Achieving Backpacker Volunteer Stories Through Volunteer Tourism – All You Need to Know
Backpacker volunteer stories are very interesting and inspiring. There are different ways that people get involved in volunteer tourism. Some backpackers simply go to developing countries and offer their services to local NGOs or charities. Others may join a pre-planned volunteer tourism trip where all the arrangements, such as accommodation and food, are taken care of by the tour company.
What is Volunteer Tourism?
It is the act of traveling to help people in developing countries. Often, volunteers will stay at lodges or hostels where they can meet travelers from around the world. While many will do this as part of a pre-planned organization tour, others simply travel independently to these places and offer their skills to local organizations that need help.
While many will have the best intentions at heart, it’s important to ensure that you are simply taking part in volunteer tourism rather than “voluntourism.” A true voluntourist seeks out opportunities to help people. They’re not looking for an easy way of getting off the beaten track; they seek genuine interactions with local people. Below are some tips on what you should do if you want to be a voluntourist.
Organize a Volunteer Trip
More and more people are traveling to developing countries with the sole purpose of helping those living there. There is a growing need for volunteers who can contribute to projects that will benefit both visitors and locals alike. At least check out what kinds of opportunities you have at home before you leave so you know how best to help out once you’re overseas. It is these kinds of organizing that will give you some fruitful memories of backpacker volunteer stories.
Make Topics, and Ideas
If you want to be a volunteer, you must not only provide help but also make some ideas and suggestions. For example, if you give English courses as a volunteer, then plan the topics that students can study. You can even create your lesson for students or ask for their interests before teaching them. That is why it’s important to make ideas and suggestions rather than simply doing what others tell you to do without contributing anything of your own.
Choose a Venue
There are many ways to get involved in volunteer tourism. You can go through a tour company, or you can simply backpack your way to a destination and look for local organizations who could use help. It’s important to be aware that not all volunteer tourism is created equal. Some companies operate with less than honorable intentions. So, it’s important to do your research before choosing a company to work with.
Pre-survey the Site
Don’t just grab a backpack and go if you want to have some exciting backpacker volunteer stories added to your resume. Before you begin your journey, you should create a packing list and ensure that you have everything that you need to be successful. Of course, when we say “everything” we mean the essentials such as warm clothes and rain gear in addition to things like chargers and adapters before leaving home. Furthermore, if possible, try to buy something in the local area so it can be given away rather than bringing unnecessary items from home with no use once your trip is over.
You’ll meet many different travelers during volunteer tourism. It’s great to get involved with others who are also eager for the hands-on experience abroad.
Contact the Local Government
Once you’re there, it’s important to contact the local government and introduce yourself as a volunteer. If possible, ask about opportunities that may involve working with children or young adults. Not only does this mean that you’ll be helping those who need it most but also so you can gain even more experience as a volunteer tourist.
More than anything else, volunteering should be fun! By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure your short-term trip will have an impact on those around you while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Things to Prepare for a Volunteer Trip
For a volunteer trip to be of utmost success and to gain experience in backpacker volunteer stories, it would be advisable to have the below ready prior to departure.
1. A Passport
You need a passport to travel, so you have to prepare beforehand if you want to go on volunteer trips abroad. You can check the requirements from your local government’s website. If possible, apply for a tourist visa before going on a trip as this will help you save money and time. There are different kinds of visas depending on your country of origin, so be sure to ask your local government about how to apply for one.
2. Travel Documents
In addition to a passport, make sure that you always have travel documents with you at all times when traveling abroad. Many countries require visitors to show proof of return or onward travel when entering their nations which means that if you lose them then there’s no coming back until you get a new document. It’s best to scan your important documents and email them to yourself so you have access to them even if you lose your physical copies.
3. Immunization Records
Some countries require visitors to present immunization records when entering, so it’s best to check with the embassy of the country you will be visiting beforehand. Make sure that you are up-to-date on all required vaccines and take any necessary medications if needed.
4. Money
Make sure that you have enough money saved up for your trip. This includes airfare, accommodation, food, and other expenses while traveling. Keep in mind that some volunteer trips may have additional costs such as program fees or donations. Try to budget your funds appropriately.
Participants
Participants are an important part of the volunteer tourism process, and their involvement can vary greatly depending on the type of trip they take. Generally speaking, there are three types of participants in a volunteer tourism setting: the host community, the sending community, and the volunteers themselves.
Host Community – The host community is the location where there are volunteers together with work. They are generally from a developing country and have little to no resources to offer volunteers. This is often due to poverty or natural disasters that have occurred in the area.
Sending Community – The sending community is typically made up of people who reside in developed countries. They may be friends, family members, or strangers of the volunteer. They are for raising funds to send the volunteer abroad as well as providing support to them while they are away.
Volunteers – The volunteers are the people who travel to the host community to work. They come from all over the world and have a wide range of skills and experience to offer. Generally, they are looking for an immersive cultural experience that allows them to give back to communities in need.
Detail Plan for Volunteer Tourism
Before the trip, try to find out as much information about your destination as you can. This includes what to expect in terms of weather, climate, social customs, religious beliefs, etc. so that you are prepared during your trip. The success of any trip depends on prior planning and also will add some perfect backpacker volunteer stories to your memory lane.
Agree on Start and End Dates
Agree on dates with your host community before you go. This is important because it means that the entire volunteer group will be focused on completing a project at the same time and allows for better planning.
Try to plan out your trip beforehand to ensure that you have enough money to cover all of the expenses associated with travel, and budget everything in advance to avoid any problems while you’re away. It’s also a good idea to ask your sending community what kind of information they would like from you when you arrive so they can keep updated.
Get to know your group members before going on a trip so you know who will be traveling with you and how much time is needed for everyone’s involvement. Each group member must work together during their stay.
Prepare Actionable Items in Advance First
This step is important to ensure success in the trip. This will ensure that there aren’t any problems arising from lack of preparation, and it can speed up the process of completing your project.
Find out what the destination’s climate and weather system typically like before you go so that you can plan accordingly. Knowing how much time is needed at the destination and what kind of clothing to bring along with you can make a big difference in terms of comfort and success within your volunteer work.
Make sure everyone involved agrees on rules and boundaries for how they will contribute their time and energy towards completing tasks as a team. This means discussing schedule changes, communicating effectively during emergencies, having backup plans if anyone has to leave early, etc., making sure everything runs smoothly.
Group Meeting and Assign Work to Each Member
Upon arrival, have a group meeting with the host community to introduce everyone and explain the project that you will be working on while you are there. This also allows you to get an idea of the expectations from them and how they would like to work together.
After the meeting, it’s important to delegate specific tasks to each participant for completion of work. This helps to ensure that everyone knows what their role is and can work together productively.
Assign Roles and Responsibilities
Be sure to have a clear understanding of everyone’s roles and responsibilities. This allows for better communication and avoids any confusion or conflict while you are away.
Make sure to have a debriefing meeting with your group when returning from the trip to discuss what went well, what could be improved upon, and how everyone felt about the experience. This helps to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility among group members.
What is the Cost of the Volunteer Travel Itinerary?
The cost of volunteer travel can vary depending on the destination, length of stay, and type of project. Generally, it is less expensive than a traditional holiday but more expensive than a regular backpacking trip.
Please make sure you have enough money saved up to cover all your expenses before going on a volunteer trip. This includes airfare, accommodation, food, and other associated costs.
How Many Days Should the Trip Be?
The duration of your volunteer trip will depend on the type of project you choose to participate in. Most trips last around two weeks. However, some projects are shorter or longer depending on the needs of the host community.
It’s important to plan out your trip beforehand. This way you can ensure that you have enough time to fully participate in the project and enjoy the destination. You should not rush or overwhelm while trying to do volunteer work.
Memories and meanings from the trip
It’s important to keep in mind that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Take the time to explore the culture, landscape, and people around you. This will show that you can truly appreciate your opportunity to volunteer abroad.
Remember to take good care of yourself during your trip as well. This is true especially if it is your first time traveling extensively by yourself or with friends. Check out our other blog posts for more helpful advice on how to be an awesome backpacker!
Immmerse Yourself in the Common Joy
This sure is one of the questions on your mind is whether or not volunteer travel is safe. The truth is that it can be, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind before undertaking a trip.
Firstly, do your research and find a reputable organization that can provide you with support throughout your journey. Also, be sure to read reviews from other travelers before making a decision.
Secondly, make sure you are aware of the local laws and customs of the destination country. It’s important to respect these as you are a guest in their community. Always ask for permission before taking any photographs and be aware of how you are portraying the host community to others.
Lastly, ensure that you have adequate travel insurance in case of any unexpected incidents. This will help to protect you financially in case of any problems.
The bottom line is that volunteer travel is an amazing way to experience a new culture while helping out those who need it. Just be sure to do your research and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
World Famous Charity Tourism Organizations
Operation Groundswell, Have Fun Do Good, GOOD Travel, and Build Abroad are a few of the many volunteer tourism organizations that send people abroad to work on sustainable projects. Investing your time in one of these organizations will definitely pave your way to earning some inspiring backpacker volunteer stories.
Conclusion
To conclude, volunteer tourism is a great way to experience backpacker volunteer stories. Moreover, it is not only a rewarding way to travel but also makes lasting impressions in the lives of the locals you visit. These are all reputable organizations that offer incredible volunteer experiences. So, what are you waiting for? Go make an impact! Remember to always prepare yourself with your survival skills at least by watching survival skills from reality tv shows. Also learning how to use a compass would be of immense advantage. These tips will be sure to help you out in time! All the best!
