Top 10 Questions Participants Ask Before Joining an Expedition

Everything You Need to Know to Take the Next Step

Curious about joining an �� expedition? Here’s what to know before you book.

For many, the idea of traveling for conservation is both thrilling and unfamiliar—a chance to contribute to something meaningful while stepping far outside the usual travel routine. But as exciting as that sounds, it also raises important questions.

What will it really be like? Will I fit in? Do I have what it takes to do the work?

These aren’t just logistical concerns—they speak to a deeper curiosity about whether travel can do more than offer a change of scenery. Whether it can offer a new way of seeing the world.

Here are some of the most common questions we hear from people on the verge of saying “yes” to this kind of adventure.

1. WHAT KIND OF WORK WILL I BE DOING?

On an �� expedition, you’re not a passive observer. You’ll collect data, assist with wildlife monitoring, measure environmental changes, or help restore habitats—hands-on, tangible contributions that scientists depend on. Each task is grounded in scientific protocols, designed not only to advance the research but also to provide you with a deeper understanding of the ecosystems you’re helping to protect.

Three researchers work in a grassy field, using a white quadrat frame to study vegetation. Two of them closely examine plants within the frame, while the third takes notes under a clear blue sky in a vast open landscape.

2. DO I NEED SCIENTIFIC EXPERIENCE OR SPECIAL SKILLS?

Not at all. What matters most is your curiosity, your willingness to learn, and your commitment to work. Our scientists and field teams provide all the necessary training on-site, whether you're identifying birds, recording behavioral data on killer whales, or assessing forest health indicators.

A close-up of gloved hands using digital calipers to measure a sandy hatchling sea turtle, highlighting detailed data collection during an expedition.

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3. WHAT IF I'M TRAVELING ALONE?

You won’t stay a stranger for long. Most of our participants come solo, and that common ground quickly turns strangers into teammates. Shared meals, shared challenges, and shared discoveries foster a unique kind of camaraderie. Many say the people they met on the expedition were just as memorable as the place itself.

Two participants smiling together at the camera.

4. HOW PHYSICALLY DEMANDING IS IT?

Every �� expedition is different—and so is its pace. Some are very active, with long hikes and remote fieldwork, while others offer a more moderate or relaxed experience. Each expedition is labeled as easy, moderate, very active, or varies, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before you go. Looking for something specific? Head to our Expeditions page and use the "Activity Level" filter to find the experience that’s right for you.

Three people walking on rainforest path in Costa Rica

5. HOW LONG ARE THE EXPEDITIONS, AND WHEN CAN I GO?

Expeditions range from 7 to 13 days, depending on the location and research needs. Timing depends on the project—some run for several months throughout the year, while others are only offered for a few weeks in a specific month. Whether you’re planning around a sabbatical, vacation, or retirement, there’s a window that works.

6. WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE EXPEDITION COST?

When you join an �� expedition, your contribution goes far beyond just covering your stay. You're directly supporting the research itself—things like scientific equipment, field supplies, and permits that are essential for collecting high-quality data. It also covers your food, accommodations, and local transportation, along with travel medical and emergency evacuation insurance to keep you safe in the field.

In many cases, your contribution is also tax-deductible in the U.S., including most of your travel costs. That means you're not only investing in an unforgettable experience, but also meaningful science that depends on volunteers like you to make it happen.

field equipment on the ground in the forest

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7. ARE THE EXPEDITIONS SAFE?

We take safety seriously. All �� expeditions undergo a rigorous vetting process that includes risk assessments, safety protocols, and 24/7 field support. You’ll be trained on safety procedures and supported by staff who are familiar with the environment, culture, and work.

While expedition life is often remote and immersive, you won’t be out there alone.

8. WILL THERE BE TIME TO EXPLORE ON MY OWN?

In many cases, yes. Some expeditions include cultural activities or free afternoons built into the schedule. Others offer optional excursions or moments for reflection and rest.

But even during fieldwork, you’re immersed in a new landscape—listening to howler monkeys at dawn, hiking through alpine forests, or recording bird calls at sunset. Exploration is baked into the experience.

Person hiking in valley with mountains in the background

9. WHAT IF I'M NERVOUS ABOUT DOING SOMETHING THIS UNFAMILIAR?

That’s exactly what makes it worth doing. For many participants, the expedition is their first time in the field, their first solo trip, or their first hands-on science experience.

What begins as discomfort often transforms into empowerment. You come away with more than stories—you return with a renewed connection to the planet and your place in it.

A team of researchers studies ancient penguin trackways embedded in a rocky surface in Patagonia. Some team members take notes and measurements, while others sit nearby examining findings under the sun in a dry, rugged landscape.

10. HOW DO I BOOK—AND HOW QUICKLY DO EXPEDITIONS FILL?

Booking is simple: select your expedition and reserve your spot online. Some projects fill up months in advance—especially during high-demand seasons—so we recommend booking early when you find the one that resonates with you.

And if you're not sure which to choose, we’re here to help.

A Different Kind of Adventure

At its heart, conservation travel is about connection. Not just to a place, but to the life that surrounds it. To the people who protect it. To the science that explains it.

�� expeditions offer a rare chance to turn your curiosity into action, your questions into understanding, and your trip into something that lasts long after you return home.

Take the leap!

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