volunteer travel
Volunteer travel trips give something more than just fond memories; tips and recommendations to give back while you Wander.
My Divine Adventure
I am a nomad. Solo travel has become second nature and my way of life. Living out of a suitcase and changing airports, flights, hotels, cultures, scenery and time zones has become the only constant in my life and there is no other path I would choose to follow.
The 10 Best Reasons to Volunteer Abroad
Everyone that has volunteered abroad has shared stories about how it’s changed their life and they are so happy they did it. If you’re unsure about working hard in a remote location when you’re abroad instead of having fun drinking and sitting on the beach, we’ve gathered the top 10 reasons why you should take the step to volunteer abroad. Everyone has a different reason for doing it, but we guarantee some of these will speak to you and make up your mind.
Katherine RundellPublished 4 years ago in WanderPros & Cons of Living & Working in Hostels
Sometimes things backfire on you when you least expect it. And for me, it was definitely unexpected, but at the same time, awesome that I found out about this. If there's anything I regret about this, it's that I wish I took the chance sooner. Let me give you some more information on what I'm talking about in case the title just doesn't do it for you.
Mister A S H E RPublished 4 years ago in WanderI Visited The Kremlin
When I first began to think of going to Moscow and the counting of Rubles, the official currency of Russia, I think of Shakespeare’s famous plays. I began to imagine an ancient city, as old and quaint as my imagination can fathom. Moscow counts as a very modern city dotted here and there by relics of the hay days of capitalist reign, an impression that still lingers on her shoulder. Yet, the monasteries, which I visited and the famous cathedrals that have survived far more dramatic threats are under some kind of reconstruction. My mind’s eye can still glaze at the unbreakable Kremlin Walls and hovering Towers and the Red Square where many wonderful, and truly elaborate parades must have taken place through the centuries, watched by Czars and other great figures of the day.
Andrew Benson GreenePublished 4 years ago in WanderThe Africa Journal
(Times are in military time.) 6/21/07 1848 - Washington/Dulles airport. First leg of trip done. The flight was good, a little bumpy leaving Denver. I have a 3 hour layover then on to Heathrow. I’m travelling with Mary F. and Lorraine S. Mary is a Nurse Practitioner. Lorraine is an RN. Mary is sweet and has gentle energy. Lorraine is a go-getter. I’m somewhere in between. I think this will be fun. Art had a hard time this morning with me leaving. I’m betting he cried on the way home. Strangely I didn’t feel like crying. I felt like it at first but was ok after a short time.
Hilary MiminguaquayPublished 6 years ago in Wander18 and Moving to Africa (Pt. 1)
18 sometimes seems too young to just get up and move away, especially to a third world country. Experiencing culture shock for the first time, teaching, the best roomie ever, and one crazy spoiled brat, the old me was gone! Yet if I didn't take this opportunity, I know I wouldn't be as successful as I am today.
Ginger SnapPublished 6 years ago in WanderGrowing Up Outside
I didn't have what you might call a "normal childhood," complete with cops with AK-47s, testy border crossings, and rivers filled with snakes and piranhas. And I don't say snakes lightly. Picture a 9f t long anaconda. Or feisty black mambas. Or cobras climbing up your screen door. #JustGirlyThings
Lorde JacobsonPublished 6 years ago in Wander8 Reasons to Volunteer Abroad: Why Everyone Who Can, Should
International citizen service (ICS) was founded by the UK Government to give young people who might not otherwise afford to, the chance to serve others around the world. The projects on the program were done so to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development in the host country. However, the program also aims to develop volunteers' personal and “hard” skills while providing them with a more rounded and immersive view of international development.
Adventures from the Back of a Cop Car in Cusco, Peru
If you know me, you will find this recollection to be (hopefully) amusing, and not entirely unexpected. If you don't know me, you will most likely just be worried for me and my well being as I go forward in life. Which is okay, because so am I. First, some light backstory to get you warmed up for the traumatic events to come. I travelled to Cusco, Peru for 5 weeks to volunteer after my second year of university. I arrived on Sunday, May 6th after what genuinely felt like 3 years of travelling. Also keep in mind a huge language barrier. By huge, I mean I, at this point, could maybe count to 10 in Spanish. And that was on a good day. Anyway, I got to my volunteer centre and got all my information, the address of the house I would be staying at, the names and background of the couple I would be staying with and my volunteer placement. Also a map. The man behind the counter asked me if I needed him to mark on the map where my house was. I, being me, said no and that I could do it myself, which I did. Then I took a taxi to the house, a bright pink home with a tall white gate surrounding it. After this I took a bus with my housemates to get lunch before my volunteer orientation at 2pm. I brought only my wallet and phone because what else would I need?
Jane PanasiukPublished 6 years ago in WanderWhy I Chose Haiti...
Ayiti, beautiful Haiti! I love Haiti for a number of reasons, all tied to how this nation changed my life. Although the country is known for being poverty-stricken and high in human trafficking, there are so many beautiful things about this country that we fail to openly discuss. My goal is to share Haiti's magic and explain to you why I chose to give my heart to the people here. I am forever grateful for my time and opportunity in the land of high mountains!
Alyssa ReneePublished 6 years ago in WanderWhy Volunteering Overseas Has Changed My Life
Fresh out of high school, young, adventurous, and ready to take on the world. My rather audacious dreams of just hopping on a plane and saying goodbye to reality and every ounce of familiarity were all coming oh so real. You see, when I first had made the commitment to spend my first year out of high school volunteering overseas, I truly had no idea—I had no idea how much of an impact this would drastically have on my life. I had no idea that there would be such a presence of joy, self-discovery, and empowerment. I was clueless about the impact that would come as a side effect of volunteering. This is the radical story of how I truly discovered who I am, by the act of serving others.
Sarah RobinsonPublished 6 years ago in WanderVolunteering in Ghana
In July 2016 I decided to do some voluntary work in Ghana, Africa, at a hospital up in the picturesque mountains of Kwahu. My experience was incredibly humbling. As soon as I'd stepped out of the rickety taxi I'd taken from the airport to my new home for six weeks, I fell in love. In love with the school children playing shoeless in the dirt, the chickens and cows running freely around the town and the colourful stalls selling anything from bananas to banku.