Question 1

Who else is going? Can I see the group before I commit?

Accepted Answer

Every edition is curated to 14–17 people across professions, cities, and stages of life — never 14 from the same industry. Once you confirm, you get an anonymized cohort snapshot covering roles, cities, and why each person is coming. The full WhatsApp group goes live around 30 days before departure. Median age is typically 28–38; gender ratio targets 50:50 within applicant-pool constraints. If a destination skews younger or older, the edition page says so.

Question 2

What's actually included in the price?

Accepted Answer

Stays, on-ground transfers, curated experiences, breakfast and one other meal a day, and the host being with you for the whole edition. Not included: flights, visa fees, alcohol, and meals on free evenings. The exact inclusions/exclusions split is in the two-column section on each edition page. No surprise add-ons at checkout.

Question 3

What happens to my money if I cancel?

Accepted Answer

Cancellation outcomes depend on your edition's category and how close you are to departure. In the early window you receive 90% as ExCo Wallet credit (or 80% as a bank transfer if you've paid ₹50,000+); in the late window 50% wallet (or 40% bank). A flat ₹7,000 administration fee applies. ExCo Wallet credit is valid at full value for 12 months and is transferable to a friend or family member once. Wallet credit cannot be converted to cash. Insurance premiums and third-party costs already incurred remain non-refundable.

Question 4

How does the deposit and payment work?

Accepted Answer

A 10% deposit at booking locks your spot — this applies across all edition categories (Visa-Heavy, Mid-Adventure, and Easy-Visa / Domestic). The remaining balance is split into scheduled payments based on the category's payment timeline, with the final payment due before the edition's cut-off. The exact schedule is shown above the deposit button on each edition page. You can pay by UPI, bank transfer, debit card, or credit card.

Question 5

How do you actually pick people for an edition?

Accepted Answer

We're not picking the “best” applicants — we're building a room that works. Range across professions, life stages, and intent matters more than credentials. We read every application. The lens is simple: would this person make the group better, and would the group make this person's edition better.

Question 6

Can I bring my partner, friend, or sibling?

Accepted Answer

Yes — both of you go through the same curation flow. The group balance matters more than the headcount, so we apply the same lens to your plus-one. Often both get in. Sometimes only one of you is the right fit for that specific edition, in which case we'll recommend a different edition for the other. Spot transfers between friends or family aren't allowed directly — the original booking has to be cancelled first, and any wallet credit can then be used toward a new booking.

Question 7

Can I move my dates if I can't get leave approved in time?

Accepted Answer

Edition dates are fixed — the host, the cohort, and the on-ground vendors are all locked. Edition transfers are not permitted directly. If your plans change, you'll need to cancel your current booking and use any eligible ExCo Wallet credit toward a new booking. The credit is valid at full value for 12 months.

Question 8

How much does an edition cost? Is the price on the page final?

Accepted Answer

The number on the edition page is the all-in program fee for what's included — stays, on-ground transfers, curated experiences, breakfast and one other meal a day, and the host. Flights, visa fees, alcohol, and meals on free evenings are excluded. GST applies where relevant; checkout shows the final number. Editions priced in USD/EUR/JPY may convert at the prevailing rate when each scheduled payment is processed; once a payment has been processed it isn't retrospectively adjusted.

Question 9

France — What if I want to explore on my own instead of joining group activities?

Accepted Answer

Totally fine — self-explore time is built into most days, and it's listed as excluded from the package cost, meaning you're free to skip a group activity and do your own thing (extra costs are on you). Just loop in your trip lead so the group knows your plan and you don't miss transport timings.

Question 10

France — Is this trip safe, and who do I contact in an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Paris, Cannes, and Nice are generally safe for travelers, though usual city precautions apply — watch belongings in crowded tourist spots and on the metro. Your ExCo trip lead will share a local emergency contact and WhatsApp group at trip start, active 24/7 for the week. For real emergencies in France, dial 112 (EU-wide emergency number).

Question 11

France — How do we get around between Paris, Cannes, and Nice?

Accepted Answer

Group transport between cities (typically high-speed TGV trains, around 5-6 hours Paris to the Riviera) is coordinated by ExCo. Within each city, expect a mix of walking, metro (Paris), and short local transfers for activities like the catamaran cruise or Èze day trip. Airport transfers on arrival/departure are NOT included, so plan your own taxi or shuttle.

Question 12

France — Will I have internet access throughout the trip?

Accepted Answer

Most cafes, hotels, and restaurants across Paris, Cannes, and Nice have free WiFi. For constant connectivity, grab a French/EU SIM (Orange, SFR, or Free Mobile) on arrival, roughly EUR 15-25 for a week of data, or use an eSIM like Airalo before you land — easier and avoids the airport SIM queues.

Question 13

France — What should I pack that people usually forget?

Accepted Answer

Warm layers (thermal wear helps), a compact umbrella, comfortable walking shoes (not brand new ones), a power adapter (French sockets are Type C/E, 230V), a portable charger, one nice outfit for NYE, and any personal medication. Since it's winter and you're outdoors a lot, waterproof shoes will save you more than a fancy jacket will.

Question 14

France — Is alcohol part of the experience, and can I skip it?

Accepted Answer

This edition has a party and gastronomy focus — expect wine with dinners, cocktails at Cannes sundowners, and champagne toasts on NYE. It's absolutely optional. No one's pressuring anyone to drink, and there are always mocktail or soft drink alternatives at every included activity.

Question 15

France — I'm vegetarian/vegan — will I struggle with food here?

Accepted Answer

France isn't the easiest for strict vegans, but Paris, Cannes, and Nice all have solid vegetarian options — think ratatouille, socca (Nice's chickpea pancake, naturally vegan), salads, pastas, and falafel spots in Paris' Marais. Vegan options exist but require asking upfront. Let us know your preference before the trip so we can flag it to restaurants during included meals.

Question 16

France — What's the weather like in Paris and the French Riviera in late December?

Accepted Answer

Paris will be cold — expect 3-8°C, possible rain or occasional light snow. Pack a proper warm coat, layers, gloves, and a scarf. Cannes and Nice are milder thanks to the Mediterranean, think 8-14°C, but sea breeze makes evenings chilly, especially for the catamaran cruise and NYE party. Layer up, and bring one smart-casual outfit for NYE that still keeps you warm.

Question 17

France — How fit do I need to be for this trip?

Accepted Answer

This is rated activity level 3 out of 5 — moderate. Expect walking tours through Paris and Nice, cobblestone streets in Èze, and some standing/dancing at the NYE party. Nothing extreme, but comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. If you can comfortably walk 5-6 km over a day with breaks, you're set.

Question 18

France — What's actually included vs. what's on me?

Accepted Answer

Included: all listed activities (Eiffel Tower + Seine cruise dinner, Paris walking tour, Cannes sundowners, Nice food walk, catamaran cruise, NYE party, Paris bar-hop, Èze perfume workshop), and group accommodation. Excluded: international flights, visa, airport transfers, solo/self-explore excursions, add-on experiences, and personal meals, drinks, and shopping. Basically — we've got the bucket-list moments covered, daily incidentals are yours.

Question 19

France — The edition price is EUR 2482 — what else should I budget for?

Accepted Answer

Beyond the trip cost, plan for: international flights (varies by city, roughly INR 55,000-85,000 round trip from India in peak season), visa fee (INR 15,000), airport transfers, personal meals not included, drinks/bar tabs, shopping, and any add-on experiences. A realistic extra buffer is EUR 400-600 for the week, more if you love shopping in Paris or Cannes.

Question 20

France — Do I need a visa for this trip, and how much will it cost?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you'll need a Schengen visa to cover Paris, Cannes, and Nice. Budget around INR 15,000 for the visa process (this is separate from your edition price). We'll guide you on documents needed, but apply early — December is peak season and appointment slots at French visa centers fill up fast. Aim to start your application at least 6-8 weeks before Dec 25.

Question 21

What if I'm waiting on visa results when payment is due?

Accepted Answer

If you've confirmed for your edition and applied for your visa but are still waiting on results, you can make a partial payment of 30% and settle the balance once the visa is approved. If the visa is rejected, ExCo deducts 20% of the amount paid and the rest is credited to a future edition. If your visa status remains uncertain 31 days before the edition, you can either reschedule to a future edition free of charge, or hold your spot — in which case the 50% advance becomes non-refundable regardless of the outcome.

Question 22

What if I have a prior visa rejection?

Accepted Answer

A prior rejection (US, UK, Schengen, or otherwise) doesn't automatically disqualify you, but it does mean we'll spend more time on documentation. Flag it during the application — our visa team has a separate intake for travellers with prior rejections so you get an honest read on your odds before you commit financially. Note: passports must remain valid for at least six months beyond the end of the edition.

Question 23

I'm coming solo — will it feel awkward?

Accepted Answer

About 70% of every edition comes solo. By the second dinner, no one remembers who arrived knowing whom. The whole format — shared villa, shared transport, anchor experiences — is built so groups form fast and naturally.

Bucketlist NYE: Paris & The French Riviera

Trip highlights

People you'll meet

What's included

Your visa, handled

Your Gameplan

Where the Tribe Begins & the Night Takes Over

Paris Icons by Day, Markets by Evening, the Seine by Night

From City Rush to the Unhurried Riviera

Cannes Slow Mornings & Sunset at Sea

Coastal Shift & Flavours of the South

Èze Dreams & Your Signature Scent

Reset, Reflect & New Year Energy

Hugs, Goodbyes & Until Next Time

Our Favourite Stays

Hôtel Golden Tulip Opéra de Noailles

Hotel Verlaine

NH Nice Hotel

Bucketlist

Common questions

Have questions?

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