Volunteer Global

While these rules apply to all general travel, I'm writing them as though you're heading out to volunteer -- so don't be confused when I mention "host organization!"

If you have travel safety advice or links you'd like to contribute, email me and I'll post it here.

Packing

• Pack light -- it'll help you get around easier and you can keep track of what you've brought
• Bring a small, TSA approved lock for your bags both for traveling and for when you get to your host country
• Don't bring excessive valuables or money; wearing flashy jewelry or clothes will attract petty thieves
• Purchase a money belt to wear under your clothes -- you can store your passport and plane tickets here too
• Check with your host organization to see what they recommend you bring
• Arrange vaccinations with your doctor at least four or six weeks in advance. Check your options, both with your doctor and with your host organization, about obtaining your prescriptions, if you have any

Before You Go

• See if someone's going to be able to pick you up and drop you off at the airport
• Try to schedule your flight during daytime hours
• Research the area beforehand - check travel sites, read books, and speak with those who have been there before to see if there's anything specific to the area that you should watch out for
• Make sure others know your itinerary

Getting to and from the Project Site

• If you are taking a cab, make sure it's marked and that you've arranged the price beforehand. Don't take unmarked cabs, and make sure you watch where the driver's taking you
• Be sure to have the directions to your project site written in your language and in the host country's language, to avoid confusion
• When traveling anywhere, make sure you know where your belongings are at all times -- pack light so you have fewer things to look after

When You're There

• See if there's a place available for safekeeping your more valuable items, such as your passport, plane ticket, and extra money
• Check on your items often to make sure everything's in order
• If you're heading out to explore the area, bring others with you and let someone back at the base know where you're headed
• If you're staying in a hotel, keep your door bolted at all times -- if you're heading out, it might be good to leave a light on and a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your door, to prevent would-be thieves from breaking in
• Pay attention to your host organization's advice

Update 10/25/2010: Thank you to Kelly for sending along this awesome site with in-depth information on travel safety. Check it out!

Update 01/06/2011: Esther W. recommends visiting The Ultimate Guide to Travel Tips and Safety, via Coupon Cactus. This list compiles travel safety information from various agencies and organizations such as the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, and the Weather Channel. Thanks very much, Esther!

Update 03/08/2011: Anne H. recommends this travel guide at TravelInsurance.org, with the following description: "[It's] full of useful information for travelers, especially students. It goes over travel planning and checklists, travel safety, foreign travel, passports and visas, health while traveling, studying abroad and more." Thank you for sending, Anne--and to the students in Mrs. H's class, remember to travel safe and have fun wherever you go! :)