General Trip Questions
- How much does the trip cost?
- The cost for theZambia Partnership Trip, February 2018 (including international flights) is valued at over $6,000, but based on group discounts and iDream’s in-country business relationships, we are able to keep the costs lower for our trip participants and will be $4,500.
The trip cost will include all meals beginning with lunch/dinner on Day 1 (upon arrival in Zambia and ending with breakfast on last (day of departure from Zambia).
It will include all ground transportation beginning with Day 1 airport pick up and ending with last day airport drop-off and everything in between. It will include all lodging based on double occupancy (participants can request a single room for an additional fee). It will include the flight to Livingstone, the visit to Victoria Falls and the Botswana Safari. - Who makes the travel arrangements?
- Operation iDream will make all travel arrangements, including international air travel to and from Rochester, NY.
- What documents will I need to travel?
- You will need a passport that is valid for six months past your departure date, at least 3 blank pages in your passport, and a Zambian visa for the Zambia trip.
iDream is happy to provide guidance in acquiring a passport and a Zambian visa. Instructions on how to obtain a visa to enter Zambia are included in our standard communication after participants have registered for the trip. - Is there a waiting list?
- Registration for our Zambia 2018 trip is still open. Upon reaching the max number of travelers, more information will be given about the waiting list process.
- Is there trip insurance available?
- Yes. Through itravelinsured.com. You will need to sign up individually and the cost will be approx $400.
- How do I obtain a Zambian visa?
- There is a short application that must be downloaded, completed and sent to the Zambian embassy in Washington, DC along with your passport, two passport sized photographs signed on the back and an application fee paid by bank check or money order. This process usually takes 2-3 weeks and is outlined on the Zambian Embassy website. The Zambian visa regulations have been known to change without notification, so we recommend that you wait to receive the most up-to-date information from iDream once you have registered for the trip.
http://www.zambiaembassy.org/page/visa-application
- How do I register to join the trip?
- To register to join the Trip, just notify of your interest and we will reach out to you with specifics.
- What happens after I register for the trip?
-
Once you register for the trip, iDream will contact you with additional information. We will stay in touch from when you register through the day we depart for either Zambia with useful information, packing tips and general advice for a smooth and successful trip.
If at any time before the trip you have any questions, please feel free to contact us by e-mail. - When does registration close?
- Trip registration closes 30 days prior to Day 1 of the trip or as soon as the trip is registered in full. iDream strongly encourages early enrollment to ensure your place on the trip and to allow plenty of time for the necessary preparations, including your visa application, booking flights, travel doctor visits and more. The maximum capacity for each trip is 20 participants.
- What is iDream’s cancellation policy?
- To confirm your spot, payment in full is due upon registration. If you must cancel, 50% of your trip fee is refundable up to 30 days prior to the start date of the trip.
- Will I need to sign a waiver and any other forms in order to participate?
- Yes. iDream requires that all trip participants sign a waiver. Additionally, trip participants will be volunteering with children and based on iDream’s Child Protection Policy, trip participants must complete and sign a background consent form.
- Is my trip cost tax deductible?
- $1,000 of the cost is a tax-deductible charitable donation for which you will receive a receipt from Operatoin iDream.
Additionally, The U.S. Internal Revenue Service makes allowance for expenses related to such trips to be tax-deductible. iDream recommends that trip participants save receipts and document expenses related to the trip and consult with an accountant. For reference, former trip participants have deducted between 50-100% of trip expenses.
- Is it safe to travel to Zambia?
- Since its independence in 1964, Zambia has been known as a peaceful nation and a friend to all its neighboring countries. Zambia has never had a civil war, and political violence has been rare.
Operation iDream has an evacuation plan in case of emergency and will do everything within our power to keep trip participants safe and healthy.
As with travel to any developing country, there are some health risks. Participants should take their malaria medication, use hand sanitizer frequently and avoid physical contact with anyone with open wounds or who seem to be sick. The vast majority of iDream’s volunteer travelers have remained healthy during their travel to Zambia, and the few who have gotten sick during a trip received prompt and appropriate medical care. - What is the weather like?
- The weather in February and March is a lot like Upstate in the late Spring. Sunny skies with periods of overcast punctuated by thunderstorms and rain showers. It is technically "the rainy season" as opposed to the scorched earth of late Summer there.
Temperatures range from 75-85 F during the day and down to 60 F in the evenings with on and off rain in the afternoon and evening.
iDream will communicate a suggested packing list to those who register for the trip to help guide you on what clothes are appropriate for the weather and culture.
Ever wanted to go to Africa on a mission trip, and at the same time enjoy the beauty of African wild life? Come with us in February 2019!!
Travel with a group of 15 from Rochester and surroundings to Africa to visit Hope Village and Zambia in partnership with Operation iDream..
We'll spend time at Hope Village with the children and then take a safari trip and visit Victoria Falls before we return.
