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A Different Kind of December: New Beginnings and New Adventures
Celebrate International Volunteers Day and discover how volunteering at home or abroad can enrich your travels, inspire gratitude, and create meaningful impact
This year, International Volunteers Day (5th December) feels especially poignant.
For the first time, I’m writing about this as a married woman (still getting used to saying that!) and in just a few weeks I’ll be taking my new husband, Larry, to Australia for the very first time. It’s incredibly exciting… and perhaps just a little daunting for him. Meeting the entire Aussie family in one hit is no small feat!
But as my thoughts turn to Christmas, my heart pulls back to where we were last year—spending Christmas Eve to Boxing Day volunteering with Crisis in London, supporting people experiencing homelessness.
It was one of the most impactful experiences of my life.
We gave up our Christmas, but it gave us so much more in return:
Gratitude for all we have.
Connection with people who rarely encounter kindness.
And that indescribable feeling of knowing—even if only for a moment—you made someone’s world a little lighter.
If you are in the UK and would like to get involved this year, then act NOW as places fill up quickly. Alternatively, if giving up your time is not an option for you, then you can donate a Christmas meal instead. Find all the details HERE.
I desperately hope many of the people we met won’t need Crisis again this year, though I know that may not be the case. The reality continues to be hard, which is why International Volunteers Day is so important. It reminds us that showing up matters, whether at home or halfway around the world.
And with that in mind, I want to revisit something close to my heart: how volunteering abroad can transform your travels.
Why Volunteering Matters More Than Ever
Volunteering abroad isn’t just about helping others—it’s about shifting the way you see the world and your place in it. When I first began my solo journey, one of the most transformative things I did was spend two weeks volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary in Namibia.
I walked alongside cheetahs, was clambered over by baboons, bitten by a meerkat, slept beside lions, and even battled a real bushfire. It was raw, challenging, exhilarating, and unforgettable.
You can read more about that adventure here:
- The terrifying Bushfire Experience
- Week One in the Wildlife Sanctuary (being manhandled by baboons and meeting the San People – direct descendants of original man)
- Week Two in the Wildlife Sanctuary (feeding the carnivores, walking with cheetahs, sleeping with lions. Just your average week, really! 😉)
- Or, watch the full video experience HERE.
That trip shaped how I travel today—and how I encourage other women in midlife to travel with purpose.
Why Volunteer While Traveling?
- Deepen Your Cultural Experience: Volunteering lets you share daily life with local communities, far beyond tourist routes.
- Give Back Meaningfully: If you want your travels to have purpose, volunteering offers the chance to leave a positive footprint.
- Meet Like-Minded People: You’ll often find yourself surrounded by people who share your values and your desire to make a difference.
- Experience Personal Growth: Volunteering challenges you, stretches you, and gives you stories and connections that stay with you forever.
How to Organise a Volunteering Trip
- Identify Your Interests: Are you passionate about conservation? Education? Women’s empowerment? Wildlife?
- Research Ethical Organisations: Choose those that prioritise long-term, sustainable impact—not short-term voluntourism.
- Consider Your Skills: Whether you bring specialist knowledge or simply enthusiasm, there’s a place for you.
- Choose Your Location: Think about the environment and culture you want to immerse yourself in.
- Plan Your Budget: Most programs require you to fund flights, accommodation, and meals—so plan realistically.
Best Ethical Organisations for Volunteering Abroad
Here are some trusted, reputable organisations to explore:
- WWOOF – Organic farming placements with room and board.
- GVI (Global Vision International) – Conservation and community development programs.
- Projects Abroad – Wide range of opportunities, including programmes for volunteers aged 50+.
- Habitat for Humanity – Helping build safe housing worldwide.
- Earthwatch – Scientific research projects focused on endangered ecosystems.
Important Considerations Before Volunteering Abroad
- Choose Ethical Programs Carefully: Avoid projects that exploit vulnerable people or wildlife.
- Prepare Yourself Mentally and Physically: Some placements require resilience and long, demanding days.
- Practice Cultural Sensitivity: Arrive with open-mindedness, humility, and a willingness to learn.
- Check Visa and Health Requirements: Volunteer visas, vaccinations, and insurance may be needed. Click the links above for my top advice on all of these.
- Understand Time Commitments: Some meaningful contributions require more than a quick stay.
Why Volunteering Still Matters — At Home and Abroad
Volunteering—whether in your local community or across the world—gives you a deeper connection with people and places. It allows you to see life through a more compassionate lens. It also opens your heart to new stories, friendships, and experiences that forever change how you move through the world.
As I head into another December reflecting on last year’s Christmas with Crisis, preparing to take Larry to Australia, and celebrating International Volunteers Day, I’m reminded of one simple truth:
Showing up matters.
Kindness matters.
You matter.
Whether you’re planning a volunteering trip in 2026 or simply showing kindness to someone close to home, know that your actions make a difference.
So, {{ subscriber.first_name }}, do you have plans to donate your time in 2026 or have a volunteering experience that changed how you see the world? Hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details.
Fresh for 2026: New YouTube Playlists to Inspire Your Travels
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been working behind the scenes to freshen up my YouTube channel—and while there’s still more to come, I’ve already added a range of brand-new playlists to help you plan your 2026 adventures. I’ll be sharing a few each week which I hope will spark some inspiration or help you plan for your next trip. How about these for starters:
Travel to Scotland | Highlands and Islands
Caribbean Solo Travel for Women Over 40
Greek Islands Travel for Women Over 40
Hiking the Camino for Women over 50
South America Travel for Women
Bucket List Travel Ideas for Women Over 40
Namibian Adventures | Female Travel Over 40
You may spot a theme emerging! This year I am planning to make YouTube much more specific in my video output but don’t worry if you are not part of the demographic, you are very welcome and there are loads of videos which I am sure will help inspire you too! Have a browse and check out any that catch your eye. I hope they inspire your next chapter—wherever in the world you choose to say yes to next.
Did you find this email useful? If so, why not forward it to a friend?
Until next time,
Safe Travels
Sue x
This newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.
More of my Adventures…
Blog – Volunteering in a Wildlife Sanctuary in Namibia – Week One
Blog – How to Survive a Bushfire in Namibia
Video – Volunteering in an African nature reserve – Namibia & N/a’ankuse, Africa
And finally, just for you…Receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay
🏠 For accommodation, I use Expedia and Booking.com primarily. They have their own loyalty schemes which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.
🚍 For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide.
🚶♀️ For walking and food tours (two of my favourite things to do anywhere), I recommend Walks and Devour Tours.
🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.
🤞 I would never leave home without travel insurance. With Safety Wingyou can take out an annual policy and pay monthly. This takes the hassle out of having to remember for us regular travellers.
🛫 For cheap flights, check out Skyscanneror join Jacks Flight Clubwhich scans the internet for error fares (UK only).
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce
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