Discovering Meaningful Travel Through Volunteering is a trend that aligns the dreams of travelers with the needs of communities and environments. It can also help you overcome any fear or anxiety about traveling abroad.
It’s important to decide which type of meaningful travel is best for you based on your personal goals and time availability. For example, students and recent graduates can benefit from studying or interning abroad and may receive scholarships for these life-changing experiences.
Make a Difference
Whether it’s a simple lemonade stand to raise money for cancer research or working with local communities in Costa Rica to protect the sloth population, meaningful travel is all about giving back. By stepping outside of their comfort zone and volunteering abroad, many volunteers find they are able to unlock their true potential and realise what they can achieve through hard work. Having the opportunity to see the world through different eyes, they develop a greater understanding of people and cultures that differ from their own. This nurtures compassion and enables them to connect on a deeper level.
While the benefits for the volunteers themselves are obvious, there are also significant health benefits for the local communities where they volunteer. Volunteering exposes individuals to new and different ways of living, which can help to reduce the symptoms of stress, depression and high blood pressure. It can also improve your ability to deal with conflict and build strong relationships, all of which can be beneficial for your overall health and wellbeing.
If you are a shy or introverted person, volunteering may be an excellent way to get out of your comfort zone and boost your social skills. By interacting regularly with a group of people in a setting where you have a shared purpose, you will quickly learn how to communicate and interact effectively with others, which can help to build your confidence.
If you are currently unemployed, volunteering can be a great way to start building your network and gaining relevant experience that will help you in the future. It can also be an excellent option for those who are considering a career change but are not quite sure what they want to do.
Explore a New Culture
When you volunteer abroad, you immerse yourself in a different culture. This can be a great way to learn about the customs, traditions and history of the place you’re visiting. It can also help you to understand the people and their perspective on life.
When choosing a volunteer program, make sure to research your options thoroughly. Read reviews of different programs, and try to find one with testimonials from past volunteers. You can also ask the project point of contact questions to get a feel for the organization. You can also contact previous volunteers through social media or alumni networks to hear about their experiences in the country you’re considering volunteering in.
The best part about traveling is experiencing new cultures. Whether you’re learning about the nuances of Moroccan culture during your stay in the Atlas Mountains or discovering new traditions with locals in Bhutan, your travels will be more meaningful when you fully immerse yourself in the local community.
This can be a difficult thing to do, especially when it comes to volunteering in a developing country. You’ll likely see poverty and suffering in ways that you might not have before, and this can be a real eye-opener for many people. It can also make you aware of the privilege you embody and how your lifestyle contributes to global inequality. By doing your research and finding a well-established program, you can ensure that your trip is as meaningful as possible. The experience will not only enrich your own life but it will also be beneficial for the communities you’re working with. So, why not make a difference this year and choose a meaningful vacation?
Learn a New Language
Traveling should be more than ticking off bucket list items and uploading cool photos to Instagram. It should be about learning about a new culture, language, and community while making a difference in the lives of others. Volunteering can help you achieve this and more by immersing you in a foreign culture, giving you the chance to practice your language skills in real-world settings and make local friends who will be there to support you on your journey.
For example, when you choose to volunteer in Morocco or in Arabic speaking countries where English is not spoken, knowing a few simple words and phrases will make your experience so much more rewarding and enjoyable. By taking the time to learn a few words before you leave home, you will show the people you are volunteering with that you care enough to try and make an effort. This will go a long way in the community and will ensure that you get the most out of your trip.
You can also use a language learning app such as Duolingo or Babbel to learn basic phrases and vocabulary before you arrive in your volunteer destination. Depending on the location, you may be able to work with local speakers who can provide you with further lessons and advice. For more challenging languages, you may want to look for a program that involves full-immersion and teaches you the nuances of the language. This will allow you to communicate more effectively with the locals, and will also be very beneficial for your future career goals. This is one of the best ways to get a true feel for the language and the country, and will be incredibly rewarding both while you are away and after your return.
Develop New Skills
With so many new skills to learn, volunteering is a great way to get out and explore the world. It is also a chance to practice some of your most valuable skills, like teamwork, communication, time management and organization, which will be essential in the workplace. This is especially true for those preparing to change careers, as volunteering experience can help you stand out amongst your competitors at work and even improve your chances of being accepted into post-secondary programs in your desired field.
In addition to these professional benefits, volunteering is a great way to expand your network and meet new people. The people you arrange trips that include volunteer opportunities with, or connect with through volunteer opportunities could potentially be future employers or mentors. You can also create connections with other volunteers and staff from the organizations you volunteer with.
Lastly, volunteering is a wonderful opportunity to discover yourself and your own strengths. Being responsible for meeting project goals and objectives will help you develop a sense of responsibility and commitment to the cause. In addition, being punctual and following procedures will teach you the importance of being part of a team and the value of a positive attitude. Whether you are an experienced worker or a college student, there is always something new to learn and a new skill to hone.
So, next time you are planning a vacation, think about how you can add more meaning to your travels. Maybe it’s learning to cook with a local family in Morocco, or spending time with His Eminence Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche in Bhutan. Perhaps you can even join the countless volunteers across the globe and contribute to something bigger than yourself.
Connect with Others
As a volunteer, you’ll find yourself well off the tourist trail and immersed in a world that most travelers never experience. This might entail being invited into local homes or attending weddings as the only foreigners in attendance, or it could mean getting to explore beautiful spots that aren’t on any travel guides. This type of cultural immersion is an incredible way to make a deep connection with the people and environment you’re in, which can help you feel more at home while abroad.
In addition to getting to know the people in the community you’re serving, volunteering is also a great way to meet other like-minded travelers. Many of the participants in a volunteer trip are coming from different parts of the world, so they’ll have plenty to talk about. Plus, since you’re working together towards a common goal, it’s easy to form enduring friendships with your fellow volunteers.
Volunteering abroad is a wonderful way to directly address urgent issues, such as access to healthcare, wildlife poaching, and climate change. It’s a satisfying feeling to know that your hard work is helping to make a real impact in the world.
There are so many reasons to add meaningful travel to your bucket list. You’ll have the opportunity to learn a new skill, discover a fascinating culture, and bond closer with the people you’re working alongside. And with so many different projects, locations, and roles to choose from, there’s sure to be a volunteer experience out there that’s perfect for you! So what are you waiting for? Start planning your adventure today!