The Heightened Hearts Philanthro-Travel Project has been established to fund development projects in our partner communities.
These funds go directly to:
• Consulting and materials to facilitate the construction of schools, houses, libraries, and clean water facilities
• School supplies
• Micro-finance initiatives
Many of our guests choose to sponsor the trips that they participate in. It is our vision to see this generosity continue to support these amazing journeys. You can donate through the Heightened Heart Foundation safe in the knowledge that 100% of the money goes to the people in need!
How far in advance do I have to book?
For most trips, booking 2-3 months in advance is sufficient, but a lot depends on the time of year and whether it is peak season in your chosen destination. We will do our utmost to ensure that you can get on a trip, and will even run a second trip if your group is full, but we do encourage you to book as far in advance as possible.
What are the ways to pay, and by when do I have to pay?
You can pay by credit card online or bank transfer or by cashier check. Paying by credit card incurs up to a 3.95% surcharge, depending on the type of card you use. These charges apply to debit cards as well. You can pay with a 20% deposit to secure your booking, with the balance due 60 days prior to your trip start-date.
What is the minimum number of volunteers required to guarantee that a trip will depart?
For almost all of our trips, we require just two people to book; the trip is then guaranteed at the price as stated. In fact, with two or more people, you can choose your own departure date! What’s more, even if you are traveling on your own, and you are the first person to book a trip, you can choose to pay a surcharge to guarantee that the trip will go ahead.
How are the Volunteer Projects selected?
Our Volunteer Projects have been sourced through consultation with the local communities to identify which ways a small group of foreigners without any specific skills could benefit them.
I want to make a difference, but am not keen on “roughing it” – is this ok?
Absolutely. We recognize that for many of our guests, this is the first time volunteering, and it is helpful to have a solace to return to at the end of a day’s volunteering. As such, most of our trips include 4-5 accommodations, including while you are volunteering where available.
Are international flights included in the price?
No, but we can arrange these for you as well. If your trip involves domestic flights, then these are generally included in the trip price.
Will I be safe?
Your safety is a primary concern for us, and we take all reasonable steps to ensure that you are safe. We only go to areas with excellent track records for safety. However, no trip can be guaranteed to be one hundred percent safe, and each guest must recognize that travel to developing countries is, in general, less safe than travel to developed countries.
What if I get sick?
Our pre-trip information packet will provide you with how to minimize the risk of falling ill, and our guides will also brief you on hygiene. Additionally, we strongly encourage you to take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover an event in which you fall ill. This coverage should include all medical-related expenses and emergency airlifts where required.
If I am building a house, will it get completed in the time I am there?
The time allocated to building a house on each trip is generally sufficient to see its completion when the foundation is already laid.
However, delays can occur, which may result in the house not being completed during the Community Development component of the trip.
Will someone pick me up from the airport?
Yes. This is included in the price. You will be met on arrival by one of our staff, who will transfer you to your accommodations. You will also be transferred to the airport at the conclusion of your trip (also included in the price).
Can you arrange accommodations for me on the nights immediately prior to and after my tour?
Yes, gladly. Please indicate on your booking form that you would like this, and upon payment of the additional cost, this will be booked for you at the hotel where your tour begins or ends.
Where do I meet my tour guide and the rest of my group?
You will be given detailed information on exactly where your tour will commence. Generally, this will be at a hotel. If you are arriving the day before your tour begins, the simplest option is to be transferred to the hotel from where your tour commences. Wherever possible, we will arrange a welcome drink at a nearby bar the evening before your trip commences to meet your fellow travelers.
Do I have to share a room with another group member?
Yes, unless you pay for a single room, which is available on most trips. Sharing a room will be with someone of the same sex.
Are there special dietary allowances, e.g. for vegetarians?
We will strive to meet any dietary requirements you may have and will ask you to declare these on your booking form. However, please bear in mind that your choice of meals may be considerably lower than what you are accustomed to in your home country.
Can I assist at a project for an extended period after my tour finishes?
Should you wish to assist for, say, one month after your tour, we can assist you with this; however, it is not always possible and ultimately is the decision of the Community Development project itself. Additionally, there may be legal and visa restrictions on Community Development for longer than the amount of time contained in our trips, and these are your responsibility to arrange, as are changes to flights and other bookings.
Why is a background check required for some Volunteer Projects?
The safety of the people in the communities in which we are doing volunteer work is of major importance to us. When the project involves significant time with children, one way of minimizing risk is to the require a background check. If the check reveals that there is any misconduct relating to children, the individual will not be permitted to participate in our tours.
Is there a minimum age?
People under 18 need to be accompanied by their parent or guardian.
Is there a maximum age?
No, but we do encourage you to be guided by the Activity Level rating, and for our more physical trips, you may be required to submit a medical certificate if you are over 60.
My days of backpacking are gone now – am I too old?
Not at all – as per the previous question, there is no maximum age, and because most of our trips include 4-5 star accommodations, you can still make a difference through volunteering and have a good night’s sleep.
Are any tours suitable for families, and if so, which ones?
We agree with our volunteers that our tours are life-changing experiences, and that whole families can be transformed on a HH Philanthro–Travel Tour. We feel that the most appropriate projects are environmental ones, and those that involve teaching in schools or repair and maintenance work of orphanages, because your children can benefit from the interaction with the local children.
