Six Questions and Answers about the Traveler Program
For the first time, Olancho Aid is hosting trips that individuals, families, and small groups can sign up for. Since the program is new, there are lots of questions about how it will work and who can get involved. Here are some answers! If you have a question that’s not addressed below, please email us at info@olanchoaid.org or request a 20-min intro call to learn more.
1. Why is Olancho Aid hosting trips?
After connecting remotely with so many supporters in the last two years, a recurring theme emerged: “I just can’t wait to go back to Olancho.” Some of those who gave feedback are former volunteers who want to see how the Foundation has evolved since the last time they were in Juticalpa. Others participated with mission teams in years past but their team isn’t planning a trip in 2022. Anyone can sign up for the trips as an individual, couple, family, or small group of friends. You don’t need a whole team of people to come on down!
2. Is it a vacation?
Not exactly. Travelers stay in retreat-style lodging in bunk rooms*. They visit Olancho Aid programs and participate in cross-cultural exchange activities. They spend a week in solidarity with the people of Olancho. What is solidarity? “It’s being able to reach out to someone and for them to know that you truly care about them, that you are touched by their experience and they are touched by yours. It isn’t one where we do something for someone but we do it with them and that we grow together to be closer.” – Sean Callahan, Catholic Relief Services. *One exception to the retreat lodging is the marathon trip which will include accommodations at a hotel.
3. What is included in the cost of the trip?
Except for the flight, it is essentially an “all-inclusive” package meaning that Olancho Aid coordinates in-country transportation, meals, a bilingual guide, cultural activities, travelers insurance, and COVID protocols. Also included in the price of the trip is a tax deductible donation of $450 that supports our programs in Juticalpa. Wait, a donation? Olancho Aid welcomes travelers in order to create cross-cultural connections that will enrich the lives of those who participate – both the visitors and the Hondurans they’ll meet. These experiences compliment our core programs focused on education and sustainable communities in Juticalpa. We need the help of travelers to support these efforts toward positive impact in Olancho – without the programs, there is no traveler program.
4. What about traditional mission trips?
For those who have visited with groups from their parish, university, or school, you might be wondering if you can organize your own group to visit Olancho. The answer is YES! The new model for trips is great for individuals and small groups but if you have a group of 10 or more, we can customize a travel experience to meet your goals of service, education, solidarity, immersion, international exchange, and more. If you’d like to lead a group please email us at info@olanchoaid.org or request a 20-min intro call to learn more.
5. How do I sign up?
Check out travel opportunities. Select the one you like the best and book now!
6. Do we fly into Tegucigalpa?
No. Flights are now being routed to Palmerola International Airport in Comayagua (XPL). You’ll find the price of flights are generally lower than what they were through TGU.
Have more questions? Email us at info@olanchoaid.org or request a 20-min intro call to learn more.