
Discovery Tours
Join a tour to see how lives are being transformed around the world
Every year, International Needs Canada offers you the opportunity to experience the progress being made on its various community development projects and programs by our partner countries.
There are currently no upcoming Discovery Tours planned. Check back soon for updates!
DISCOVERY TOUR INFORMATION CENTRE
General Information
About International Needs
Important Details
Vaccinations
Passport
Tourist Visa
Medical Insurance
Child Protection
Money Matters
Trip Price
Payment Schedule
Payment Options
Tax Deductibility
A Few Important Rules
Dress Code
Photography
Gifts
Cancellation Policy
Responsibility Disclaimer
Resources
General Information
About International Needs
International Needs Canada is a global non-denominational Christian development organization that promotes health, nutrition, education, and community development. Our programs include child sponsorship, schools, feeding programs, healthcare, clean water projects, and more. Key to the success and sustainability of these initiatives is a strong partnership with each partner country and ownership of each initiative BY the partner country.
Money Matters
Trip Price
The cost for each trip varies depending on location and duration of stay. As you begin planning your trip, this information will be provided to you.
Included in your price | Not Included |
---|---|
Round-trip air transportation from Toronto | Add-on fares from other cities (available for an extra cost) |
Airport transfers | Tourist visa |
All on-ground transportation | Personal items |
Accommodations listed in the itinerary | Tips |
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner | Meals and beverages while in transit |
Sightseeing activities listed in the itinerary | Cancellation and medical insurance |
Taxes and service charges for the above | Extra baggage charges |
Travel vaccinations and medications |
Payment Schedule
- $500 non-refundable deposit is due with your application (per person)
- $1,500 is due 60 days before departure
- The balance is due 30 days before departure
Note: Prices are guaranteed only with full payment, as taxes and fuel surcharges can be added by airlines until full payment is received.
Payment Options
Contact us by phone to make arrangements 1-888-702-9805 or 905-389-1118.
Important Details
Vaccinations
Please visit your health care provider or travel clinic well in advance of your departure date to receive the required vaccinations and medications for the country(ies) you’ll be visiting. Visit the government website for recommended and required immunizations by country.
Passport
You will need a valid passport that expires no sooner than six months after the date of your return. If your passport has less than six months left until expiration, most countries do not allow you to travel. To avoid travel restrictions, we advise you to renew your passport well in advance.
Tourist Visa
A tourist visa is required to enter many of our partner countries. You will be advised about the requirements for your tour.
Insurance
Extended medical insurance must be purchased at the time of booking. You must have extended medical coverage over and above provincial medical coverage. Cancellation insurance is optional; however, a package of cancellation and medical is usually less expensive than purchasing individual insurance. If you do not have travel insurance with your benefits provider, International Needs can provide you with the information you need to secure the proper coverage.
Child Protection
As we will be visiting children, you will need to:
- Sign and return a copy of our Child Protection Policy.
2) Submit a valid police check. Please visit your local police services or submit your request online through www.backcheck.net/inc/.
Packing List
- Clothing (see dress code below)
- Comfortable footwear
- Toiletries
- Medications – Important: all medications for personal use need to be packed in your hand luggage in their original containers.
- Personal items
- Small items to entertain the kids at the clinic e.g. bubbles, soccer balls & pump, stickers, paint
Luggage Allowance
On past trips, domestic flights in some countries have limited personal luggage. You will be advised about any restrictions for your tour.
Water
We advise extreme caution when consuming tap water, ice cubes, and fresh produce that would have been washed with local water, which is often taken from wells and not treated thoroughly. Do not use tap water for brushing your teeth. Drink bottled water and beverages only after checking for proper a seal.
Meals
All meals will be provided except while in transit. Alcoholic beverages are not included.
Tipping
It is appropriate to leave $1 US a day for the cleaning staff at your hotel. If your luggage is brought to your room, tip $1 US per bag. This is their livelihood, so give them the opportunity to carry your bag.
Electricity
You may need an outlet adaptor to charge your phone or use any electrical devices from home.
A Few Important Rules
Dress Code
Many places we visit have an expectation of modesty when it comes to clothing and appearance. Here are some guidelines:
- Long pants only (no shorts in public)
- No spaghetti straps or revealing tops
- Modest dress is recommended for clinics and visits to villages or schools
- Skirts need to cover to at least the knee
- Capris and pants are fine
- Skirt or dress when attending a church service
- Do not wear flashy jewelry, which may be offensive to the disadvantaged people we will meet.
Photography
Please do not photograph people without first asking their permission to do so. Sometimes a small tip is appropriate, though not at the school and villages where we are visiting. Do NOT take photos in airports or customs and immigration areas.
Gifts
International Needs has a strict policy on gift-giving. Many of our trip participants want to bring gifts and other items so they can make a bigger difference in the communities we visit. Thank you for your heart and generosity! However, these gifts often have unintended negative consequences. Therefore, all gifts must be approved in advance. Feel free to request a copy of the gift policy.
Cancellation Policy
Deposits and payments are 100% non-refundable at all times or as stated in the terms provided by the airlines. We highly recommend you purchase cancellation insurance to cover yourself in case of illness to you or a member of your immediate family.
Responsibility Disclaimer
International Needs and the Travel Agent have made arrangements and act solely as agents for such services and cannot be held responsible for the acts or omissions on the part of suppliers. They are not liable for any injury, damage, or default of any firm or person engaged in conveying passengers, carrying out travel arrangements, strikes, war, or any other causes beyond their control.
About Us
International Needs Canada is a charitable organization with a global network of 34 partner countries. Our approach to development relies on the empowerment of indigenous leaders to bring about change in their local communities. We focus primarily on the empowerment of vulnerable children through education, health and wellness, character development, and skills training.
Get Updates
Contact Us
International Needs Canada
Toll-free: 1-888-702-9805
Office: 1-905-389-1118
Email: info@internationalneeds.ca
Address: 230-1119 Fennell Ave E.,
Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8T 1S2
Charity Number: #12994 3072 RR0001