Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Traveling to Ghana.
Who is the trip's host? The Ghana Travel Club is led by veteran Ghana traveler Simone Joye Eford.
Has the Ghana Travel Club ever traveled to Africa before? Yes. This is Simone's 4th trip to Africa. Her first trip was a group trip she organized with Hunter College and a member of the NYS Parole Board to visit Senegal. Her last trip to Ghana included 21 people from the USA. Three of three of them have since relocated to Ghana permanently. Simone has extensive knowledge of Ghana and is a consultant to a former government official, as well as being a Queen Mother of Development in Kumasi. Simone has traveled internationally since she was 5 years old to Bermuda and also hosted trips to Paris, Amsterdam, St. Lucia, the Bahamas, a cruise to Mexico with Atlanta Radio Personality Si-Man of Radio One Atlanta.
Are you a travel agent?
No. Simone's "day job" is as the Executive Director of the Howard University Medical Alumni Assocation. She is also a board member of the Prince George's County SCLC and DC Doors. She lives in Maryland. Simone is not a travel agent, but is an expert at group travel, and her SPECIALITY IS providing travelers with a luxurious experience for less.
Here are a few of her past group trips. Barbados - February 2019 | Paris - 2017 | St. Lucia - 2016 |
Ghana - 2011 and 2012 | Mexico - Cruise with Si-Man Baby of Atlanta's Radio One: 2012 | Senegal- 1992 | Bahamas Cruise - 2009
Contacting Us: The fastest way to reach us regarding Ghana is via email or telephone (202) 480-2895.
We will not respond to text messages about the trip. Please read through this entire FAQ before contacting us with questions as your answer may already be here.
Conference Calls: We have several conference calls to answer questions of potential and booked travelers. Join our e-list to be notified of the next one.
Who Actually Goes on Trips?
Attendees are great people from around the country who like to travel with style at a reasonable cost. Most are currently employed and retired professionals. Ages range from 35 to 70. The trip is open to anyone 18 years and older.
Flight Information
What airlines will we travel on?
We are traveling NONSTOP to and from Ghana on South African Airways. The flight is approximately 10 hours which goes by really fast for a number of reasons. We leave in the evening, and for the beginning of the flight we have fun (play cards, have cocktails, chat with others in the group, or just be to yourself while you begin what will likely be one of the best journeys of your life).
e arrive in Accra in the morning ready to start our day.
Can I book my own flight and still travel with the group?
Yes. We do provide Hotel + Activities Only packages. If you book your own flight, you should do your best to land with (or before) the full group lands in order to travel with us to the hotel. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to the hotel on your own.
We cannot wait for your flight.
If I choose to leave from another city than Washington, DC, can I still attend the trip?
Yes. You can purchase a land-only Hotel + Activities package and join us in Accra.
If my final destination is not Washington, DC will I receive a discount on my flight?
No. Our airline ticket prices are based upon leaving and returning from Washington, D.C. on specific dates.
How will I receive my plane ticket?
We expect to send your plane ticket to you when it is distributed by the airline via an e-ticket. We expect early November.
Can you provide me with a bulk-seat or exit door seat on our flights?
We will do our best to obtain these larger seating areas for you from the airline and they are first come, first serve. However, there are no guarantees they will honor our request.
How can I purchase a Business or First-Class seat?
You will need to book your own flight and book our Hotel + Activities package.
Travel Insurance
Although we do our best to provide a refund any monies, or provide a credit, from the airline and/or hotel, due to unforseen circumstances, we advise you to purchase travel insurance. Your deposit is non-refundable.
You can use TravelInsurance.com to find the best rates for you. This is not an endorsement from us and is provided only for informational purposes.
Pre - Travel Information
What travel documents are needed for the trip? You can find Travel Information here.
Can I travel as a single passenger?
Yes. We have great people who travel with us and often may do not have traveling companions. Check out our great solo package and come on! You will be better than fine. We all become like family.
Can I bring my teen on the trip? No. Everyone must be 18 years old to attend the trip.
Payment Information
Can you explain the payment plan?
You can pay your trip in full or in monthly payment plans. Our payment plan provides the minimum amount needed each month. You can pay any amount, at any time, in which you are comfortable with as long as the total due is received by the due date. All final payments are due by October 31, 2020.
How do I make my payments? Online via PayPal, CashAPP, or Postal Mail
Please note: Each month (by the 5th), via email, you will receive a Trip Summary Statement which itemizes your payments and shares trip information with you.
Pay Online - All online payments are charged a 3.5% processing fee.
Please keep that in mind if you want to make electronic payments.
Payment via PayPal: Request an invoice from us via email.
Payment via CashApp (no processing fee): $Simone1Business
Pay by Mail:
Make check payable to: Eford Group International LLC and mail to:
Simone Joye | 1800 M Street, NW | Suite 35516 | Washington, DC 20023
We accept personal, business, certified bank checks and money orders issued through USA banking institutions.
If you require payment confirmation for payments sent by mail you must send to us via Certified Mail, Return Receipt or another route, which would require a signature. Please do not telephone us regarding receipt of your payment. All payments will be noted on the your monthly Trip Summary Statement.
All checks returned for insufficient funds will be charged $35 to your account.
General Questions about Your Trip
Is Ghana Safe?
Ghana is a major city and crime is low. It is even safer with us! Ghana is a very friendly country, and is ideal for first time travelers to Africa. The people are very helpful and welcoming. In addition, as in any metropolitan city, you are advised to watch your personal belongings and beware of pickpockets, etc.
How is the food in Ghana?
Ghanaian food is spicy and reminds us a lot of New Orleans Cajun-style and American Soul food. Fish and chicken are delicious and plentiful, along with fried rice, salads etc. There are also many American, British, Indian and Chinese restaurants. You will not go hungry in Ghana! In addition food prices are very reasonable (usually $10-$15 for a large meal). Only bottled water is recommended to drink.
How will we get around in Ghana?
We will be transported by a private driver in air-conditioned modern chartered SUVs. Water and snacks will be available each day. For individual excursions, we will have taxi’s and private car drivers available for you.
What is the temperature in Ghana and what type of clothes should I bring?
Pack Light! You should bring casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes. For Ghana, you should pack as if you are visiting a Caribbean island or Florida during the summer. A sweater, light jacket or denim jacket is suitable for nighttime. Don’t forget your bathing suit and sun hats! Remember to bring plenty of mosquito repellent.
I understand we will be stopping at a school in Ghana. What should I bring?
Although not a requirement, we ask that you bring school supplies for the high school students we will visit. In Ghana, families must pay for their child to attend high school, so every little bit helps, but remember airline luggage weight restrictions.
Can I use American dollars, credit or debit cards?
US Dollars are widely accepted in Ghana.
VISA credit cards are the most accepted. Mastercard and American Express are also accepted, but not as much as VISA.
Discover cards are not accepted at all. VISA debit cards are also accepted and there are no cash advance fees or an APR in Ghana. We recommend getting a credit/debit card just for travel to Ghana. Try to obtain one that does not have "foreign transaction fees" or you could pay up to 3% per transaction.
We suggest you bring two cards and keep one as backup. Also, notify your bank of your travel plans so they do not block your card.
How much spending money will I need?
In Ghana: $1.00 USD equals $5.54 Ghanian Cedis which gives us a lot of bang for our buck! Also, sometimes getting cash from an ATM will get you the best conversion rate. How much you will spend depends upon your spending habits. In the past some have bought as little as $300 and were comfortable, others a lot more. However, you should know Ghana is a very economical destination. You can purchase things relatively cheap compared to the USA. For example, full-course meals are $10-$20. Taxis average $1.00 per mile and to get dresses/suits made you will be about $50 per dress or suit. One of our favorites is get your hair braided with extensions is approximately $25. Also, a $10 tip is like receiving $50 in the USA.
FYI. Ghana has harsh penalties for illegal drug use. Please refrain from traveling with, or asking for, any marijuana, known as "Wee", or anything that could be deemed an illegal drug. You are risking arrest and imprisonment. The cultivation, sale, and possession of cannabis for recreational purposes are illegal in Ghana.