Tansformation Trip FAQ's
- How much does the trip cost?
- How can I fund my trip?
- Is my trip cost tax deductable?
- What does the $2,000 go towards? Does any of my trip cost go to support Spark's partner?
- How do I apply to go on a Transformation Trip with Spark Ventures?
- What will we do on the trip?
- What documents will I need to travel?
- How do I obtain a Zambian tourist visa?
- How do I book my flights?
- Does Spark have a preferred travel agent?
- What shots do I need?
- How much cash should I bring?
- Where do we stay during the trip?
- What is the food like?
- What about political unrest, violence and disease?
- What is the weather like?
- Will there be email access?
- Can I meet my sponsor child?
TRANSFORMATION TRIP QUESTIONS
Spark requires a $2,000 contribution per trip participant and each person is responsible for purchasing flights to/from Zambia. Typically, round trip flights from major U.S. cities range from $2-3,000 for a total trip cost of $4,000 to $5,000.
You may pay for your trip outright, in smaller payments or raise funds on your own to pay for the trip. Each participant is required to provide a $1,000 deposit by March 1, 2010 and the $1,000 balance by May 1, 2010.
Is my trip cost tax deductable?
This is a volunteer travel trip, so your $2,000 contribution to Spark Ventures is considered a donation and you will receive a tax deduction letter. You should check with your tax accountant to ensure the legal/maximum tax-benefit.
What does the $2,000 go towards? Does any of my trip cost go to support Spark's partner?
Approximately 10% of the trip contribution will go directly to the work of Spark’s partner in Zambia and to support the children and projects participants will see and experience on the trip. The remaining contribution goes to cover meals, lodging, ground transportation, excursions and other expenses.
How do I apply to go on a Transformation Trip with Spark Ventures?
An application form is available online where it can be completed on our website or downloaded and sent in. You can also contact us and we will mail the application to you.
Trip participants are given an orientation to Spark’s partner Hope Ministries, their programs, staff and facilities. We visit various local markets, historical and cultural landmarks and share meals in the homes of our partners. In addition, volunteers spend time collecting sponsorship information, reading with children at the school and orphanage, helping with current work projects visiting the farming project near Lusaka. The trip ends with an all day safari in Botswana and a visit to Victoria Falls in Livingstone.
What documents will I need to travel?
You will need a passport that is valid for 6 months past our trip date and a Zambian tourist visa. Spark can provide assistance in acquiring a passport and a Zambian visa.
How do I obtain a Zambian tourist visa?
There is a short application that must be downloaded, completed and sent to the Zambian consulate in Washington, DC along with your passport, 2 passport sized photographs signed on the back and a bank check or money order fee (less than $100). This process usually takes 3-4 weeks and is outlined on the U.S. Zambian Embassy website.
Each participant is responsible for getting themselves to Ndola, Zambia (NLA) on June 21st and for their return travel departing from Livingstone (LVI) on or after June 30th and your flight itinerary must be provided to Spark by April 15, 2010. Planning travel can be intimidating and challenging therefore we strongly recommend you work with our preferred travel agent Lynn Billetta of Liadis Travel () who can provide you with travel options at various prices.
Does Spark have a preferred travel agent?
Yes. Lynn Billetta, CTC of Liadis Travel (3129 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073) is our preferred and recommended travel agent and she can be reached at 610-353-8330 or . Spark will also help with flight suggestions from our experiences.
In addition to routine shots (such as measles/mumps, polio, tetanus, etc.) it is recommended that you consult your physician and see if you need some or more of the following: rabies, typhoid, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B. More information about recommended shots can also be found on the CDC website under the country of Zambia. You will also be required to receive some malaria medication (most commonly in pill form) from your physician.
Once in Zambia, all ground transportation, lodging, meals, activity fees and trip necessities will be covered by Spark Ventures so it depends on how much you want to spend on other things like gifts and snacks. We recommend bringing $100 - $300.
Where do we stay during the trip?
Lodging will be in a lodge or "guest house" which are a cross between a bed & breakfast and a small motel. Participants may have a roommate unless requested otherwise. Each room has individual bathrooms with a shower.
The food in Zambia includes chicken, fish, rice, vegetables and nshima (their staple carbohydrate food). We will not drink tap water unless it is boiled and most foods will be fully cooked.
What about political unrest, violence and disease?
Since its independence in 1964, Zambia has been known as a peaceful nation and a friend to all its neighboring countries. Zambia has not had a civil war and political violence has been rare. Spark has an evacuation plan in case of emergency and will do everything within our power to keep trip participants safe and healthy. As with travel to any developing country, there are some health risks. Participants should take their malaria medication, use hand sanitizer frequently, and avoid physical contact with children or others who have open wounds or seem to be sick. Most of Spark’s volunteer travelers have remained healthy during their travel to Zambia.
In June/July Ndola is usually sunny with cooler temperatures in the evening and ranging from 65-80 F during the day.
We will set aside time two times during the week to visit an internet café where you will be able to have email access. The connection is very slow and travelers should not plan on extensive internet activity.
We will do absolutely all that we can to allow you to meet your sponsor child but cannot guarantee that you will meet him/her as it is not uncommon for children/families to be absent from school or their village for extended periods of time.
