Travel Details

GIVE Trip Preparation & Support

There are a few steps before you’re off on your adventure and we’re here to help along the way!

First off, our Worry-Free Booking Policy gives you flexibility and peace of mind when booking your GIVE trip. We’ve provided details and step-by-step instructions to prepare for your trip below. Scroll down to see how to book your flights, purchase insurance, obtain your passport and visa, and get ready to go! Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us; we’re happy to help!

Trustpilot

Booking Flights

Booking Your Flights

Book your flights with ease, exclusive benefits, and 24/7 support

You are responsible for booking your own flights to and from your program through our partners at ScholarTrip (we have travelers from all over the world, so flights are not included in your trip cost). Our dedicated flight agents will provide customized flight quotes aligned with our trips, assist you in booking flights, and provide 24/7 flight support. With ScholarTrip, you can book your flights with ease, secure your flights with our Airfare Deposit Program, access exclusive airfare deals, and fly with other GIVE travelers, when possible! You do not have to be a student to book with ScholarTrip. You are required to book your flights with our agents unless you confirm otherwise with GIVE.

Airfare Deposit Program: Book your flights now and pay later.

With our AirFare Deposit Program, you can secure lower airfare by booking your flights early with just a deposit, and then pay the rest later. Instead of purchasing the full airfare amount upfront, book your flights with a deposit starting as low as $300, which goes towards your airfare balance! This reduces the upfront financial burden while locking in the best rates. The remaining balance is due three weeks before departure, giving you more time to save and manage your funds. Lock in lower fares early with a deposit as low as $300!

What's the Airfare Deposit Program?

Airfare Deposit Program: so you can secure your flights early for less.

Early Booking, Lower Prices: Flight prices often increase closer to your departure date, so booking early ensures you lock in the lowest available fares. Our AirFare deposit Program helps you book your flights with a deposit rather than the full ticket price, which removes monetary barriers and allows for flexible financial planning. Here’s how the program works:

  • Choose your flights: Submit a flight booking form, review flight quotes provided by Scholartrip, and choose your preferred itinerary.
  • Initial deposit: Reserve your flight with a non-refundable deposit as low as $300 (and up to $500), rather than paying the entire airfare upfront. This deposit will be applied to your remaining airfare balance.
  • Pay Later: You have time to save for your remaining flight balance, which must be paid in full at least 3-weeks before your departure date. This gives you time to save, while paying lower airfare costs!

Note: The Airfare Deposit Program isn’t available with all airline carriers. Scholartrip can provide details based on your itinerary and routes to save!

How does booking flights work?

GIVE will email you when it’s time to book your flights. Book your flights in 3 steps: (1) Submit our flight booking form with your flight preferences (see link below), (2) Our agents will email you flight options to choose your preferred itinerary, and (3) Purchase flights directly through our dedicated agents. They’ll ensure you get the best ticket available for the right price and travel time. You can book round trip flights from your home city to your host location or travel before/after your GIVE trip! Note that you’ll arrive on your trip start date (so depending on your location, you may travel 1-2 days before your trip) and you’ll depart on your specified trip end date.

Why should I book with GIVE's dedicated agents?

Booking flights with our dedicated agents makes it easy with streamlined flights, exclusive access to discounts, and 24/7 support!

  • Dedicated booking agents will assist you to fly with other travelers en route to/from your host country.
  • Access to AirFare Deposit Program (book now, pay later), special discounted fares, and flexible tickets.
  • Ensure you book a “legal” ticket, meaning your flights are combined onto one ticket so airlines are responsible for re-accommodating you to your final destination if there’s a delay and layovers are not too short so you don’t miss your connecting flight.
  • Provide you with exceptional 24/7 support while traveling. For example, working with the airlines directly if there’s a flight issue, assisting with baggage loss, or flight delays. This service is not available when booking on your own

Book your flights:

Flight booking request form - book your flights!

You will receive an email from GIVE when flights have been released for your trip date. We strongly suggest that you book your flights through our dedicated flight agents at ScholarTrip to ensure smooth travel as well as 24/7 flight support. StudentUniverse also provides access to discounted pricing, flexible tickets and informs you of schedule changes!

To book flights, submit our online Booking Request Form. Our dedicated agents will respond within 1-3 business days via email with booking options for you to purchase. Here are options to contact our dedicated flight agents:

If you’d prefer to book outside of the above options, contact GIVE for more information.

Special Booking Circumstances

GIVE volunteers have a spark for adventure, so we understand if you’d like to arrive early or continue traveling after your trip! We also know that some volunteers prefer to book with miles to offset costs. If you’d like to book your flights outside of our booking agents, then we require you to contact us for arrival/departure details.

Note that if you arrive or depart outside of our suggested itinerary times, you will be responsible for your own airport transportation and any additional accommodation fees outside of your GIVE excursion dates.

Getting Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

For when the unexpected occurs

Since unexpected events can happen while traveling, GIVE requires all volunteers to obtain and provide proof of International Travel Insurance (for programs abroad) or Travel Insurance (for U.S. citizens participating in programs within the USA) that includes medical coverage, trip cancellation, and trip interruption. Having insurance will put your mind at ease and you can focus on your volunteer efforts and adventures in your host country. We suggest that you purchase insurance immediately after booking your flights to receive the full benefits from your insurance coverage.

Select Your Country of Residence Below

USA Residents (Roundtrip travel from the USA)

GIVE requires all volunteers to purchase international travel insurance (for abroad programs) or travel insurance (for domestic programs) and we recommend CSA/Generali Global Assistance Travel Protection coverage! This coverage is designed to protect you from unforeseen covered events that might occur while you travel, such as baggage theft, flight delays, and medical emergencies. Having travel protection can help you achieve peace of mind and better enjoy your trip knowing mishaps and issues may be covered.

 

Purchase CSA/Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance:

Click Buy Now or Learn More to be redirected to CSA/Generali Global Assistance’s website to get a quote. There are 3 separate policies you can select from depending on your coverage preferences.

Important Instructions: It’s best to purchase your insurance immediately after putting down your trip deposit for the full coverage benefits. Purchase your insurance now, then you can extend your travel dates and increase your coverage cost after purchasing flights.

  1. Departure Date & Return Date: Departure Date is the day your first flight leaves your home airport and your Return Date is the day you arrive back home. For most trips, these are NOT your GIVE trip dates because travel time adds an extra 1-2 days.
  2. Total Trip Cost:  Your insurance must cover the total cost of your GIVE trip (plus any add-ons!) as well as flight costs that are non-refundable or non-transferable. Purchase your insurance once you secure your GIVE trip, then you can add flight costs later once you book your flights.

Purchase Your Insurance or Learn More!

 

Please note you can purchase “Trip Cancellation For Any Reason Coverage” if you select the Premium Insurance Plan, which provides partial reimbursement coverage if you cancel your trip for any reason not included in the policy coverage. In order to qualify, you must purchase this coverage within 24 hours of your deposit/initial payment and meet certain conditions listed in the Description of Coverage or Policy. Note that Trip Cancellation For Any Reason Coverage (CFAR) is not available to residents of New York.

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All Non-USA Residents

GIVE requires all volunteers to purchase International Travelers Insurance and Medical Insurance coverage to cover the full GIVE trip. This is necessary so you are covered for unforeseen events while traveling, such as flight delays, trip interruptions, and lost or damaged luggage. With travel insurance, you can focus on your GIVE trip and with peace of mind that you have coverage! We recommend purchasing your insurance as soon as possible to take full advantage of the coverage benefits.

Important note: Make sure your insurance includes coverage for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption/Curtailment! This is important so you have insurance should you need to cancel your trip or return home early under a covered event.

There are different providers and policies for residents around the world. Well-known insurance providers include Allianz, Travel Guard, CoverMore, etc. You’re welcome to shop around and make sure to review the policy to meet our requirements below (including Trip Interruption/Curtailment and Trip Cancellation!):

Minimum coverage requirements:

  • Insurance coverage should include your total trip cost: trip and airfare costs
  • Trip Cancelation Insurance: minimum coverage of 100% of your trip cost/total insured amount
  • Trip Interruption/Curtailment: minimum coverage of 100% of your trip cost/total insured amount (150% coverage is strongly recommended).
  • Medical coverage: minimum coverage of $50,000 per person ($100,000+ is strongly encouraged)
  • Emergency assistance and transpiration: minimum coverage of $250,000 per person
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D): minimum coverage of $50k per person
  • Travel/baggage delay: coverage required
  • Include coverage for COVID

Important Notes:

  • Cancel For Any Reason Coverage (CFAR): most insurance companies provide policies and/or add-ons for “cancel for any reason” insurance. Make sure to look at the fine print, for example, coverage amount, timeframe requirements, etc.
  • If you have pre-existing medical conditions, choose the coverage that covers pre-existing medical conditions.
  • If you are traveling with friends/family, you can add multiple members to your insurance policy. The total trip cost must include all travelers.
  • It’s essential to review COVID coverage to ensure it’s included as a “sickness” in your policy. Ensure there’s coverage if you, a member of your family, or a traveling companion test positive for COVID before or during your trip. Coverage should include expenses for additional days and associated expenses, such as food, accommodations, and transportation, should a covid diagnosis impact your travels.
  • If you’re climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro or scuba diving, make sure your insurance includes coverage for these adventure activities.
  • Your Insurance coverage should be from the date you leave home to the date you return. Purchase your insurance now, then update your policy dates and coverage amount after you purchase flights.

If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Thank you!

*Insurance Requirements

GIVE requires all travelers to purchase International Travelers Insurance and Medical Insurance coverage to cover the full GIVE trip. Minimum coverage requirements for ALL travelers are provided below.

For USA residents, we partner with Generali Insurance to purchase your insurance. For non-US residents, there are different well-known providers that include Allianz, Travel Guard, CoverMore, etc. Make sure to review the policy to meet our requirements below (including Trip Interruption/Curtailment and Trip Cancellation!):

Minimum coverage requirements:

  • Insurance coverage should include your total trip cost: trip and airfare costs
  • Trip Cancelation Insurance: minimum coverage of 100% of your trip cost/total insured amount
  • Trip Interruption/Curtailment: minimum coverage of 100% of your trip cost/total insured amount (150% coverage is strongly recommended).
  • Medical coverage: minimum coverage of $50,000 per person ($100,000+ is strongly encouraged)
  • Emergency assistance and transporation: minimum coverage of $250,000 per person
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D): minimum coverage of $50k per person
  • Travel/baggage delay: coverage required
  • Include coverage for COVID

Important Notes:

  • Make sure your insurance includes coverage for Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption/Curtailment! This is important so you have insurance should you need to cancel your trip or return home early under a covered event.
  • Cancel For Any Reason Coverage (CFAR): most insurance companies provide policies and/or add-ons for “cancel for any reason” insurance. Make sure to look at the fine print, for example, coverage amount, timeframe requirements, etc.
  • If you have pre-existing medical conditions, choose the coverage that covers pre-existing medical conditions.
  • If you are traveling with friends/family, you can add multiple members to your insurance policy. The total trip cost must include all travelers.
  • It’s essential to review COVID coverage to ensure it’s included as a “sickness” in your policy. Ensure there’s coverage if you, a member of your family, or a traveling companion test positive for COVID before or during your trip. Coverage should include expenses for additional days and associated expenses, such as food, accommodations, and transportation, should a covid diagnosis impact your travels.
  • If you’re climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro or scuba diving, make sure your insurance includes coverage for these adventure activities.
  • Your Insurance coverage should be from the date you leave home to the date you return. Purchase your insurance now, then update your policy dates and coverage amount after you purchase flights.

If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Thank you!

Applying For a Passport

Passport

Of all the books in the world, this one’s the best.

This little book is your ticket to seeing the world! In order to travel internationally you must have a passport, and traveling with GIVE is no exception. It is also required that your passport:

  1. Is a valid passport
  2. Does not expire for at least 6 months after you return from your host country.
  3. Has sufficient pages for entry/exit stamp

If you do not have a passport, order one ASAP to avoid missing your GIVE excursion. It is important that you order your passport immediately as it takes 4-6 weeks to receive your passport.  If you wait to order your passport, you may have to expedite it for additional fees.

 

Select Your Country Below

United States Citizens

Learn how to apply for a passport online here – this website will walk you through the process step-by-step. For more information or general options about applying for your passport, click here. To apply for your passport, you must provide proof of U.S. citizenship and proof of identification.  You will also need to provide two identical 2-inch by 2-inch passport photographs, which you can get at locations such as Walgreens or FedEx for $10.00

United Kingdom Citizens

You can find all the resources you need regarding your passport online here. For your first passport, the process is a bit different. To apply for your passport, you must provide proof of citizenship, proof of identification and birth certificate.  You also need to provide two identical 35-40mm wide and 45-50mm high passport photographs that have been taken within the last 6 months.  Follow the guidelines online listed for more requirements to obtain your passport.

Australia

Review and complete the application process to apply for your passport. You must provide proof of Australian citizenship and proof of identification.  You also need to provide two identical 35-40mm wide and 45-50mm high passport photographs that have been taken within the last 6 months. For more detailed passport photo guidelines click here. 

Visa Requirements

Visa Requirements

Find Out If Your Host Country Requires a Travel Visa

Visa requirements vary depending on your host country and citizenship. For more information about visas, click on a destination below. If a visa is required, apply for a Tourist Visa (or the equivalent).

**Please note that visa information is subject to change by national immigration and customs agencies.  Check with your native consulate for visa details well before your departure date.

Select Your Destination Below

Nicaragua Visa Requirements

Most travelers entering Nicaragua are required to pay a $10 USD entry fee upon arrival. Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union require a passport and payment of this entry fee to enter Nicaragua and may stay for up to 90 days.

Not a citizen of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union? Click here. You may be required to obtain a visa either upon entry or prior to arrival in country. Contact the Nicaraguan consulate closest to your native country in order to determine your personal visa requirements.

**Please note that visa information is subject to change by national immigration and customs agencies.  Check with your native consulate for visa details well before your departure date.

 

**Please note that visa information is subject to change by national immigration and customs agencies.  Check with your native consulate for visa details well before your departure date.
Tanzania Visa Requirements

GIVE requires that you obtain your travel visa prior to your arrival in Tanzania to avoid complications and extended waiting times at the customs desk. GIVE made arrangements with the local government in Tanzania and participants volunteering with GIVE only need to obtain a Travel Visa and NOT a Volunteer Visa. Our arrangements are exclusive for GIVE travelers and waive an otherwise required Volunteer Visa fee.

In order to apply for your visa, you must have (1) a valid passport that does not expire within 6 months of your return flight and (2) a confirmed flight itinerary. Click to follow the instructions to apply for E-Visa.

Thailand Visa Requirements

If you need a visa to enter into Thailand, GIVE strongly recommends that you obtain your travel visa prior to your arrival to avoid complications and extended waiting.

Visa details below and are subject to change. Check with a Thai embassy near you to confirm visa requirements. 

Citizens of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are exempt from obtaining a travel visa. Citizens of these countries entering Thailand by air can stay up to 30 days without a tourist visa and citizens entering Thailand by land can stay up to 15 days without a tourist visa. Travelers must provide proof of departure from Thailand within the required timeframe, otherwise you’ll have to obtain a tourist visa.

Not a citizen of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa? Click here. You may be required to obtain a visa either upon entry or prior to arrival in country. Contact the Thai consulate closest to your native country in order to determine your personal visa requirements.

If you obtain a visa prior to arrival in Thailand, GIVE requires that you upload a color (which will be stamped on a currently blank passport page) to your Volunteer Profile within 80 days of your departure date.

**Please note that visa information is subject to change by national immigration and customs agencies.  Check with your native consulate for visa details well before your departure date.
Laos Visa Requirements

Travelers to Laos are required to obtain a visa and will be obtaining it upon arrival into Laos at the Luang Prabang Airport. Please review full instructions and information here for complete instructions.

If for any reason you don’t meet the requirements to obtain a tourist visa, you will need to call the GIVE office right away.

Please also note that you must have a passport with at least six months of validity, 2 recent passport sized photos, and a return plane ticket to obtain a visa.

**Please note that visa information is subject to change by national immigration and customs agencies.  Check with your native consulate for visa details well before your departure date.

Vaccinations & Immunizations

Vaccinations & Immunizations

We recommend calling your doctor

We strongly recommend that travelers seek medical guidance from their medical provider or a travel clinic regarding vaccinations, immunizations, and medications. Consult with a physician or travel clinic at least 2 months before departure. If you’re a student, some colleges/universities provide travel-specific vaccinations and immunizations, so check with your medical clinic on campus as well. GIVE is legally unable to provide vaccination recommendations as we are not medically trained to do so. You can find vaccination requirements and recommendations on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Visit the  Center for Disease Control and Prevention for more information regarding immunizations, vaccinations, and tablets.

Tell your physician or travel clinic where you are traveling for vaccination and immunization recommendations. It’s important to do your due diligence by meeting with a medical professional to discuss required or recommended travel-specific and route vaccinations!

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