ESCAPES TORONTO CARNIVAL 2021

Experience Self-Care Culture Adventure Philanthropy Empowerment and Sisterhood (ESCAPES). ESCAPES is a retreat-style safe space for women designed to give every superwoman the opportunity to remove the cape and take a break from constantly striving and stretching herself to accomplish everything possible in a perfect manner and not putting herself as a top priority. Escape with us to Toronto, Canada! This trip is scheduled for Thursday, July 29 to Monday August 2, 2021. The total cost is only $1959.99. The total cost includes 5 days, 4 Nights at a 4.5 -5 Star Luxury Hotel in Downtown Toronto, English Speaking ESCAPES Curator, Exclusive ESCAPES Travel Bag & T-shirt, Tax Deductible Charitable Donation, Airport Transportation to and from hotel in Toronto, Professional Photographer, Niagara Falls Day Tour, Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grande Parade Admission and Mas Band Participation (costume included), Featured ESCAPES Workshops Facilitated by Professional Health and Wellness Experts. Flights are not included. However, booking support will be provided. $250 reservation deposit due September 15th, $570 due December 15th , $570 due February 15th, and Final Payment $570 May 1st.

FAQs

What is ESCAPES™?ESCAPES™ stands for Experience Self-Care Culture Adventure Philanthropy Empowerment and Sisterhood. ESCAPES is a retreat-style safe space for women designed to give every SUPERWOMAN the opportunity to remove the cape and take a break from constantly striving and stretching herself to accomplish everything possible in a perfect manner and not putting herself as a top priority.

What is ECA?Education Connection Academy, ECA, is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization with a two-fold purpose: to increase health awareness and to decrease illnesses attributed to childhood obesity. ECA believes that helping the community is one of the most efficient and effective ways to shape the lifelong health and well-being of children.

Why is ECA supporting the needs of women? The matriarch in children’s lives plays a vital role in increasing their health awareness and practices. Matriarchs or mother-figures serve as role models and are the primary "influencers" of household decisions to illustrate to children the importance of making health conscience choices. Traditionally in the community and household, women are the person who prepares the children’s food and schedules the children’s activities; thus the reason ECA is focusing on the support of the women.

What is a Superwoman? According to Wikipedia, in sociology, a superwoman (also sometimes called supermom or Strong Black woman) is a Western woman who works hard to manage multiple roles of a worker, a homemaker, a volunteer, a student, or other such time-intensive occupations. Even if you are not a mom, women still face challenges of juggling the expectations of societal norms and the other facets of their life; thus not making themselves a priority and masking the pain in fear of being judged. SUPERWOMAN you need a BREAK! ESCAPES with ECA!

How do I know if I am experiencing Superwoman Syndrome? When you feel that you have been stretched too far by putting others needs before your own! It is not just about you doing too many things or striving to do everything really well; it is about sacrificing your well-being by putting others expectations/wants/judgments BEFORE your needs. If you feel you are battling Superwoman Syndrome, and would like to start your path to reconnecting with your well being, you don’t have to do it on your own…ESCAPES with ECA!

How will ECA use my 10% tax deductible charitable donation?ECA has been established since 2009 and have serviced hundreds of children and their families to increase health and wellness awareness. Your donation will allow ECA to continue to provide affordable and free quality programming for children and their families in under-served areas including the countries that we visit.

How do I pay my remaining balance?Unless you purchased a full payment ticket, an invoice for the remaining balance of $1709 for a double occupancy room will be sent via Square invoice with a final balance due by Friday, May 1, 2020. However, a payment plan option is available with $570 due by December 15, 2020; $570 due by February 15, 2021; and Final Payment $570 due by May 1, 2021 which will also be paid via Square invoice. You can also have an option of automatic draft payments that will be drafted on the due dates of the payment plan.

What is the cost for tax and fees?A 6% processing fee will be applied per ticket at check-out.

Is my ticket refundable?No. Tickets are non-refundable — to include deposits.

What does my ticket include?Flights are not included. However, recommendations will be provided. 5 days, 4 Nights of 4.5 Star Luxury Hotel in Downtown Toronto,English Speaking ESCAPES Curator,Exclusive ESCAPES Travel Bag & T-shirt,Tax Deductible Charitable Donation Airport Transportation to and from hotel in Toronto, Professional Photographer, Niagara Falls Day Tour , Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grande Parade Admission and Mas Band Participation (costume included),Featured ESCAPES Workshops Facilitated by Professional Health and Wellness Experts. Topics Include:1. Mindfulness, Mantra, and Manifestation 2. Love the Skin Your In 3. Dance as Therapy 4. Holistic Health 5. Yoga & Fitness Classes Games, Prizes, and so much more!***Schedule is subject to change

Is there required attire?Yes, there is required attire for specific activities as it promotes solidarity and sisterhood! Also, we will have professional group photos taken during these events. Please have the following attire:

• Thursday, July 29- All white casual out-fit
• Friday, July 30- Black comfortable bottoms (leggings, shorts, joggers, etc.) to wear with ESCAPES t-shirt (t-shirt will be provided)
• Saturday, July 31- Mas Band costume for group and individual professional photos
• Sunday, August 1- Black bathing suit for “Black is Beautiful” photo shoot and pool day

How much is a flight?The average cost for a roundtrip flight to Toronto Canada from Richmond, New York, and Washington, DC is approximately $300 or less.

What time should I book my flight? The itinerary begins at 6:00pm on Thursday July 30 with the open reception. Hotel check-in is at 3:00pm on July 30. Check out time is Monday August 2 at 12:00pm. Please plan your flights accordingly.

How do I coordinate my airport shuttle?Participants will receive an email with a link to coordinate shuttle services based on the date and time of their respective arrival and/or departure.

Are there any restrictions on participation?Yes. The trip is for women only and you must be 21 years of age to attend. The trip is open to women of color and allies of women of color.

Why does the registration form require my date of birth and other personal information?Please refer to ECA DOCUMENTATION POLICY in the terms and conditions section.

Will someone be assigned to my room if I do not have a preferred roommate?Yes, a roommate will be assigned if you do not select a preferred roommate.

Is double occupancy the only type of rate offered?Yes, double occupancy rate is the only rate offered on ESCAPES. We want to ensure that we promote sisterhood while also maintaining comfort. All ESCAPES double occupancy rooms have two beds in each room. We are staying in 4.5-5 star hotels and to keep the rate affordable, the priced is based on double occupancy only.

How do I select my preferred roommate?On the registration application provide the legal First and Last Name of your preferred roommate. Your preferred roommate must list you as their preferred roommate on her registration form or we cannot guarantee room assignment.

Is there handicap accessibility?ECA welcomes all Superwomen! However, special accommodations and handicap accessibility will be responsibility of participant to arrange for the trip. ECA will submit request for handicap accessibility room only. Some of the days are very active that covers a good amount of ground each day. You can expect from two to three hours walking on some touring days. The pace is moderate; however, you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. There are a few early wake-ups, as well as a few long days of 10-12 hours, are necessary to cover the territory. ECA ensures a balanced trip and will have days of healing and relaxation as well.

Is there travel insurance available?ECA took the liberty of quoting travel insurance because ECA strongly believes that our clients should protect their vacation investment. Travel insurance provides peace of mind that protects your vacation investment before and during your trip. ECA will not be held liable for any financial losses incurred from failure to purchase insurance coverage. ECA received affordable quotes from Allianze Global Assistance. If you select for ECA to submit your travel insurance quote request, you will receive your affordable travel insurance quote via email for you to pay separately by using ECA Affiliate Code. You also can find your own travel insurance plan.

How do I get my travel insurance quote with ECA? ECA is a partner of Allianz Global Assistance .ECA Travel Agent ACCAM is F208811. If you selected to get a quote and purchase travel insurance please complete the following steps:

1. Go to Protect Your Trip ecanonprofit.com/escapes

2. Complete Get Insurance Quote Information (Allianz Global Assistance)

3. Select BUY NOW

4. Complete Trip information (IMPORTANT: For Supplier Select Unknown/No Preference)

5. Purchase Your Plan

Why can’t I see my Mas Band Costume before purchase?Unfortunately, official Mas Bands in Toronto Caribbean Carnival do not reveal their costume designs to the public until early Spring. ECA customers will receive a preview look before the band launch costumes BEFORE they are open to the public because we have pre-ordered. We do not run the risk of the costumes selling out as they sell out quickly when launched to public! We are grateful to participate with one of the top bands in the country! Your standard backline costume is included in your trip cost. However, if you would like to "wow" the crowd even more than we have "add-on" options available as well.

What if I don’t want to wear a “revealing” costume?ESCAPES focused workshop surrounding this activity is "Love the Skin Your In." We want our Superwomen to embrace all of their "perfect-imperfections"! The band leader has graciously provided us with more cover up options (feminine and masculine styles). ECA is sensitive to the needs and comfort of all of our guests. Although this is a women's only trip some women do prefer or more "traditional masculine style" of clothing with a more cove up option. Also we have high-waisted, one piece, and shorts bottom options. Please indicate your preferred style of costume. There can be no changes to costume after October 31, 2019 because they are custom made.

What are costume “add-ons”?Mas Band costume “add-ons” may include: large feather packs, headpieces such as tiaras, mesh tights, leg and arm feathers, masks, etc. Add-ons items and prices are not launched until the band provides the information. We will provide the information to you as soon as possible via email to allow enough time for you to make a payment before the Mas Band leader’s deadline that they provide us. Fortunately, we will get the information before it is launched to the public!

Do I have to attend ALL of the scheduled events on itinerary?Yes, in addition to taking a break and escaping from the chaos of our busy worlds, Escapes is all about sisterhood and fellowship. The itinerary was developed with intention. Each of the planned activities and events allows us all the opportunity to connect in new ways, empower one another, uplift each other, and heal as a collective. This trip is for us by us and therefore it needs all of us to fully participate and embrace each experience fully and mindfully. However, we do provide opportunities for leisure and for you to explore the city on your own.

Terms and Conditions: Please read all of the terms and conditions carefully.

Legal Name Policy. Provide your Legal First, Middle, and Last Name as it appears on your Passport. Legal name as on government issued identification.

Documentation Policy: U.S. citizens travelling to any destination outside of the United States will be required to present a valid U.S. passport. Passports must be valid for 6 months past the return date. Some countries require a visa for transit or entry. Passengers are responsible to ensure that they have all the proper documents for entry. All names on documents must match the legal name on your photo I.D., and travel document information must match tickets. Please check the State Department website at https://travel.state.gov for further information. Immunizations may also be required. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in denied boarding, denied entry, and/or government imposed fines. If you are a citizen of another country, there may be additional requirements. Check with the nearest consulate or embassy of the destination you are travelling to and find out the entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens.

Double Occupancy Policy:I understand that ESCAPES is based on double occupancy. If I don't have a roommate that is attending ESCAPES then ECA will assign me a roommate.

Roommate Policy:Provide the legal First and Last Name of your preferred roommate. Your preferred roommate must list you as their preferred roommate on her registration form or we cannot guarantee room assignment.

Dietary Restrictions Policy:I understand ECA will submit my request to the food vendors that will cater ECA ESCAPES workshops about my dietary needs. I understand that ECA is not responsible for any dietary restrictions or needs not met by the food vendors; however ECA will provide an alternative meal. It will be my responsibility to check with food vendors/caterers prior to eating the food and beverages.

Special Accommodations Policy:I understand ECA welcomes all Superwomen! However, special accommodations and handicap accessibility will be my responsibility to arrange for the trip. I understand some of the days are very active that covers a good amount of ground each day. I can expect from two to three hours walking on some touring days. I understand the pace is moderate; however, I will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. I understand there are a few early wake-ups, as well as a few long days of 10-12 hours, are necessary to cover the territory. I understand ECA ensures a balanced trip and I will have my days of healing and relaxation as well.

Fee Policy: I understand the prices are subject to change based on availability. ECA curates a travel experience to customers, which are provided by separate and independent vendors of travel services. ECA does not operate, control, or otherwise provide the services of the independent travel vendors or agents. Hence, customer agrees that ECA acts only as curator of the event for the client in recommending transportation, hotel accommodations, sightseeing and other privileges, or services for the clients’ benefit, and on the express condition that ECA shall not be responsible for any loss, accident, injury, delay, defect, omission or irregularity which may occur or be occasioned, whether by reason of any act, negligence or default of any company or person engaged in or responsible for carrying out any of the arrangements, or otherwise in connection therewith.

Donation Policy: I understand that Education Connection Academy (ECA) is a nonprofit organization 501 (c) (3) and that ten percent of my total ESCAPES cost will be considered a tax deduction as a charitable donation. ECA will provide me with a formal letter via email acknowledging my contribution to keep for my records by January 31 as required by IRS.

Payment Plan Policy:I understand that all installments must be paid by each deadline. I understand that the reservation deposit is to initiate the reservation. There is a 3.5% credit card convenience fee. I understand I am able to pay balance off earlier. I understand that there will be a 10% fee added to all late payments. I understand that there are no refunds after final payment date has passed.

Travel Insurance Policy:ECA took the liberty of quoting travel insurance because ECA strongly believes that our clients should protect their vacation investment. Travel insurance provides peace of mind that protects your vacation investment before and during your trip. ECA will not be held liable for any financial losses incurred from failure to purchase insurance coverage. ECA partnered with Travel Insurance Plans with Allianze Global Assistance to provide affordable options. If you select for ECA to submit your travel insurance request, you will receive your affordable travel insurance quote via email for you to pay separately by using ECA Affiliate Code.

Cancellation and Refund Policy: I understand Deposits are nonrefundable. All cancellations must be submitted in writing and sent to [email protected]. I agree that should I cancel and did not purchase trip protection and travel insurance that I forfeit all money paid. You must refer to your travel insurance plan for their policies on cancellations.

Waiver & Liability Release:I do hereby, release and discharge Education Connection Academy volunteers and it subcontractors and the respective staff, employees, successors and assigns, of and from any and all rights and claims for damage resulting from injury or death of me, my child, or property, which may be sustained or suffered by me or my child in connection with my association with or participating in, or arising out of my traveling to and from the Education Connection Academy event. I agree to the above waiver and release and we join therein.

Photo Release:I grant Education Connection Academy event coordinators, volunteers, and its subcontractors, its representatives and employees the right to take photographs of me and my child and my property in connection with the above identified subject without compensation to me. I authorize Education Connection Academy, its assigns and transferees to copyright, use and publish the same in print and/or electronically. I agree that Education Connection Academy may use such photographs of me and my child with or without his/her or my name and for any lawful purpose, including for example such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and web content.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Toronto, Canada