Airport Drop Off Schedule
November 18, 2016
Don't be left at the hotel!
We highly recommend getting to the airport a full 3 hours ahead of your flight. Piarco Airport tends to be a huge mess with the number of persons leaving and the slow moving check in and security lines could be the reason you miss your flight.
Mood Music
February 03, 2017
Check out and download some of our favourite Soca 2017 Mixes below. Get yourself warmed up to the music and to the vibe!
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Pre Pump 2017 by Andwele
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2017 Soca by Ruan Legend/Dei Musicale
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Viva La Soca 2017 by Nic Peña
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Soca Dancehall Session : December 2016 by Ruan Legend/Dei Musicale
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Soca Zone 2017 by Shot Master J
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Socavation by Jugglers International
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Machel Montano Compilation Mix by Ultra Simmo
Dealing with the "Travel Ban."
February 02, 2017
For those with Resident Status (US Green Card), we understand that the recently implemented Executive Order by President Trump may not DIRECTLY affect you, but as the cub scout motto reminds us, its better to "Be Prepared."
Make sure you have your valid (not expired) US Green Card with you. Naturalized Citizens, the ACLU has also advised travelling with your Naturalization Certificate in the event you are detained, to prove your legal status in the USA.
In the event you do run into legal issues with your travel back from Trinidad to the USA, the ACLU appears to be doing an outstanding job with ensuring there are lawyers accessible at all entry points to the USA. We recommend reaching out to them in the event you run into some issue re-entering the USA.
Last Minute Items You Might Want To Consider Before Heading To Trinidad For Carnival
January 18, 2017
If you have packed, you may have missed these. If you haven't started packing, you might have one last run to your favourite department stores.
A Surge Protector
If you have alot of electronics, it would be a good idea to get a surge protector with several outlets. Bed Bath & Beyond has a really good combo pack that comes with a 6-port, flat adapter that turns the normal 2 plug into a 6-plug AND has an extension chord. This comes in VERY handy especially if you have room-mates. Sockets go FAST!
Sunblock, Chapstick, Shades
These are going to be important on the road for all the sun we'll be exposed to, especially on the road Carnival Mon and Tue.
Headache Pills and Flu Meds
One of these is very likely to hit you, especially those coming from Northeast USA and parts of the world where the weather change is going to be tremendous. The average temp in Trinidad is 80 degrees F during carnival FYI... or hotter.
Insoles for your Sneakers
You will be on your feet ALOT for the 2 days on the road. As much comfort as you can add to your sneakers will help greatly.
Baby Oil
Before J'Ouvert, we recommend everyone rub your entire body down with baby oil. It helps wash the mud off a lot easier. Ladies you definitely want to cover your hair. Some females wear a shower cap with a bandana over it.
Print Your Band Receipt
You will need this to collect your costume if you're doing so yourself. Make sure to take a VALID (not expired) ID with you on the day to collect.
Cell Phone Arm-bands
This is similar to what runners use to slide their cell phones into while jogging so they can listen to music etc. Those come in handy but are a bit of a safety concern. Use at your own risk as it is easy for thieves to grab and go.
Emergency Contact
Make sure your group leader or members within your crew have all the contact information for an emergency contact back home they can reach in the event something happens to you.
Medical Info Card(s)
If you have medical conditions you think may arise while you're in Trinidad for carnival, keep the information on you somewhere that can be found easily. Don't write an essay or anything like that! But simple information on a business card size document (maybe a few of those) that will help a doctor diagnose you quickly. You'll never believe how many doctors are at each event and can assist. Red Cross Blood Type cards are a good addition as well.
Did we miss anything?! Feel free to suggest additions in the comments section below.
WE WISH EVERYONE HEADING TO TRINIDAD A SAFE JOURNEY AND A WONDERFUL CARNIVAL EXPERIENCE!
BE SAFE! BE SENSIBLE! BE RESPONSIBLE!
LP:TS Reunion Tour 2017 Package Confirmation Agreement
November 18, 2016
Have You Signed Your Package Confirmation Agreement?
This agreement is the legally binding confirmation of services agreement between yourself and LP:TS, to ensure we provide all the services you signed up for, among other mutual terms of service agreements, including but not limited to associated liabilities and use of photography agreements.
If you have not yet signed an agreement, need to have yours updated, need to be sent another copy or have any questions, please contact Ron at (803) 622-0499 or email ronald.v@lptslifestyle.co.
Travel Authorizations & Documents
November 18, 2016
OK folks, our trip is quickly approaching. One of the first things to make sure is checked off of your checklist is your travel authorizations and documents.
Overall, for citizens of the USA, a useful website to refer to before travel is https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/checklist.html for steps you should consider before your travel date. For citizens of other countries, please refer to your relevant Government sites.
Do you need a Passport to Travel to Trinidad?
Yes. You do. For information on how to apply for a US passport in time for your trip, please refer to https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/apply-early.html.
Do you need a Visa to Travel to Trinidad?
Citizens of the USA can refer to https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/trinidad-tobago.html for confirmation.
Global Entry (which comes with TSA Precheck) Highly Recommended
LP:TS highly recommends this service to our US residents and citizens.
Why You Should Join
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No processing lines
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No paperwork
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Access to expedited entry benefits in other countries
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Available at major U.S. airports
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Reduced wait times
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TSA Pre✓® Eligibility
Reference: cbp.gov.
Apply today. We guarantee you won't be disappointed.
We're talking plane to sidewalk in as little as 5-10 minutes without checked luggage, bypassing immigration and customs lines!
Reunion Tour Arrivals!
February 17, 2017
MY CONTACT INFORMATION
My number in Trinidad will not change. I will be using my US number, (803) 622-0499 and will also be available on Whatsapp at that number for the duration of our trip.
GROUP COMMUNICATION - GET WHATSAPP!
I would strongly encourage anyone who has not done so yet, to install Whatsapp and notify me to be added to the "LP:TS Carnival Crew" Group Chat. You can download for any smartphone at www.whatsapp.com. Most of the group communication will take place in there.
YOUR ITINERARY
Click here to access. Please note that the departure times listed here are tentative and can change as needed.
HOTEL CHECK INS
Upon arrival, give your name at the front desk to check in. Check in time is 3PM, so if you arrive early, either ask the front desk to hold on to your luggage and walk around to kill time or call me to store your luggage in my room.
HOW MUCH CASH TO BRING
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MEALS: Estimating a budget of US$30-50 for each meal you have to purchase. On our itinerary, for days with fetes marked "AI" (All inclusive, meaning food and drinks are included) you would not need to purchase meals for that time of day. Since all of our events are all inclusive, US$400 for meals should be enough cash.
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TRANSPORTATION: Outside of the itinerary, you may want to make some personal runs. Taxi fare may be about US$45 on average for around town travel, depending on distance. There will be taxis at the front of the hotel at all times.
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SHOPPING: Consider your personal budget for any shopping you may want to do while in Trinidad.
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"VEX MONEY": In case you get "lost" or left for not adhering to departure times, you may need money for taxi fare. Add this to your budget. Average: US$50 one way.
LOCAL MOBILE PHONES, SIM CARDS & TOP UPS.
The two major providers in T&T are bMobile and Digicel. I recommend bMobile (personal preference) for those thinking about purchasing a local phone. Booths are open reasonably late for Carnival so if you arrive before midnight, they would probably still be open. bMobile is located directly outside Immigration. Digicel, further down.
For US Verizon Customers, we recommend registering your device for Verizon's TravelPassSM.
Use your EXISTING voice and data plan in Trinidad & Tobago for US$10/day ONLY WHEN USED! I do!
The daily charge only applies on days you use your service. With this plan you can make calls within the country you are in or back to the US. TravelPass requires a World Device and you must be on a qualifying plan.
Visit their Trip Planner for more information, such as country-specific dialing instructions, coverage maps and more.
DO YOU NEED FOREIGN EXCHANGE?
I personally recommend and do use Credit Cards that have no foreign transaction fees. You will benefit from the exchange rate this way.
The exchange rate you will be paid for your US cash in Trinidad is about TT$6:US$1. Most businesses will accept US$ at this rate, so its not absolutely necessary to convert your money.
AIRPORT PICKUPS - YOUR DRIVERS
Your drivers will be waiting for you when you exit Customs, most likely holding an LP:TS Welcome sign. Look out for it! If need be, contact numbers for your assigned driver is:
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Chester: TT Cell # (868) 620-5428
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Shammie: TT Cell # (868) 773-7531
See who is on your flight and who your assigned driver is here.
COSTUME PICKUPS
****IF YOU HAVE FULL PACKAGES WITH LP:TS, YOU HAVE NOTHING TO DO BUT SHOW UP WITH YOUR ID TO COLLECT YOUR COSTUME ON FRI @ 11AM.
For those collecting on others' behalf or purchased costumes, remember to print/bring the following:
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The owner's authorization for you to collect, complete with a copy of their ID
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The original receipt for moneys paid by the current owner
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Your ID
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Funds for the balance owed (NB: CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. CASH ONLY)
Book Your Flights
November 18, 2016
By now, you should have your flights.... right?! If not, prepare to pay a pretty penny. Booking as early as possible once your flights become available could save you hundreds.
Some sites we recommend are:
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Book directly on your favourite airline's websites. Rack those miles up!