FAQs - Health and Wellbeing
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We are yet to be presented with a health condition that we were not able to accommodate. Physical, mental and dietary needs, including injuries and anaphylactic allergies, may be supported due to our detailed communication with our partner community and comprehensive risk management planning. All we ask from you is to please let us know, and we will prepare an individual plan with you where required.
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Our average, we recommend student 15-20 students per group. These numbers allow participants to create deeper connections and increase personal engagement with their partner community We are guided by our responsible travel policy.
We also design and deliver ‘whole year level’ programs for schools.
To meet our risk management standards for school groups, we require two school staff members to travel with the group.
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Generally no. Our programs are individually designed to meet the needs and objectives of our groups and their community partners. The comprehensive pre and post phases are also delivered in a group format and encompass a total learning experience that begins months before the group departs.
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No. Our programs are founded on community partnerships and are focused on people learning from one another, gaining a global perspective and enhancing their knowledge of sustainability, identity and belonging. We do not support voluntourism or unskilled volunteering. A true understanding of local needs and the kind of support needed cannot be accomplished in a week or so. Please consider volunteering in your local community, or for longer-term roles consider contacting the Australian Volunteers Program or Volunteers NZ.
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Although most of our programs do not involve strenuous activities, you do need a basic level of fitness to participate. That said, in most cases you are still welcome to join a program and we can arrange alternative arrangements if you are physically unable to complete an activity. Please contact us to discuss if you are concerned, and we can provide you with more information.
FAQs - Travel
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Fiji: No. You do not need a visa to enter into Fiji as an Australian or NZ citizen.
Timor -Leste: Yes. A $30USD visa on arrival. This is included in your Destination Dreaming cost.
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We recommend visiting your family doctor before travelling to discuss any additional vaccines or medication you may need. Useful websites to check out are:
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Fiji: The majority of our transport is provided by Rosie™️ Tours, the largest tour operator in the South Pacific. Other transport includes a catamaran operated by South Sea Cruises.
Timor-Leste: All our transport in Timor Leste is booked through Manny Timor Tours. Manny is the most experienced provider of transport and logistics in Timor-Leste and has been working with Destination Dreaming since 2010.
All transport providers must have Public Liability insurance and all neccesary licenses and registrations
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Fiji: Fijian dollars. We recommend withdrawing cash from the ATM at the airport on arrival. Spending opportunities are limited and participants generally budget $50-$200 Fijian dollars.
Timor-Leste: USD is the local currency in Timor-Leste. We recommend buying USD before leaving Australia or withdraw USD from the ATM on arrival.
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Both Fiji and Timor-Leste have a hot tropical climate, with a dry season from May - November and a wet season from December - April. Coastal temperatures range from 25 - 35c. It is cooler in the mountains, a perfect retreat from the heat.
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Our risk management program and standard operation procedures have withstood the test of time since 2004. The health and safety of all participants is paramount. We leave no stone unturned to prevent incidents and injuries. We strictly work with private health care and emergency response providers an have 24/7 access to communication and transport.
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We do not recommend drinking water from the taps throughout your stay in Fiji or Timor-Leste. Destination Dreaming provides all filtered drinking water, you will need to bring your own reusable water bottles.
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Yes, all participants including groups leaders are required to purchase travel insurance prior to departure. Our travel agent can provide you with a quote for suitable travel insurance.
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All of our leaders are wilderness first aid trained and we carry a comprehensive first aid kit at all times.
For medical assistance beyond first aid care, we will source private medical assistance in Fiji from from Dr. Naidus private medical practice or Zens medical clinic.
In Timor-Leste we strictly use the medical services of Stamford Private medical centre.
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Destination Dreaming does not accept credit cards for payment.
For souvenirs etc, credit card shopping will be available in the town centres at select outlets.
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Destination Dreaming works closely with one of Australia’s leading travel agents in Travel Managers to manage all flights, insurance and invoicing arrangements for Destination Dreaming programs. This allows us to focus on the quality design and delivery of your program experience.
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All our programs are led by experienced Program Leaders. Our programs are not sightseeing tours or holidays but include a detailed educational component and the facilitation of often complex community engagement. As such, our leaders are skilled educators, with backgrounds in the fields of education, health promotion, youth work, community services or community development.
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Yes, we support select schools in designing and delivering whole year level immersions in Fiji and Timor-Leste. Please complete an Expressions of Interest form online to start the conversation.
FAQs - Parents
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We do understand that it may be a challenge not to be in frequent contact with your son or daughter throughout the program. Our policy that electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets are not brought on programs, is an opportunity for young people to challenge their interpersonal capacity and to disconnect from the pressures of social media. Parents and carers all receive a detailed letter outlining channels of communication during the program. Our Program Leaders post photos and updates on the Destination Dreaming Facebook page during programs to keep you updated on the group’s travels. Please note you are not required to have a Facebook account to access this page.
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Great question! The best forms of support are showing interest in their objectives and goals. By following their program updates on our Destination Dreaming Facebook page, you can use these posts as prompts for discussions when they return home. Some students need a day or two to settle before the feel ready to share their experience with you. Others may not stop talking about it for days. We encourage you to contact us to discuss this further if you have any questions of concerns even weeks after they have returned home.
FAQs - Corporate/Teams
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Absolutely. We provide you with all of the tools (such as cultural and language guides, preparatory activities, packing lists) to ensure you come in to the program prepared and ready to maximise your time. Before you finish, you leave with a plan for integrating your team’s experience.
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Yes, all our programs are individually designed to meet your group’s core objectives. We prepare a schedule of activities that are immersed in cultural, community-based, challenging, with appropriate discussions and reflections for your team.
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The traditional accommodation in the highlands is very basic, with shared bures (huts) sleeping on the floor with BYO sleeping mats and basic shared bathroom facilities. There are flushing toilets and cold running showers (of which you will be grateful in the tropical heat!) These basic living conditions are all part of the immersive experience and quickly become the normal. Please contact us if you have any further questions of concerns regarding these arrangements.
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Personal reflection and social time are built into the program schedule. Please note that our programs are strictly alcohol and drug free.