Groupon: Collective Buying Power

Zambia is one of the safest countries in all of Africa....never had a civil war and politically very stable. Spark has taken over 150 volunteers on numerous trips and never had a safety or security issue. Immunizations needed depend on what you've currently have so we recommend checking with the CDC for Zambia travel: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/zambia.htm. We do recommend anti-malaria medication, which most doctors can prescribe. Participants fly into Ndola, Zambia (NLA) and leave from Livingstone, Zambia (LVI). You can also fly into Lusaka, Zambia (LUN) the day prior to the trip and Spark can help to arrange for an additional overnight and regional flight to Ndola. Lots more questions are answere on our FAQ page here: http://www.sparkventures.org/get-involved/partnership-trips/faqs/

Erin D. answered 1 year, 1 month, 6 days, 22 hours, and 58 minutes ago

An important question. We have a "What people are saying..." section on the Spark Ventures website with quotes (http://tinyurl.com/6sdqocd), a video with trip participant interviews on YouTube (http://tinyurl.com/7825h5e) and if you call the office, we can provide you with a list of references-former trip participants, 773-293-6710.

Erin D. answered 1 year, 1 month, 6 days, 16 hours, and 48 minutes ago

Traveling from the U.S you will likely pay between $2,000-$3,000 for round trip flights...it is not cheap. But you are going all the way to Africa for an adventures of a lifetime! People with frequent flyer miles can sometimes purchase some or all of the legs of their trip using miles. Expedia, cheapOair, Orbitz...those are the sites that most trip participants use to book their flights.

Erin D. answered 1 year, 1 month, 6 days, 2 hours, and 40 minutes ago

I have seen prices be 1606 online. to luk from Sea

yvonne answered 1 year, 1 month, 2 days, 9 hours, and 28 minutes ago

Travelers will be staying in hotels....Michaelangelo's in Ndola and the Protea Hotels in Lusaka and Livingstone. You will find these hotels have simple but nice guest rooms with comfortable beds and private bathrooms. The Protea at LIvingstone is a 4-star lodging experience. The trip is based on participants sharing a room, or if you would prefer a single room, you can contact Spark Ventures to discuss an additional fee, 773-293-6710, info@sparkventures.org (put "Groupon" in the subject).

Erin D. answered 1 year, 1 month, 5 days, 3 hours, and 24 minutes ago

You will find a link on the redemption code that will take you directly to the registration page. Or you can go to www.sparkventures.org and you will see a link in the lower right hand corner that links to the registration. You will be asked to provide your Groupon # when registering.

Erin D. answered 1 year, 1 month, 3 days, and 2 minutes ago

Currently, Spark Ventures is accepting people on a waiting list for both the July and January trips and for future trips. Go to www.sparkventures.org. Considering the positive response, it seems likely there will be future deals like this, but we have no gauruntee.

Erin D. answered 1 year, 28 days, 1 hour, and 46 minutes ago

Currently, Spark Ventures is accepting people on a waiting list for both the July and January trips and for future trips. Go to www.sparkventures.org. Considering the positive response, it seems likely there will be future deals like this, but we have no gauruntee.

Erin D. answered 1 year, 28 days, 1 hour, and 46 minutes ago

Once registered, your spot on the trip will be reserved. If you need to cancel, you have the choice of a refund for any expenses not already incurred, or applying the balance of your Groupon (minus the costs incurred) towards a future trip. The amount of the refund or transfer will depend on the timing of cancellation and if applying the balance towards a future trip, there may be additional costs as prices vary from year to year. The closer to the trip date, the more costs have already been incurred from bookings in Zambia and Botswana that have to be made at least 90 days in advance. Spark Ventures will work with each trip participant to ensure that their situation is handled with fairness and as much flexibility as possible, as it is our goal for everyone to be able to participate in one of the trips. For more information, you can call the Spark office 773-293-6710.

Erin D. answered 1 year, 1 month, 2 hours, and 15 minutes ago

Spark Ventures will continue to facilitate two trips each year-one in July and one in January. If the January 2013 trip sells out, you can request to be added to the waiting list by emailing Spark Ventures at: info@sparkventures.org.

Erin D. answered 1 year, 1 month, 1 day, 13 hours, and 45 seconds ago

Hi Bethany- We agree that many volunteer travel trips are irresponsible and do more harm than good. However, this trip does not fall into that category. Those who purchase the Groupon will be traveling with Spark Ventures, an international development organization that has a holistic approach to poverty alleviation. Spark Ventures has been facilitating volunteer travel trips for four years and has the highest standards for cultural sensitivity and creating a mutually beneficial experiences. Travelers WILL NOT be on a sightseeing trip to take pictures of the orphans and do a construction project that could have provided important jobs for the local workers. Travelers WILL be immersed in a cultural and educational experience that includes relationship-building with teachers, social workers and the children they serve. The volunteering activities are part of on-going programming that is led by phenomenal Zambian humanitarians-who greatly appreciate that people would take the time to visit them, hear their story and return as advocates for the work they do. When you have a chance, we invite you to take a look at www.sparkventures.org and see that this trip is part of investing in holistic and sustainable solutions that lift children out of poverty.

Erin D. answered 1 year, 1 month, 1 day, 20 hours, and 24 minutes ago

I understand your point, though as someone who has been acquainted with Spark for several years, I can speak of the intentions of the staff and trip participants. These are informed people who find it to be a valuable experience to step out of their comfort zone and interact with individuals around the world. They understand the impact they can and cannot have in this short time and typically are dedicated to this cause long before and after the experience.

Mary B. answered 1 year, 1 month, 1 day, 12 hours, and 57 minutes ago

You will find a link on the redemption code that will take you directly to the registration page. Or you can go to www.sparkventures.org and you will see a link in the lower right hand corner that links to the registration. You will be asked to provide your Groupon # when registering.

Erin D. answered 1 year, 1 month, 3 days, and 2 minutes ago

That's very generous of you. Once you register for the trip, you will receive a trip manual that will address many questions like this in details to provide you with plenty of information to make the most of the experience. Primarily, trip participants will be invited to bring some educational resources like reading books for the kids-and you'll receive specific guidelines to help ensure that the books are culturally relevant to the Zambian children.

Erin D. answered 1 year, 1 month, 3 days, and 16 minutes ago

No. The $2,000 is for all of your expenses once you arrive in Zambia....transportation, meals, lodging and excursions. You will need to book your own flights as it explains on the Fine Print and Details sectino of the deal. Please read it carefully.

Erin D. answered 1 year, 1 month, 3 days, 3 hours, and 34 minutes ago

This trip is fairly structured and will not include any substantial medical programs. However, once trip participants are registered, Spark requests that they share any skills, education and professional experience that might be beneficial in order to facilitate meaningful interactions and volunteer activity during the trip. For more information, please contact Spark Ventures at info@sparkventures.org or 773-293-6710.

Erin D. answered 1 year, 1 month, 3 days, 11 hours, and 30 minutes ago

Hi Gloria! We're actually in the process of launching a new partnership in Central America, and will have similar trips to visit and volunteer with our new partner in 2013. To get updates on what we're up to, events that we host, and ways that you could get involved, as well as news on upcoming trips, please join our mailing list which can be found here: http://www.sparkventures.org/sign-up-for-our-mailing-list/

Erin D. answered 1 year, 1 month, 3 days, 20 hours, and 58 minutes ago

No, you would not.

Erin D. answered 1 year, 1 month, 4 days, and 25 minutes ago