FAQ
there’s an answer to everything
General
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1) Select program
2) Fill in booking form
3) Pay deposit
4) Before departure: book & update flight details for our airport pickup
After program completion:-
5) Comment on programs
6) Award certificate
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Yes, you may register together with family for programs which suitable for young children or for students / association. Customized & or escorted tour is available. Pls. contact us Debbie@gracefultours.org
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Yes, with additional fee, you may upgrade your accommodation to air-con single room or for couples or for family, provided facility is available in the volunteering destination as these room are limited.
We may arrange customized tour with hotel accommodation too. Pls. contact us Debbie@gracefultours.org
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There is program for all age group. Pls. check “age group” under “country” search.
Under age of 14 to be accompanied by adult (parents, teacher or guardian)
Age from 14 to 18: Required parents’ consent letter)
Age from 18 – 60: Eligible for all programs
Age 60+: Health letter from Medical Doctor
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Projects range from minimum 1 week in one program in one country to 12 months in different countries which may combine different projects.
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Founder has Tour Escort Licence issued by Hong Kong Travel Industry Authority. (HK TIA)
Type Licence # “20200248” in HK TIA web site to check: https://www.tia.org.hk/en/tour-escorts.html
Graceful Tours (GT) escorted tour is governed by Hong Kong TIA’s Travel Industry Ordinance operate under licensed Travel Agent (Licence #. 354330)
Type “Graceful Tours” in following HK TIA web site to check:
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Criminal Background Check
All local program co-ordinators are screened with criminal background check.
All participants joining any of our programs must submit a criminal background check.
If the participant is unable to obtain a criminal background check, they can alternatively provide 2 character recommendation letters. The letters should fulfill the following guidelines:
- The referee should be someone the participant has known for 1 year or longer in a professional or academic capacity (an employer, lecturer, colleague, etc.)
- Covers a bit about the participant's background and character
- Covers the capacity in which the referees know the participant, how long they have known you
- It should be a written or typed on an official organization or company letterhead
- It should include the referee's full contact details and signature
pricing
What is included in program fee?
What extra costs besides program fee?
Any travel fee from one program to another program?
Will weekend accommodation be included in between programs?
Sustainability:
What are the good purpose of joining GT volunteering programs?
How sustainable are GT volunteering programs?
Most of our GT programs are linked with one UN SDG (United Nation Sustainability Development Goals), your participation will help you understand or help one of the UN SDG e.g. SDG’s Goal #1 : “poverty” through “Food kitchen” program in developing countries.
Can I carbon offset my flight so to reduce carbon footprint?
Please ‘Tick-the-Box’ for carbin offset when booking your flights directly via airline’s website. If not available, you may offset any airline’s flight carbon through following “Fly Greener” carbon offset programs: https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_HK/about-us/environment/fly-carbon-neutral-fly-greener/offset-your-flights.html longer period rather