Connect with a global community of volunteers to get information on where you will be traveling, as well as gather ideas for how to raise funds to travel and what to pack for your trip.
General Travel Advice Sites
- http://www.lonelyplanet.com/
- http://www.bootsnall.com/
- http://www.studentuniverse.com/?cobrandCode=gooverseas
- http://www.travelfish.org/
- http://www.travelyourself.ca/
- http://www.statravel.com/?from_US=true
- http://www.energizeinc.com/art/subj/Benefits.html
- http://www.journeywoman.com/
- http://www.travelgogirl.com/
Fundraising
- http://greenhearttravel.org/resources/participants/fundraising#goal
- http://projecttravel.com/
- http://www.gooverseas.com/blog/40-fundraising-ideas-study-abroad
Packing Articles and Advice
- http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-tips/choosing-the-right-backpack/
- http://www.gooverseas.com/blog/what-not-to-pack-volunteering-abroad
- http://www.travelfish.org/travel-planning/howto-pick-good-backpack
- http://www.travelinsurancereview.net/2012/12/17/volunteer-trip-packing-list/
Country Profiles
While Greenheart Travel is a bit biased when it comes to sharing our awesome volunteer blogs, here are a few other suggestions to help you learn a bit more about where you will be volunteering and what to expect when you arrive.
- http://greenhearttravel.org/blog/finder
- http://www.statravel.com/blog/
- http://blog.projecttravel.com/
- http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/
- http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/volunteer-abroad/
- http://www.gooverseas.com/blog/first-time-volunteer-guide-to-volunteering-abroad
- http://www.gooverseas.com/blog/why-you-should-volunteer-on-your-career-break-abroad
Greenheart Travel registers you with your Embassy in your destination country. In case of a natural disaster or national safety issue, Embassy officials will contact you to make sure you’re aware of any warnings or evacuations, and they will inform you of your options to ensure your safety. That said, you should still keep the following tips in mind:
- When in larger towns and cities be weary of pick pocketing
- In restaurants or internet cafes don’t leave your bag hanging on the back of your chair
- Keep your belongings in your sight at all times
- If riding public buses long distances, keep belongings in your lap if possible
- Don’t walk alone at night, even in remote areas where crime levels are low
- Always go places with a buddy, never alone whenever possible
- Follow your instincts – if you see someone eyeing you or your bags, they are probably scheming up a plan to take them!
- Don’t drink alcohol to excess or do drugs – you will make yourself more vulnerable to crime
- Don’t drive – traffic laws and road conditions may be very different than what you’re used to and accidents often occur due to these differences
- Always exercise caution and common sense
Choosing items to bring along with you on your volunteer abroad project can be difficult, especially with limited packing space. Below we have picked some items that we have found useful on such projects. The following are some suggestions for some items that come in handy when volunteering abroad. (Note that these are in addition to your general packing list included in your packet)
- Travel towel
- Travel alarm clock
- Baby wipes (good for cleaning up and work as makeup remover)
- High socks
- Journal/diary or small notebook
- Watch
- Ear plugs
- Head torch (works as a reading light or walking around at night)
- Flash drive
- Small flashlight
- Hand Sanitizer
- Anti-itch cream
- Antihistamines
- Antacids
- Sealable Plastic Bags
- Light Sweaters
- Plug converter
- Laundry line (string to hang clothes)
- Small packets of laundry detergent
- Photo copy of passport
- Light Rain Jacket
- Sunglasses
- Packs of tissue
- Pouch to store money and passport under clothing
What to Expect When You Finish the Program
Upon your return, you will need to take some time to go through an adjustment period- re-orienting yourself with your daily schedule and way of life. Often times, participants experience “reverse culture shock.” Having an eye-opening experience abroad is definitely something that will change you, and you will want to share these incredible travel stories. Sometimes the most challenging part of adjusting to life back home is not being able to express and connect with family and friends about your experiences.
You can expect to have your contact at Greenheart Travel to be in touch about a week or so after you get back (we want to give you some time to rest!) to see how your program went and how you are adjusting. We want to hear all about your experiences and help you make the transition home.
Evaluating Your Experience
We will also do a quick exit interview to evaluate your experience on the program. We always appreciate feedback from our participants to make sure we are providing the best travel program possible.
Sharing Your Stories
Want to show off your travel adventures during or after your program? We love sharing our participants’ stories, pictures and videos with our travel community, and are always looking to feature new travel writers. If you are interested in being a blogger during your program, or sharing your story and experience when you return. Don’t hesitate to contact your program manager on how you can get involved.
Stay in Touch With US!
We would love to have you stay in touch with us once your program is complete, and here are a few ways you can connect with fellow travelers: