Do you want to have one of the most exciting experiences of a lifetime? Then travel with us to the Horn of Africa and the fascinating country of Ethiopia. The high central plateau gives that region a temperate climate. The population of Ethiopia is highly diverse with more than 77 different ethnic groups each with their own distinct language. Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest in the world. Amharic is the official language, but English is widely spoken since it is taught in the secondary schools. Consequently it will be easy for you to converse with people as we visit a variety of Compassion's child development centers. Of course, the main reason you're joining this tour is to meet and spend a wonderful day with your sponsored child. You'll have time for fun activities, smiles, photos, hugs and lots of relationship-building. In addition to this you will learn more about the ministry through our Child Survival and Leadership Development programs. In each of the three core areas is our Complementary Interventions, which works with life-threatening situations including the AIDS Initiative and Malaria Intervention programs. We invite you to register now to ensure a spot on our Ethiopia tour.

RESERVATIONS should be made well in advance and require a nonrefundable deposit of $350 per person. Final Payment of $3,540 is due no later than Nov. 24, 2008. Additional fuel surcharges are due no later than 60 days prior to departure.

In the event that you need to cancel your trip, please refer to our cancellation policy below:

All deposits are nonrefundable.

50% of the tour cost will be required for cancellations 59-31 days prior to the Sponsor Tour.

100% of the tour cost will be required for cancellations 30-0 days prior to the Sponsor Tour.

Only written cancellations accepted.

AIR TRANSPORTATION AND FUEL SURCHARGES:  Air transportation as included in the tour is based on economy-class transportation and is subject to all rules and regulations governing these fares. Fuel surcharges are added on a per-ticket basis at time of confirmation. In the event these surcharges are increasingly higher than budget estimates, we may require additional funds to cover these surcharges.  We will communicate any pricing changes immediately.

 IMPORTANT NOTICE: COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL reserves the right to adjust or alter any travel program when necessary or desirable for the protection, safety or improvement of said travel program, or when local conditions do not permit operation as published. COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL reserves the right to accept or deny participants application at its sole discretion.
RESPONSIBILITY: COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL makes arrangements with airlines, hotels and other independent parties to provide you with the travel services you purchase. These parties are independent suppliers over whom we have no direct control. In the absence of negligence on our part, we are not responsible for any claims, losses, damages, costs or expenses arising out of injury, accident or death; damage, loss or delay of baggage or other property; or delay, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, upset, disappointment, distress or frustration, whether physical or mental, resulting from (1) the act or omission of any party other than COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL or its employees; (2) mechanical breakdown, government actions, weather, or other factors beyond our control; (3) failure to obtain documents, passports, visas, and health certificates valid through the date of reentry, when required, in which case a cancellation charge will be assessed; (4) failure to follow instructions including but not limited to check-in and checkout times and baggage handling; (5) cancellation or change for any reason in the travel services offered; and (6) medical or health problems or physical disabilities. COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL reserves the right to cancel or alter the travel services at its discretion, except as otherwise noted herein. In the event of change, COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL will try to substitute comparable services; in the event of complete cancellation by COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL, we shall refund all monies paid to us. COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL will not be responsible for any other cost incurred by participants.