FAQs
Q: Are flights included in the cost of my trip?
Flights are not included in the program fee, but Discover Corps has a partnership with an agency who can assist in organizing airfare if needed.
Q: How far in advance do I need to reserve my trip?
The farther in advance you book, the better selection of dates you’ll have. On most trips you’ll want to book 3 to 6 months out. For holiday trips, you’ll want to reserve 6 to 8 months out. Rest assured, though, we’re also masters at accommodating last-minute reservations! You can always contact us with any questions.
Q: Can I travel solo? Are there additional fees?
We welcome solo travelers on all trips, and there is no additional fee unless a single room upgrade is requested. We also offer certain dates that say STS (Solo Traveler Savings), which offer a single room upgrade for no additional cost. Locate these available dates on each individual trip page or contact us for more information.
Q: What does ‘double occupancy’ mean? Does that mean the trip prices covers two people?
Double Occupancy refers to the accommodations. The trip fee you see on each trip page is per person.
Q: How large are the group sizes?
Group size varies based on the trip, but generally you will see an average of 8 and a maximum of 15. The average and maximum group sizes for each individual trip can be found in our catalog or by requesting an itinerary for that trip.
Q: Are there age restrictions on your trips?
We ask that travelers inquire for a trip based on their child’s age. For the majority of Discover Corps trips, the minimum age requirement is 8 years old, but there are some with a 5 year old minimum and others with a higher minimum age.
Q: What trips do you suggest for families traveling with small children?
For families traveling with children as young as 5 years old, we recommend: Baja: Marine Wildlife Adventure, Costa Rica: Family Volunteer Adventure, and Alaska: The Great Exploration. These trips will not only be easy on the parents but will also be a trip children will love.
Q: Which trips would be best for older adults or someone with mobility issues?
Older adults or someone with mobility issues should take into consideration several factors prior to traveling including amount walked per day, activity level, and number of stairs in accommodations to name a few. In our opinion, the best trips for older adults would be South Africa: Wildlife Conservation Experience or Kenya: Safari & Conservation.
Q: I have a disability or someone in my family has a disability – will that be an issue?
Generally no, but it depends on the severity of the issue. Most developing countries do not adhere to the same wheel accessibility as the U.S., so we recommend contacting Discover Corps directly to discuss and determine which trip would work best.
Q: I have special dietary requirements – will that be an issue?
For most of our destinations, we are able to accommodate dietary restrictions. We do our best to accommodate all diets, but we do recommend you still inquire with a Discover Corps travel specialist about specific needs.
Q: Is the water safe to drink in the country I’m visiting?
Because we can’t 100% guarantee that all destinations have potable water, we supply purified drinking water throughout the trips.
Q: Do I need travel insurance? What should it cover?
Travel Insurance is not required but we highly recommend adding a plan that can provide coverage for delays or cancellations. We partner with Arch RoamRight and can refer you to them for a quote, here.
Q: Can you help with Visas?
Although we don’t organize them directly, we will guide you through the process on how to obtain them and partner with an agency that we can refer you to. Discover Corps can help answer any questions along the way.
Q: How do I find out what the Visa requirements are for the trip I’m interested in?
A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond the travel date is required for all destinations. For any specific visa requirements, please refer to our DC travel portal under “Travel Documents.”
Q: Are my belongings safe while I’m on my trip? Are there safes for storing valuables?
Yes. We trust that your belongings are protected while under our staff’s watch, but as an extra precaution there are lock box’s in most accommodations.
Q: Is tipping commonplace in the places we’re visiting?
On most trips, tips are provided for restaurants, hotels, and baggage. However, tips are usually suggested for the guide and the driver. Please see the “What’s Included” section of the trip you’re interested in for more details. Once you book your trip, you will be given a full pre-departure guidance via the Travel Portal that outlines everything you need to know for your specific country and trip.
Q: Are Discover Corps trips suitable for LGBTQ travelers?
Yes, we are confident that LGBTQ travelers would be more than welcome on our trips and in the destinations that we operate.
Q: I’m concerned about the political stability and/or safety of the country we’re visiting. Is it safe?
At Discover Corps, the safety of our travelers and staff is our top priority. We ensure every trip includes secure accommodations, reliable and comfortable transportation, and the support of experienced local staff who know the region well. We closely monitor local conditions and government travel advisories and do not operate in destinations considered unsafe. If you have concerns about political stability or safety, we’re always available to provide honest, up-to-date information and answer any questions—before your departure and throughout your journey.
Q: What is the best way to carry money?
It’s best to divide money into different places and keep small bills handy. In some destinations, accommodations offer safety boxes. Additionally, in nearly all countries we operate in (with the exception of Cuba), you can use local ATMs to take out money throughout the trip.
Q: Is refrigeration available for medicine?
While we can’t guarantee your accommodation will provide a refrigerator, most of the hotels travelers stay in do offer refrigerators. Most guest houses/homestays have a refrigerator in the kitchen. Please inquire with us so that we can confirm whether or not a refrigerator will be available.
Q: What if I end up ill or get injured on the trip and am unable to continue? What happens then?
In the event of injury or illness during your trip, your health and safety are our top priorities. We will promptly seek appropriate medical care and take you to one of the designated clinics or hospitals we work with in each destination. All Discover Corps travelers are covered by medical insurance through CISI for the duration of the trip. This coverage helps ensure you receive proper medical attention and support if needed. If you’re unable to continue the program and need to return home, your travel insurance may cover the associated costs. Discover Corps guides will be there to assist you every step of the way. You can inquire with Arch RoamRight for additional policies and the guidelines concerning this situation.
Q: What type of luggage do you recommend I take?
It depends on the destination and the activities involved. However, a rule of thumb across all of our trips is to pack as lightly as possible. This will simply reduce the amount of luggage you are carrying around throughout the trip and make things easier. Typically, rolling luggage works best, but keep in mind that uneven sidewalks and cobblestones in many destinations may make this more difficult.
Q: What clothes and footwear should I pack?
Each destination varies in climate, so it is recommended to look over the packing list that is provided under each destination in the Discover Corps Travel Portal.
Q: What essential documents do I need to take?
Any international travel requires a valid passport . Discover Corps recommends you take 2 photo copies of your passport and leave one at home and take the other with you. Trips such as Cuba also require you to take specific documents, which is outlined in the Discover Corps Travel Portal.
Q: Can I opt out of certain activities?
Discover Corps trips are offered at a set package price that includes most activities, regardless of participation. Some programs feature optional adventure activities like zip-lining or snorkeling to give you flexibility based on your interests.
Q: Will my mobile phone work? Will I have access to the Internet?
It’s not guaranteed that your phone will work, we recommend reaching out to your cellphone provider to see the available international plans. Most of our destinations offer Wi-Fi in hotel lobbies, rooms, or common areas, but availability can vary—please check with a Travel Specialist for details specific to your program. Keep in mind that in many of the developing countries we visit, Wi-Fi speeds may be slower than what you’re used to in the U.S.
Q: Do I need to get vaccines before I travel?
Most of our destinations do not require vaccines. However, as of now, Kenya and Uganda are the only Discover Corps destinations that do have vaccine requirements, which may include the Yellow Fever vaccine depending on your travel history. Please refer to the Discover Corps Travel Portal and your pre-departure materials for the most up-to-date information on health requirements for your specific trip. We also strongly recommend consulting your local travel clinic or healthcare provider for personalized advice and recommended inoculations for international travel.
Q: Are you allowed to pet the animals you see?
Some programs include working hands on with wildlife at local rescue centers. However, in order to protect the wildlife and the safety of our travelers, it is not recommended to touch any wildlife that is not permitted by your guide.