Summary
Voluntary work at a Sanctuary set up to rehabilitate abused brown bears in Romania.
Project location
20 miles outside Brasov, Romania.
Length of project
1 – 2 weeks, longer by arrangement.
Group/individual basis
You will travel as an individual, but join a group of other volunteers from around the world. We can also accommodate groups of up to 4 and may use a local hotel.
Support
Help and advice from our UK office throughout. Local support from nominated staff member at the project.
Includes
- Volunteer work at the bear sanctuary
- Pre-departure information covering work issues and advice about life in Romania
- **Transport arranged to your accommodation from the airport (100 miles – 3 hours each way and back at the end of your stay when paying for the transfer package).
- Accommodation in a shared apartment or single accommodation in a nearby hotel (at extra cost)
- Basic Romanian language guide
- Thorough orientation on arrival and tour of Brasov
- Donation to the sanctuary
- Transport to and from the sanctuary each day – 45 minutes each way
- **Taxi to Bran Castle (Dracula’s castle) 45 minutes each way when paying for the transfer package.
- First class support from the representative
** When paying for the transfer package
Not included
- Flights
- Travel and medical insurance
- Any home country transport (eg. taxis and buses)
- Food
- Spending money
- Entrance fees for weekend trips
Accommodation
Shared accommodation in a comfortable apartment in central Brasov or hotel (at extra cost).
Travel arrangements
Fly to Bucharest (OTP). Driver will meet you at airport and take you to Brasov. You will be taken to the airport at the end of your stay.
Volunteer days
Your volunteer project will start on the Monday when you will go to the sanctuary to meet the team. You work Monday – Friday with weekends free. If you stay for one week, you volunteer for 4 days. For each extra week that you stay, you volunteer for 5 days more.
Information
You will receive thorough documentation covering project expectations, preparation, health and safety, responsible travel and arrival arrangements at least 4 weeks before departure.
Medical
Vaccinations may be required. We recommend that you visit your Doctor or Travel Nurse as soon as possible to discuss what you might need to have.
Please be aware that Oyster staff are not able to give advice on your medical background or the type of vaccinations that you might need.
You can get useful medical advice relating to your destination on the ‘Fit For Travel’ website – http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/.
You must inform Oyster of any pre-existing physical or mental health conditions. Oyster staff may ask for you to provide a letter from your Doctor before continuing with your booking.
Insurance
You must take out a full travel insurance policy as soon as you can before departure. This must cover you for personal accident, medical, cancellation, emergency evacuation, lost luggage etc. We strongly recommend that you organise your travel insurance upon booking your place. We can introduce a policy with Global Travel Insurance to UK citizens, details of which can be found in your MyOyster account, once you have completed your booking. If you are not eligible for this insurance, please read through it to have an idea of what you need to be covered for.
Any risk factors
Brasov is a relatively safe place with very little violent crime. Pickpockets do target tourists, so you should take good care of your belongings. There are electric safety fences at the sanctuary, but there are also bears roaming in the wild, so seek advice if planning a walk or trek. Expect hot and sunny weather (occasionally 35-40oc) in summer and snowy conditions in winter. It is not rare to see stray dogs and cats in the street – they are generally harmless but are not domesticated, so do not approach them.
Downtime
Participants will be able to travel independently during their time off, as long as they accept that they will be outside Oyster’s jurisdiction, make appropriate insurance provision and inform others. It is important to let staff know when you are due to return and keep them updated if your plans change.
Accessibility
This project could accommodate those with minor physical disabilities. Please discuss with destination manager before booking.
Financial Security
When you book with Oyster you can rest assured that your money will be protected and you will not be stranded abroad in the very unlikely event that our company becomes insolvent. If your booking includes a flight arranged by us, your whole trip will be subject to ATOL protection. If we have not booked your flight then your trip will be just as safe, since it will be insured through International Passenger Protection Ltd.
