Why book with Your Time Travels (YTT)?
You should book with YTT if you love animals and want to have fun, exciting vacations that incorporate responsible activities for animals. We will steer you clear of all tourist activities that exploit animals. Our trips celebrate animals and the importance of animal welfare while also providing you with tons of sightseeing, adventure and cultural activities. You should book with YTT if you:
- Love animals, nature, wildlife.
- Want a more meaningful, unique vacation where you help spread a message of compassion for all living creatures.
- Want to engage in fun sightseeing, adventure and cultural activities with local guides who are passionate about their country and can show you all the wonders it has to offer.
- Want to stay in beautiful hotels/lodges.
- Want someone to take care of all the planning, bookings and tour arrangements for you.
With YTT you have a fun fulfilling vacation that benefits animals while still getting to explore all the country has to offer.
What types of trips does YTT offer?
All of our trips have some kind of animal component to them. You can (i) spend a few days volunteering with animal welfare projects (while incorporating other traditional vacation activities - see “voluntourism” explanation below), (ii) go on safari and see animals in their natural habitats, (iii) go on a cruise with a wildlife focus, or (iv) go on a customized vegan/vegetarian vacation. We can also help you if you are looking to travel within the United States with your own pet.
Can YTT customize trips based on my preferences?
Yes! That’s exactly what we do. You tell us where you want to go, when you want to go and what you want to get out of your trip. We then customize your trip based on your schedule, preferences and needs. We can book trips for any amount of people, including groups. You can leave whenever you want; our trips do not have specified departure dates (unless stated to the contrary). The trip itineraries shown on our website are just examples. We can find or customize the trip you're looking for.
What are YTT’s volunteer trips like?
We offer “voluntourism” type vacations. Voluntourism is exactly what is sounds like, volunteering while engaging in traditional tourism activities (sightseeing/adventure/cultural activities, hotel stays, etc.) when you travel. While that sounds so simple it’s really about so much more. It’s about cultural immersion, participation and exploration.
When you volunteer you get to totally immerse yourself in the culture by working, and even living, with the local people. You get to hear their stories and learn their history. You get to interact with other travelers from all over the world. You get to choose a cause you care about and then participate in it in a unique and amazing way. While you may have to do some hard work, it’s not sitting in a cubicle watching the clock tick kind of work. It’s exhilarating and unique and challenging and it’s for the benefit of those who need it most. By adding tourism activities you get to explore the country, pamper yourself, and just have fun, because you work hard and you deserve some fun!! It’s the absolute best way to get the most out of a country and out of a vacation in a short amount of time.
Does YTT accommodate vegetarians or vegans?
Absolutely! After all, we are an animal friendly company. We can assist you with finding veggie friendly restaurants in the country you are visiting and we also work closely with our guides to make sure your dietary needs are accommodated.
Do I have to be a vegetarian or a vegan to go on these trips?
No! We want EVERYONE to go on these trips.
I like the idea volunteering or going on safari but will I also get some pampering?
Of course! This is ultimately your vacation. You can stay in luxurious accommodations throughout your trip, whether you are volunteering or on safari. However, some volunteer placements are in remote locations so you may be required to stay on site with the volunteer organization or with a local family. Once the volunteer portion of your trip is over, you can spend the rest of your trip in as luxurious accommodations as you desire.
Am I required to purchase travel insurance?
We strongly encourage that you do, you never know what can happen. Travel insurance protects you in a variety of circumstances including the delay or cancellation of your trip, missed departures, medical expenses including emergency evacuation, repatriation expenses, damage/theft/loss of personal baggage, goods and money, etc. Your insurance coverage should have no exclusions for the type of activities you are participating in during your trip or for the countries you are visiting during your trip. The travel insurance coverage provided automatically with various credit cards does not typically provide adequate coverage. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, we require that you sign a form acknowledging that it was offered to you and you choose not to purchase it.
Do I have to pay to volunteer?
The commissions we receive and fees we charge are based on the time we spend coordinating your trip (tours, activities, transfers, hotels, etc.). We do not extra charge for the volunteer portion of your trip. You pay the volunteer organizations their fees directly.
Is a few days enough time to volunteer?
Yes, you can get a lot out of volunteering for even just a few days. You are there to learn and to help out. It’s quite easy to jump right in with volunteer work at animal welfare organizations. There is an endless supply of work to be done that requires minimal skill. You can help with feedings, animal care, cleaning, maintenance, etc. You are not there to save the world, you are there to learn, lend a hand, and then spread the word about your experience.
How far in advance do I have to book?
For most trips, it’s sufficient to book 2 - 3 months in advance. This just depends on your destination and the time of year. During peak season hotels and tour guides book up far in advance. We will do our best to accommodate you.
Can children participate in YTT trips?
Of course! But anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Certain volunteer organizations do not allow children to volunteer.
Can I travel by myself?
Yes, but you will have to pay a supplement for hotel and tour bookings. It’s less expensive when these costs are split between two or more people but you are welcome to go alone if that’s what prefer.
Are international flights included in the cost of trips?
No, international flights are a separate cost but we can arrange those for you. Domestic in country flights are generally included in the cost of the trips.
What are the passport and visa requirements?
You must carry a valid passport and have obtained the necessary visas required by the country you are traveling to. Please ensure your passport is valid for 6 months beyond the duration of your trip. It is your responsible to ensure you have the proper visas for your trip. YTT cannot be responsible if you are denied entry into a country for failing to comply with their entry requirements.
What vaccinations will I need?
It is your responsibility to obtain all necessary vaccinations and medical certificates that may be required for your trip. You must consult with a doctor to make this determination, we can only give you informal advice.
Will I be safe?
We take all reasonable steps to ensure your safety and only go to areas with excellent track records for safety. However, nothing is guaranteed and there are always risks with travel, particularly to developing countries.
What if I get sick?
We, as well as our local guides, will do our best to give you the guidelines you need to minimize your risk of falling ill. As mentioned above, we also strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance that will cover your medical/emergency expenses in the event you do get sick.
Will I be picked up and dropped off at all airports?
Yes, our guides will pick you up and transfer you to and from all airports, hotels and activities.
Other questions? Call or email us anytime! 1-800-291-0254; 646-450-6642; info@yourtimetravels.com
