As a volunteer you get to dive into new cultures, help communities that build better lives for themselves, and learn new life skills. But remember, like any travel genre, there are some risks involved in volunteering travel as well. These could be health issues for you like diseases or even safety problems like local crimes. So, staying safe and healthy should be at the top of your list if you are planning a volunteering trip. Here is a handy guide to help you out!
- Research and Prepare Before You Go
Getting ready is key for a smooth volunteering trip. Make sure that you look up information and understand the local area, health risks prevalent there, and any cultural differences you might face. Here are some important steps:
a. Know Local Health Risks
Each country has its own health risks. It is important to learn about common diseases and what vaccinations you might need for where you are going. Some places have outbreaks of illnesses like malaria or cholera. The CDC and WHO have the latest info on health risks around the globe.
b. Get Vaccinated
Depending on where you visit, vaccines may be needed before you go. Here are a few common ones that travelers often need:
- Yellow Fever: Required in many African and South American areas.
- Hepatitis A and B: Suggested for most developing countries.
- Typhoid: Important if sanitation is not great.
- Tetanus: Keep your shot current! Especially if you are working in rural spots or doing manual labor.
Talk to a travel health clinic or your doctor about vaccinations at least 6-8 weeks before you leave.
c. Pack a First Aid Kit
A simple first aid kit can really save the day! This is super helpful if medical help is far away. Here are some must-haves:
- Antiseptic wipes
- Band-aids and bandages
- Antihistamines for allergies
- Pain relievers (like ibuprofen)
- Anti-diarrheal meds (like Imodium)
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Any prescription medicines (make sure they are labeled)
- Practice Good Hygiene and Food Safety
In many developing countries, ensuring the availability of safe food and water may require your attention. As volunteers, you may often get to work in rural areas where safety standards are different from what you know. Stay healthy by doing this:
a. Water Safety
Drinking dirty water can lead to serious illnesses like cholera or typhoid. Keep these tips in mind:
- Drink bottled or filtered water.
- Boil tap water for at least one minute before drinking.
- Use purification tablets if you are not sure about water safety.
- Skip ice in drinks it might come from unclean water!
b. Food Safety
Eating unfamiliar or poorly prepared food can make you sick. Try these tips:
- Make sure your food is cooked all the way through.
- Avoid raw fruits and veggies unless you can peel them yourself.
- Be cautious with street food only eat it if you are sure It is safe!
- Wash your hands or use sanitizer before meals.
- Stay Physically Safe
Staying safe is just as important as being healthy while you are abroad. It is true that not every place has high risks, but it is definitely wise to stay alert.
a. Personal Security
Before you travel, check how safe your host country is. Some areas may have higher crime rates or unrest troubles. Here are some tips:
- Register with your embassy when you arrive so they can find you easily in emergencies.
- Stay away from protests they can get out of hand swiftly.
- Keep a low profile in areas with crime; do not show off expensive things.
- Stick to bright places that are busy, especially at night.
- Carry copies of your passport and visa; keep originals safe in a hotel safe.
- Trust your gut! If something feels off, leave quickly!
b. Know the Local Laws
Laws can be very different from your home. What’s okay where you are from might be illegal there. For instance, some countries have strict drug laws with no tolerance level for the smallest amounts of marijuana. Learning about local laws helps avoid accidental trouble.
c. Use Reliable Transportation
Transportation can be risky sometimes due to poor infrastructure in certain areas.
So remember:
- Use trusted taxi services or ride-sharing apps when possible.
- Do not take overcrowded or badly maintained buses/train rides.
- If driving, know the driving rules and rent only from good agencies.
Always wear seatbelts or helmets whether or not needed.
- Mental Health: Stay Connected and Maintain Wellbeing
Volunteering abroad is not always easy on the mind and emotions especially in tough places like disaster areas or poor communities. Volunteers might feel homesick or overwhelmed sometimes but maintaining your mental well-being is super important.
a. Stay in Touch
Keep connected with family/friends back home to ease those lonely feelings and absolutely keep them informed about where you are.
Set regular time intervals to check-in.
Use WhatsApp, Skype, or email whatever works best!
b. Build a Support System
Make friends with other volunteers or locals who can support you emotionally this helps during hard times and makes things happier overall.
c. Recognize Burnout Signs
Feeling overwhelmed? Tired? You might be hitting burnout! Take breaks when needed practice self-care too. It is essential for both your safety and ability to help others effectively.
- Adapt to Local Culture
Understanding the local culture is really important when you are volunteering abroad. Different cultures have unique customs that may surprise you!
a. Learn Basic Language Phrases
Pick up some key phrases in the local language like “can I get some water?; I would like some help with this; Hello, how are you? – even just simple greetings go a long way! They let the locals know you are trying!
b. Respect Local Customs
Some actions might seem normal but are not seen that way everywhere dressing modestly in conservative countries may be required. It is important to make yourself familiar with local practices so you may avoid misunderstandings.
c. Engage with the Community
Join cultural activities and show interest in local traditions. Engaging kindly helps build trust among locals which will not only enrich your time but also help keep things safe too!
- Emergency Planning
Even with all your preparation work done well you never know what might happen! So having an emergency plan matters immensely.
a. Know Emergency Numbers
You must absolutely learn local emergency numbers for police, women helpline, fire services, etc. these usually will not match those from back home (like 911).
b. Have an Evacuation Plan
In case of natural disasters or unrest It is smart to know what needs doing fast find nearest exits and shelters—and pack an emergency kit of essentials like flashlights and cash whether at home/abroad.
c. Purchase Travel Insurance
It is really smart to get travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuations and trip cancellations while volunteering abroad this way if anything goes wrong you will receive proper care without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Volunteering abroad gives you some awesome chances for positive change while helping yourself grow too! Still you must keep safety/health matters right upfront for things to go well and truly fulfilling experiences come around too a proactive approach helps so much by keeping aware during travels so go forth live joyfully and volunteer happily across different cultures too. So, safe travels to you and have fun volunteering!!
