Volunteer & Travel
Effective date: [September 15, 2026]
Last updated: [September 15, 2026]
Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully before submitting an application, confirming a booking, or making a payment. These Terms and Conditions govern participation in programs and services arranged by Volunteer To The World, LLC. By submitting an application, confirming a booking in writing, or making a deposit or other program payment after receiving these Terms and Conditions, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to them. If you are booking on behalf of another person or a group, you confirm that you are authorized to provide the relevant information and communicate these terms to each participant.
Volunteer To The World, LLC (“VTTW,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a Delaware limited liability company and social enterprise that connects individuals, families, groups, universities, schools, companies, and other organizations with volunteer, educational, cultural-exchange, community-impact, and responsible-travel opportunities. VTTW works with independent nonprofit organizations, nongovernmental organizations, schools, conservation projects, animal-welfare organizations, community groups, accommodations, transport providers, tour operators, and other local partners in multiple countries.
VTTW is not a charity, travel insurer, medical provider, immigration adviser, or emergency-response service. Unless expressly stated in a written program proposal, VTTW does not own or directly operate local placements, accommodations, transportation services, or activity providers.
Most international Programs are intended for participants aged 18 or older. Participants under 18 are subject to Section 17 and any additional requirements imposed by VTTW or the Local Partner.
Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance or availability. VTTW and the relevant Local Partner may assess the Participant’s age, experience, qualifications, language ability, health information, support needs, proposed dates, documentation, safeguarding requirements, and suitability for the requested Program. VTTW may request an interview, references, proof of qualifications, a criminal background check, parental consent, medical clearance, or other reasonable documentation.
Participants must provide complete, accurate, and current information and must promptly disclose any change that could affect their safety, eligibility, participation, or the safety and wellbeing of others. VTTW may decline, postpone, modify, or cancel an application where Program requirements are not met, required information is withheld, appropriate support cannot reasonably be provided, space is unavailable, or participation would be inappropriate or unsafe. Where possible, VTTW’s Programs Advisor may recommend a more suitable alternative.
After registration and submission of the online application, the Participant may meet online with a VTTW Programs Advisor. The consultation is intended to discuss the Participant’s interests, skills, goals, preferred destination, dates, duration, travel preferences, and support needs, together with the current needs and capacity of Local Partners.
A placement is confirmed only after:
Participants should not purchase non-refundable flights or make other non-refundable travel arrangements until VTTW confirms the placement dates in writing. VTTW is not responsible for travel costs incurred before written confirmation or for costs outside the Program Fee.
VTTW does not normally collect Program payments directly through its Website. Once the relevant Program details are agreed, VTTW sends the Participant a payment request or secure payment link through an approved third-party payment processor, including Airwallex where applicable. The payment request will identify the amount, currency, and whether the payment is a deposit, balance, or full Program Fee.
The Participant is responsible for checking the payment request before paying. Payment must be made by the stated deadline. A Program may be released, postponed, or cancelled if payment is not received on time. A booking is not fully paid until all required funds have cleared.
Third-party payment processors may apply transaction, card, bank, foreign-exchange, or currency-conversion fees. Unless VTTW expressly agrees otherwise in writing, the Participant is responsible for all such charges and for ensuring that VTTW receives the full amount due. Payment-processing and currency-conversion fees are non-refundable and are not included in Program Credit to the extent they are retained by a bank or payment provider.
Where a payment is made in a currency different from the currency quoted by VTTW, the payment provider’s exchange rate and fees may apply. VTTW is not responsible for exchange-rate movements or charges imposed by the Participant’s bank or payment provider.
Program Fees support the coordination and delivery of VTTW Programs. Depending on the Program, this may include accommodation, selected meals, airport transfers, local transportation included in the itinerary, placement coordination, orientation, participant preparation, scheduled cultural activities, project materials, administration, and support from VTTW and Local Partners.
VTTW allocates 10% of Program Fees to supporting its local organization partners with resources for their community-led work and ongoing initiatives. The nature and timing of this support may vary according to the Program and Local Partner needs.
The exact price and inclusions for each booking are those stated in the applicable Program page, customized proposal, invoice, itinerary, or written confirmation. If general Website information conflicts with a booking-specific written proposal or confirmation, the booking-specific document controls for that booking.
Unless specifically included in writing, Program Fees do not include:
All deposits and Program payments are non-refundable. Except where required by applicable law, VTTW does not provide cash refunds when a Participant cancels, withdraws, does not attend, arrives late, leaves early, fails to obtain necessary travel documents, or is unable to participate for personal, medical, academic, employment, immigration, transportation, or other reasons outside VTTW’s control.
Where VTTW determines that an amount is eligible for Program Credit, that amount may be applied toward an eligible future VTTW Program. Program Credit:
Participants must request a cancellation or change in writing as soon as possible. Certain amounts may already have been committed or paid to Local Partners or service providers and may be subject to their terms. VTTW will confirm in writing whether a Program Credit is available and its value and expiry date.
Additional details may be stated in VTTW’s Payment, Cancellation, Refund and Program Delivery Policy. If a booking-specific written agreement contains different cancellation terms, that agreement controls for the relevant booking to the extent of the inconsistency.
Requests to change a Program, destination, dates, duration, participant name, accommodation, itinerary, or other booking detail are subject to availability, sufficient notice, Local Partner approval, and payment of any additional cost. VTTW cannot guarantee that a requested change will be possible. Approved payments may be applied as Program Credit where eligible, but the Participant remains responsible for any price difference, supplier charge, administrative cost, or new travel expense resulting from the change.
Programs operate in changing local environments. Community priorities, school calendars, weather, wildlife conditions, public-health concerns, transportation, staff availability, accommodation, local ceremonies, security conditions, government action, or other operational circumstances may require changes before or during a Program.
VTTW and its Local Partners may modify activities, schedules, placements, accommodation, transportation, meals, cultural activities, or itineraries when reasonably necessary. VTTW will make reasonable efforts to communicate material changes and provide a suitable alternative that maintains the general purpose of the Program, but exact activities and schedules are not guaranteed.
If VTTW or a Local Partner cannot operate a Program as planned, VTTW may offer revised dates, an alternative placement or Program, a modified itinerary, or eligible Program Credit. Except where required by applicable law or expressly agreed in writing, VTTW is not responsible for flights, visas, insurance, vaccinations, independent accommodation, lost income, or other expenses outside the Program Fee.
Participants are solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining a valid passport, visa, permit, consent letter, vaccination certificate, onward-travel evidence, and any other document required for travel or participation. VTTW may provide general information gathered from government or official sources, but immigration rules can change and VTTW does not provide legal or immigration advice. Participants must verify current requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, immigration authority, airline, and government sources.
Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended for all international Participants, although it is not generally mandatory unless a specific Program, Local Partner, institution, or destination requires it. Coverage should be appropriate for the destination and planned activities and should be considered for emergency treatment, medical evacuation, repatriation, trip interruption, cancellation, delays, personal belongings, and volunteer activities.
VTTW does not sell insurance, determine whether a policy is suitable, guarantee that a claim will be accepted, or pay costs that should be covered by the Participant’s insurer. Participants should review policy exclusions and obtain advice from a qualified insurance provider.
Participants are responsible for assessing whether they are physically and psychologically able to undertake the selected Program and for obtaining professional medical advice where appropriate. Participants must disclose relevant medical conditions, allergies, disabilities, dietary needs, medications, mental-health considerations, mobility requirements, or support needs before confirmation and must update VTTW if circumstances change.
VTTW and Local Partners will make reasonable efforts to discuss and support disclosed needs, but accessible facilities, specialist support, particular foods, refrigeration, medical services, or accommodations cannot be guaranteed in every destination. VTTW does not provide medical advice. Vaccination and health information supplied by VTTW is general information only and must be verified with a qualified medical or travel-health professional.
Accommodation may include a volunteer house, guesthouse, hotel, hostel, shared apartment, or homestay. Rooms may be shared, facilities may be basic, and standards may differ from those in the Participant’s home country. Meal arrangements, dietary options, airport transfers, and local transport vary by Program and are limited to the confirmed inclusions.
VTTW will communicate dietary requirements to the Local Partner and make reasonable efforts to assist, but cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment or specific food availability. Participants with severe allergies or medical dietary needs must disclose them before booking and prepare an appropriate personal management plan.
Volunteer hours and activities depend on community needs and Local Partner operations. Weekends, public holidays, school closures, weather, local events, and operational needs may affect the schedule. Independent travel and activities outside the official Program are the Participant’s responsibility and are not supervised or insured by VTTW.
Participants must act responsibly and respectfully and comply with:
Participants must not perform regulated, clinical, therapeutic, veterinary, educational, construction, or other specialized work beyond their qualifications or without appropriate authorization and supervision. VTTW or a Local Partner may suspend or remove a Participant whose conduct is unsafe, unlawful, dishonest, discriminatory, abusive, disruptive, exploitative, or inconsistent with Program requirements. Removal for misconduct, breach of these Terms, failure to disclose material information, or refusal to follow safety or safeguarding instructions does not entitle the Participant to a refund or Program Credit. The Participant is responsible for the cost of early departure, alternative accommodation, transportation, or other resulting arrangements.
Participants working with children, vulnerable people, patients, community members, or animals must comply with all safeguarding, privacy, consent, and professional-boundary requirements. Unauthorized photography, unsupervised contact, private communication, gift giving, sharing identifying information, and contact outside approved Program activities may be restricted or prohibited.
Photographs, recordings, interviews, and stories may be created or shared only when appropriate permission has been obtained and Local Partner rules are followed. Content must preserve dignity, privacy, and safety and must not portray community members as objects of pity or be used for unauthorized fundraising or commercial purposes.
VTTW will use a Participant’s image, video, testimonial, or feedback for marketing only where an appropriate consent or other lawful basis applies. A separate media consent may be requested.
A Participant under 18 must travel with a parent or legal guardian unless VTTW expressly approves another arrangement in writing. Written parent or guardian consent is required. Acceptance may also depend on Program suitability, accommodation, supervision, safeguarding requirements, Local Partner approval, and additional documentation. The parent or guardian remains responsible for the minor’s conduct, travel documents, health decisions, personal expenses, and compliance with these Terms.
Group, university, school, company, association, family, and customized Programs may be governed by a separate proposal, memorandum, service agreement, itinerary, or booking schedule. The authorized group representative may provide participant information, communicate decisions, and accept booking terms on behalf of the group only to the extent the representative has authority to do so. Each Participant remains responsible for following VTTW and Local Partner rules.
Customized arrangements may have different deposit schedules, minimum numbers, cancellation terms, inclusions, or supplier conditions. Where a signed group agreement or accepted proposal conflicts with these Terms, the booking-specific agreement controls for that booking.
VTTW works with independent Local Partners and third-party providers. They are responsible for the services they directly provide and may impose reasonable local rules or additional terms. VTTW selects and coordinates with partners in good faith but does not control every day-to-day decision, act, omission, schedule change, or service condition of an independent organization or provider.
To the extent permitted by law, VTTW is not responsible for loss caused solely by an independent provider or by services booked directly by the Participant. Nothing in these Terms excludes responsibility that cannot lawfully be excluded or VTTW’s responsibility for its own obligations under an accepted booking.
International travel, volunteering, outdoor activities, community work, transportation, wildlife encounters, unfamiliar food, changing weather, infectious disease, political conditions, and different local standards involve inherent risks. Participants accept the ordinary risks reasonably associated with their destination and Program and agree to exercise personal judgment, follow safety instructions, and avoid activities outside their abilities or authorized role.
VTTW international Programs include access to 24-hour emergency-support contact during the official Program period. This support provides communication, guidance, and reasonable coordination with Local Partners, medical services, insurers, transportation providers, or emergency contacts. It does not replace emergency services, insurance, professional medical care, security services, or evacuation coverage, and it does not mean that assistance can be physically present immediately in every location.
In an emergency, the Participant must contact the appropriate local emergency service and designated Local Partner representative as soon as reasonably possible. The Participant is responsible for medical, evacuation, transportation, replacement travel, communication, and other personal costs unless expressly included or covered by insurance.
A Participant who successfully completes the Program and meets conduct and participation requirements will ordinarily receive a Certificate of Participation. Participants needing specific wording, verified hours, or documents for an institution should notify VTTW before the Program begins. VTTW may decline to issue or may qualify a certificate where participation was incomplete or conduct requirements were not met.
Feedback, testimonials, alumni activities, ambassador opportunities, advocacy, fundraising, or continued project involvement are voluntary and may be subject to separate rules or consent requirements. Fundraising must accurately explain its purpose and must not represent VTTW as a charity.
The Website is provided to describe VTTW and its Programs. Availability, prices, dates, itineraries, photographs, partner information, and inclusions may change. VTTW makes reasonable efforts to keep information accurate but does not guarantee that every page is complete, current, or free from typographical errors. Booking-specific written confirmation controls where it differs from general Website content.
Unless otherwise stated, Website text, branding, graphics, documents, guides, photographs, and other content owned by VTTW may not be copied, modified, distributed, sold, or used commercially without prior written permission. Third-party names and materials remain the property of their respective owners.
VTTW handles personal information in accordance with its Privacy Policy, available at https://volunteertotheworld.com/privacy-policy/. Participants should review that policy before applying or paying. VTTW may share information with Local Partners and service providers where reasonably necessary to assess an application, arrange a Program, process payment, provide support, protect safety, or meet legal obligations.
Payments are processed through secure third-party payment providers. VTTW does not ordinarily receive or store full card details. The payment provider’s own privacy and security terms also apply to information submitted through its payment page.
Participants should raise concerns promptly so that VTTW and the Local Partner have a reasonable opportunity to respond. Concerns during a Program should first be reported to the designated local representative and VTTW contact, unless doing so would be unsafe or inappropriate. Formal complaints should be sent to info@volunteertotheworld.com with the Participant’s name, Program, dates, relevant facts, and requested resolution. VTTW will acknowledge and review complaints within a reasonable period, taking account of urgency and the need to consult relevant parties.
Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, VTTW will not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential loss, including loss of enjoyment, opportunity, income, or independently purchased travel arrangements, arising from a Program or booking.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, VTTW’s total aggregate liability arising from a particular booking will not exceed the Program Fees actually paid to and retained by VTTW for that booking. This limitation does not apply where prohibited by law, including where applicable to fraud, willful misconduct, gross negligence, or personal injury caused by liability that cannot be excluded.
The Participant remains responsible for personal decisions, conduct, independent travel, compliance with law, and services booked outside the confirmed Program. VTTW is not liable for failure or delay caused by inaccurate or withheld participant information or by events outside VTTW’s reasonable control.
To the extent permitted by law, the Participant agrees to reimburse VTTW for reasonable losses, claims, costs, or expenses directly resulting from the Participant’s unlawful conduct, intentional misconduct, material breach of these Terms, damage to property, or injury caused to another person. This provision does not require the Participant to indemnify VTTW for VTTW’s own negligence, willful misconduct, or liability that cannot lawfully be transferred.
VTTW is not responsible for delay, modification, interruption, or inability to perform caused by events beyond its reasonable control. These may include natural disasters, severe weather, fire, flood, epidemic, pandemic, public-health restrictions, war, terrorism, civil unrest, political instability, border closure, government action, changes in law, visa or immigration restrictions, labor disruption, transport cancellation, utility or communications failure, or a Local Partner’s inability to operate due to such an event.
Where reasonably possible, VTTW will communicate with affected Participants and consider revised dates, an alternative Program, a modified itinerary, or Program Credit in accordance with Section 8. VTTW is not responsible for external travel or personal costs resulting from a force-majeure event.
These Terms and any dispute arising from them are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, United States, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Subject to any mandatory consumer rights or jurisdictional requirements that apply, the parties agree to attempt in good faith to resolve a dispute through direct written communication before beginning formal proceedings. If a dispute cannot be resolved informally, the state or federal courts with jurisdiction in Delaware will have jurisdiction.
These Terms, together with the applicable written Program confirmation, proposal, invoice, waiver, code of conduct, Privacy Policy, and Payment, Cancellation, Refund and Program Delivery Policy, form the agreement between VTTW and the Participant for the relevant booking. If a booking-specific signed agreement expressly conflicts with these Terms, the signed agreement controls for that booking.
If any provision is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply. A delay or failure by VTTW to enforce a provision is not a waiver of that provision. The Participant may not assign a booking or rights under these Terms without VTTW’s prior written consent. Headings are for convenience and do not affect interpretation.
VTTW may update these Terms for future applications and bookings. The version provided or made available when a Participant confirms a booking or makes payment will ordinarily govern that booking, unless a change is required by law or agreed in writing.
Volunteer To The World, LLC
A limited liability company registered in Delaware, United States
Email: info@volunteertotheworld.com
Website: https://volunteertotheworld.com/
