Faqs

Frequently Asked Questions

TRAVEL-RELATED QUESTIONS

Where and when do we leave?

Your trip leader will communicate the meet up and drop off points well in advance so that you can make your travel arrangements. Allow yourself a time buffer between location arrival and partner pick up time at the airport. Remember that if traveling by plane, you’ll want to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to any international departure.

Are we responsible for providing our own travel to the trip location?

In most cases, yes. Unless your trip description specifically states that travel to the destination is included, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the trip’s meeting point. In most cases, this will be the arrivals area of the destination airport, though your trip leader will clearly communicate the exact meeting location and timing in advance of departure.

Will Crossroads help me book my flight?

We can point you in a helpful direction! We have a recommended travel agent who is familiar with our preferred itineraries and travel suggestions for each destination. Working with them is completely optional – you’re welcome to book directly with an airline or through any platform you prefer. Either way, we’ll share your trip leader’s itinerary with the team so you can mirror their travel if that’s easier.

Are there recommended flights or itineraries for my trip?

Yes. About four months prior to departure (when trips close), our Trips Team confirms meet-up and drop-off locations and times with our in-country partners. At that point, we’ll share your trip leader’s itinerary along with guidelines for when to be at the meet-up location at the start of the trip and the confirmed drop-off time at the end. You can use those as benchmarks when booking your flights.

Is there a recommended minimum layover time?

While airlines may allow layovers as short as 30 minutes, we’ve found that to be pretty risky - especially with delays, large airports, or international travel. We strongly recommend allowing at least 2 hours between flights, particularly for international itineraries or busy airports. Keep in mind that many international routes only operate once or twice per day. Missing a connection could mean significant delays and potentially missing part of your GO Trip experience.

What’s the latest I can arrive at the meet-up location, and the earliest I can leave at drop-off?

Once trips close (about four months out), we’ll provide specific arrival guidelines for the meet-up location at the start of the trip and confirm the drop-off time at the end. Please plan your flights so you arrive within the meet-up window and depart after the confirmed drop-off time. This ensures you don’t miss any part of the team experience or in-country transportation logistics.

We have many frequent flyer miles. Is it possible to use our miles?

Absolutely! As long as your airline can get you to your GO Trip destination, you’re welcome to use frequent flyer miles or airline status perks toward your travel. The only exception would be trips booked on a group airline ticket. If that applies, it will be clearly noted in the trip description.

What type of identification do I need to travel?

For international travel, you will need a valid passport. Your passport should remain valid for at least 6 months after your return date. If you need to apply for or renew a passport, your local post office is often a great place to start. You can find more information at travel.state.gov. For domestic air travel, a REAL ID is required. This enhanced identification requirement was implemented by the federal government for air travel within the United States.

Are international flights the same as domestic planes? Just anxious about being on a plane that long.

International flights take much larger planes than most domestic planes, so you have more room to get up and stretch your legs, a small tv to watch in-flight movies, and meals. Most people get some really great sleep!

Does everyone have to fly out of Cincy? Or how does that work?

Nope! Unless your trip specifically states that travel is included, you’re welcome to fly from and return to any city that works best for you. We’ll provide the team’s meet-up and drop-off times in advance so you can plan your itinerary accordingly. We do ask that participants not extend travel before the GO Trip begins so that you don’t miss any part of the team experience.

What do we do if we have a long layover? Can I leave the airport?

That’s up to you - but remember, we’re on mission to get to our partner. Leaving the airport during a layover always carries some risk. Delays with transportation, security lines, or timing could cause you to miss your flight or the team meet-up, and our partner may not be able to adjust pickup plans. We recommend saving the adventures for the way home!

What happens if my flight is delayed or cancelled and I miss the team meet-up?

Contact your trip leader as soon as possible so we know your status. You’ll then work with your airline (or our recommended travel agent, if you booked through them) to get on the next available flight. Please note that any additional costs to catch up with the team - a separate pickup from our partner, transportation to the lodging, or a rebooked flight - are your responsibility.

Should I book a refundable ticket or pay for airline trip protection?

That’s a personal decision - we don’t require either, but they can offer peace of mind, particularly for international trips. Keep in mind that the optional Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance you can purchase through Crossroads only covers payments made to Crossroads, not airfare you booked separately. If you’d like coverage for your flight, you’ll want to add that through your airline or a third-party policy.

Can I coordinate a rideshare or shared travel with other participants?

Yes, and we encourage it! Once your team is finalized, you’ll have access to the “discussion” feature in Go Method (our online trip platform) where you can coordinate flights, shared rides, and any other logistics with your teammates.

Are vaccinations required?

Vaccinations are a consideration for travel to many countries. This is a personal choice that you’ll want to talk over with your doctor. You can also consult the Center for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/travel). Vaccinations are a personal choice and are at your own expense.

Can I extend my trip?

You bet! We ask that any trip extensions be scheduled for after your GO Trip - not before - so you don’t miss any part of the team experience. We also cannot accommodate planned late arrivals or early departures from the designated GO Trip dates, so we’ll communicate well in advance exactly where and when the trip officially starts and ends.

Can I arrive a day or two early to acclimate to the time zone or altitude?

We ask that you not extend travel before the GO Trip begins so you don’t miss any part of the team experience. If you have a strong reason to arrive early (significant time zone shift, altitude, etc.), reach out to go@crossroads.net to discuss – but in general, please plan to arrive within the meet-up window we share with you.

TRIP SPECIFICS AND FUNDING QUESTIONS

What does the trip cost include?

The trip cost includes your lodging on-the-ground transportation & meals, trip excursions & activities, as well as partner guides, translators and work supplies. Travel medical insurance is included on all international trips. There are also other administrative expenses such as background checks, etc. which are covered by the trip fees. Unless stated in the trip description, your airfare or transportation expenses to the GO Trip site are not included. There will occasionally be optional activities available to you at an additional cost. These activities will be mentioned in your pre-trip meeting.

What expenses will I have beyond the trip cost?

Unless otherwise stated in the trip description, your trip cost does not include transportation to and from your destination. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their own travel. Vaccinations are at your personal discretion and expense, as are snacks/meals during travel to/from the destination. There may be incremental optional activities in some locations that you can opt into (beyond the activities that are already planned for the whole group), which you would purchase directly from that provider while in-country. You may also wish to bring some spending money for souvenirs. An optional travel cancellation protection plan is available to you as well.

After registration, when we pay our deposit, will it go towards the full cost?

Yes, all deposits & payments go toward the full cost of the trip.

Are married couples or families able to fundraise together through one account?

Each trip participant will have their own account and fundraising links. Minors will be under the parent or guardian’s account but still have their own personal fundraising link. It is possible to move all of your outstanding balance onto one member of your family. Email us at go@crossroads.net if you’re interested in learning more.

What type of fundraising is available?

Every trip participant will receive a personal trip page that includes a link you can share with your friends and family for them to give towards your GO Trip expenses. We recommend a peer-to-peer platform if you’d like to request donations toward your flight. All other fundraising best practices will be shared as part of preparation for the trip. Giving towards trips is NOT tax-deductible.

Can I fundraise to cover my flight, too?

Yes. While your trip fee paid through Crossroads covers in-country/on-the-ground expenses, you’re welcome to use a peer-to-peer fundraising platform (we’ll recommend options during preparation) to invite friends and family to contribute toward your airfare as well.

Are there any trips that minors can go to with their parents?

Below are the minimum age requirements broken down by GO Trip location. Individual trips may have age restrictions that will be noted in the trip description:

Puerto Rico - 10
Nicaragua - 10
Nepal - 18 (or 16-17 with a parent/guardian)
Martin County, Kentucky - 10 (or 7 for the Family Trip)
Guatemala - 10
Cape Town - 10
Durban - 10
Johannesburg - 10

MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS

When on a GO Trip, is it possible to volunteer for half the day? That would allow for me to work while on the trip.

Unfortunately, this is not possible. We typically depart our lodging facility in the morning to go work in the community. Logistics and transportation would make this challenging. We also encourage you to disconnect from your normal day-to-day life and really engage in what we are doing.

As a first time GO Trip person, can you suggest a trip that would be good for me to start with?

Any trip will be impactful. If you like rolling up your sleeves and building up a sweat as you work to rebuild at-risk communities, check out Nicaragua, Appalachia, and Puerto Rico. Any of these trips are great to jump into without any prior trip experience. If you prefer to work with vulnerable children, take a look at South Africa and Guatemala. And, if your heart breaks at the thought of human exploitation, you’ll want to look into Nepal. Check out the location pages to see where we work and determine which trip is the best fit for you.

Can you address the typical meals for the locations?

Three meals will be provided every day. The food varies by country, but we generally eat what is provided by our partner or hotel. There are usually some American meal options on international trips. If you have allergies, please call them out in your application so we can find alternatives. That being said though, we like to say that the meals are both good and plentiful and sometimes neither, so prepare accordingly. Pack a few granola bars, keep an open mind, and be flexible. It’s all part of the experience.

Is the food & water safe on a GO trip?

As with any international travel, you need to be careful with water & food in hotels, restaurants, and other places you visit. We take special precautions in our overseas locations. Bottled water will be provided to you. We also work with our partners to find restaurants that practice safety protocols. On some trips you may also be offered food by locals, which you can eat or skip at your own discretion.

I’m vegan and wonder if my plant-based diet will be OK for a GO Trip; will vegan options be available?

Yes. Some people choose to also bring granola or protein bars just in case.

What about other dietary restrictions - gluten-free, diabetic, severe allergies?

We do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions, but options vary significantly by location. Please call out any allergies or dietary needs in your application so we can work with our partners ahead of time. We also recommend bringing safe snack options as a backup.

I’m curious about language barriers. Will there be a translator?

Our partners have translators that are fluent in both English and the native language.

Can you participate in GO Trips if you have some physical limitations?

Each trip lists the activity level for the trip…some are extremely high and some low. If you have specific circumstances, email us at go@crossroads.net

I know there is a fun activity one day, but is there time to have solo time or can we explore for a set amount of time apart from the group at any time during the trip or is the group together for the whole duration?

Trip schedules and safety considerations vary per trip. Each trip is designed for you to be immersed in the culture. We typically don’t want participants to go off on their own. However, there will be time carved out for solitude and solo processing.

What are the safety protocols in place while we are there? As missionaries in another country, do we find ourselves as potential targets?

Your safety is our top priority. In the weeks leading up to your GO Trip, our Crossroads Security Team will conduct a thorough risk assessment to ensure conditions are safe for travel. If at any point, the Security Team determines that travel isn’t advisable, the trip will not move forward. We take these steps seriously because your well-being matters deeply to us. We also follow safety protocols that your leader or our partner will communicate with you to ensure your safety while on the ground.

Once a trip is full, is there any possible way to still GO?

No, sorry! Once a trip is full, it’s full. However, please email us at go@crossroads.net to join the wait list for your trip.

How are roommates assigned?

GO Trip costs are based on shared accommodations, so if you’re traveling solo, expect to be assigned a same-gender roommate. If you’re traveling with a companion, you can request a specific roommate in your application. Please note that opposite-gender roommates are only permitted for married couples. Lodging varies by trip. Some locations use larger bunk-style rooms separated by gender, while others may provide rooms with just one roommate.

We are interested in going on a trip as a family of six. Is lodging possible together or should we plan/prepare to be separated?

For some trips, it’s possible. But expect that you’d be split into different rooms. Reach out to go@crossroads.net to learn more about the lodging at the location you are considering.

Besides fundraising, what sort of time commitment is there to meetings and planning between now and the trip?

Your GO Trip journey actually begins the moment you sign up. We believe the best experiences happen when participants take time to prepare spiritually, relationally, and practically before arriving at the trip location. To help with that, we’ve created a mix of self-guided pre-trip training and team experiences designed to equip you well and help your team build connection before traveling together. You’ll complete some online pre-trip content on your own time, attend two virtual Pre-trip Meetings with your full team, and participate in two smaller GO Group gatherings throughout the process. After the trip, we’ll also invite you into a post-trip serve opportunity as a way to continue living out what God started during the experience. Meeting details and schedules will be shared through Go Method as they become available.

What if you are not able to get off work to attend the two pre-trip meetings?

Meetings will be over Zoom and will be recorded. They are also scheduled in the evenings to accommodate most schedules. Talk to your trip leader if you cannot attend the meeting live.

After registering for our trip, how soon will we meet others from the trip as well as the team leader?

It depends on the trip, but in general you will meet everyone virtually at your first pre-trip meeting, which is three months before departure. You can use the “discussion” feature in Go Method, which is a message board, to start getting to know your teammates.

What if I can’t go on the trip after I’ve already paid the deposit and done some fundraising?

If you withdraw from a trip more than 120 days prior to trip departure, everything except $300 is refundable from Crossroads. If you withdraw from a trip more than 60 days prior to trip departure, and less than 120 days, the amount that may be refunded depends on the location. Please refer to our financial policy for this information. If you withdraw from a trip 60 days or fewer prior to trip departure, none of the funding is refundable from Crossroads. If, however, you have purchased the optional trip cancellation and interruption policy, and your reason for withdrawing from the trip meets the policy criteria, you may be refunded all payments toward your trip by the insurance company (not Crossroads).

Can I drink, smoke, or vape on a GO Trip?

Crossroads is a place where everyone has a place, but due to the nature of our work with some partners, it is not permissible to use drugs of any kind on any GO trip or alcohol and tobacco in some locations. Martin County and Nepal are dry trips (no drinking, smoking or vaping) because of the culture and people that we serve in those locations. If you have specific concerns, reach out to go@crossroads.net prior to registering for a GO Trip.

What should I pack?

A trip-specific packing list will be shared in your pre-trip materials and discussed at your second pre-trip meeting. In general, expect to pack modest, climate-appropriate clothing, sturdy work-appropriate shoes, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, bug repellent, and any personal toiletries. Avoid bringing valuables you’d hate to lose.

What’s the weather/climate like at the destination?

Climate varies widely by location and time of year. Once your trip closes, your trip leader will share what to expect, including any seasonal considerations like rainy season, altitude, or significant temperature swings between day and night.

Will I have Wi-Fi or cell service at the lodging?

Most international lodging locations have Wi-Fi available, though speed and reliability vary. If you’d like cell service for calls or data, you’ll need to set up an international plan with your carrier before you leave.

How much spending money should I bring, and in what form?

Most participants bring $100-$300 for souvenirs and incidentals, though needs vary by location. We recommend a mix of small-denomination U.S. dollars and a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Your trip leader will share more specific guidance during pre-trip meetings.

Are there cultural dos and don’ts I should know about?

Yes - each location has its own cultural norms around dress, gestures, and photography. Your trip leader and partner will brief you on what’s appropriate during your pre-trip meetings and again once you arrive on the ground.

Is it okay to take photos of locals, specifically children?

This varies by partner and location. As a general rule, always ask permission before photographing individuals - especially children - and follow any specific guidance from your trip leader or partner. Some of our partners have strict policies around photography to protect the dignity and safety of the people we serve.

Should I bring small gifts (candy, supplies, etc.) to give to people we meet?

We generally prohibit giving items directly to individuals, as it can create unintended dynamics in the community we’re serving. Our partners know best how to distribute resources, so any items you’d like to contribute should go through them. Our gift-giving policy will explain more about how we handle gift-giving, and we’ll review it during the pre-trip training.

Can I bring my prescription medications? What about CPAP or other medical equipment?

Yes - please bring all necessary medications in their original containers, along with a copy of your prescription if traveling internationally. CPAP machines and similar medical equipment are welcome; just let your trip leader know in advance so we can plan for any electrical or transportation considerations.

What if I’m pregnant or trying to conceive?

Please talk with your doctor about whether international travel is safe for you, particularly to destinations where mosquito-borne illnesses (e.g., Zika) are a concern. Then reach out to go@crossroads.net so we can talk through your specific trip together.

Do I need to be a Christian or a member of Crossroads to go?

No - GO Trips are open to anyone who wants to serve. That said, our trips include faith-based programming like devotionals and group prayer, so we want you to feel comfortable being part of that environment. If you have questions about what to expect, reach out to go@crossroads.net.

Will I be expected to share my faith or lead prayer/devotions?

Participation in group devotionals and prayer is encouraged but not required. You won’t be asked to lead anything you’re not comfortable with, and our partners take the lead on any direct spiritual conversations with the community.

What does a typical day look like on a GO Trip?

Days vary by location, but generally include breakfast at or near the lodging site, departure for the work site or partner location in the morning, a midday meal, continued work or interaction with the community in the afternoon, return to lodging, dinner, and an evening group debrief or devotional. Free time and rest are built into the schedule.

What happens if Crossroads cancels the trip due to safety or other concerns?

If our Security Team determines that travel isn’t safe, the trip will not move forward. In that case, payments made to Crossroads will be refunded according to our cancellation policy. Please note: if you booked your own airfare, any refund or rebooking is between you and the airline, which is one reason we recommend exploring trip protection or refundable tickets for your flights.

What if I lose my passport, wallet, or phone while abroad?

Notify your trip leader immediately - they’ll help you get to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for passport replacement, work with our local partners on safe alternatives for transportation and cash, and contact Crossroads’ Travel Protection Insurance if applicable. We recommend keeping a digital copy of your passport and a small amount of emergency cash separate from your wallet.

What if I have a family emergency at home?

Your Trip Leader will help you communicate with loved ones and navigate next steps if an emergency happens while you’re on the trip. Participants are responsible for booking their own flights, so any travel changes or return arrangements would need to be coordinated directly through your airline and/or travel insurance provider. The optional Trip Cancellation and Interruption coverage may cover trip interruption costs in certain situations, and your Trip Leader can help point you toward the appropriate resources and support during the process.

Is there support for processing the trip when I get home?

Yes. The post-trip serve day with your GO Group is part of this, and your trip leader will share additional resources and conversations for processing what you experienced. Many people find this part of the trip just as meaningful as the trip itself.

Can I keep in touch with the partner or community after the trip?

In most cases, yes - though we ask that you go through Crossroads or the partner directly rather than initiating personal contact with individuals (especially minors) you met on the trip. This protects the people we serve and respects the partner’s ongoing relationship with the community. Most of our partners will offer you to subscribe to their newsletter so that you can stay informed about their updates.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

Will there be access to call home to notify family members that we arrived safely? Can my family notify me if there is a problem at home?

Yes, in most locations you should be able to use your cellphone…just make sure you have an international calling plan. We will also provide contact info to leave with your family in case of an emergency.

What happens if someone were to get sick/injured while on the trip?

Every trip participant will have Travel Protection Insurance (included in the cost of your trip). Domestic trips will have Faith Ventures’ basic plan, and international trips will have the premium plan. The insurance policy is directly linked between Faith Ventures and the trip participant. It will be the trip participant’s responsibility to to contact Faith Ventures to be sure they are aligned with proper filing and reimbursement on policies.

What happens if I get sick or injured and can’t fly home with the team?

Your Travel Protection Insurance may provide coverage for medical emergencies, lodging, and eligible travel changes if you need to remain behind for care. Our partners and Trip Leaders will help ensure you’re supported and connected to the appropriate resources while on the ground. Please note that all insurance claims, coverage decisions, and reimbursements are handled directly through the insurance provider, not Crossroads Church. Participants are also responsible for coordinating any needed flight changes directly with their airline and/or the insurance company.

What are the different types of insurance I should know about for a GO Trip?

Travel Protection Insurance is included in your trip fees, and it includes medical, trip delay, lost baggage, and more coverages. Most trips include the Premium Plan from faithventures.com. Separately, you can purchase Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance outside of your trip fees, and it may include coverage to reimburse payments towards your trip in case you have to miss the trip due to illness, personal tragedy, or other covered reasons. Please note that purchased insurance policies are directly between Faith Ventures and the trip participant. Crossroads is not responsible for filing claims on behalf of participants, and any claim processing or reimbursement decisions are handled entirely through Faith Ventures Insurance.

Where can I find out more about the optional Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance?

www.faithventures.com/tcii has a description of this coverage. It can only be purchased after we have secured your travel protection policy, and must be purchased at least 11 days prior to trip departure.

SPECIALTY TRIPS - STUDENTS

What is your ratio of students to chaperones on the StudentsTrip?

The ratio is at least 1 chaperone per 8 students.

As a parent, can I go on the Students trip with my child?

Unless a parent is approved and background checked to lead a C group, they cannot go with their student.

What special safety precautions are in place since this trip is primarily minors?

We follow many of the same safety practices used for Student Ministry camps and trips. Students will travel and serve alongside approved adult leaders, and we’ll assign a designated leader to help manage medications and basic medical needs throughout the week. While in Puerto Rico, we work closely with trusted local partners who help guide logistics and support the team on the ground. Parents or guardians will also be asked to complete and notarize temporary guardian paperwork before the trip.

What are the sleeping arrangements and how are roommates determined?

The sleeping accommodations vary between trips. If staying in a hotel, students will be assigned 4 to a room by gender. If accommodations are more bunk style, students will be assigned to a bunk room by gender. Students can request roommates, and we will do our best to accommodate those requests.

How do you handle on-the-ground travel?

Trip participants will travel throughout the week in vans driven by assigned C Group Leaders or partner representatives. Students will be divided into designated groups for transportation and travel together with their assigned group leader.

Will there be a nightly curfew?

Yes, there will be a curfew and that will be determined by the trip schedule and enforced by our chaperones and staff.

What if my child has special needs?

If you have specific questions about trip accommodations you can email us at go@crossroads.net. We will do everything we possibly can to work with families, however we can’t promise that we can accommodate every situation.

SPECIALTY TRIPS - FAMILY TRIPS

Can I room with my family?

For our Martin County Family Trip you will be able to stay with your family in hotel style rooms which each include a private full bath.

Will my family be working together throughout the day?

Yes! A family that serves together grows together. These trips are designed with families in mind, and we’ll have opportunities for family members to serve alongside one another while keeping all ages and abilities in consideration.

How is safety handled for younger kids while we’re on a work site?

We are working closely with partners to provide serving opportunities with all registered ages in mind. With this said, it is important to note that childcare is not provided, and there is not a designated person responsible for children. Parents are expected to supervise their own children on and off site for the duration of the trip.

If my child is under 7 years old, is there any way s/he can still join?

To ensure the safety of everyone on the work sites, our projects are designed for children who are at least 7 years of age.

Are we able to fundraise as a family?

Each trip participant will receive a personal funding link upon registration. If you would prefer to use one link for the entire family, we can make that manual adjustment. After registration, you can let us know whose personal funding link will be used for fundraising, and we will combine your funding goal into one profile. Just email us at go@crossroads.net!

Will you be providing any programming to help us bond as a family during the trip?

Absolutely. We’ve developed fun and interactive programming alongside our Kids Club team that families will engage with throughout the trip. The experience is intentionally designed to help families grow together and strengthen relationships along the way.

What if my child has special needs?

HIGH ADVENTURE TRIPS

Are these trips actually safe?

Yes. We work with an incredible partner who is highly experienced in adventure tourism and guiding groups through Nepal safely and responsibly. Their team has deep local knowledge, understands the terrain and culture well, and regularly leads trekking experiences for international groups. We also work closely with Crossroads Security to monitor travel guidance, routes, and logistics leading up to and throughout the trip. Every part of the experience is carefully planned with participant safety in mind, including lodging, transportation, trekking support, and communication protocols. Like any adventure travel experience, there is always some level of risk involved, but we take those risks seriously and work hard to prepare participants well and make thoughtful decisions every step of the way.

What if there’s an emergency? Will we be able to communicate with others when we’re hiking in remote areas?

Yes, our partner will work with the Crossroads team in the US to make sure that you are cared for and that your family is kept informed. We have emergency response plans in place and procedures designed to support participants should an unexpected situation arise.

Does the included Travel Protection Insurance cover all our adventure activities? What coverage does it provide?

Yes. The Faith Ventures Premium Plan purchased by Crossroads as a part of your trip provides coverage on medical care and emergency medical evacuation during the trip, including adventure activities connected to the experience. Please note that insurance policies are directly between Faith Ventures and the trip participant. Crossroads Church does not process, manage, or make decisions regarding insurance claims or reimbursements. Any questions, claims, or coverage determinations must be handled directly through Faith Ventures. You can review the Faith Ventures Premium Plan coverage details here: https://faithventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Premium-Plan-Coverage-Brief.pdf

Are special safety precautions taken for high adventure trips?

Absolutely. We partner with 514 Nepal, an experienced adventure and trekking organization that guides groups in Nepal year-round. Their team provides safety guidance throughout the trip around trekking conditions, altitude, hydration, pacing, and general trail safety. We also work closely with Crossroads Security and our partners on the ground to monitor routes and conditions leading up to the trip so participants are well supported throughout the experience.

Where will we stay?

You’ll stay in what’s called a Homestay. It’s a simple indoor lodging experience that feels a bit more like camping than a traditional hotel or Airbnb. Participants will have access to clean bottled water and basic accommodations throughout the trip.

What does the work include?

Projects will vary based on the needs of the village and community at the time of the trip. In the past, teams have helped with projects like building chicken coops, repairing roofs, and supporting other hands-on community needs alongside local partners. Participants should come ready to serve wherever help is most needed while on the ground.

Are any special skills required?

Participants should be comfortable hiking for multiple consecutive days in the Himalayan Mountains while carrying a backpack and navigating steep, uneven terrain at high elevations. This is one of the most physically demanding GO Trips we offer. The combination of long hiking days, altitude, weather, and limited comforts can be challenging even for experienced travelers. We strongly recommend participants spend time preparing physically before the trip through regular hiking, cardio, and endurance training. A positive attitude, flexibility, and willingness to be stretched physically and mentally will go a long way on this experience.

Do I have to be physically fit to join the trip?

Yes. This trip requires a high level of physical fitness and preparation. Participants should be capable of trekking for multiple days, sometimes up to 8 days, at high elevation while carrying a loaded backpack through challenging mountain conditions. Even if you’re already in good shape, we strongly recommend training beforehand through hiking, cardio, and endurance activities. This is one of the most physically demanding GO Trips we offer, and participants should come prepared for long days, steep terrain, changing weather, and the effects of altitude.

Do I need to bring any special supplies or gear?

A detailed packing list will be provided as your trip gets closer, but overall, no, you won’t need to completely gear up at REI for this trip. Most participants already own many of the basics needed. That said, because this is a trekking trip in the Himalayan Mountains, there are a few important items we’ll recommend for comfort and safety, especially around layers, footwear, and carrying gear during the trek. We’ll help guide you through exactly what’s needed and what’s optional as you prepare.