Every Share Helps!

Volunteering abroad has the potential to pose several financial issues. Here are some tips for creating a budget and sticking to it for your trip!

Open a Separate Savings Account

...and deposit money into it with each payroll cycle, beginning months before you want to leave. Setting aside money with each paycheck will greatly increase your chances of being able to afford the volunteer experience you want.

Plan Early

Decide on the program you wish to participate in early. Most organizations charge a small fee for volunteers (usually this includes room and board) in order to finance some of their work.

Plan Your Transportation Expenses

Consider every form of transportation, including flights, trains, ferries, taxis, and even bicycle rentals. Search for the best deals and compare prices as much as possible. Always set aside extra money for transportation—you never know when you’re going to make a last-minute trip to a nearby town or weekend stay at the beach!

Plan Your Room/Board Expenses

If these expenses are not included in the program fee, do some research on the best places to stay in the area you will be serving. Consider hotels, hostels, co-ops, and setting up a home-stay yourself. Be sure to make safety the number one priority in your search, but also investigate where you can get the best deal in terms of location to your project site. Also, do a little research on food prices in your area. Chances are you will have access to great markets and venders, so the cost of your meals will be considerably low.

Make a List

Start thinking of things you need before you travel EARLY. Once you have decided on a program, be sure to do some research on the climate, culture, and terrain of your service site. Make a list of things you may need before going—such as a hiking backpack, walking shoes, and appropriate attire—which all add up quickly! Do your best to search for sales and clearances for these items, check out options on EBay, and ask friends and family for things you can easily borrow!

Set a Fixed Budget

Consider what you are willing/able to spend for things such as additional travel, entertainment, and gifts. Also, if you have a home-stay, be sure to get your host family a gift prior to your arrival! Do not allow yourself to go over the amount you have set!

Search for Discounts and Scholarships

Look for discounts on traveling and scholarships for volunteering abroad. The best way to find a discount is to ask for one! Some airlines offer free flights to volunteers and many organizations offer scholarships or assistance. Rotary Clubs are notorious for providing financial help, so write a letter! If you are a student, present your student identification card everywhere you go, you will be surprised how many places offer discounts to students—they just don’t advertise it!

Create a Spreadsheet

Track every expense you pay for using your volunteer travel account—noting what you paid for and the price. This will be especially helpful when you reach your project site so you will not be spending more money than you had originally budgeted for. There is no reason to go over your budget if it is realistic!

Round Your Numbers

Each time you spend money, round up a little. Each time you deposit money, round down a little. This will allow for a small margin of error in the math you may do on your spreadsheet and will ensure you have a bit of money left after you return from your trip.

Sublet

If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time—one month or longer, consider subletting your apartment or home. Because you will not be staying there, if you can find someone you trust there is no reason for you to pay rent while you are volunteering abroad.

Do you have more budget travel tips? Post them below!