Frequently Asked Questions (ABOUT MEMBERSHIP)

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Yes! You can upgrade anytime by paying the difference ($100). You’ll immediately unlock all Platinum benefits including priority booking for the next available trip.

Yes, memberships automatically renew annually to ensure uninterrupted access. We send renewal reminders 30 days in advance, and you can cancel anytime before your renewal date. You’ll retain access through the end of your paid membership period.

Memberships are non-transferable except in special circumstances (medical, relocation, etc.). Each case is reviewed individually. However, you can gift a membership to a friend by purchasing one for them directly.

Your membership includes valuable year-round benefits: community platform access, virtual networking events, member directory, and local meetups. Platinum members can roll over one unused trip credit to the following year (restrictions apply).

Membership is open to Black LGBTQ+ professionals aged 21+ from all career fields—executives, entrepreneurs, creatives, healthcare professionals, educators, and more. We welcome anyone who identifies as part of the Black LGBTQ+ community and values professional networking, authentic travel experiences, and meaningful connections. Applications are reviewed to ensure alignment with our community values.

We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you haven’t booked a trip. Once you’ve booked travel, membership fees are non-refundable, but trip deposits follow our separate trip cancellation policy. If you have concerns, please contact us at admin@onyxcompass.org —we’re happy to work with you.

The Onyx Compass Travel Group is an exclusive membership-based travel community designed specifically for Black LGBTQ+ professionals. We curate two international group trips annually to safe, affirming destinations where members can network, connect authentically, and explore the world without compromise. Membership includes year-round community access, quarterly virtual events, and access to our private networking platform.

Platinum ($200/year): Priority booking access 48-72 hours before Gold members, first choice of room assignments, exclusive quarterly networking events, voting rights on destinations, annual appreciation gift, and personalized member introductions.

Gold ($100/year): Full access to both annual trips at member pricing, community platform access, quarterly virtual events, member directory, and invitations to local meetups.

Both tiers save you $200-300 per trip compared to non-member pricing.

We curate 1-2 major international trips annually. This ensures each experience is thoughtfully planned, destinations are thoroughly vetted, and group sizes remain intimate (20-30 people maximum). Quality over quantity is our approach.

Destinations are selected based on: (1) LGBTQ+ safety and legal protections, (2) cultural affirmation for Black travelers, (3) vibrant experiences (food, nightlife, culture, history), (4) accessibility (direct flights from major US hubs), and (5) member feedback. Platinum members vote on future destinations.

Hotel-Only Package: Accommodations (4-5 nights), ground transportation, group activities and any group excursions, welcome dinner, farewell brunch, daily itinerary, and on-ground trip coordination.

All-Inclusive Package: Everything above PLUS roundtrip flights from major hub cities, airport transfers, and optional travel insurance.

Not included: Personal expenses, additional meals not specified, additional excursions, spa services, trip cancellation insurance (highly recommended), and personal shopping.

Absolutely! Our Hotel-Only Package is perfect if you want to use points, find better flight deals, arrive early, or extend your stay. You’re responsible for getting to the destination; we handle everything once you arrive.

Many members arrive early or stay late to explore independently. We’re happy to recommend additional accommodations and activities. Just let us know during booking so we can coordinate your arrival/departure with group activities.

Trip costs vary by destination, but typically range:

• Hotel-Only Package: $1,500-$2,500
• All-Inclusive Package: $2,500-$4,500

Members save $200-300 per trip compared to non-member pricing. Exact pricing is announced 4-6 months before each trip.

Yes! After your initial deposit ($500), you can split the remaining balance over 3-6 monthly installments. Final payment is due 45 days before departure. Payment plans are set up through our booking portal with automatic monthly charges.

90+ days before departure: Full refund minus $250 processing fee

44-89 days before departure: 50% refund

Less than 45 days before departure: No refund (trip insurance strongly recommended)

Membership fees are separate and non-refundable after 30 days. We strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance.

We cap trips at 20-30 travelers to maintain intimacy and ensure meaningful connections. Small groups allow for better experiences, more flexibility, and authentic networking opportunities. Trips typically fill during the member booking period.

Trips are exclusively for members and their approved guests. Guests must apply and be approved by our team to ensure community alignment. Guest pricing is available (typically member rate + $200). Platinum members receive priority guest approval.

You choose! During booking, select:

• Single occupancy (private room, additional $400-800 depending on destination)
• Double occupancy (share with friend/partner, included in base price)
• Roommate matching (we’ll pair you with another solo traveler, included in base price)

All room assignments are confirmed 60 days before departure.

We accommodate dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, allergies) with advance notice. Accessibility needs (mobility, visual, hearing) should be disclosed during booking so we can ensure appropriate accommodations and transportation. Contact us at [email] to discuss specific needs.

While not mandatory, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical emergencies, evacuation, and lost luggage. We can recommend providers, or you can purchase independently. Travel insurance protects your investment.

For all international trips:

• Valid US passport (must be valid 6+ months beyond return date)

• Any required visas (we’ll inform you)

• Travel insurance documentation (recommended)

• COVID-19 vaccination card (if required by destination)

• Copy of trip itinerary

We provide a detailed pre-trip checklist 60 days before departure.

We thoroughly vet every destination through:

• Research on local LGBTQ+ laws and cultural attitudes

• Consultation with local guides and LGBTQ+ organizations

• Review of Black traveler experiences and safety reports

• Partnership with LGBTQ+-friendly hotels and vendors

• On-ground research trips by our team

We only choose destinations where you can be fully yourself safely.

Our community is built on mutual respect, inclusivity, and authenticity. We expect all members to:

• Respect all gender identities, pronouns, and expressions

• Honor confidentiality (what’s shared in the group stays in the group)

• Practice consent in all interactions

• Avoid discrimination based on race, gender, sexuality, profession, or any identity

• Engage professionally and kindly

• Report concerns to trip coordinators immediately

Violations may result in removal from trips and membership termination without refund.