The World Could Use a Hand
Why Volunteer Overseas?
Travel to new destinations, live in exotic locations and feel a tremendous sense of achievement attained only by making a difference with vital humanitarian and preservation projects. Volunteer travel is the ideal way to make a difference while still having the adventure of a lifetime.
Here are a few of the reasons why volunteering is an excellent way to travel:
Learn about another culture, language and way of life, while making a positive contribution
Package holidays on the Costa del Sol keep a lot of people very happy, but many of us need more. For those who loathe the idea of lying on a beach for weeks on end, volunteering is the way forward. Volunteering offers you the opportunity to experience life most people only dream about or see on BBC travel programs. Volunteering programs frequently take place in exotic locations and you feel a tremendous sense of achievement as you make a difference. Enjoy an adventure with like minded people—people who want to return home from their holiday with the satisfaction that they have made a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet. Everyone has different goals. But if your goal is a bit greater than avoiding tan lines, then volunteering might be your calling.
Grow, and remember who you are
It is not hard to get sucked into the rigors of daily life… how many pairs of shoes can we afford or where can we get the latest accessories for our iPod music player. Volunteering is a wonderful way to peel off the layers and to remember who we are, and what we are capable of, away from consumerism and the trials of our own societies. Volunteering can be very challenging. Leave your mobile phone behind and delve into the work and goals at hand. You will find that you can do things you never dreamt yourself capable of. Oftentimes the work you complete with your hands is not the most lasting effect. Getting to know the local communities has an impact that might be less visible, but it is certainly very strong. By making new friendships you will remember as well as teach and remind others that we are all people with hearts and minds, dreams and aspirations, who want to feel safe and happy. Volunteering breaks down barriers and makes the world smaller. It is a marvelous way to put the world, as well as our personal lives, in perspective.
Get international experience in a field of interest
Are you studying social work or African wildlife? Chances are there is a volunteering opportunity out there that will add a whole new dimension to whatever your field of study may be. A degree is one thing, but having hands on experience in the field cannot be replicated in a classroom.
Power pack that CV
Volunteerism is a wonderful way to make your CV a bit juicier. Employers value CVs from people who have vision and drive, and volunteering during your vacation is a lot more impressive than a ski holiday at Meribel. Volunteering overseas shows your potential employer that you are committed, flexible and patient.
All this on a budget…
Volunteering remains one of the least expensive ways to travel overseas and gain international experience.
Although volunteering programs are generally less expensive than standard tourism, programs are not free and oftentimes not cheap. Volunteers usually cover their own flights, insurance, room and board, as well as other costs and a donation to the project itself. Volunteering placement organisations also charge a fee to cover their costs. Unless you are a medical professional or you are planning on committing more than a year to a volunteering program, chances are you will have to pay to volunteer. Volunteer placement programs work hard to provide an enriching, cultural experience for the volunteers while simultaneously making concentrated efforts in accomplishing volunteering goals. There are hundreds of different volunteering organisations, so it is necessary to do the appropriate research and use caution when choosing your program. We realize that there is a lot to choose from! But this really is a good thing, because it provides you with more choice, and it provides more opportunities for potential volunteers. Volunteering organisations are responsible for helping to recruit and build an army of volunteers, and this is absolutely necessary in order to make a sustainable impact on the planet and its lives.
Some Things to Consider Before Sending In Your Check
Say goodbye to hot showers
Volunteering is very different than going on a holiday where you expect the meals to be gourmet and the beds to have fresh linens daily. Volunteering requires patience and energy, flexibility yet drive. Oftentimes conditions are basic, food is tasteless, plumbing and electricity is unheard of, and you’ll be sleeping in a sleeping bag. The focus of volunteering programs is not about the creature comforts, rather the activities that forgoing modern amenities can afford. Many programs take place in developing countries or exotic places where life is simpler, and you will surprise yourself at how little you need to truly be happy. So before sending in your check, take a nice hot bubble bath, order a pizza and sit down for some prime time television because these are just a few of the things you will go without on your program.
Volunteering is different than changing
Many of the communities where volunteering programs take place are steeped in centuries of culture and tradition. Respecting the local culture is a vital part of volunteering, so any feelings of western superiority should be left at the airport.
Why are you volunteering?
Volunteering overseas is a true test of your tenacity and ability to adjust. You will undoubtedly find it very difficult at times. Chances are you will be volunteering and working with a group of people from many different cultural backgrounds and of many different ages. Some programs take place in very isolated areas where you will most likely be working very hard for results that are not immediately evident. This can be hard work. It is important that volunteers realize and respect this before committing to a program. Volunteering is an endeavor to embrace life and help others, yet there are cases of people choosing to volunteer to escape bad marriages, depression, or other general unhappiness at home. It’s important that you are happy at home before you embark on a volunteering program or else you will most likely not find the experience an enjoyable one.
Brace yourself!
Volunteering can provide you with the experience of a lifetime. There are so many opportunities to learn about new ways of life, cultures, languages, skills and more. Go into your program with an open mind and remember to remain flexible. There are always unforeseen bumps in the road, especially in developing countries. Nothing ever goes as planned, such as missed flights, lost baggage, protests blocking road routes, stomach bugs, corrupt government officials and various other problems that will most likely arise. This is all part of the experience so just brace yourself, hold on, and enjoy the ride!
Some Traveling Alone Tips For Women
If you are a woman traveling alone, you need to check the rules in the country you will be visiting.
Each country and culture has their own views of what is appropriate behavior for women. Although you may not agree with these views, it is wise to abide by the local laws and customs to avoid problems. Please become familiar with the laws and customs of the places where you wish to go.
Here are example of situations you may encounter:
“It is illegal in Laos to invite Lao nationals of the opposite sex to one’s hotel room.”
Women traveling alone can be more vulnerable to problems in certain cultures. Keeping in mind the following information can help make your trip as safe and rewarding as possible.
Preparing for your trip
Passports & Visas: Make sure your passport is still valid or apply for a new one long before you plan to travel. Make sure you have the right travel documents and visas for your destinations. For information on individual countries’ entry and exit requirements, refer to our publication Foreign Entry Requirements.
Your Destinations: Make an effort to learn about the locations you plan to visit, their culture, and any problems that might be occurring there.
Many exciting and exotic destinations may have very conservative views about women.
Being a foreigner makes you stand out; a woman traveling alone can be even more of an oddity in some places.
What to Leave Behind: Leave a detailed itinerary and a copy of your passport’s identification page with a friend or relative at home. Include names, addresses and telephone numbers where you will be staying. Leave a copy of your flight and ticket information with them as well.
You may wish to establish certain check in dates when you will either call, e-mail, fax, etc. to let someone know that you are all right. But remember that if you happen to miss a check-in, your loved ones may assume that you are having a problem or are in trouble.
Leave any valuables, extra credit cards and jewelry – even fake jewelry – at home.
Thieves often won’t know the real from the fake until after they take it, so why risk your personal safety?
Health: Make sure you have adequate health insurance coverage while abroad and that your coverage includes medical evacuations. Your policy might not cover you overseas and you may need to purchase traveler’s insurance.
If you have any condition that might develop complications- especially if you are pregnant, check with your doctor before you go abroad. If you experience complications, a medical evacuation might still take several precious hours to arrange.
If you take prescription medication, make sure you have enough to last the duration of the trip, including extra medication in case you are delayed. Always carry your prescriptions in their labeled containers as many countries have strict anti-trafficking laws and might be suspicious of pills in unlabeled bottles. Bring your prescription information and the names of their generic equivalents with you just in case.
Off you go
Safety and Security: Use common sense and be alert and aware of your surroundings. If you are unsure in general about the local situation, feel free to check with the American Citizens Services section of the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the latest security information.
Don’t announce that you are traveling alone! Some guides for women even advise wearing a wedding ring if you’re single. If you feel like you’re being followed, step into a store or other safe place and wait to see if the person you think is following has passed.
Do not be afraid or embarrassed to ask for someone to double check for you to see if all is safe. Display confidence. By looking and acting as if you know where you’re going, you may be able to ward off some potential danger.
Ask for directions before you set out. No matter how modest your lodgings are, your hotel concierge or other hotel staff should be able to help. If you find yourself lost, do not be afraid to ask for directions. Generally, the safest people to ask are families or women with children. Getting the right information may save you from ending up in a potentially unsafe area.
Hotels: Choose a hotel where security is good and transportation is readily available and nearby. Check that all the doors and windows in your room have locks and that they work. If you feel uncomfortable, ask hotel security to escort you to and from parking lots or your room at night. Always use your peephole and common sense about letting strangers into your room.
Clothing: There is no doubt that fashion makes a statement. Unfortunately, not everyone will interpret how you dress the same way you would. What you consider casual clothing might be seen as provocative or inappropriate in other cultures. Thieves might choose you over another potential target based on your style of dress or the amount of makeup or jewelry you are wearing. Other might single you out for harassment or even physical violence because they find your clothing offensive, based on their cultural norms. By taking your cues from local women, or at least by dressing conservatively, you could save yourself a great deal of trouble.
Use common sense, do your homework before you go, and have a safe and fun trip.
read moreHow to Avoid Common Baggage Problems
Mishandled baggage is not an uncommon phenomenon in air travel. The US Department of Transportation recently reported that for every 200 passengers flying domestic on the ten largest US airlines, at least one files a mishandled baggage report.
Losing one’s luggage is a definite headache for travelers. To avoid such mishaps, the following pointers are recommended:
Travel with only carry-on luggage. You take your bags with you inside the cabin, so you do not have to worry about them being lost or stolen. Generally, a passenger is allowed two pieces of carry-on luggage, one for the overhead bin and the other for under the seat. Additional items such as umbrellas and baby strollers are also permitted.
Do not put heavy items in the overhead storage bin. Even lightweight items can cause serious injuries if they fall out of the overhead. The maximum weight for carry-on bags is 40 pounds, and they should not be larger than 9″ x 14″ x 22″. i>Put your contact information on every bag. Stick a label on the outside of all your luggage indicating your name and address. Put a duplicate along with your itinerary inside your bags. This will help the airline locate your bags in case they are misplaced. The measure should also be done on your carry-on bags, just in case you need to check them in at the last minute.
Customize the look of your bags. Many bags have similar designs. So, customize your checked bags to make them easier to spot on the baggage carousel and to prevent other passengers to grab them by mistake. i>Keep your valuables with you. Store your valuable items, such as money, jewelry, laptop computers and electronic files in your carry-on luggage so they would not get lost.
Verify the correctness of airline tags on your luggage. The three-letter identifier tagged on your checked baggage should match your destination airport. When in doubt, check with your ticket agent. i>Keep the stub from your checked luggage. The stub is a very important key to identifying your bags in case it is lost or picked up by someone else by accident.
Immediately report lost checked luggage. If your bags have not turned up at your destination, inform the baggage agents on duty or any of your airline’s representatives available at once.
Anticipate the loss of a bag. It is always better to be safe than to be sorry. Pack your bags in a way that the loss of a bag will not hamper your trip. Distribute clothes and underwear among your bags. If you have a business meeting and are carrying presentation materials with you, either pack backup copies in another bag or have it sent ahead of you. i>Do not pack hazardous goods. Some items, while commonplace and essential at home or in the workplace, pose a safety threat to passengers and crew in the cabin. If your airline allows them in checked baggage, make sure they are packed properly.
As always, verify with your airline their policies and guidelines regarding baggage.
read moreWhat to do if your flight is cancelled or delayed
Airlines don’t guarantee their schedules, and you should realize this when planning your trip. There are many things that can-and often do-make it impossible for flights to arrive on time. Some of these problems, like bad weather, air traffic delays, and mechanical repairs, are hard to predict and beyond the airlines’ control.
If your flight is delayed, try to find out how late it will be. But keep in mind that it is sometimes difficult for airlines to estimate the total duration of a delay during its early stages. In so- called “creeping delays,” developments occur which were not anticipated when the carrier made its initial estimate of the length of the delay. Weather that had been forecast to improve can instead deteriorate, or a mechanical problem can turn out to be more complex than initially determined.
If the problem is with local weather or air traffic control, all flights will probably be late and there’s not much you or the airline can do to speed up your departure. If there’s a mechanical problem with the plane for your particular flight or if the crew is delayed on an incoming flight, you might be better off trying to arrange another flight, as long as you don’t have to pay a cancellation penalty or higher fare for changing your reservations. (It is sometimes easier to make such arrangements from a pay phone than at a ticket counter.)
If you find a flight on another airline, ask the first airline to endorse your ticket to the new carrier; this could save you a fare increase. Remember, however, that there is no rule requiring them to do this. If your flight is canceled, most airlines will rebook you on the first flight of theirs to your destination on which space is available, at no additional charge. If this involves a significant delay find out if another carrier has space, and ask the first airline to endorse your ticket. Finding extra seats may be difficult, however, especially over holidays and other peak travel times.
Each airline has its own policies about what it will do for delayed passengers waiting at the airport; there are no federal requirements. If you are delayed, ask the airline staff if they will pay for meals or a phone call. Some airlines, often those charging very low fares, do not provide any amenities to stranded passengers. Others may not offer amenities if the delay is caused by bad weather or something else beyond the airline’s control.
Contrary to popular belief, airlines are not required to compensate passengers whose flights are delayed or canceled. As discussed in the chapter on overbooking, compensation is required by law only when you are “bumped” from a flight that is oversold. Airlines almost always refuse to pay passengers for financial losses resulting from a delayed flight. If the purpose of your trip is to close a potentially lucrative business deal, to give a speech or lecture, to attend a family function, or to be present at any time-sensitive event, you might want to allow a little extra leeway and take an earlier flight. In other words, airline delays and cancellations aren’t unusual, and defensive counter- planning is a good idea when time is your most important consideration.
When booking your flight remember that a departure early in the day is less likely to be delayed than a later flight, due to “ripple” effects throughout the day. Also, if an early flight does get delayed or canceled, you have more rerouting options. If you book the last flight of the day and it is canceled, you could get stuck overnight. You may select a connection (change of planes) over a nonstop or direct flight because of the convenient departure time or lower fare. However, a change of planes always involves the possibility of a misconnection.
If you have a choice of connections and the fares and service are equivalent, choose the one with the least-congested connecting airport, so it will be easier to get to your second flight. You may wish to take into consideration the potential for adverse weather if you have a choice of connecting cities. When making your reservation for a connection, always check the amount of time between flights. Ask yourself what will happen if the first flight is delayed; if you don’t like the answer, pick another flight or ask the agent to “construct” a connection that allows more time.
read moreHow To Get Your Kids Along On Your Next Hike
How to get your kids along on your next hike is really a challenging question to answer. No matter, whether you are an experienced hiker or just a beginner, perhaps this is the biggest dilemma a parent can face in their lifetime. Most of us think that it is almost impossible to go on hiking with kids, especially on long and risky trails. But you can get your kids on your hike by considering two things i.e. making some modification in your goal and another is little planning. What type of goal you should choose for hiking with kids and what you should plan are two keys for a successful kids hike. Needless to say, if you win over these two things or combat these two issues then you can certainly take your kids on hiking.
Although you may face a little difficulty with kids but it would be a wonderful experience to carry them with you. Kids really like outdoor events and they can reap different benefits with outdoor events. As a parent or guardian you must take your kids on relatively shorter hikes. Outdoor events such as hiking increase their knowledge, increase their team building skills, and increase their endurance along with other health benefits. Hiking with kids would be a great decision from the perspective of family health and it is also fun. For many children, it’s the journey that’s important, not how long the journey is. So, whenever you get a chance to take them along never miss it. So make your hike a fun with kids; surely you can do it, you don’t need to give up your hiking as you have kids. However, you need to be a bit more careful and planned than usual, but it is not very difficult especially when both of you are determined.
So, guys when you plan your hike with kids change your goals. According to experts, goals should be based on the ability of the youngest child, as they are the weakest link in the whole chain. Perhaps the best idea is to take some of their friends or siblings along with them, so that they won’t feel bored. As these young buddies are slower, delicate and inexperienced, so they can’t move like you adults. Think carefully about your goal or destination where you wish to go, and as far as possible keep your goals easier if you are taking your kids for the first time. While deciding the visiting place keep in mind that it should be easy to reach and near the home because you have a little creature with you and which is not tough like you.
Next, as far as possible encourage them to carry their own backpack as it gives them a sense of belonging as well as a purpose to be there, but be prepared to carry their backpack in case they get tired or exhausted. Sometimes, they don’t like to carry their own backpack even when they are not actually tired. In such events encourage them to carry their backpacks and motivate them by candies or chocolates as special treats or rewards. Quite obviously, keep their backpack small and light, otherwise they may hurt themselves. Initially, instead of backpack, you can encourage them to carry their own water bottle or snack. As they get stronger and experienced, let them take their own small backpack. There are different types of child backpacks available in the market, so you should get a good quality backpack for them.
Keeping your goal shorter and easier has multiple benefits. First, you yourself will not be able to go very far or high because you have a much heavier backpack than usual because you have to carry many extra things for kids like napkins, shoes, clothes etc., second there is a less strong companion with you in terms of abilities, third kids often lack in patience and if their delicate feelings are hurt in anyway they may not like to go along with you next time. Therefore, better to start small children on short trails over easy and low terrain. Although, it all depends upon the strength and temperament of your kid along with few other factors, but according to experts in terms of ability, children can cover about 1 mile for every year they are in age. That means if your kid is 4 years old then he/she has an ability to go for 4 miles. But, never treat this formula as a rule of thumb as they may not actually want to hike that far, but in general they could have the ability to do so.
In addition to the above mentioned considerations, actually there are many more things to be considered while going on hiking with kids, such as special kids clothing & footwear, Wet wipes and tissues, kids backpack, water & snacks along with a compass, a map, a flashlight, waterproof matches, bug dope, sunscreen and a whistle.
Last but not the least, you should pay utmost respect and attention to various safety considerations. As they are young, delicate and inexperienced, so you need to be very careful about their safety. First of all equipped them with right gears and accessories such as running or tenis shoes instead of open-toed shoes, adequate clothing as per the weather conditions in several layers that can be removed easily when they get warm, and added when they get cool, special purpose kids backpack to distribute the load evenly on their body. Next, when you go on hiking with kids, be prepared to survive from any injury because they are common especially in the case of kids. Never forget to carry a small, travel sized first aid kit for short hikes in the event of accidental scrapes or insect bites or other small injuries. Moreover, as far as possible keep them in your sight and watch them carefully even when you allow them to play with their buddies. Educate and warn them to keep away from bushes, steep ledges, overhangs, poisonous plants and dangerous falls. And ask them to make signals using whistle or any other alarming device in case of any emergency.
Well, if you can take care of these points, you will be having a rocking time together with your kids while on any hiking or trekking. Not only you will feel great, but your kids would also have a wonderful time in the outdoor trips filled with enough good memories of wonderful sights and time with their family. Although encourage and empower them to take initiatives, but never allow them unattended for a long time. Have patience, positive attitude and realistic expectations during the whole trip to make it more enjoyable and memorable.
I am sure, by following these simple tips, steps and ideas, your children will have a wonderful time in the great outdoors with you. And, the next time they will be more matured and learned to go along with you on longer hikes with more difficult goals!
read moreWhere You Should Go for Water Sports Gears and Accessories
Summer always becoming your favorite season because you can enjoy the sun as well as the heat you can enjoy not everyday. Moreover about summer is the best thing you should do to spend your summer is in the beach. Well, yes beach is the perfect place for you to enjoy the best sun light for the perfect tan, however, there is one more thing you can enjoy with the combination of summer and beach; it is water sports. Yes, there are a lot of options of water sports that are fun for you to play, and it sounds like a perfect summer vacation you ever had. However, some water sports can be very dangerous though it is very fun to play that is why you have to make sure that you have followed all the safety procedures and worn all gears required. Speaking of gears for water sports you have nothing in your head about where you should go for them, except from some rental stores by the beaches but sometimes you prefer to have the gears for yourself, that is why you are currently one store where you can find all kinds of water sport gears.
Actually there is one recommendation in this matter; it is Premiumpowersports.com. Yes, this online store provides you all kinds of things you need, from water sport from towables up to some special gears for wakeboards can be found in this online store. Furthermore, all stuff and gears offered in this online store are all those that are high quality and all of them are offered at their best price only. If you are looking for high quality and affordable water tubes, this online store is the best site you should go in this matter because they provides you nothing but the best product only.
So, are you currently looking for water towables with high quality and affordable guarantee? Well, feel free and don’t hesitate to give the site a visit right away and click the category that will lead you to the list of products of towables that produced by several well known manufacturers.
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