PREPARE BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
What expenses should I be prepared to pay for on-site?
A: Day time activities in the convention center, roundtrip transportation & streetcar trolley and hotel are included in the package prices. You should be prepared to pay for parties, daily breakfast/brunch, lunches & dinners which can range from $15-50 USD. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the package price.
What should I pack?
A: You will receive a detailed seasonal packing list in time to grab everything you need for the trip.
Is there an alcohol package?
A: An alcohol package will not be offered. It is recommended that participants plan to purchase a bottle or two at the airport duty free when returning to their home country.
How do I purchase Travel Insurance?
A: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance after booking your reservation. If you have questions regarding trip insurance coverage, we can assist with that. If you live outside of Canada, we have travel agent partners that we can connect you with to offer a quote for travel insurance.
Do I need to be fully vaccinated to attend?
For Essence 2022, in order to attend the Convention Center or Concerts, you had to be fully vaccinated; However, there are no COVID restrictions to attend our events, such as the Meet and Greet, Boat Party and other events in the city that are not officially sponsored by Essence Festival. We will have to wait to see what the COVID restrictions will be like for Essence 2023. If you are not fully vaccinated and want to attend the Convention Center and Concerts, we suggest that you wait to register for your package until we know what the policy will be like for Essence Festival 2023.

GETTING THERE

Are flights included in the price?
A: No. International flights are not included in the price. You will need to book your own flights.
What is the name of the airport we are flying into?
A: You will need a roundtrip flight to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airport Code: MSY).
Where can I find the best flight prices?
A: There are a lot of online booking websites that you can compare pricing and book your flights with. The official websites of airlines are also an option to compare flight pricing and book.
What day and time should I arrive? When should I plan to depart?
A: Accommodations will begin at 3:00 pm on Thursday, June 29th, 2023. Activities will conclude in the evening of Sunday, July 2nd 2023. All accommodations must be checked out of by 11 am on Monday, July 3rd 2023.
Your flight on July 3rd 2023 should depart after 9 am.
How will I get from the airport to my accommodations?
A: Airport transfer is included in your trip package. In order to be eligible for airport transfer, all travelers must provide their itineraries by March 6th 2023.
Note, only travelers with roundtrip flights to and from MSY on June 29th 2023 and on Monday, July 3rd 2023 will be eligible for an airport transfer.
Is there someone that can help me book my flight?
A: Yes, you can reach out to us, and we will be happy to assist with your flight booking. There is no additional fee for our service. Please email support@ellusiveco.com
Is there a specific airline recommended?
A: There is no specific airline that we recommend.

ACCOMMODATIONS & PACKAGES

Can I upgrade my package from Double Occupancy to Single Occupancy?
A: Upgrade requests may be made by emailing support@ellusiveco.com. Upgrades will be accommodated on a per reservation basis, and you will need your roommate to also agree to upgrade or accept entry into the Roommate matching program.
Downgrades are prohibited. No Downgrade requests will be taken.
Will I have to share a bed if I select double occupancy?
A: Rooms with double occupancy may have a shared king, queen bed or twin beds.
What hotels are we staying in?
A: For security purposes we only share accommodations with the guests that sign up to join us. That said, the pictures featured in the booking section of the web page are from the actual hotel that we’ll be staying in. We typically aim for 4 star accommodations and better.
How does the double occupancy package work?
A: The double occupancy package is for two people in one room with one or two beds depending on preferences and availability. If you select this package both you and your roommate would need to make the purchase separately. If you are looking to be matched with a roommate you can simply purchase the double occupancy package, and we’ll take it from there. Please bare in mind, there is no guarantee that we will be able to match you, using the roommate program.
Who is the double occupancy 2-persons option for?
A: This package is for folks who are sharing finances and would like to make installments together instead of paying and registering separately. This option is most frequently used by our couples and family members traveling together.

PRICING, PAYMENTS & BOOKING

What is included in the price?
A: Please refer to the inclusions section located here
Which methods of payment are accepted for booking?
A: Payments are processed through Stripe. As such all major credit cards are accepted (i.e., Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) There is a transaction fee of 3.5% included in the price
How will I know my reservation is confirmed?
A: Once you’ve filled out the online registration form, and paid your deposit you will be contacted within 24 hours with an email confirmation of your registration. You will also receive a welcome guide that includes a detailed information package prior to the start of your trip. Please make sure you check your junk/spam folder for our emails.
What is the deadline for full payment?
A: All payments must be completed by April 15th 2023 at 11:59pm
What if I miss the payment deadline?
A: If you do not make your payment deadline(s) you will have 7 additional days to pay in full, with a late payment fee of $25/per day. Failure to pay will result in an assessment thereafter.
What if my roommate doesn’t complete their payment?
A: You will have two options if you’ve booked double occupancy and your roommate fails to complete payment.

1. You can upgrade to the next package within your selected accommodation style. For example if you have selected a hotel double occupancy package, you can upgrade to the single occupancy package where a $550 will be assessed.
2. You can find a replacement roommate and set up the replacement arrangements with your current roommate. If this happens your replacement will need to pay your former roommate directly for any portion already paid to Ellusive’s Journeys., and pay the remaining balance directly to Ellusive’s Journeys.

Do I have to use the payment plan or can I pay in full?
A: You can pay for the entire balance of your trip.

CANCELLATION AND TRANSFERABILITY

What if I get sick and can’t make it. Do I get my money back?
A: All payments are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another traveler for a fee of $75 usd. To cancel for any reason, trip insurance can help if you have a need to cancel unexpectedly.
What is the Policy for the name changes should I need to transfer my reservation?
A: Name changes are permitted for $75usd per person. Name Changes are not permitted for Roommate Matching Program. Name changes can only be made with people not currently booked for the trip. The person taking your place needs to register with a staff member at Ellusive’s Journeys. and provide their credit card information. You must work out the money already paid between yourselves. The person taking your place pays the remaining balance to Ellusive’s Journeys.
Name changes can be completed up to 60 days prior to the trip (April 29th, 2023). No name changes will be made after the deadline.
Please see the Terms and Conditions for additional information regarding name changes and transferability.
What is the Policy if the Essence Festival cancels the event?
If the Festival provides refunds, you will receive a refund minus the travel service fee of $100.00.

OTHER

Can I stay longer than 4 days?
A: Yes. You are welcome to arrive before the trip and stay after if you like. Just note that the package only covers June 29th 2023 to July 3rd 2023 and airport transfers outside of these dates will not be offered.
Can I stay for only a few days?
A: If you’re unable to attend all the scheduled days that’s okay, but we’d love to see you enjoying all of the events.
How many people are joining this trip? Are men allowed to join?
A: We anticipate hosting 10 people on this particular experience. On occasion we may have a few more guests than listed. All guests must be 21 and older to attend and we welcome men, women and non binary individuals on our experiences.
When does registration close?
A: Registration typically closes 6 weeks after the trip opens, though it may close sooner or later depending on how quickly the package sells out.
How can I make sure I’m staying matched with my friend as a roommate?
A: You’ll have the opportunity to list your roommate and travel partners in the registration form. We also have an additional step to collect this information as the trip gets closer.
Can I purchase the activities separately from the accommodation?
A: Unfortunately, what is considered an add-on, is the only activities that can be purchased separately. We do not have an activities & events only package. We negotiate a set number of spots with our vendors.