How exciting for YOU! You are preparing to be a part of what I hope is an experience that will transform you, touch your heart and motivate you to move through life thoughtfully and with great empathy. You’re probably looking forward to working hard to raise money and raise awareness for Habitat and doing your part to fulfill its vision of everyone having a decent place to live.
Do These Things Right Away
So, you’ve filled out your application and been invited to join a team. Pay your deposit right away. Your trip needs to be paid in full 45 days prior to departure—count backwards and mark that date on your calendar now!
Now is a good time to set up a fundraising plan. If there is a online fundraising platform available through the volunteer organization, I suggest you setup a page. Even if you don’t intend to ask others for to support you (which is very easy to do through social media!) it’s a great way to share what you are doing and why.
You will be heightening people’s awareness of the problem of poverty housing and giving them an opportunity to participate in the solution. It’s exciting news! Don’t be shy about sharing it!
If there is a Host Country Guidebook, please read it; it’s packed with useful information!
Be sure that the expiration date on your passport is at least six months beyond the date of departure from the host country and check the number of blank pages you’ll need.
6 Months Prior to Departure
Find out what the visa requirements are for the country or countries where you will be traveling. It may be required before you depart. Check with you travel agent or US Department of State about visa requirements. You will be applying for a tourist visa unless specified otherwise. Some visas are issued upon arrival at the airport.
[PRO TIP: Expect to pay for the visa in cash, US dollars, and have exact change ready. Be sure the paper money is in near perfect condition, no marks, rips, tears, etc. As there is a high suspicion of counterfeit currency, it may be rejected.
8 Weeks – 5 Months Prior To Departure
Consult with your personal physician or travel clinic to make sure you have the proper immunizations and medications for your trip.
Research your host country and decide if you are going to do any extended travel on the front or back-end of your trip. Let your team leader know about your plans as soon as possible. It is common for team members to take time at the end of a build for some R&R and tourism opportunities, but they are usually in addition to your trip costs.
Once you know the exact dates of travel purchase your airfare.
Consider purchasing travel insurance. It is usually very inexpensive relative to what you are paying for your trip. Make sure you understand what the policy covers and does not cover. If you trip fee does include insurance it usually will not cover things like airfare, or extra travel.
[PRO TIP: Lately I’ve been using insuremytrip to compare policies and rates. If the insurance company offers a pre-existing condition waiver, they usually require the insurance to be purchased within a specific time period after paying the initial non-refundable deposit.]
30 – 45 Days Prior to Departure
Make sure your trip is paid in full, 45 days prior to departure.
Be sure you can get local currency either with an ATM card or by exchanging cash in country. Be sure your bank and credit card companies know you are traveling so you have access while away.
If you are a US citizen, register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is the US Department of State’s free program that allows the US government to assist you in an emergency, should the need arise while you are abroad.
Consult with your team leader about dress code and other items that might be necessary for you to purchase in advance. Additionally, you’ll want to be aware of what NOT to take with you. See the suggested packing tips. Verify baggage weight allowances with the airlines. If you have a domestic or short flight, the baggage weight allowance may differ from the international flight weight allowance.
Global Staci 