Frequently Asked Questions
  • Documentation
    • All U.S. citizens must have a passport that is valid through the period of stay. We recommend validity be at least six months beyond your travel dates. Airline tickets cannot be issued without each passenger's passport information
    • To obtain a new passport or to renew your passport, click here.
    • All passenger names (first, middle and last names) on airline tickets/e-tickets must match identification exactly, or the airlines will deny boarding. Suffixes (Jr., Sr., III, etc.) are not required.
    • Any changes after ticketing may result in additional fees and penalties. 
    • Travel with photocopies of your travel documents and identification in case the originals are lost or stolen.
    • Important note for married people or anyone who has changed their name: If your maiden/former name is on your current passport, you must make sure your airline ticket has the same name. (The name on your ticket must match the name on your identification.)
    • Entry into any foreign country can be denied if you have a criminal background. Please check with the country’s consulate or embassy.
    • State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
      The State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Enrollment benefits:
      • Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
      • Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency—whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.
      • Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.
    • We strongly recommend that you enroll in this free program before departing for your international destination. To learn more, visit the STEP website.
    • The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, is another resource. Visit the Know Before You Go page to learn more.
  • Airport check-in and boarding
    To avoid being denied check-in or boarding:
    • You and your luggage must be checked in with the airline at least 75 minutes before flight departure.
    • You may be able to check in online and prepay baggage fees; visit your airline’s website for information.
    • You must be at the gate at least 45 minutes before departure.
    • We highly recommend arriving at the airport at least three hours before flight departure to allow for long lines and delays.
    • If you have an early-morning departure, contact your airport to determine when the ticket counter will be staffed.
    • Airline websites and travel apps are useful for checking flight status and receiving notifications.
    • The travel program's mobile web app will include your flight information, confirmation and ticket number(s), to use as a reference at check-in.
    • Visit the TSA website for more information.
  • Packing tips
    • Many international carriers have weight restrictions. Please check the airline's website directly for specific information.
      • One carry-on bag is permitted per person, plus a personal item (laptop, purse, or camera bag). The bag may not exceed 9” x 14” x 22” and must fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you.
      • Carry some toiletries, a change of clothes and a swimsuit (if applicable) in case your luggage is delayed.
      • Prescription drugs, in their original containers, should also be in your carry-on luggage.
      • Be sure to carry your valuables on you or in your carry-on bag.
    • Liquids, hand sanitizer, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are limited to travel size (3.4 ounces or less, each) and must fit comfortably in ONE quart-size clear plastic zip-top bag. For more details, visit this website. 
    • The TSA requires that your luggage be unlocked, or you may use TSA-approved locks, which are available where travel-oriented goods are sold.
    • For the most up-to-date information, visit the TSA website and your airline’s website.
  • Checked luggage fees
    • Baggage fees vary by airline and frequent flyer status. Contact your scheduled airline for up-to-date information.
    • All luggage fees incurred will be at your own expense at airport check-in.
  • Verify departure time 
    Be sure to call or check the airline website or use the airline’s mobile app before leaving for the airport to verify that your flight is on time.
  • Flight delays 
    Once you check in, the reservation is in the hands of the airline. If your travel is interrupted or canceled while you are at the airport, please get in line at a ticket counter or service desk. Once your new flights are booked, please inform Alera Group Events of the new flight information.
  • Luggage identification 
    Securely attach a sturdy luggage tag to each piece of luggage you are checking. We also recommend enclosing within your luggage a business card, as this may help the airline identify your bag if the outer tag is detached in transit. Lost or damaged luggage is the sole responsibility of the airline. 
  • Attire guidelines
      • Comfortable traveling clothes: Casual, loose-fitting clothing and comfortable walking shoes. You may want to bring an additional layer, such as a sweatshirt, with you on the plane.
      • Beach/pool attire: Swimsuits with cover-ups and sandals or flip-flops. Cover-ups and shoes are required in the resort lobby and restaurants.
      • Resort casual attire: Casual slacks, jeans or dress shorts with a button-down or polo-type shirt for men; dress, skirt, dress shorts or jeans/pants with a coordinating top for women. A wrap, sweater or jacket is suggested for cooler outdoor evening temperatures for the Welcome, Awards, and Farewell Night Receptions and Dinners that will be held outdoors.
      • Business casual attire for Alera Group colleagues attending the Business Meeting: Button-down or polo-type shirt with trousers or khakis for men; casual dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse for women. No jeans, please.
      • Thursday Welcome Reception and Dinner: Resort casual attire. With lawn and seaside settings in mind, we recommend flat-soled shoes, chic sandals or wedges. 
      • Friday Awards Reception and Dinner: Island Breeze blends tropical ease with ICONIC sophistication; think refined resort style rather than beach casual. With lawn and seaside settings in mind, we recommend flat-soled shoes, chic sandals or wedges. Dress to enjoy the ocean air while keeping ICON’s standard front and center.
      • Saturday Farewell Night Reception and Dinner: Resort casual attire. With lawn and seaside settings in mind, we recommend flat-soled shoes, chic sandals or wedges. 
    • Activity attire
      Your selected activity will determine what clothing you should bring. When packing, you may want to include any of the following:
      • Deep Sea Fishing: Long pants or shorts, t-shirt or rash guard, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and closed-toed shoes.
      • Blue Lagoon Dolphin Swim: Swimsuit, cover-up, change of clothes, hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. For animal safety, no jewelry or watches can be worn. Bring cash or a credit card if you wish to purchase additional drinks, photos or souvenirs while on the island.
      • Catamaran Snorkel Sail: Swimsuit, cover-up, change of clothes, hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
      • Golf attire: Proper golf attire is required. Collared shirts and mid-length shorts or slacks for men. Golf skirt/dress or mid-length shorts and collared shirt for women. Denim is not allowed, and guests must wear soft-spike golf shoes or tennis shoes.
      • Spa attire: Casual, comfortable clothing should be worn. Jewelry and any valuables should be locked up in your room. Slippers and a robe will be provided.
  • Credit cards / currency
    • Major credit cards (Visa/Mastercard/American Express) are accepted in most shops, resorts, and restaurants in the Bahamas. Local vendors that do not have a storefront will likely only accept cash. Make sure your credit cards are valid for at least 30 days after you return home and activate them before you travel. Some places may require a minimum charge, and others may not accept certain cards, so it’s best to bring more than one. 
    • If you have not traveled recently, you may want to contact your credit card company and advise them that you will be traveling to the Bahamas. Credit card companies may put a hold on a card showing activity that does not follow your usual profile. 
    • The Bahamian Dollar (BSD) is the official currency. For up-to-date exchange rates, click here.
    • U.S. Dollars are accepted in most places in the Bahamas, although you will likely receive change in Bahamian Dollars. We recommend you use your ATM card to receive Bahamian Dollars at the official exchange rate.
  • Destination tips
    • Have the resort phone number and address with you when you leave to explore the area.
    • Bring photocopies of your ATM and credit cards.
    • Leave your passport and travel documents in your room safe.
    • Consider using reef-safe sunblock.
  • Drinking water
    A change in drinking water anywhere in the world can cause stomach distress. We recommend drinking bottled water when you travel.
  • Expenses
    Personal items such as room incidentals, laundry, phone calls, movie rentals, and activities not sponsored by Alera Group will be at your own expense.
  • Gratuities and taxes
    Tips and taxes for all services outlined in the itinerary have been prepaid for you.
  • Health insurance
    Check with your health insurance provider to make sure they cover medical expenses in the Bahamas.
  • Hosted events
    • Breakfast daily
    • Welcome Reception and Dinner on April 30
    • Group Lunch on May 1
    • Awards Reception and Dinner on May 1
    • Choice of Activity on May 2
    • Lunch included with some activities or room credit
    • Farewell Reception and Dinner on May 2
  • Medical information
    Please advise the Alera Group Events team of any medical conditions.
  • Mobile web app
    The Alera Group ICON mobile web app will contain everything you’ll want to know.
  • Name badges
    Name badges will be available for you to pick up at the Registration Desk.
  • Special dietary requests
    We are happy to help you with special menu requests.

  • Confirmations can be found on the Itinerary page of the mobile web app.
  • Time comparison
    Nassau is in the Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
  • U.S. Customs and Immigration
    You will pass through U.S. Immigration before boarding your flight to the U.S.
  • Your Alera Group Events travel staff
    • Mary Beth Brown
    • Jackie Caracciolo
    • Lori Fisher
    • Scott Freeman
    • Robert Kroezen
    • Amber May
    • Tina Roszak
    • Angela Sayler
    • Rebecca Steiner
    • Kathy Thouvenot