Every Share Helps!

Continuing the trend of things to ask your prospective volunteer travel organization, let’s take a look at five questions you might have after choosing your group. Note that “booking” here refers to signing on with the volunteer organization, and not booking your travel (flight, bus, etc.).

On which days should I arrive and depart?

Many volunteer travel groups have preferred arrival and departure dates, often due to orientation and training schedules or airport pickup and drop-off times.

It also may be difficult to travel to and from the project site; for example, if you volunteer with a rural organization in Brazil, it might take more than a day to bus between your airport and the program site. Knowing the location and how to get there is good to clear up even before booking your trip—if you have only one week to volunteer, it might be best to find a more convenient location.

What should and shouldn’t I pack?

Most volunteer travel organizations provide packing lists and guides for their participants. For example, they might alert you to cultural norms when it comes to clothing—wearing a two-piece swimsuit may be a faux pas in your host country. They can let you know what’s best to wear that time of year, or what items you may need particularly for the volunteer project, such as work gloves or boots.

Your host group also may provide necessities that you won’t need to pack, such as basic stomachache or headache relief. Check with your organization about what you will and will not need during your stay.

Can I get in touch with my host family?

Many international volunteers live with host families for the duration of the project. Oftentimes, the organization encourages the volunteer and family to get acquainted before the trip. This helps you learn more about life in your host country, and get a handle on what to expect when you arrive. You also might feel more at ease upon in-country arrival, knowing a little about your host family and the locals you might work with.

How can I contact my friends and family?

If you want to give periodic updates while volunteering, ask your host group about your options. This is particularly important to know before getting to your project site—you don’t want your loved ones expecting to hear from you when in fact they can’t.

For some ideas on keeping in touch during your travels, read this article at Vagabondish.

What if I get sick or hurt?

…Just in case! Accidents and sickness occasionally happen on the road, and it’s good to have backup plan if you need to leave for treatment or to end the program early. If a worst-case scenario occurs, what’s your transport to the closest hospital?

Remember to get travel insurance, and if you already have health insurance, check with your provider as to whether they cover travel related issues. If not—add it.

You might consider using the International Volunteer Card, which provides trip and health insurance for volunteers. For general information on travel and health insurance, as well as tips for safe travel, read this article by the U.S. Department of State.

Wrap-up

Aaaand that rounds out the two posts on things to ask your host volunteer organization—before and after you decide who to work with. Post any other tips and ideas below!

Photo credits: ho visto nina volare and Trees for the Future.