Debert Cook
NEWSLETTER
October 8, 2018
Again, thank you for choosing Gate 1 Travel for your upcoming trip. All of the Gate1Travel representatives wish you a safe and wonderful journey. Here are a few important reminders as you make your final preparations for your trip.
Preparing to Leave
Read your trip documents, even if you checked them previously or you traveled with us in the past. There is a lot of helpful and important information, some of which is most useful before you leave home. Before you pack, we recommend that you check your airline’s guidelines regarding baggage allowances and fees. Visit https://www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx for links to your airline’s website.
Credit Cards
Don’t forget to contact your credit and debit card bank(s) to alert them that you’ll be traveling to avoid unnecessary fraud alerts and holds on your accounts.
Electronics
Remember your chargers, cables and voltage converters so that you can stay connected, read and take pictures. If you are bringing your mobile phone, check with your carrier for the best way to avoid expensive roaming or overage charges while traveling.
See Dubai & Abu Dhabi voltage connectors and converters here
Flight Check-In
Advance online check-in is available on some airlines’ websites enabling you to print your boarding passes at home within 24 hours of departure. You’ll need your airline confirmation or ticket number. You can also go online to check your flight times in case of last minute flight schedule changes. When you arrive at the airport, check the airport monitors for updated check-in desk listings. If your flight itinerary displays a flight as “Operated By” another carrier, you should check-in at the desk of the “Operated By” airline.
Documents
Keep important documents, medications and valuables with you at all times, including any required identification and entry visas, if applicable. Carry a printed or scanned copy of your passport(s) packed separately from the originals, and bring the phone numbers for your credit card bank(s), just in case. We recommend that you leave a copy of your trip details with your Emergency Contact.
Assistance While Traveling
You are traveling on a Gate1Travel escorted tour, your first resource for help is your Tour Director, whom you will meet at the hotel on day #2. The Tour Director will be a local Dubai & Abu Dhabi Guide and will have your daily Tour Agenda.
While independent travelers may use the telephone number(s) listed on your service voucher(s). The Gate 1 Travel emergency line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call: 215 572-7676. From overseas, call: 001 215 572 7676. Outside office hours, listen to the prompts, then press 3. You will speak immediately with a representative, or you may be asked to leave a detailed message including your name, your booking number, and most importantly the telephone number where you can be reached. Your message will be forwarded immediately to a representative who will contact you at the telephone number provided.
These are just a few reminders to help you with your last minute preparations. We truly appreciate your business and wish you a safe and enjoyable vacation.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your account, please write to us at https://www.gate1travel.com/contactus. To find answers to the questions we’re asked most frequently, please visit https://www.gate1travel.com/FAQ.
Thank you for choosing Gate 1 Travel.
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PREVIOUS NEWSLETTER (October 6, 2018)
Hello!
Important Information about your upcoming trip to Dubai
Thank you for booking your upcoming trip to Dubai with Gate 1 Travel.
We are writing to share a few final thoughts. Before you depart, we recommend that you review your documents carefully as they do contain important and helpful information to make your trip more pleasurable.
Dubai is a very modern city that continues to grow with a lot of new development. The United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country. Modest dress is appropriate. Public displays of affection can cause offense. Swimwear is only permitted on beaches and is expected to be modest for both men and women.
Local women MAY NOT be photographed. Avoid dancing or smoking in public places. For the most part, consumption of alcohol is restricted to hotel bars and licensed restaurants. You should not drink in public and be aware that there is zero tolerance towards drug possession. Some religious sites including Sheikh Zayed Mosque require a dress code. Long sleeve shirts and long pants or floor length skirts are required.
Women should wear a veil or head-scarf to cover hair. Tight clothing, shorts, short sleeve shirts, sleeveless shirts, clothing with profanity and beachwear are not permitted.
If you are visiting a mosque, especially the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, you need to have a more conservative dress code. For men and women, your legs and arms need to be covered – no shorts or skirts above the ankle. Additionally, your clothes should not be tight fitting – this is not the place for yoga pants! If you do not have something to cover yourself, the Mosque will provide women with a full cover garment, just have your ID available to give to them while you borrow the garment.
- 7 Interesting Facts about the Sheikh Zayed Mosque
- See this VIDEO on Mosque Dress Code:
- See Etiquette & Musts When Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Dubai’s large malls carry most major designers and brands. There are stores to suit all tastes. You can certainly find bargains, especially on luxury goods. Or, for a more traditional flavor, spend some time in the souks and bazaars, where haggling is still practiced.
All traveler flights for this trip are departing the USA and arriving Dubai at various times, so do not be alarmed if you are shuttled to the hotel alone. Your final transfer from the hotel to the airport for your departure flight to USA (40-minute ride) requires airport check-in is 3-hours prior to your flight departure. So, your shuttle pick-up will be arranged accordingly for you in Dubai through you Dubai Gate1Travel guide.
Be prepared for hot weather. Average daily highs range from 73F in January to 106F in July.
Check the weather forecast for your trip HERE.
Escorted tour guests who have traveled previously with Gate 1 Travel may experience a difference in Dubai. Keep in mind that Gate 1 Travel necessarily works with a local partner tour operator and, while we carefully select the best local partners, the level of service is not always the same as you have come to expect and experience in other destinations. Please keep this in mind during your trip and practice patience with our guides during your visit.
However, whether you are traveling with a group or independently, Dubai offers an exciting blend of modern and traditional sightseeing.
Thank you for choosing Gate 1 Travel and for letting me assist you with your trip of a lifetime. We wish you a pleasant journey.
Debert Cook and Gate 1 Travel Management
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PREVIOUS NEWSLETTER (September 24, 2018)
Hello!
Well, we’ll be off to the UAE (United Arab Emirates) in just a few short weeks! And, from the many emails and texts that I have been receiving, I can tell you that everyone is SUPER excited!
As a tourist, it would be polite to know how to say a few basic phrases to the locals while there. Take a few minutes to watch the short video below, where you can learn some words that you can use while traveling abroad in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Learning to say these few phrases will help you to feel connected and immersed in the country and its culture. The locals will also appreciate you even more for it!
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GOLFERS –START BOOKING YOUR TEE TIMES ! ! !
Yes, for the golf experience you may book any course that you wish and pay fees on your own. To help you in your decision-making, please view our group of travelers SURVEY RESULTS FOR GOLF IN DUBAI & ABU DHABI
The survey will show you the responses of your fellow travelers who are interested in playing golf and to try to coordinate golf, such that two or more players play the same course, the same time, on the same day. See the suggested play dates HERE, as posted in my last communication that was emailed and based on our Wednesday Departure Itinerary.
Should you have questions about what many of the other golfers are planning to do, transportation to courses, etc., you have the option to contact Phyllis Stevenson-Jenkins who has volunteered to help golfers with this part of their trip and coordinate logistics and transportation. Remember, this is a shared experience and all of your golf fees, meals and transportation are to be paid individually by you and is your responsibility. Phyllis is generously offering her time toassist in coordinating the effort for two or more players. You may reach Phyllis at 301-509-0410 or paj1104@msn.com However, you may book your own tee times, on your own if you wish to go ahead and do so.
As suggested during our conference call last week, booking your golf rounds online will save you money and these websites were recommended, however, some of the websites will only permit you to book one-to-two weeks in advance.
TeeOff.com (a PGA Tour Partner – highly recommended and offers the best prices)
NOTE: Read all of the fine print regarding each website’s cancellation policy.
Remember, you will not have exact dates and times for daily activities until we meet with our Gate1Travel Tour Guide at the Hotel on day #2. However, most early morning tee-times should guarantee you at least half of the remainder of the day for our group activities. It’s your trip. It’s your choice.
For golf courses that are managed by Dubai Golf, you also have the option to book and pay fees with the assistance of:
Pansy Gonsalvez, Head of Golf Central
Dubai Golf
Tel: +971 4 2054-520
Mob: +971 50 7962-834 Email Pansy HERE
See the Dubai Golf Trip Play Date Options & Fees offered by Dubai Golf page HERE.
These rates are provided directly from Pansy Gonsalvez at DUBAI GOLF.
You may select from this list of options that surround our daily itinerary or book any days of the trip on your own.
Again, you can find our Daily Trip Itinerary for Wednesday departures HERE.
Again, we will not have exact dates and times for daily tour activities until we meet with our Gate1Travel Tour Guide at the Hotel on day #2. However, most early morning tee-times should guarantee you at least half of the remainder of the day for our group activities. It’s your trip. It’s your choice.
REMINDER:
Mark your calendar to join in for a 45-minute Dubai Travelers Group FINAL conference call:
Wednesday, October 3 @ 7:00 PM EDT (Eastern Daylight Time).
DIAL-IN NUMBER: 1-605-475-2090, ACCESS CODE: 155852#
(you must enter the # sign at the end of the number).
Thank you, and I look forward to having you on the call. (All travelers are welcome to listen in.)
Debert Cook
African American Golfer’s Digest
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PREVIOUS NEWSLETTER (September 15, 2018)
REMINDER:
Mark your calendar to join in for a 45-minute Dubai Travelers group conference call:
Wednesday, September 19, 7:00 PM EDT (Eastern Daylight Time).
DIAL-IN NUMBER: 1-605-475-2090, ACCESS CODE: 155852#
(you must enter the # sign at the end of the number).
This conference call will be co-hosted by my two good friends Phyllis Stevenson-Jenkins and Jackie Davis, both are avid golfers who will share their insight on golf courses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and booking opportunities. Their knowledge will provide our group with terrific options to consider for our playing trip experience.
In preparation for the call:
View the Dubai Golf Trip Play Date Options & Fees page HERE
The call will reiterate:
- various courses available for us to play near our hotels (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)
- costs for green fees, club rental & caddies
- tee time arrangements and payments
- transportation to the golf courses
- course etiquette
- course dress code
This call will be held in PRESENTATION MODE and ONLY THE HOSTS will be able to speak. For this call you will NOT be able to make remarks or comments while the call is in progress, this mode will enable us to have a conference call that is quiet, non-distractive, and understandable for everyone.
Please, to avoid redundancy in our conversation, go through the previous newsletter below, and click the links regarding our arrangements, where you will find answers to several of the previously asked questions.
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Should you have additional questions, PLEASE EMAIL ME, and we will answer them during the conference call for you. Email me your questions in advance or in time for the call, September 19, directly at debertcook@aol.com
A final pre-trip conference call will be held during the first week of October and details will be sent the week prior.
Thank you, and I look forward to having you on the call. (All travelers are welcome to listen in.)
Debert Cook
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PREVIOUS NEWSLETTER (August 7, 2018)
In just a few short weeks, we’ll be in one of the most wealthiest countries in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). I want to thank you for signing up to join me, along with the African America Golfer’s Digest (AAGD) friends, fans and followers, on this adventure of untold discovery.
You are receiving this newsletter because you have booked one of the three trips above. Each trip is completely SOLD OUT and there is a waiting list of folks (believe it or not) who are hoping that you will cancel!! However, I doubt that anyone will be canceling at this time, so I have let them all know that AAGD plans to do another group trip to these two destinations again, in 2019. But, for you, this year–a wondrous experience awaits!
RESEARCH
So, if you have been doing your research–like many of your fellow passengers have, you already know that the twin cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi are associated with glamour, opulence, and great golf! These cosmopolitan mega-cities are both meccas of culture, finance, and innovation. They will dazzle your mind and keep you in awe with all there is to do, for golfers and nongolfers on our trip. Yes, you are in for a fabulous time. You’ll get acquainted with your fellow travelers and make lots of new friends.
- For recommended health vaccinations visit the Centers for Disease Control
- Dubai Visa (not required for US Citizens)
- Dubai Weather
- Dubai Culture and Etiquette
- World Clock – Dubai/United Arab Emirates is 8 hours ahead of New York, NY
Dubai On Day 1: Once your flight lands in Dubai, collect your luggage and head to customs. Once you have cleared through customs, look for the GATE1TRAVEL REPRESENTATIVE (holding up a sign with that name). The Representative will ask you to identify yourself and then, escort you to the shuttle bus for a 20-minute ride to the hotel. (hotel check-in starts at 3:00 PM, Check-out time is 12 Noon.)
NOTE: If you arrive before check-in time, the hotel will “hold” your luggage with the concierge desk and you will have the opportunity to explore the facilities, enjoy a coffee, meal/snack, or explore the city (or golf) your own.
A detailed trip agenda of tours and activity times will be waiting for you when you check into the hotel, or it will be given to you on Day 2 by our travel guide during breakfast at the hotel for our African American Golfer’s Digest group trip.
Dubai On Day 2: On this morning, we will meet with our Dubai travel guide for orientation and information on our planned activities and tours for the entire trip.
(PREVIOUSLY HELD GROUP CONFERENCE CALL: )
Thursday, August 9 at 2:00 PM, EDT (Eastern Daylight Time). DIAL-IN NUMBER: 1-605-475-2090, ACCESS CODE: 155852# (you must enter the # sign at the end of the number.)
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12 THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK!
1. You should have already set-up your online account at Gate1Travel.com.
Log into your account and double-check your:
Travel DEPARTURE DATE, FLIGHT and ARRIVAL details, passport number, name properly listed as it is on your passport, emergency contact name and number, travel insurance (opt-in or opt-out), funds paid and balance due date.
2. This is a reminder that the Passenger Agreement form must be completed. You must complete this form. It covers important topics such as the requirement that traveler names EXACTLY match the passport or valid government-issued ID that will be used when traveling. There are two easy options when you LOG INTO YOUR ACCOUNT for completing the Passenger Agreement Form:
- Option 1 (Easiest): Complete the Online Passenger Agreement
- Option 2 (Alternative): Fax or mail the Printed Passenger Agreement
3. See the HIGHLIGHTS of your 8 Day Dubai & Abu Dhabi travel package
4 See what your ESCORTED PACKAGE INCLUDES
8. RESEARCH GOLF COURSES in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that are nearby each of YOUR hotels, USE GOOGLE + Google Maps. We will discuss preferences on the conference call for the course(s) that will be played as a group, so you should make yourself familiar with what is available. Also see the Dubai Creek course DRESS CODE. Most courses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi adhere to this code.
Keep in mind, the outlined TRAVEL ITINERARY, as you may not want to miss any of the tours that are planned versus playing golf. We will determine which golf courses we will play as a group and the mode of transport and payment of fees.
As you know, golf rounds are NOT included in the TRAVEL ITINERARY and each golfer is responsible for their individual golf fees and round-trip transport. Should you decide to play golf at a course (on your own) it is your responsibility to handle your travel to-and-from the golf course and back to the hotel. UBER and taxis are readily available in front of the hotel. Read this informative TravelAdvisor article on DUBAI TAXI Fares
9. EXCHANGING MONEY: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) uses its own currency, the Dirham (AED), commonly referred to as the “DH” or “Dhs”. The US dollar is widely accepted in many shopping outlets in Dubai, most major grocery stores, etc. but taxis prefer to accept local currency only. You can exchange some money at your USA DEPARTURE AIRPORT or at your UAE ARRIVAL AIRPORT to cover any taxi fares and other incidentals during your trip. Check currency exchange rates before you leave the USA. Exchange at you local bank, TravelX, Wells Fargo, or others in your city. In Duai and Abu Dhabi uou will also be able to exchange currency at your visiting hotels. Take a look at this Dubai currency EXCHANGE RATE CONVERTER
10. CLOTHING & WEATHER: see this helpful article with images on How To Dress in Dubai, and also this article on The Dubai Packing List that is filled with great information. See AccuWeather.
11. OPTIONAL TOURS: you may book additional tours prior to travel, if you wish, however, check your escorted travel itinerary closely the tours that are already included. The purchase of optional tours will also be available once you arrive at the hotel.
12. I am here to help you prepare for this trip of a lifetime! Email me or Call me (10AM-6PM, Monday-Sunday) with any questions at all that you may have.
Looking forward to having you on the conference call.
Debert Cook
Publisher
African American Golfer’s Digest
99 Wall Street, Suite 720
New York, NY 10005
Tel: (212) 571-6559
Email: debertcook@aol.com
The African American Golfer’s Digest is a PGA of America Diverse Supplier and the nation’s leading print and digital publication covering the very best of the golf lifestyle within this exciting niche market. Launched in 2003, the magazine carries exclusive content showcasing some of the most successful, talented and prolific personalities in the game who have devoted their life and passion to this sport, bringing full circle this ‘soulful’ world of golf. News, tips, course critiques, destination travel, features, book reviews, fashion and interviews with professional trainers, educators, golf industry business owners, and exceptional and ordinary golfers alike is what sets this publication apart from any other golf magazine. The publication is available by subscription only in print and digital editions.
