Policies & FAQ’s

 Payment Terms & Conditions

How can I apply and how do I make payments?

The easiest and best thing if you write me a message on messenger or email that you are interested in coming to HUNGARY?

artbyildy at gmail dot come

If you wish to not pay in full upfront, we can accommodate payment plans (up to 3 payments). We will send you these invoices via email.

If you have not completed your payment or contacted us with a legitimate reason for payment tardiness within 5 days of an invoice being sent, your spot could be taken by someone else on the waiting list. Final payments for the trip must be completed by April 20th.

Is airfare included?

NO, you will need to purchase your own plane ticket that arrives and departs within the time frames that we provide for pickup/dropoff. We will be responsible for all your transportation, including to and from airports. You will need to fly into the Budapest Liszt Ferenc Airport. You must contact us about the arriving time for pickup, airport is a comfortable drive. Then we will all enjoy a nice lunch/dinner together prepared at your accomodation.

If you know someone coming on the trip, we recommend that you arrange to travel together.

What should I do if I unexpectedly have to cancel the trip?

Can I get a refund? We treat each case fairly, please send me an email explaining your situation. It can be transferable towards another trip in the future or another person that either you know or someone that is on our waiting list can take your place. We do not do refunds if you simply change your mind.

You cannot receive a refund one and a half month’s prior to your trip, this is because most of our expenses are paid upfront.

**If you can’t travel due to Covid related restrictions or we have to cancel trip, we will refund all money minus 6%.

Our Retreat Policies

Be Considerate. 

While on a retreat with me, you will be working with others as a team and will be seen by others as representatives of me. Please always be considerate of how your actions or contribution affects your team.

Be Respectful. 

Treat all individuals with a sense of dignity, respect, and worth.  Make a personal commitment to be non-judgmental about cultural differences, living conditions and the lifestyle of each person you encounter.  Avoid profane and abusive language and disruptive behavior that is dangerous to yourself and others. Always have proper identification on you. All items of clothing must be suitable for the cultural environment and should not contain offensive or objectionable material. If you smoke, please be respectful of those around you and smoking on the house/bus/van will NOT be tolerated.

Be Collaborative. 

When you are unsure, ask for help. Nobody knows everything and nobody is expected to be perfect. Asking questions avoids many problems down the road, so questions are encouraged. Try to be helpful so that everyone is on the same page.

Be Available.

Art Retreats with Ildy are carefully planned out in accordance with the activities for the day and the number of people on the trip; therefore, it is important for the entire team that you are on time and available for team activities. You always have the option to stay back or venture out on your own, but in this case, you will be solely responsible for your own food and travel provisions. We will not reimburse you for any activities or meals missed. Pre-planned programs can be changed due to weather conditions or other unexpected events. The planned art themes can be exchanged or replaced based on prior discussion. If necessary, we focus on the desired topic that provides the most for individual development.

Be Safe. 

You are traveling into a foreign country and it is imperative that you always pay attention to the instructions of the team leaders. While unsafe conditions are not anticipated, be sure to always be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to safeguard your personal items. Do not go off on your own. It is important that me Ildy and my team members always know where each participant is at. There will be plenty of time for relaxing, shopping, and enjoying the city/country. Finally, do not use, possess, or be under the influence of illegal drugs at any time during the trip. Use of alcohol is not prohibited, but do not be under the influence of alcohol during the trip (no drunkenness).

Be Positive.

This is the trip of a lifetime! But inevitably there will be moments in which you might feel uncomfortable due to the exploration of a foreign land, sometimes one may experience “culture shock” and this is normal. We ask that you be conscious of your attitude because it will affect the others on the trip. It’s essential to communicate your discomforts to me Ildy or a team leader rather than a fellow travel so that we can help you and try to mitigate your frustrations. Our goal is to help you have the best experience possible and communication is essential.

What Should I Bring?

What should I bring?

Whatever you need that can be packed in a medium sized suitcase with wheels.  Include clothing, personal items, prescriptions, small purse inside a larger purse or backpack, credit card, some cash, camera and PASSPORT.  Pack LESS. You’ll want to go shopping!

What should I wear?

Casual resort type clothing. It is acceptable to mix and match clothing and wear them several days. There are laundry facilities available at the house and during summer drying times are quick under the sun.

What clothing should I pack?  shorts, swimwear, sleepwear, sandals, a dress or skirt, comfortable walking shoes, a light sweater or jacket and a light trousers.  Layer clothing. Hat, scarves and belts are good accessories to bring. Leave expensive jewelry at home.

What else should I pack?

Pack your own toiletries in small bottles.  Remember your sunscreen, lip balm, medications and vitamins, diarrhea medicine, and pain reliever. Also, hand sanitizer or antibacterial wipes are useful. Sleep aid or sleeping pills. Antibiotic (prescribed by your doctor, in case of illness.)

What size suitcase should I bring?

A Medium sized suitcase, NOT a big suitcase (contact the flight agency about the size and weight – they might be ask for money for bigger suitcase). Pack LESS, you will need space for souvenirs, clothes, wine, etc.  LESS is BEST!

Will someone help me with my luggage? 

NO, what you pack, you must be able to carry – through airports, up and down paths and sometimes stairs.

How much money should I take? 

Whatever you will need for snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. In Hungary there is Hungarian FORINT not euro! The exchange rate varies, but currently it is $1 ~ 340-360HUF. We will give you more information on the exchange rate as the departure date approaches but you can always check on the internet.

Will I be able to buy snacks, water, etc.? 

Yes, there are little shops nearby (at the corner) and shopping malls not far.

Culture / Other Questions

What’s the food like?

Authentical Hungarian food might be ‘heavy’ for the stomach but we are eating healthy and light food as well.  In summers there is usually many fresh vegetables and fruits available.  I try to serve you many traditional meals because I want you to enjoy the hungarian culinary.
I’m also preparing a surprise, one day we’ll make dish (goulash) together in a cauldron!

What if I get sick?

We are in the capital of Hungary so there are many hospitals here.  The doctors and nurses speak a bit of English but I will never leave you alone.  We will assist you, but the cost of care must be paid up front and you must bill your own insurance when you get home.

What if I get jet lag? 

Everyone experiences “jet lag” to a certain extent. We recommend that you take a sleep aid or sleeping pills on the long plane ride and for the first couple of nights while your internal clock adjusts to the new time zone.

What if I want a beer or a glass of wine?

That is acceptable. Drinking is usually contained to one or two glasses and only with a meal. Europeans tend to have a more casual attitude toward alcohol and far less abuse. This tour is not a “party” tour and we will not have excessive drinking and drunkenness, for liability reasons and for the consideration and enjoyment of other travelers.

Will there be free time?

Yes, there will be free time every day, where you can go out on your own, or stay back and relax.
Budapest is relative small town to the big cities in the States or Australia. I can drive into the centre of the city in 15 minutes. It is possible to buy a travel pass and go by bus or metro quickly and easy

Can I bring someone with me who isn’t an artist?

What if I’m not an artist but I want to go a retreat with you? Of course! Anyone from anywhere is able to join us. Whether you’re a beginner, hobby artist, or experienced all of my art lessons will be beneficial and inspiring. If you or your spouse/friend isn’t an artist, thats ok too! You can skip any of the art classes (although we encourage you to have fun and be a part of them anyways!)
For example: for your man we can offer a great program with my son and man to play with them an AIRSOFT GAME.

What will the art workshops be like on this trip?

Art will be integrated into all aspects of the trip. You will create many pieces of artwork throughout this magical experience. You will paint in acrylics and with aquarelle. I will show techniques, drawing, and you will take tons of photography for future projects. There will be many chances for sharing artwork and constructive critiques. You can make art journaling on this trip where you can sketch many interesting thing for your future artworks!

Do I have to bring my own supplies?

No, we will provide all the supplies you will need; however, a favorite set of pens, brushes or pencils is encouraged. You can bring anything else you want! This is YOUR trip.