English 
Updated on February 26th, 2025
How are your plans for the Christmas break shaping up? Christmas for me usually means spending time with family, but this is not without its challenges, bearing in mind we live at opposite ends of the world (they are in Australia).
But this year will be different.
I have a new partner for starters (actually a fiancé which after 10 years on my own is still not rolling off the tongue!) and am looking forward to our first proper festive period together.
Except it’s not.
Well, not for me at least.
Because what Larry does every year is spend his Christmas volunteering with a homeless charity.
So, I am joining him doing something I have wanted to for years and we are spending Christmas Eve to Boxing Day helping out those who have hit hard times.
And between that and the fact that Thursday 5th December is International Volunteer Day, I thought I’d write to you this week about volunteering abroad.
Back when I first started my journey, I chose to volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary in Namibia for two weeks. I can honestly say it was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. During that time, I walked alongside cheetahs, got clambered over by baboons, bitten by a meerkat, slept literally next to lions and even battled a bushfire (that one was actually really scary! You can read all about the experience HERE). For all the details check out my blog posts about my week one and two experiences via the links, or see the whole thing for yourself on my video HERE.
Volunteering during your travels allows you to experience the world in a deeper way. To connect with communities, give back, and immerse yourself in local cultures – all while exploring new destinations. Therefore, I thought it would be useful to explore how to organise a volunteer trip, highlight some of the best ethical organisations to consider, and guide you through important things to keep in mind as you plan your journey.
Why Volunteer While Traveling?
Volunteering abroad is an incredible way to enrich your travel experience, offering more than just sightseeing.
Deepen Your Cultural Experience: Volunteering allows you to immerse yourself in a new culture by working alongside locals. It’s an opportunity to see beyond the tourist spots and learn about the daily lives of people in the region you’re visiting.
Give Back: Many of you may be looking for ways to travel with purpose. Volunteering provides a chance to make a positive impact, whether you’re helping with conservation efforts, teaching, or supporting community development.
Meet Like-Minded People: Volunteering often brings together people from all walks of life who share common values. You’ll have the chance to meet fellow travellers who, like you, want to contribute and explore the world in a meaningful way.
Personal Growth: Engaging in volunteer work can be incredibly rewarding. The challenges you face and the connections you make will lead to personal growth, new skills, and unforgettable experiences.
How Do You Organise a Volunteering Trip?
If volunteering abroad sounds appealing to you, here’s how to get started:
Identify Your Interests: Think about what kind of volunteer work excites you. Are you passionate about education, wildlife conservation, women’s empowerment, or healthcare? Finding a cause you’re passionate about will make your experience more fulfilling.
Research Ethical Organisations: Not all volunteer programs are created equal. It’s important to choose an ethical organisation that ensures your work benefits the local community and isn’t exploitative. Take time to research organisations with positive reputations for sustainable, long-term impact.
Consider Your Skills: Think about what skills you bring to the table. Many programs welcome volunteers of all skill levels, but certain roles (like teaching, healthcare, or technical assistance) may require specific expertise. Even if you don’t have specialized skills, your enthusiasm and willingness to help can make a big difference!
Decide on Your Location: Volunteering opportunities exist all over the world. From rural schools in Africa to wildlife reserves in South America, consider the type of environment and culture you’d like to experience.
Popular Travel Destinations for First-Time Travellers
Here are some trusted organisations that offer ethical volunteer opportunities around the world (click on the links to explore the organisations further):
WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms): WWOOF connects volunteers with organic farms where you can help with daily tasks in exchange for room and board. It’s perfect if you love the outdoors and want to learn about sustainable agriculture.
GVI (Global Vision International): GVI offers a variety of volunteer programs, including wildlife conservation, marine conservation, and community development. They are known for their strong ethical standards and long-term community partnerships.
Projects Abroad: This organisation offers a wide range of volunteer programs, from teaching and healthcare to environmental conservation. They also have special programmes designed for older volunteers (aged 50 and over), which may make it easier for you to find a suitable fit.
Habitat for Humanity: If you’re passionate about helping others build a safe home, Habitat for Humanity organises volunteer opportunities worldwide. You can get involved in projects that help build housing for communities in need.
Earthwatch: If you’re more interested in environmental conservation, Earthwatch connects volunteers with scientific research projects around the world, helping to protect endangered species and ecosystems.
Important Considerations for Volunteering Abroad
Before you commit to a volunteer trip, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Choose Ethical Organisations: It’s crucial to select a program that is ethical and sustainable. Avoid organisations that exploit vulnerable communities or contribute to “voluntourism”—short-term volunteer trips that don’t provide long-term benefits to local people. Look for organisations with a track record of responsible, community-focused initiatives.
Prepare Mentally and Physically: Volunteering can be both emotionally and physically demanding. Depending on the program, you may need to be prepared for long days of work or challenging conditions. Do some research to make sure you’re ready for the realities of your chosen project.
Cultural Sensitivity: When volunteering abroad, you’ll be working in communities with customs, traditions, and lifestyles different from your own. It’s important to approach your experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn and adapt. Respect local norms and remember that you’re there to contribute – not to impose your way of life.
Check Visa and Health Requirements: Depending on the country, you may need a specific visa for volunteering. Make sure you understand the entry requirements, and research any necessary vaccinations or medications before you go. It’s also a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Time Commitment: Some programs require a longer commitment than others. While a two-week volunteer stint may work for some, other projects might require several months to have a meaningful impact. Be realistic about how much time you can commit.
In summary, volunteering while traveling allows you to see the world in a more meaningful and personal way. Whether you’re teaching English in a small village, helping preserve wildlife, or supporting a women’s empowerment project, you’ll leave with unforgettable experiences and a sense of accomplishment. While you gain deeper insights into the places you visit, build friendships and memories that last a lifetime, your volunteer work can have a lasting positive effect on the communities and environments you help.
So, have you volunteered abroad before? Or would you like to? I’d love to hear your thoughts. 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.
This week, over on YouTube, we are back on the stunning North Coast 500 drive in Scotland. If you are looking for a relaxing watch which features jaw-dropping views and a beach to rival any I have seen in the Caribbean, then check out my account of the drive from iconic Kylesku Bridge to the pristine white sands of Achmelvich Beach. See it for yourself HERE.
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Until next time,
Safe Travels
Sue x
PS. Have you joined my new Facebook Group yet? It’s called Women Over 40 Who Love Travel – Transform Through Travel and it will be a fantastic place to come and connect with other like-minded women as well as get any of your travel questions answered by me. In addition, I will be going LIVE over there regularly with travel inspiration, ideas, tips and support. I hope to see you there. Stay tuned for what’s coming up.
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 – Volunteering in a Wildlife Sanctuary in Namibia – Week Two
Video – North Coast 500 – Kylesku Bridge to Achmelvich Beach Adventure
🏠 For accommodation, I use Booking.com. They have their Genius loyalty scheme 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 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 Wing you 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 Skyscanner or join Jacks Flight Club which scans the internet for error fares (UK only).
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce.
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