FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Since each trip varies, we will go into more detail about what to bring at a group conference call set up before your trip.
However, you can refer to this general packing list:
Personal Items
Current passport, including a photocopy
Additional ID, such as a driver’s license
Print-out of round-trip flight itinerary
Daypack or bag for carrying personal items to/from worksite and excursions
Large, reusable water bottle
Sunglasses
Prescription glasses and/or contacts
Flashlight or headlamp
Cash and ATM cards: to purchase souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, and to tip the staff at your host hotel
Toiletries: shampoo, soap, toothbrush and paste, lip balm, feminine hygiene products, etc.
Travel towel
Medication: diarrhea medication (Imodium), constipation pills, vitamins/supplements, anti-itch spray or cream
Prescription medication, if needed
Allergy medication, if needed
First aid: ibuprofen, bandaids, antiseptic cream (Neosporin)
Rehydration tablets or electrolyte packets
Sunscreen (sport or waterproof)
Insect repellent with DEET
Electronics: travel plug adapter (if necessary), music / portable speakers, camera, GoPro, charging devices, etc.
Miscellaneous: journal and pen, book or e-Reader, games, playing cards
Snacks for in between meals (i.e. trail mix, protein bars, dried fruit)
Ziploc or dry bags to keep electronics and valuables dry
Clothing
Appropriate clothing for getting sweaty, wet, dusty, and dirty
Comfortable clothing to change into for evenings and cultural immersion activities, e.g. light long sleeves and pants to cover up in the evenings (protect your ankles from mosquitoes!)
Light jacket, sweatshirt, or wrap
Sleepwear
Hat with brim
Swim suit / swim trunks
Swimming cover-up or sarong
Rain poncho / jacket
Sandals or flip-flops
Water/mud/sand-friendly light shoes
For Construction Projects
Old work clothes or quick-drying athletic clothes
Closed-toed athletic shoes or boots
Long lightweight pants or 3/4 length pants (athletic or yoga pants okay) - no shorts
Shirts with sleeves - no tank tops
Extra change of clothes / shoes to change into after construction and before activities with students (optional - simply for comfort as you may get wet and muddy on the worksite)
Work gloves (Such as these: Amazon. Also available for purchase at any local hardware store)
Bandana to protect against dust and wipe away sweat
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may be required for travel, so please consult with your doctor. Do this as soon as possible, as some vaccines may have specific time requirements.
Click here to view a list of recommended vaccines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
We recommend purchasing travel insurance. It is affordable and could end up saving you thousands of dollars in case you must cancel your trip. There are several options, but we recommend TravelGuard. Be sure to include the Cancel For Any Reason Coverage, which reimburses up to 100% of your pre-paid, non-refundable travel costs for unforeseen events that may cause you to cancel your trip. Plans can include valuable medical coverage, trip interruption emergency travel services, and more.
Your fundraising commitment covers program fees (including all arranged living expenses, transportation from the airport at final destination, surf lessons (if applicable), excursions and volunteer project expenses). Donations support the design and implementation of each project, (that may include the hiring of architects, engineers and local construction crew for construction projects), and cost of materials.
Surf for Life Cancellation Policy
The total financial commitment of your trip includes:
the direct volunteer expenses (the Trip Fee paid at booking) and
the direct donation to the in-country partner and Surf for Life (either fundraised with outside sources or directly donated through our website at least one month prior to trip start).
Our cancellation policy was developed to primarily honor the contracts with our in-country community partners, local businesses and the SFL team. Additionally, we want to give grace and flexibility to our volunteers with their ever changing schedules and unexpected circumstances that come up. Without your financial support, these projects wouldn’t be possible. Things happen, plans change. We get it! Please consider investing in travel insurance when you book one of our trips to help cover costs associated with these unexpected changes.
We highly recommend that you purchase insurance that includes a clause “cancel for any reason”. Please read the policy carefully to ensure that you will be covered. Travel Insurance should be purchased 2-3 weeks from your initial deposit date.
Surf for Life Cancellations:
If your trip needs to be canceled by Surf for Life due to any unforeseen reason beyond our control (such as a natural disaster, political unrest in the trip destination country), Surf for Life is not liable for refunds or travel costs (your direct volunteer expenses). This allows us to honor and protect our local partners in extreme circumstances. In purchasing your own travel insurance, you will alleviate any financial burden on yourself and Surf for Life.
If the community project is no long happening due to the unforeseen circumstances that caused the cancellation of the trip, you will have the option to either continue to use any money fundraised to donate towards our non profit partner on the ground or to have your donation refunded to you or whomever contributed towards your trip. We will reach out to discuss what you would like to do with your directly donated funds.
In order for a trip to fly, SFL requires needs a minimum of 5 participants per trip. If your trip is canceled due to not enough participants, volunteers signing up, we will notify you as soon as possible at a minimum of 60 days prior to the trip start date. We will issue a full refund to you of any money paid or give credit payment towards another SFL trip should you choose to do so instead. .
Volunteer Cancellations:
Cancellation more than 60 days before the start date of the trip:
Transfer your Trip Fee and direct donation directly to another SFL trip
Apply as a credit for a future trip
Receive a full refund minus the $150 deposit.
If you choose to transfer your trip fee or receive credit you will not be charged the $??150 deposit
Cancellations within 30- 60 days before start date of the trip:
Transfer your Trip Fee and direct donation to another SFL trip
Apply as a credit for a future trip
Receive a refund of Trip Fee minus the ??$150 administration fee
As the project commitment has been made at this point which is only possible through your direct donation, we are not able to refund your donation at this time. If you have not yet made your donation towards the project, we will invoice you for this amount.
If you choose to transfer your trip fee or receive credit you will not be charged the ??$150 deposit
Cancellations within 30 days of the trip:
There will be no refund given after 30 days. Since our financial commitments o refund will be given. Any unpaid/remaining balance after cancellation within 30 days is still due and we will invoice you for the amount.
***The majority of your financial commitment is a direct donation to Surf for Life and our local community partner. If you need to cancel your trip but would like to make a full or partial donation to support this project, please let us know and we will provide you with a donation receipt for your records.
***(For any questions, comments or curiosities regarding our cancellation policy, please email trips@surfforlife.org
