Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re thinking about a Vacation with a Purpose, you’re bound to have lots of questions. Here are the answers to a few that people often ask. If you do not find an answer to your question here, Contact Us via email.
How much does a Vacation With A Purpose cost?
Typically the air fare is the biggest part of the cost of a Vacation With a Purpose.
Air fares vary depending on the route and season, but for example a recent itinerary from the Washington to Southern Madagascar cost $2300. Kenya is a little cheaper at around $1700.
Accommodation/local travel is typically up to $100/day.
Visas/Travel Insurance/Vaccinations depend on the individual, but could be $150-300. Then you just need some spending money!
Do I need any Vaccinations or other special Health Measures?
Yes, You should make sure you have the recommended vaccinations for the trip. Depending on exactly where you’re going, it may be sensible to take anti-malarials too. Do get advice from your doctor. We’ve included some useful links in the Resources page
What kind of Travel Insurance do I need?
Vacationers have had very few problems in the past, but good travel insurance is essential. We’d strongly recommend getting a policy with medevac cover – some of the places visited are fairly remote!
How long a trip is best? What is a sample Itinerary?
Around 2 weeks is ideal. If you have more or less time we’ll work with you to put together a rewarding program. Here is a typical itinerary for a 14 day trip to to Northern Kenya:-
Day Activity
1. Depart from home
2. Arrive Nairobi
3. Rest and recover at St. Julian’s Centre (SJC), money exchange, team build, develop goals for mission trip
4. Fly to Marsabit, local mission with the unreached people groups in Northern Kenya
5. Mission, Northern Kenya
6. Mission, Northern Kenya
7. Mission, Northern Kenya, return in afternoon to SJC
8. Debrief, visit local school, orphanage, rest at SJC
9. Safari
10. Safari
11. Safari, Travel back to SJC
12. Shopping, rest, SJC
13. Depart Nairobi
14. Arrive Home
Is it safe to visit these places?
Generally ‘yes’. We and you need to take a sensible and informed approach to both Health and Security issues. Regarding Health, it’s mostly simple things like taking care about the water you drink, not getting too much tropical sun, etc. Plus we’ll have a backup plan to handle emergencies..
Security largely comes from local knowledge, and sensible precautions. For example the simplest way to avoid a pickpocket is don’t carry what he wants! Since we work very closely with local Christians we can give you good advice on places to go and things to avoid
All this is included in the briefing before you go; You;ll get an information pack with advice, emergency contacts and procedures. Plus a full face to face briefing, and personal advice during your trip.
Do I need a Visa?
Visas are needed for both Kenya and Madagascar. Currently most US and European citizens can get a visa on arrival in the country ($50 in Kenya, $83 in Madagascar)
How do I know what to bring with me?
We can give you a detailed kit list and briefing pack. The main things are comfortable clothes appropriate for the climate (like a good hat to keep off the sun!), and some things like toiletries that won’t be easily available when you’re traveling.
We’re only a group of one/two/three – do we need to come as a big group?
We’ve happy to welcome smaller groups - or it may well be you can join in with others on a trip. The main thing is to get in touch, tell us your passions and your gifts, and we’ll see what works for you and for us!
Is there an upper/lower age limit? This sounds rather challenging - how do I know if I can cope?
We’ve had excellent groups with people of all ages. Often it’s good to visit with others in the same age-range (a group of university students who ran some soccer coaching in schools, while older groups for example taught some leadership seminars – at a rather slower pace!). The main thing is to be clear on your own capacity, and then fix an itinerary to suit.
How many teams have been hosted before?
We’ve hosted over 30 teams - and from South Africa, Great Britain, and Australia as well as from the US.
I’d like to know more about Vacation with a Purpose – How can I find out more?
Just get in contact with us – email is often simplest – see the Contact Us page.
