Voluntourism – Check List

Voluntourism

What to Bring & How to Behave for Voluntourism

Voluntourism is a unique blend of travel and volunteer work, offering a chance to contribute to a community or cause while experiencing a new culture. Preparation involves not only standard travel essentials but also specific considerations for the nature of your volunteer work and the local environment.

Here’s what travelers need to consider for Voluntourism:

What to Bring for Voluntourism:

Documentation & Finances:

  • Passport & Visa (if required): Ensure validity extends well beyond your stay.
  • Travel Insurance: Crucial! Make sure it covers volunteer work, medical emergencies, and emergency evacuation.
  • Program-Specific Documents: Confirmation from the volunteer organization, itinerary, and contact details.
  • Local Currency & Small Bills: For initial expenses, tips, and places that don’t accept cards.
  • Credit/Debit Cards: Inform your bank of your travel dates.
  • Photocopies/Digital Copies: Of all important documents (passport, visa, insurance) stored separately.

Health & Safety:

  • Medications: Adequate supply of any prescription medications, plus a copy of the prescription.
  • First-Aid Kit: Comprehensive, including pain relievers, band-aids, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, motion sickness pills, anti-diarrhea medication, rehydration salts, and insect bite relief.
  • Vaccination Records: Yellow Fever card, COVID-19 vaccination card, etc., as required.
  • Hand Sanitizer & Wet Wipes: For hygiene, especially where water may be scarce.
  • Insect Repellent: With DEET or picaridin, especially for tropical or rural areas.
  • Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses.

Appropriate Clothing (Comfortable, Practical, Respectful):

  • Layers: Adaptable to varying temperatures throughout the day and in different environments.
  • Durable Work Clothes: For manual labor, construction, or active roles – think sturdy pants/shorts, and t-shirts you don’t mind getting dirty.
  • Modest Attire: Crucial for cultural respect. Pack clothing that covers shoulders and knees, especially for women, and for visiting religious sites or conservative communities. Ask your volunteer organization for specific guidelines.
  • Lightweight Rain Gear: Jacket and pants, if needed.
  • Swimwear: If relevant to leisure time.
  • Sleepwear.

Footwear:

  • Closed-Toe Work Shoes/Boots: Essential for safety during volunteer work (e.g., construction, gardening).
  • Comfortable Walking Shoes/Sneakers: For general wear and exploring.
  • Sandals/Flip-flops: For relaxing, showering, or warm climates.

Personal Comfort & Convenience:

  • Reusable Water Bottle: To stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste. Consider a water filter/purifier bottle for safe drinking in areas with questionable water quality.
  • Toiletries: Biodegradable options if disposing of greywater is a concern.
  • Travel Towel (Quick-Drying): Microfiber towels are great.
  • Small Backpack/Daypack: For daily use during volunteering or excursions.
  • Headlamp/Flashlight: With spare batteries, useful for power outages or navigating at night.
  • Mosquito Net (if recommended for the area).
  • Power Bank/Portable Charger & Universal Adapter: For electronics.
  • Journal & Pen: For reflection.
  • Books/E-reader: For downtime.
  • Small Gifts (Optional): Modest, culturally appropriate gifts for host families or community members, if applicable and advised by your organization.

Technology (Use Mindfully):

  • While you might bring your phone for emergencies/navigation, be prepared for limited connectivity.
  • Consider a digital detox for parts of your trip to fully immerse yourself.

Etiquette and Responsible Behavior for Voluntourism:

  • Listen to Your Local Coordinator/Host: They are your primary guide for cultural norms, safety, and project specifics. Follow their instructions implicitly.

Respect Local Culture & Customs:

  • Dress Modestly: As advised above, adhere to local dress codes.
  • Learn Basic Phrases: A few words in the local language (hello, thank you, please) go a long way.
  • Be Patient & Flexible: Things may operate on a different schedule or in a different way than you’re used to. Embrace it.
  • Ask Before Photographing: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially children, or in sensitive areas.

Manage Expectations:

  • Be Humble: You are there to learn and assist, not to “save” anyone. Focus on sustainable, collaborative efforts.
  • Understand Your Role: Your contribution, though valuable, might be small in the grand scheme.
  • Work Ethic: Show up on time, be reliable, and put in genuine effort, even if the work isn’t glamorous.

Leave No Trace (Cultural & Environmental):

  • Pack It In, Pack It Out: Dispose of all trash properly.
  • Conserve Resources: Be mindful of water and electricity usage.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid leaving behind Western cultural items that might be inappropriate or create dependency.
  • Communicate Clearly: If you have questions, concerns, or need assistance, communicate politely and clearly with your coordinator.
  • Be Adaptable: Unforeseen circumstances (weather, project changes) can happen. Be prepared to adapt and remain positive.
  • Be a Learner: Ask questions, observe, and seek to understand the local perspective and challenges.
  • Avoid Making Promises: Do not promise anything to local people (e.g., to send money, bring things next time) that you cannot realistically fulfill.
  • Do Your Research: Understand the organization’s mission, the project’s goals, and the community context before you go.
  • Prioritize Safety: Be aware of your surroundings, follow safety guidelines, and don’t take unnecessary risks.

By preparing thoroughly, maintaining an open mind, and acting with respect and humility, you can have a truly impactful and meaningful voluntourism experience.