Costs
COST PER PERSON
$1,200 + airfare (averages between $450-$700).
COST BREAKDOWN
$300 Food & Lodging
$150 Transportation in Guatemala
$200 Staff and Translation services
$100 Project funds
$450 Field Ministry of Hope Renewed (see below)
FIELD MINISTRY COSTS
Ministry Advancement: When your team arrives in Guatemala you will be entering a ministry that is on the move in a variety of ways and places. Your team will serve alongside passionate local Guatemalan Christians, many of whom have made sacrifices in their own lives to be employed by HRI and serve in underprivileged communities. Our staff and the people with whom we partner are often catalysts for change and hope. Your $450 provides crucial resources to help them meet needs and increase the impact they can have in the communities in which they work.
Mercy Ministry: Additionally, a portion of each teams’s Field Ministry Costs goes to a Mercy Ministry Fund. This money allows HRI to respond quickly and effectively to mercy needs as they occur throughout the country. In the past these funds have helped rush a neighbor injured in a motorcycle accident to the hospital, assisted a member of our construction team in covering the costs of cancer treatment for his mother, provided treatments for children in the dump diagnosed with rare medical conditions, and have helped with disaster relief efforts.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
$150.00 is required to get your team’s mission trip on the calendar. This one-time non-refundable deposit will count as the leader’s first of 4 payments.
90 days prior to travel: $150 per person due to Hope Renewed
60 days prior to travel: $375 per person due to Hope Renewed
45 days prior to travel: $375 per person due to Hope Renewed
20 days prior to travel: $300 per person remaining balance due to Hope Renewed
All fees are non refundable.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
Each team member is responsible for his/her immunization costs, fees to obtain a passport, transportation to the airport in the U.S., meals in the airport, and any emergency incidentals. On the field, team members will only need additional money for snacks and souvenirs.
Some teams elect to raise additional funds to bring with them for specific projects or needs. If you are able to do this, please work with Hope Renewed’s Missions Coordinator to find out what the latest needs in the field.
FAQs
Q: DO I NEED TO BE A CERTAIN AGE TO PARTICIPATE ON A MISSION TRIP?
A: It is recommended that participants be over the age of 10. Children younger are allowed if they are accompanied by their legal guardian or parent. Please be aware some activities will be more strenuous and may not be appropriate for a young child. A family trip is suggested if you desire to bring younger children.
Q: DO I NEED A PASSPORT TO TRAVEL TO GUATEMALA?
A: A passport is required to travel to the Guatemala. Processing times and fees to obtain a passport vary, so it’s important that you apply early. Please visit the US Passport Requirements section on the US Department of State’s website for further details.
Q: DO I NEED TO ACQUIRE MY GUATEMALAN VISA BEFORE TRAVEL?
A: U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a stay of 90 days or less.
Q: IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO GUATEMALA?
A: Any foreign travel can be dangerous and Guatemala is no exception. If you have concerns we suggest that you connect with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program in order to obtain updated information on local travel and security. Rest assured, we take every precaution possible to keep you safe during your visit.
Q: WHAT IMMUNIZATIONS DO I NEED BEFORE TRAVEL TO GUATEMALA?
A: HRI highly recommends up-to-date Tetanus/Diptheria vaccinations for all trips. The Center for Disease Control also recommends the following: Hepatitis A&B, Typhoid, Malaria RX, and Travelers Diarrhea RX. Recommended vaccinations may change as conditions change in various areas so please see www.cdc.gov for current updates. Let us know if you have more specific questions about planned locations or activities.
Q: CAN TRIPS BE CUSTOMIZED TO BEST FIT MY GROUP?
A: Yes, trips can be customized to fit your group. We highly recommend different projects and activities that will make the greatest impact on both your group and the people you will work with. You can request certain destinations and programs and we will do all we can to fulfill your request.
Q: WHY DO YOU NOT INCLUDE AIRFARE IN YOUR MISSION TRIP FEES?
A: We do not include airfare because many individuals have access to airline discounts or use frequent flyer miles to travel to Guatemala. This allows members of the mission teams to shop for the best rate or use any vouchers or frequent flyer miles they want. We are happy to advise on answer any additional questions around air travel.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET SICK WHILE IʼM TRAVELING ON THE MISSION TRIP?
A: Your trip leader will make arrangements to get you to a doctor. Please be sure to check your health insurance prior to travel. Some plans cover medical expenses outside the country. If your plan does not we can help you choose a travel insurance plan.
Q: CAN I RAISE FUNDS TO COVER THE COST OF MY TRIP?
A: Yes, once you pay your deposit, you will be supplied some mission trip resources, one of which will walk you through the steps to do fund raising letters.
Q: IS MY TRIP TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
A: Yes, portions of your trip cost will be deductible. We will supply you with a tax receipt for the donation and project portion of your trip. We recommend that you speak to your tax adviser for additional details.
Q: WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM SIZE GROUP YOU CAN TAKE?
A: We can comfortably accommodate 25 but we are open to working with larger groups, even up to 75, with advanced notice.
Donations
We are often asked about bringing donations of shoes, clothes and other items to distribute to the different communities during the trip. We have a very direct position on donations. We believe in empowering individuals to help themselves and preventing a situation of dependency on organizations like Hope Renewed. We believe in providing a HAND UP. . . NOT A HAND OUT. This means that donations are kept to specific items that further the programs of Hope Renewed in each community. For example, bringing much needed supplies to the preschool reduces the overall cost of running this program and fits perfectly into our mission of empowerment through education. We can provide an updated list for you and your team should you decide to bring down additional donations.