What you need to know

• 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.

• International flights now included for Insight Trips! (Excluding Muskathlon.)

  By popular request, we’ve updated the above prices to include international flights in addition to in-country costs. So don’t worry about making your own bookings—we’ll do 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.

• 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.

• Can I visit my sponsored child?

  Yes! If you’re travelling independently, we ask that you contact Compassion Australia at least two months before you wish to travel so we can organise a staff member to accompany your visit. Our field staff receive many requests from sponsors around the world, so it is crucial that at least two months' notice is given before you travel to allow enough time for a staff member to schedule and accompany you on your visit. A country staff member must accompany a sponsor visit to ensure the safety of both the child and the sponsor.

  If you’d prefer to join with a group and be guided by a trip leader to take care of all the stressful parts of travel, a Compassion Insight trip may be the option for you. We will do all we can to organise for you to have the opportunity to meet your sponsored child when you travel with Compassion.

  To arrange a visit to your sponsored child, click here to find out more and fill out a visit request form, or feel welcome to phone 1300 22 44 53 with any questions.