What Is an Open Trip?
Open Trips are designed for people who want to participate in a Global Exchange experience but are not traveling with their own institution or group. You may come on your own, with a partner, or as part of a small group and join other participants traveling during the same week.
They are also site visit opportunities for new institutional partners. Folks who want to lead a trip to Honduras can join an open trip to get a sense of the experience, the place, and how Olancho Aid facilitates these types of experiences.
Who Is It For?
Open Trips may be a good fit if you:
Want to experience Global Exchange but do not have a group to travel with.
Are traveling individually or with a partner.
Belong to a parish or community with only a few interested travelers.
Want to meet other people who are interested in Honduras and Olancho Aid’s mission.
Are open to cultural immersion, collaboration, flexibility, and shared learning.
You do not need to already be connected to a university or parish to ask about participating.
Open Trip
Nazareth Week
Come on your own. Become part of something shared.
Once a year, typically in late July, Nazareth Week welcomes individual travelers, couples, and small groups to Honduras during one of Nazareth School’s most important fundraising moments.
Rather than arriving with a separate project, participants join students, families, staff, and community members who are already working together toward a shared goal.
Be Part of the Week
One Week. Shared Purpose. Different Ways to Take Part.
Join the Fundraising Effort
Participate alongside students and the local community during Nazareth School’s annual fundraising activities.
Experience the Schools
Meet students and educators at Nazareth School and Instituto Cardenal and experience school life in Olancho.
Experience Honduras
Share community visits, cultural experiences, meals, and meaningful moments throughout the week.
A Sample Nazareth Week
See What the Week Could Look Like
Select a day to explore how school life, community participation, fundraising, and cultural experiences may come together throughout Nazareth Week.
Day 1
Arrival in Honduras
Arrive at Palmerola International Airport, meet the local team, and travel to Juticalpa. Settle in and get ready for the week ahead.
Open Trips
Come on Your Own. Leave Connected.
An Open Trip may begin with individual travelers, but the experience is designed around community. Participants travel, learn, collaborate, and reflect together, creating relationships with people in Honduras and with others who chose to take the same journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to belong to a university or parish to participate?
No. Open Trips are specifically designed to make Global Exchange available to individuals who are not traveling with an organized institutional group.
Can couples or small groups participate?
Yes. Individuals, couples, and small groups may inquire about joining an available Open Trip.
When is the next Open Trip?
Olancho Aid currently plans one Open Trip each year around the last week of July, connected to Nazareth Week. Exact dates and availability are confirmed annually.
What happens during Nazareth Week?
The week is centered around supporting Nazareth School’s local fundraising efforts while also giving participants the opportunity to experience the school, visit Instituto Cardenal, spend time with the local team, and experience Honduras through Global Exchange. The final itinerary may vary from year to year.
How much does the trip cost?
Trip costs are provided once the dates, itinerary, lodging, and group arrangements for that year are confirmed.
Is it safe to travel with Olancho Aid?
International travel always involves some level of risk. Olancho Aid uses a structured approach to organized group travel that includes local staff accompaniment, coordinated transportation, trusted lodging, planned itineraries, orientation, and emergency procedures.
What do I need before traveling?
Participants receive preparation information before departure, including required forms, waivers, travel documentation, orientation information, and packing guidance.