FAQ

Please do give us a call or drop us an e-mail if you have any questions at all. We much to prefer to help you directly and love speaking to you! However, we have also summarised some general questions that seem to come up quite often...we hope this helps!

1. I think it's a great idea - but my school/organisation needs convincing....?

Not a problem. We are available to visit any organisation considering running a group trip or taking part in a Teacher Exchange. We can either come and run an interactive talk or presentation or can meet with you and key staff on a one-to-one basis to discuss your needs and give you more detail on what we offer.

We guarantee that we will put no pressure on you at all, or give you a 'hard sell'. We genuinely enjoy talking about our projects and our work and hope that you will enjoy finding out more, even if you decide it's not for you.

2. Where can we go?

We specialise in running trips to rural sub-Saharan Africa, but we also have close contacts in South America and Asia. If you have a specific location or project partner in mind just give us a call and we can talk through how we can put your tailor-made trip together.

3. Do you have a minimum or maximum number on your group trips?

We prefer to keep our groups at a manageable level and this size depends completely on the project partner and project goals. Our absolute maximum group size is 50 but ideally we prefer to run groups sized between 10-20 as we find these are most effective for both our partner communities and the volunteers themselves.

4. Is there an age limit?

Inspire do not have a maximum age-limit for taking part, as long as you are medically fit and healthy and have lots of enthusiasm. We do have a minimum age limit of 15.

5. How do the costs work?

We are very open and upfront about all your trip costs. We will explain exactly what your money includes and what you will have to fund for yourself. We do not include flights or personal travel insurance in any of our costs.

We ask for your project donation to be paid completely separately  directly to your partner charity so you know all of the funds are going directly to them.

For more details on costs click here

6. Are any payments I make protected?

Inspire is sometimes asked why we are not 'bonded' to one of the large bonding organisations such as ABTA or ATOL. Inspire does not book flights and for this reason is not ATOL bonded. However, we recommend that all our groups book their flights through a recognised ATOL holder, to ensure they will be protected.

However, as we are responsible for arranging all on-the-ground packages we are still classed as a Tour Operator and Inspire Worldwide abides by the 1992 Package Travel & Tour Regulations. These regulations stipulate that we must provide financial protection for all participants.

In order to provide clients with peace of mind Inspire Worldwide Ltd has a policy with IGI Insurance Company Ltd through travel insurance specialists Milsom Howard Limited to ensure that all passengers booking with Inspire Worldwide Ltd are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all monies paid to Inspire Worldwide Ltd for the trip, arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Inspire Worldwide Ltd.

A certificate detailing this cover will be given to each participant as evidence of cover once we receive your deposit. 

7. Is Inspire fully insured?

Yes. As a professional tour operator Inspire Worldwide holds full Professional Tour Operator Liability Insurance up to the value of £5million and Employer Liability Insurance. 

8. What happens to our donation - how can I tell if it is used in the best way?

Inspire works with long-term partners whom we have built up a lasting relationship based on trust and understanding. We work together in partnership with them to ensure all Inspire projects are necessary, requested and will be maintained once you leave.

Each charity will provide you with a breakdown of what your donation is used for. The majority of funds are used to cover the costs related to the project your team will be working on, including the cost of materials, local labour and staff time. A portion is also allocated for the on-going maintenance of the project once you have left. Occasionally the charity may use any excess funds for on-going support for their projects such as sponsorship. This will be clearly explained to you.

By taking part in a volunteer trip you will also see first-hand how your money is being used. Personally, we think it is one of the best ways to give money as you will really understand where your money goes to and benefits it can make.

9. How can I find out more?

Please just give us a ring. We love to talk about our projects and the options available. Just give us a call or drop us an e-mail - we're happy to help. Call 01273 833 971 or e-mail  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it