Frequently Asked Questions

While I've led volunteer groups before (4 to Ghana, one to Colombia, and a small staff trip in Tajikistan), this trip is a biggie for me; it’s the inaugural Today Is My Someday Travel journey and the first field test for Hidden Story Project. We’ll be learning as we go, especially around the pilot. And while every moment may not unfold exactly as planned, I believe the experience will be priceless. 

You are not signing up to spend your Ghana journey working as a research assistant! Rather, you’re coming to experience Ghana AND The Hidden Story Project pilot. Along the way, there will be opportunities to observe or join selected Story Discovery activities, try the multilingual technology, meet some of the people helping shape the project, and tell us what the experience was like for you.

Because this is a real pilot involving real people and their stories, not every activity will necessarily be open to travelers, and plans may evolve as we learn. Come curious, flexible, and ready to participate when invited - and also ready to simply experience and enjoy Ghana.

I am not a fan of the stereotypical tour - rushing onto a bus, driving forever, stopping for a few minutes to take some snaps, then off again. Nope, that's not this trip. Our itinerary balances travel and scheduled experiences with time to slow down, connect, and recharge. 

Our trip is about coming together as a group and also respecting each other's desire to do some of your own exploration, to have time to breathe by yourself. If you want to eat by yourself for a few meals, that's fine. I am not there as a task-master, schlepping you from one activity to the next until you drop with exhaustion. I am there to coordinate, facilitate, encourage, ensure safety and health, timeliness when needed, offer positivity, humor and to help foster camaraderie. Hence the phrase I came up with, "gently-led tour".

It's an interesting phrase, hmmm? Conscious travel is relatively new, meaning as a traveler you are aware of the effect we have on the places we pass through, supporting local people and businesses, and approaching each experience with curiosity and humility - not simply treating it as a photo op. We aren’t going to Ghana assuming we know what anyone needs. We’re going to listen, learn, engage, and follow the lead of the people who know their communities best. 

Ghana is ranked 76th as the safest country in the world (the USA is 134th), according to the Global Peace Index.  And while I have always felt welcomed in Ghana, I also take sensible precautions—using known drivers, leaving flashy jewelry at home, securing valuables, and being thoughtful about where and when I use an ATM. Like anywhere, there are risks, particularly petty theft in Accra and other busy areas. We’ll talk through practical safety before we travel, use trusted in-country transportation, and look out for one another throughout the journey. 

Places in Ghana can be conscientious about accommodating different dietary needs - but small village communities can be challenging.  If your health is dependent upon gluten-free or other specific diets, this might not be the right trip for you. Talk with me for more information.

Speaking only to American citizens, yes, you need a visa for Ghana.  You can get an e-visa, a quick, $260 online process. Click HERE to go to the site to apply. When you give us a deposit, we will send you the required Letter of Invitation and Hotel confirmation for you to upload to the site.  Target completion date: October 1, 2026. 

Ghana requires a Yellow Fever vaccine with proof for entry.  Ghana is also malarial, meaning you need to get anti-malaria medications before you go.  For information about vaccination recommendations, please refer to the CDC Ghana. Staying healthy is so important when you travel, especially in a country whose medical system might not be as robust as our own, so I encourage you to speak with your physician about your vaccination and medical needs.

That might be the hardest question here! Since we will be near the equator, the seasons are hot and a bit humid or hot and rainy. Late October is one of the loveliest times to visit southern Ghana. In the Volta Region, expect warm days (84–88°F), lush green landscapes, and occasional brief tropical showers that often pass quickly before sunshine returns. Cape Coast is similarly warm but benefits from cooling Atlantic breezes, making mornings and evenings especially pleasant. Lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a light rain jacket, sunscreen, and a hat will help ensure a comfortable journey.

I've been lucky to only need trip insurance a couple of times in all my travels - knock on wood! However, when I have needed it, or have had travel companions that needed trip insurance, it was a lifesaver! From a stolen passport, to trip delays, to a broken wrist, trip insurance gives peace of mind that if something goes wrong, there is help available. Travel insurance should cover last minute trip cancellation, trip delays, and all things medical - including epidemic outbreaks. Please carefully review what is and isn't covered and under what circumstances. I'm happy to chat with you more about travel insurance!

YES!  Actually this trip is unique as all rooms booked are single occupancy rooms.  If you want to share a room with someone who is joining you, let me know and I'll make arrangements.

Thanks for asking!   The name grew from a blog I wrote while traveling in Namibia after a long and unexpected road to getting there. That journey made me realize how many meaningful experiences I had postponed until “someday”—when all I truly had was today and I needed to make it count.  Read the story here.

Ghana is my pilot trip, and if it goes as beautifully as I hope, I'd love to do it every year.  I am also looking forward to adding volunteer-based travel to other countries.