Frequently Asked Questions

Since You Asked:

» What kind of shape do I need to be in to join a Roadmonkey expedition?
» I don't usually like traveling in groups, but I like the idea of adventure philanthropy. What should I do?
» How do you fund the volunteer projects that your groups build while on expedition?
» How do you know your volunteer projects are the right ones, and that they actually help people?
» Who goes on your expeditions?
» What's a Roadmonkey?
» What's your payment & cancellation policy?
» Do you take families on your expeditions?
» What about senior travelers?
» The expedition I want to join isn't available when I'm free to travel. Will you be posting other expeditions like it?
» Will Roadmonkey expand into other countries beyond those you currently travel to?
» Can I join you for just the adventure or philanthropy half of the expedition?
» Are you a non-profit organization?
» Why are you called Roadmonkey?

What kind of shape do I need to be in to join a Roadmonkey expedition?
You need to be reasonably fit. But you don't need to be superhero. (In fact, we prefer it if you're not.) However, you should be in sound physical condition to summit Kilimanjaro, cycle Vietnam, raft Peru, kayak Malawi or trek and surf Nicaragua. Regardless of our adventure, the goal is not to be the first to finish but to explore, expand our horizons and learn what we can about another culture.
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I don't usually like traveling in groups, but I like the idea of adventure philanthropy. What should I do?
We spend time talking to each of you before you sign up for an expedition, partly to ensure a good group dynamic. We call our expeditions small-group traveling for people who don't like traveling in groups. We make a point to ensure that you're traveling with a small group of like-minded people. Our experience is that many people on our expeditions meet and make lasting friendships. We think you'll find our groups are a welcome source of energy, humor, camaraderie and companionship.
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How do you fund the volunteer projects that your groups build while on expedition?
We ask every roadmonkey, when she or he signs on to an expedition, to raise $500 in tax-deductible donations through her/his own social network, using email, Facebook or whatever tools work best. Those donations go directly to our non-profit partner, which holds the donations in a dedicated fund for our project. Typically, our groups raise $5,000-8,000 for the project they will complete while on expedition.
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How do you know your volunteer projects are the right ones, and that they actually help people?
Every adventure philanthropy expedition we create has a reputable non-profit partner with local roots and knowledge of the community our volunteer project will benefit. We work with these organizations closely to develop sustainable, positive-change projects that our expedition members fund through tax-deductible donations from their own social networks.
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Who goes on your expeditions?
Anyone with a healthy body, an inquisitive spirit and a desire to broaden one's horizons through adventure and a short-term, hands-on volunteer project. There is no typical roadmonkey. They are single or married or divorced, in college or showing gray, traveling alone or with a partner. But most have a vision of what they want from their lives and careers and the means and motivation to make it happen.
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What's a Roadmonkey?
Our home-grown definition: [rohd-muhnkee] n., a curious individual who seeks the unknown often, breaks rules if necessary, tests limits whenever possible and works hard to improve the lives of people in need.
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What's your payment & cancellation policy?
We make it easy for you to join and to get your money back if your plans unavoidably change. Full payment is due 60 days prior to expedition launch, to allow us to make all the necessary arrangements for you. Your payment is, likewise, fully refundable (minus the fee we were charged by PayPal for the transaction) until 60 days prior to expedition launch. After that, we charge a penalty on the following scale: Between 40 to 59 days prior to the first day of your expedition, we refund 50% of your full payment (minus the fee). Between 30 to 39 days prior to expedition, we refund 25% of your full payment. Inside 29 days to expedition launch, no refund is available.
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Do you take families on your expeditions?
Yes, depending on the age, experience and maturity level of children involved. We also can create family-only expeditions suited to family travelers.
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What about senior travelers?
Of course, senior travelers are welcome to join our expeditions provided the physical adventure is not prohibitive. We also can create custom expeditions suited to active older adults who may want a less physically challenging adventure.
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The expedition I want to join isn't available when I'm free to travel. Will you be posting other expeditions like it?
Email us with the dates and expeditions you're interested in. We often get requests to create special, time-sensitive adventure philanthropy expeditions. So if we can gather 5 people into such a group, we'll make it happen. We also create custom expeditions for any group of 5 or more.
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Will Roadmonkey expand into other countries beyond those you currently travel to?
Yes, indeed. We don't seek to be everywhere in the world. Not every country is suited for adventure philanthropy. But we intend to branch out further into Southeast Asia, Africa and South America to produce adventure philanthropy expeditions between 8 - 14 days.
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Can I join you for just the adventure or philanthropy half of the expedition?
No, sorry. Roadmonkey expedition members are passionate people and go on a journey of the heart, body and spirit. To honor that commitment we ask that you join the entire expedition.
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Are you a non-profit organization?
No. Roadmonkey is a for-profit organization with a social mission. We partner with non-profit organization on every expedition to ensure that our volunteer projects are meaningful and sustainable to a local community in need.
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Why are you called Roadmonkey?
Because no one else is. And the name fits. But hey, if you can think of a better one, please send it to ask@roadmonkey.net. Thanks!
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