
Will my health insurance cover me while in Europe? You need to contact your health insurance carrier. Most US-based health insurance companies will only reimburse you for medical claims incurred outside the US. In other words, you may have to pay the hospital and then submit a claim for reimbursement. Because of this we highly recommend taking out travel insurance that includes medical and emergency evacuation.
Will I need health insurance coverage for this trip? Yes, all participants will be required to fill out a health insurance form prior to leaving for the trip. As noted above we highly recommend that you take out additional travel insurance that includes medical and emergency evacuation.
What should I bring for clothing? During the day you will be Riding or Walking, please bring appropriate Riding or Walking clothing, including light rain gear. In the evening we will be in local towns for dinner. Comfortable clothing is fine. You will need long pants or skirts below the knee; this is for both men and women. Churches follow a strict dress code and no clothing above the knee or sleeveless shirts are allowed.
Where does the money go? The donations you raise will be split (after expenses if applicable) 80/20. 20% of your donations will stay with For A Cause, to allow us to continue our mission of energizing and inspiring people to get involved and to make a difference. The Remaining 80% of your donations will go to the beneficiary of your choose! This can be any beneficiary you choose as long as they are a recognized 501(c)(3) organization. Additionally, at the end of the year we make a donation to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and to Breast Cancer network of Strength based on the amount donations we receive.
What should I do if I have a question that is not answered here? Please send us an email with any questions.
