Are you a charity?

No. Different Travel is a direct action company, assisting communities to develop through responsible travel, ethical tourism and volunteer work on specific projects overseas. However, we do work with charities, and other organizations active in international development.

Do you make a profit?

We make an operating profit in order to continue trading – and enable us to continue the work we do.

Is making a profit ‘ethical’?

Making a profit doesn’t have to be unethical. What counts is what motivates us to maintain a profit. We have a duty to our suppliers, agents and people we work with in the developing world to ensure we continue trading. We also have a duty towards the projects and the people we support to continue enabling them to better their lives. We also have a duty to ourselves, our staff and our families to ensure we can pay wages. Without making a profit, it would not be possible to continue our work and achieve any of these things. However, we have made a conscious decision with all our holidays to ‘price ethically’ – that is to ensure that our margins are set at a reasonable and responsible level, so that our holidays are affordable to as many people as possible, and that as much as possible goes to funding the projects and into sustainable development.

Is Different Travel ATOL registered and bonded?

Yes. Our ATOL number is 6706. Our travellers are therefore fully protected in the event of us going out of business.

Why should I pay to spend time working?

Good question! You are not paying to work; you are paying for your accommodation, your flight, your meals and to fund the project you are volunteering on. You don’t have to do any work if you don’t wish to. However, we believe that you will certainly get a lot more out of your holiday if you give something back, and if you volunteer abroad you will have experiences which normal tourism doesn’t offer you.

What kind of people will this be suitable for?

EVERYONE has something to offer! You don't have to be a builder, carpenter, medic or engineer to help. Even such basic things as visiting an orphanage and spending time with the children will have a massive psychological benefit to those you visit. Every person will be a valuable asset to the project and every person has their part to play.

Should this be left to the Governments and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)?

No. Assisting global development is everyone’s responsibility – not just governments and professional development organisations. Obviously, governments and NGOs are important players, but we cannot excuse ourselves from our responsibility to our global neighbours.

Many NGOs can only use people if they are able to commit to long period of time (usually many months). DTC offers those who can only spare a few weeks the chance to contribute and help.

What real difference can I make in only two weeks?

It is amazing how much difference you can make it two weeks – especially when you are working as part of a group! Furthermore, many of our projects are ‘on-going’, so although you will only be there for a short period of time, we bring many different groups to the project, each helping and adding a little bit more.

What kind of accommodation will I be staying in?

Most of the hotels we use are 3 star or above. Although standards vary, the 3 star rating means that the rooms will be comfortable and clean, with air-conditioning and ensuite facilities, and the hotel will have many of the facilities you would expect in the west.

However, where the accommodation varies from this standard, this is made clear in the tour information. Please check each tour carefully to ensure you are aware of any variances from this policy.

How much 'work' will I have to do?

As much as or as little as you want! Firstly and foremost, it is a holiday. The fact that you are there on holiday means that you are already contributing to the economy of the region. However, there will be plenty of opportunities for either half-day or full-day work placements, as well as 'rest days' where you will be encouraged to 'take a break', relax or enjoy a sightseeing tour.

Can I travel on my own?

Yes. Many of our travellers come on their own, and single travellers are always welcome. Where possible we negotiate no single supplements with the accommodation providers.

Can I bring my children?

It is unlikely that every tour will be suitable for children under the age of 14. However, some certainly are. However, each parents must make their own judgement on the suitability of the holiday. Please discuss with us your individual requirements.