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Trip Planning Tips of Conscious Journeys

As you start thinking about joining Conscious Journeys to Tibet, there are several things that you need to prepare.

  1. Budget your time. How long do you need to take off from your work and family? Most of the TVP trips are 2-3 weeks long. However, you may want to allocate at least one or two days before you
    leave and few days to alleviate jetlag after you come back from Tibet.

  2. Budget your finances: Since the program fee covers most of your expenses, you may not need to bring a lot of extra cash for the TVP planned itinerary. However, you will need to purchase your own airfare, obtain a Chinese visa, and plan for personal expenses. A three-week program may cost at least $4,500 - $5,500 depending on your needs. For most people, this is once-- lifetime trip so plan well. Approximate trip expenses are listed below in U.S. dollars:

    Roundtrip airfare from San Francisco to Chengdu

    $900 - $1,100

    Roundtrip airfare between Chengdu and Lhasa

    $450 - $500

    Chinese visa and service fee (if you use an agency)

    $75 -$90

    Personal expense such laundry, phone calls, and drinks, etc.

    $100 - $150

    TVP Land Cost

    $2,925

    Ideal Budget

    $4450 - $4750

    Note: If you are signing up for the Spirit of Kham program, you will not need to purchase airfare in Tibet between Chengdu to Lhasa. Instead, you will have overland cost from Chengdu to Kham. For this reason, the Spirit of Kham program cost slightly more.

  3. Send Trip Application: As soon as you decide to join one of the Conscious Journeys programs, you will want to send in the trip application with your security deposit to reserve your space. Once you are accepted into the program, the security deposit will count toward your land costs.  Our trips fill up quickly, so be sure to sign up early.

  4. Passport - All individuals entering China must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months. If you do not have a passport or valid travel documents, start working on this right away. In the past, participants have not been able to travel into China because they had delayed in acquiring the proper travel documents.

  5. Apply for Visa: You should not have any trouble obtaining a visa if you plan in advance. TVP recommends applying for Chinese visa about 6-10 weeks prior to the departure date.  Standard 90-day visas are issued at no extra cost. TVP’s preferred travel agency can provide you with assistance.  You can find their information under “Contact Information” on the Conscious Journeys website.

  6. Fundraising: You should have a fundraising plan or ideas to raise financial contributions when you make the decision to join the program. Start your fundraising early by (1) making a list of potential donors, (2) gathering their contact information (address, email or both), and (3) personalizing the sample fundraising letter that TVP provides. 

  7. Purchase your International Airfare: Due to a popular summer travel season, airfare can get very expensive if you wait too long. TVP recommends buying your ticket at least three months ahead of the trip departure date. Our preferred travel agency contact is in Chicago and is listed under “Contact Information” on Conscious Journeys website.

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