What you need to know

• How is coronavirus (COVID-19) impacting travel with Compassion?

  Currently, all travel to Compassion field countries has been suspended until the end of July 2020. At this stage, we are continuing to monitor the situation as we plan for trips beyond July. If we need to cancel or postpone your trip after July, we'll contact you to work out a solution for the monies you've paid.

• WHAT’S INCLUDED (AND NOT INCLUDED) IN A COMPASSION INSIGHT TRIP?

  We want to make visiting Compassion’s work as accessible to you as possible—so you can experience the passion of the local church firsthand. That’s why we include international flights, twin-share accommodation, in-country meals, travel insurance and group activities in our package cost.

  So, don’t worry about making your own flight booking—we’ll sort the admin for you! (Please note, this doesn’t include Muskathlons.) If you’d prefer to book your own flights, we’ll be glad to work with you to facilitate this. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions.

  To keep prices affordable, expenses that may vary between travellers are not included in the trip cost. Examples include visa applications, vaccinations and immunisations, and extended travel before or after the trip.

  Expenses associated with visiting your sponsored child (such as parents/carers travelling to meet your group) may also vary. This will depend on where your sponsored child lives and the group’s itinerary. We’ll provide you with an estimate of any additional expenses associated with transporting your sponsored child early in the registration process.

  Check each trip page for a detailed list of what’s included and not included.

• How old do I have to be to go on an Insight Trip with Compassion?

  The minimum age for a traveller on a Compassion Insight Trip is 18 years old, or 13 years old if travelling with a parent or legal guardian. The travellers may be exposed to situations and circumstances that are not suitable for minors.

  Compassion ensures that any supporter visiting program centres undertakes training beforehand to help them understand the different culture and customs and how they can best interact with and encourage the children they meet. Local staff are present at all times to act as guides and interpreters to ensure the best experience for children and their sponsors.

• CAN I STILL GO IF I DON’T SPONSOR A CHILD IN THIS COUNTRY?

  Absolutely! Even if you don’t sponsor a child in the country you’re visiting, there’s still so much to see. We frequently host travellers who are eager to understand how Compassion works to release children from poverty and experience a new destination.

  On every Insight Trip, you’ll have the opportunity to visit child development centres and meet with sponsored children (and their parents!) to understand how their lives have been impacted by participating in the sponsorship program. The children you visit will feel special as you have travelled so far to meet them. Plus, you’ll almost certainly encounter children along the way who don’t yet have sponsors, so you may be able sponsor a child in the destination while you’re there!

• Why does Compassion encourage supporters to visit child development centres when the cost of the trip could be donated to children in need?

  Compassion Australia invites supporters to experience Compassion’s work firsthand and learn about long-term child development and the role of the local church. Visiting a child development centre not only provides a life-changing opportunity for supporters to do this, but every trip also provides encouragement for children, parents, church staff, volunteers and Compassion workers.

• WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS OF ME ON A COMPASSION TRIP?

  Travelling overseas to see how children are being released from poverty is incredibly exciting and can have a tremendously positive impact both on you and the children, church staff and volunteers you visit.

  To maximise the experience for you and for all your fellow travellers, we’ll ask you to engage in all group activities and participate fully in briefing sessions as you prepare to go, travel, and debrief from your time overseas.

  We’ll also ask you to follow the guidance of your Field Experience Leader to ensure we respect cultural practices that may vary significantly to those in Australia.