--- title: "Frequently asked questions | Soca Islands" description: "Straight answers on solo travel and roommates, deposits and payment plans, what our carnival packages include, transfers and travel insurance." canonical_url: "https://socaislands.com/info-centre/faqs" locale: en meta: "og:description": "Straight answers on solo travel and roommates, deposits and payment plans, what our carnival packages include, transfers and travel insurance." "og:image": "https://socaislands.com/og-default.jpg" "og:image:height": "630" "og:image:width": "1200" "og:title": "Frequently asked questions" "twitter:description": "Straight answers on solo travel and roommates, deposits and payment plans, what our carnival packages include, transfers and travel insurance." "twitter:image": "https://socaislands.com/og-default.jpg" "twitter:title": "Frequently asked questions" --- > Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://socaislands.com/llms.txt) Straight answers # Frequently Asked Questions Short, direct answers to the questions we're asked most. They summarise our [Booking Terms and Conditions](https://socaislands.com/about/legal-stuff/customer-terms-conditions) (for bookings made on or after 22 October 2026); if anything here differs, the Booking Terms apply. ## Solo travellers and roommate matching ## **Yes. Three in four of our bookings are for a single traveller.** You are part of the group from day one. Groups are 6 to 16 travellers. A Soca Islands host travels with the group throughout, and most trips start with a meet-and-greet so you know faces before the first big event. ## **No, not when you share a room. A private single room costs extra.** Trip prices are per person, sharing a double room with two beds. If you book alone, we pair you with a fellow traveller of the same sex. Single rooms are subject to availability, and the supplement is shown on each departure (for example, +US$1,070 per person on the 3 February 2027 Trinidad Carnival departure). ## **We pair you with a same-sex traveller using a short preferences questionnaire.** About four weeks before departure you receive an onboarding form asking about habits and preferences, such as sleep times and how social you like to be. We use it to match you. If you already have a roommate in mind, book together or tell us their name. If you booked a single room, you can switch to a shared room later. ## **We find you a new roommate; your price never rises automatically.** If we can't re-pair you with a traveller of the same sex, you choose one of three options: keep a single room at the single supplement (if available), transfer free of charge to another departure, or cancel with a full refund. ## **Tell your host privately. They will mediate and try to re-pair you.** Your host speaks with each of you separately. If another shared room in the group can be rearranged, we move you. If not, a single room may be available at the supplement. Any concern about your safety is handled immediately, and you will be moved the same day. ## **Your host travels with the group, and group transport covers every scheduled activity.** Arrival and departure transfers and transport to and from every itinerary event are included, so you are not arranging taxis alone at night. Rooms are shared only with travellers of the same sex. Our Safety with Soca Islands page sets out how we plan and run each trip. ## Payments and financial security ## **US$500 per person on Carnival trips and US$300 on other trips.** The deposit applies when you book 90 or more days before departure. From 60 to 89 days, 50% is due at booking. Under 60 days, the full price is due at booking. The balance is always due 60 days before departure. ## **Your balance is split into equal monthly payments, finishing 60 days before departure.** Your payment schedule, with each amount and due date, is shown before you confirm and in your Soca Islands account. You can pay early or in extra amounts at any time. Paying the whole trip at booking, when a deposit option is available, takes 5% off. ## **You have a 7-day grace period to pay before your booking is at risk.** We remind you before each due date. If a payment is missed, you have 7 days to pay it. After the grace period a US$25 late fee applies, and the booking can be cancelled under our cancellation charges. If you expect to miss a date, email bookings@socaislands.com beforehand and we will try to help. ## **We charge in US dollars by card, Apple Pay or bank transfer.** We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover, and Apple Pay on supported devices. Prices in GBP, CAD, EUR, TTD or XCD on our website are estimates; your card is charged in USD. For a large balance by bank transfer, contact bookings@socaislands.com. ## **No. We do not add fees for card payments.** The price you see is what Soca Islands charges. If your card is issued outside the US, your own bank may charge its own currency-conversion fee. Optional extras, such as a costume or single room, are always shown separately with their own price. ## **Cancel within six days of booking for a full refund; tiered charges apply after that.** The six-day full refund applies to bookings made at least 60 days before departure and includes add-ons. After that, on the trip price: 90+ days before departure (Carnival 120+), you lose the deposit and the rest becomes a 24-month travel credit; 60 to 89 days (Carnival 60 to 119), 50% (Carnival 75%); under 60 days or no-show, 100%. Optional add-ons paid to third parties are not refunded after the six days. These rules apply to bookings made on or after 22 October 2026. ## **Yes. If we cancel, you choose a full refund or another option.** If a departure doesn't reach 6 travellers we tell you at least 45 days before. You choose a full refund within 14 days (add-ons included), a free transfer to another departure, a transfer to a different trip, or a travel credit worth 105% of what you paid. If a trip can't run for reasons outside our control, you choose a 110% travel credit or a refund less itemised non-recoverable supplier costs. ## Exactly what the package includes Included on every carnival trip: accommodation in a shared double with two beds, tickets for every fete named on the itinerary, costume registration help and section guidance, round-trip transport to collect your costume, individual costume photography, arrival and departure airport transfers, group transport to and from every itinerary activity, meals named on the itinerary and a Soca Islands host throughout. Not included: international flights, your carnival costume (bought directly from the band, backline or frontline), Monday wear and J'ouvert items, fetes not on the itinerary or before 6 pm on your arrival day, a single room (supplement, subject to availability), other meals and drinks, tips, personal spending and travel insurance (required, bought by you). ## **No. You buy your costume directly from the partner band.** Each trip page names the band, for example YUMA for Trinidad Carnival and Lavish the Band for Grenada Spicemas. You pay the band directly and receive confirmation from them. Soca Islands helps with registration and section choice, and takes you to collect your costume. ## **No. Your package price is the same whichever costume tier you choose.** Backline sections are smaller and cheaper; frontline sections have larger headpieces and more detail, and cost more. The band sets the tiers and prices. Our registration help and costume pickup are the same for every tier. ## **Every fete named on your trip itinerary is included. Others cost extra.** Events scheduled before 6 pm on your arrival day are not included, in case of flight delays. Carnival schedules can change; if a fete is moved, cancelled or replaced we tell you in writing, and our Booking Terms set out your options if the change is significant. ## **Arrival transfers on Day 1 and departure transfers on the final day are included.** Transfers are shared and grouped by flight times, so there may be a short wait for other flights. If you arrive early and book pre-tour nights with us, your transfer is still included. If you arrange your own accommodation before the trip, or arrive another way, you arrange your own transfer to the group hotel. ## **We take you to collect your costume and bring you back.** Round-trip transport to the band's distribution point is included on Carnival trips. Payment, fittings and sizing are between you and the band; we help you contact them if something goes wrong. ## Transfers, changes and insurance ## **Yes, up to 14 days before departure.** The new traveller must accept our Booking Terms and meet any entry and age requirements (minimum age 18 on Carnival trips). Your payments, including add-ons, move with the place and are not refunded to you. The new traveller pays any name-change charge a supplier makes. Email bookings@socaislands.com to arrange it. ## **Only if the band allows it. Bands lock sizes at their production deadline.** Because you order from the band directly, size changes follow the band's own rules and dates. Check your band's sizing deadline when you buy. Costumes are paid to a third party, so they are not refundable after our six-day window. ## **Yes. Proof of travel insurance is required before you travel.** Your policy must include at least US$100,000 of medical cover and US$250,000 of emergency evacuation cover for the full trip. Send us your policy details at least 30 days before departure. We strongly recommend Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) cover; most insurers require it to be bought within about 20 days of your first deposit. ## Also in this section [

Schedule a Callback

Tell us the best time to contact you](https://calendly.com/socaislands/talk-with-a-travel-expert) [

Connect via WhatsApp

Send us a quick message](https://wa.me/16469724274) [

General Information

Learn how our trips work](https://socaislands.com/info-centre/general-information) [

What's Included

Find out what you get with your trip](https://socaislands.com/info-centre/whats-included) [

Payments and Refunds

Our payment and refund policies](https://socaislands.com/info-centre/payments-refunds) [

Travel Insurance

What your insurance should cover](https://socaislands.com/info-centre/travel-insurance) [

Travel Extras

Add-ons to enhance your trip](https://socaislands.com/info-centre/travel-extras) [

FAQs

Straight answers to common questions](https://socaislands.com/info-centre/faqs) [

Insights

Our travel blog](https://socaislands.com/insights) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@id":"https://socaislands.com/#identity","@type":"Organization","additionalType":"https://schema.org/TravelAgency","description":"Small-group trips to 50+ countries — carnival, adventure, safari, food and more — for travellers in their 20s to 50s who'd rather explore together.","email":"hello@socaislands.com","foundingDate":"2017","legalName":"Soca Islands LLC","name":"Soca Islands","publishingPrinciples":"https://socaislands.com/about/how-we-operate","telephone":"+16469724274","url":"https://socaislands.com","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"480A Chauncey Street","postalCode":"11233","addressLocality":"Brooklyn","addressRegion":"NY","addressCountry":"US"},"areaServed":[{"@type":"Place","name":"Caribbean"},{"@type":"Place","name":"Europe"},{"@type":"Place","name":"Africa"},{"@type":"Place","name":"Middle East"},{"@type":"Place","name":"Asia"},{"@type":"Place","name":"Oceania"},{"@type":"Place","name":"North America"},{"@type":"Place","name":"Central America"},{"@type":"Place","name":"South America"}],"founder":{"@type":"Person","name":"Roger Kirton","jobTitle":"Founder and Chief Servant"},"image":{"@id":"https://socaislands.com/#/schema/image/1"},"knowsAbout":["Small-group tours","Hosted group travel","Destination management","Caribbean carnival travel","Trinidad Carnival","Grenada Spicemas","Barbados Crop Over","St Lucia Carnival","Vincy Mas","Jamaica Carnival","Antigua Carnival","St Kitts Sugar Mas","Carnival costume registration and collection","Solo travel and roommate matching","Cultural and heritage travel","Corporate and incentive group travel"],"logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://socaislands.com/#logo","url":"https://socaislands.com/soca-islands-logo-500.jpg","caption":"Soca Islands"},"sameAs":["https://www.instagram.com/socaislands","https://www.facebook.com/socaislands","https://x.com/socaislands","https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChlxMKFdwzCZ6WEFrMRZRdw","https://www.tiktok.com/@socaislands","https://www.linkedin.com/company/soca-islands","https://www.trustpilot.com/review/socaislands.com"]},{"@id":"https://socaislands.com/#website","@type":"WebSite","description":"Small-group trips to 50+ countries — carnival, adventure, safari, food and more — for travellers in their 20s to 50s who'd rather explore together.","inLanguage":"en-US","name":"Soca Islands","url":"https://socaislands.com","publisher":{"@id":"https://socaislands.com/#identity"}},{"@id":"https://socaislands.com/info-centre/faqs#webpage","@type":"WebPage","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://socaislands.com/info-centre/faqs","about":{"@id":"https://socaislands.com/#identity"},"isPartOf":{"@id":"https://socaislands.com/#website"}},{"@id":"https://socaislands.com/info-centre/faqs#/schema/breadcrumb-list/1","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://socaislands.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Info centre","item":"https://socaislands.com/info-centre"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"FAQs"}]},{"@id":"https://socaislands.com/info-centre/faqs#faq","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I join a Soca Islands trip on my own?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. Three in four of our bookings are for a single traveller. You are part of the group from day one. Groups are 6 to 16 travellers. A Soca Islands host travels with the group throughout, and most trips start with a meet-and-greet so you know faces before the first big event."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Do solo travellers pay a single supplement?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No, not when you share a room. A private single room costs extra. Trip prices are per person, sharing a double room with two beds. If you book alone, we pair you with a fellow traveller of the same sex. Single rooms are subject to availability, and the supplement is shown on each departure (for example, +US$1,070 per person on the 3 February 2027 Trinidad Carnival departure)."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How does roommate matching work?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"We pair you with a same-sex traveller using a short preferences questionnaire. About four weeks before departure you receive an onboarding form asking about habits and preferences, such as sleep times and how social you like to be. We use it to match you. If you already have a roommate in mind, book together or tell us their name. If you booked a single room, you can switch to a shared room later."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What happens if my roommate cancels?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"We find you a new roommate; your price never rises automatically. If we can't re-pair you with a traveller of the same sex, you choose one of three options: keep a single room at the single supplement (if available), transfer free of charge to another departure, or cancel with a full refund."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What if my roommate and I don't get along?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Tell your host privately. They will mediate and try to re-pair you. Your host speaks with each of you separately. If another shared room in the group can be rearranged, we move you. If not, a single room may be available at the supplement. Any concern about your safety is handled immediately, and you will be moved the same day."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How do you look after solo travellers' safety?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Your host travels with the group, and group transport covers every scheduled activity. Arrival and departure transfers and transport to and from every itinerary event are included, so you are not arranging taxis alone at night. Rooms are shared only with travellers of the same sex. Our Safety with Soca Islands page sets out how we plan and run each trip."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How much is the deposit?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"US$500 per person on Carnival trips and US$300 on other trips. The deposit applies when you book 90 or more days before departure. From 60 to 89 days, 50% is due at booking. Under 60 days, the full price is due at booking. The balance is always due 60 days before departure."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How do instalment payments work?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Your balance is split into equal monthly payments, finishing 60 days before departure. Your payment schedule, with each amount and due date, is shown before you confirm and in your Soca Islands account. You can pay early or in extra amounts at any time. Paying the whole trip at booking, when a deposit option is available, takes 5% off."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What happens if I miss an instalment?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"You have a 7-day grace period to pay before your booking is at risk. We remind you before each due date. If a payment is missed, you have 7 days to pay it. After the grace period a US$25 late fee applies, and the booking can be cancelled under our cancellation charges. If you expect to miss a date, email bookings@socaislands.com beforehand and we will try to help."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Which currencies and payment methods do you accept?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"We charge in US dollars by card, Apple Pay or bank transfer. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover, and Apple Pay on supported devices. Prices in GBP, CAD, EUR, TTD or XCD on our website are estimates; your card is charged in USD. For a large balance by bank transfer, contact bookings@socaislands.com."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Are there card fees or hidden charges?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No. We do not add fees for card payments. The price you see is what Soca Islands charges. If your card is issued outside the US, your own bank may charge its own currency-conversion fee. Optional extras, such as a costume or single room, are always shown separately with their own price."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is your refund policy?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Cancel within six days of booking for a full refund; tiered charges apply after that. The six-day full refund applies to bookings made at least 60 days before departure and includes add-ons. After that, on the trip price: 90+ days before departure (Carnival 120+), you lose the deposit and the rest becomes a 24-month travel credit; 60 to 89 days (Carnival 60 to 119), 50% (Carnival 75%); under 60 days or no-show, 100%. Optional add-ons paid to third parties are not refunded after the six days. These rules apply to bookings made on or after 22 October 2026."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is my money protected if Soca Islands cancels?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. If we cancel, you choose a full refund or another option. If a departure doesn't reach 6 travellers we tell you at least 45 days before. You choose a full refund within 14 days (add-ons included), a free transfer to another departure, a transfer to a different trip, or a travel credit worth 105% of what you paid. If a trip can't run for reasons outside our control, you choose a 110% travel credit or a refund less itemised non-recoverable supplier costs."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is my Carnival costume included?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No. You buy your costume directly from the partner band. Each trip page names the band, for example YUMA for Trinidad Carnival and Lavish the Band for Grenada Spicemas. You pay the band directly and receive confirmation from them. Soca Islands helps with registration and section choice, and takes you to collect your costume."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Does a backline or frontline costume change my package?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No. Your package price is the same whichever costume tier you choose. Backline sections are smaller and cheaper; frontline sections have larger headpieces and more detail, and cost more. The band sets the tiers and prices. Our registration help and costume pickup are the same for every tier."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Which fete tickets are included?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Every fete named on your trip itinerary is included. Others cost extra. Events scheduled before 6 pm on your arrival day are not included, in case of flight delays. Carnival schedules can change; if a fete is moved, cancelled or replaced we tell you in writing, and our Booking Terms set out your options if the change is significant."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"When are airport transfers included?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Arrival transfers on Day 1 and departure transfers on the final day are included. Transfers are shared and grouped by flight times, so there may be a short wait for other flights. If you arrive early and book pre-tour nights with us, your transfer is still included. If you arrange your own accommodation before the trip, or arrive another way, you arrange your own transfer to the group hotel."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What does costume pickup include?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"We take you to collect your costume and bring you back. Round-trip transport to the band's distribution point is included on Carnival trips. Payment, fittings and sizing are between you and the band; we help you contact them if something goes wrong."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I transfer my booking to someone else?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, up to 14 days before departure. The new traveller must accept our Booking Terms and meet any entry and age requirements (minimum age 18 on Carnival trips). Your payments, including add-ons, move with the place and are not refunded to you. The new traveller pays any name-change charge a supplier makes. Email bookings@socaislands.com to arrange it."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I change my costume size after I order?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Only if the band allows it. Bands lock sizes at their production deadline. Because you order from the band directly, size changes follow the band's own rules and dates. Check your band's sizing deadline when you buy. Costumes are paid to a third party, so they are not refundable after our six-day window."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is travel insurance required?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. Proof of travel insurance is required before you travel. Your policy must include at least US$100,000 of medical cover and US$250,000 of emergency evacuation cover for the full trip. Send us your policy details at least 30 days before departure. We strongly recommend Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) cover; most insurers require it to be bought within about 20 days of your first deposit."}}]},{"@id":"https://socaislands.com/#/schema/image/1","@type":"ImageObject","contentUrl":"https://socaislands.com/og-default.jpg","inLanguage":"en","url":"https://socaislands.com/og-default.jpg"}]} ``` ## Sitemap See the full [sitemap](https://socaislands.com/sitemap.md) for all pages.