You choose when you go and how long you stay

Flexible dates

Set off whenever you want, pick the length, and join a project that's already running. You'll find our local team and international travellers waiting on the ground.

HomeOur projectsFlexible dates

What flexible-dates trips actually look like

Roughly 80% of HeyLocals travellers go this way. Our projects aren't designed "on paper", they're ongoing pieces of work, run by local teams and active for most of the year, often year-round.

That means you choose the project, when you leave and how many weeks you stay. There are no fixed dates or pre-formed groups, you join something that's already happening and become part of it.

Days are split between project activities, exploring, optional extras and free time, often shared with local people and other volunteers on site.

When you land, our local team meets you and takes you from the airport to your accommodation. Meals and lodging are covered, and you'll have 24/7 support for the whole trip.

Why people pick flexible dates

Flexible dates, you choose

No fixed dates: pick your start. Give us the minimum notice and you're in.

Length that suits you

From 1 week to 12 weeks (or longer). Match the duration to your time, your budget and your goals.

More destinations to choose from

Not just Kenya and Zanzibar, with flexible dates you can access every available destination.

Same support, same quality

Travelling solo doesn't mean less support, onboarding, local team and pre-departure guide are the same.

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How it works

Four things that keep it flexible without compromising on quality

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Flexible dates, you choose

No fixed dates: pick when you go and how long you stay. As long as you give us enough notice, you're good.

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More destinations to choose from

Not just Africa: we also run projects in Southeast Asia, South America and a host of other countries.

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International community

Most projects welcome travellers from all over the world. Even if you go solo, you'll find other people on site to share accommodation, meals and free time with.

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24/7 support and safety

Even on a solo trip, you're not left to it. You'll always have a local team to lean on, continuous support, and projects we've vetted ourselves.

Flexible vs group: which one's for you?

Flexible dates

  • Go whenever you like (with 4 weeks' notice)
  • Stay 1 to 12+ weeks
  • All available destinations
  • International community at the accommodation
  • Full freedom to plan it your way

Group trip

  • Fixed dates (2026 calendar)
  • Fixed length: 2 weeks
  • Pre-set destinations
  • Small group (4-15 people)
  • A more structured experience

What's included on flexible-dates trips

✅ Included in the price

Accommodation, meals and daily essentials included
Airport pick-up (in dedicated time slots)
Orientation day + onboarding
Dedicated local team + 24/7 support
Pre-departure guide + document support (visas/vaccines/checklist)
Your fee directly supports our local partner
International community at the accommodation
Official certificate of participation

❌ Not included

International flight
Entry visa (if required)
Travel insurance
Return transfer
Extra activities and optional tours

FAQs

On a flexible-dates trip you pick when you go and for how long. There are no fixed dates and no group travelling with you. That said, you'll still meet other international travellers at the accommodation.
Yes, with at least 4 weeks' notice. Some destinations have closure periods (local holidays, for example), but otherwise the dates are up to you.
The weekly cost is similar, but with flexible dates you can choose different lengths. The more weeks you book, the lower the average weekly cost.
No. Even without a travelling group, the accommodation typically has other travellers from all over the world. The international community is part of the experience.
Yes, if there's availability. Just let the local team know in advance and sort the payment for the extra weeks.
All of them. Flexible dates open up more choice than group trips, which currently only run to Kenya and Zanzibar.

Not sure where to start?

Take the questionnaire, in a couple of minutes we'll work out what kind of trip suits you, which destinations fit best, and whether flexible or group is the better call.