Costs of trips are calculated based on length of stay, airfare, and transportation in Haiti.

How Does One Prepare for a trip to Haiti?

The St. Boniface Haiti Foundation encourages prior study, whether of Haitian history, culture, or a brief introduction to the Creole language. (Only about 15% of Haitians speak French, far fewer are familiar with English.) Some Work Retreat groups gather for regular study and sharing meetings for months before departure. A list of books relating to Haiti is available here. (link)

General Travel Information

Cost: The cost is $1,150 (6-day) and $1,250 (8-day) for room and board, transportation while in Haiti, and airfare. Reservations are made through the Foundation, and checks should be made out to: St. Boniface Haiti Foundation and mailed to 400 North Main St., Randolph, MA 02368. A deposit of one half the fee is due two months before departure and the balance before the actual departure date. You may wish to bring some extra money for gifts, etc. $100 would be sufficient. People are often moved to make a gift to help alleviate some situation they encounter in Haiti. Cash or a check would be appropriate in this situation after checking with the group leader.

Passports: are required and may take a month to be processed. Those who are not American citizens need to check with their country's consulate to see if a visa is required.

Immunizations: We suggest an update on Tetanus, Typhoid shots or pills, Malaria pills (Chloraquin), and Hepatitis A immunizations. Please contact your doctor well in advance of the trip.

Traveller's Diarreah: Some physicians recommend taking Bactrim or Cipro prophylactically. Others recommend bringing it to take at the onset of a problem. Lomotil,(loperamide hydrochloride), may also be used to control the diarrhea.

Prayer: We view our whole trip as a working prayer. Opportunity for Mass and prayer is planned in each day's schedule. In the evening we reflect on the events of the day.

Mosquito Protection: Be sure to bring and use a good mosquito repellent is important day and night. Mosquitoes are a source of Malaria and Dengue fever.

Water: We use only bottled water for drinking. Extra care is needed not to use local water for brushing teeth. It is a good idea to bring a canteen or water bottle to carry water with you each day. Water is very precious in Haiti. We try to use it very sparingly. You will be able to shower most days. Much depends on the amount of rainfall they have had.

Accommodations: We stay at a residence at out hospital compound. The accomdations are clean and simple. The food is carefully prepared for safe consumption.

Inconveniences: Things do not work in Haiti the same way they do in America. Power outages, water shortages, and transportation delays can be a source of annoyance and inconvenience. Pilgrims who approach such situations with a spirit of joy, adventure and patience fare very well

Things to Bring

• Hat or scarf
• Mosquito Spray
• Bathing suit
• Snacks, hard candy
• Women wear skirts or sundresses in Haiti. Shorts may be worn in the evening. Men wear long pants. No very short skirts or spaghetti straps.
• Sunscreen
• Flashlight
• A refillable plastic water bottle.
• Lightweight clothing, sandals, sturdy shoes.
• One outfit for church (not sleeveless). People dress very nicely to go to Mass.

Luggage
You are allowed 2 checked bags weighing a maximum of 50 pounds each, and 1 carry-on bag. We ask that you try to use at least one suitcase for supplies for the people of Haiti. Please note that the airline may charge for checked bags.  This changes often and we try to keep on top of the current regulations to let you know before your trip.  Try to plan one suitcase fitting into another for the return trip if you can to save on fees and space. If you need supplies to fill your suitcase, please call us. If you don't have 2 full checked bags we will provide you with one or two packed bags full of supplies that we need to bring to the hospital.  If you can bring a carry-on with your clothes that would allow us to send more supplies to Haiti.  Because of new governmental restrictions, we are unable to carry oral medication into Haiti. Currently approved goods for donation include the following:

Diagnostics
Pregnancy tests
Urine test strips for Chemistry
Urine test strips for glucose
Digital Thermometers
Blood pressure machines
Stethescopes

OC Medicines
Acetaminophen/ Ibuprofen
Antacid pills and tablets (no liquids)
Antihistamines
Antidiarrheals
Cough Suppressants
Decongestants
Diaper Rash creams and ointments
Hemorrhoid treatments
Medication for menstrual pain
Medication for migraines
Topical creams and ointments:
Antifungal, antibiotic, anti-itch
Treatment for head lice
Vaginal creams (Monistat, Lotrimin, etc.)

Miscellaneous Supplies
POWDERED INFANT FORMULA WITH IRON (no liquids)
Gauze pads (all sizes)
Band-Aids + Bandages
Kling wrap gauze
Adhesive tape
Cotton swabs
Rubber gloves (sterile and non-sterile)
IV tubing
Non-prescription reading glasses
Baby and adult diapers
Antibacterial bar soap
Sanitizing wipes
Alcohol wipes
Notebooks and pens