Im looking to plan my first trip and my chosen distination is South America at first, then im looking to fly to Africa and then Thailand (not in that order)
But i have one question to any one that can advise me. Is it worth my while booking a trip with a travel company where i can do voulnteer work with accom. paid for etc or shall me and my friend go in it alone.
I know with the travel company's i can still do what i want to do (to a certain extent anyway) but will i get riped off?
Posted: 2007-03-04 22:20:00
i'd have a look at www.i-to-i.com they do some great voluntary projects and have booked one already!! they have been fantastic about letting you know whats happening. great if you have any questions as wel!!
Posted: 2007-10-13 02:41:00
Be careful what the for profit volunteer organisations (i to i, gvi, projects abroad etc) are offering, if you are paying £1000 for a months volunteer, you need to be asking where the money goes, and how much makes it to the area you would like to volunteer (actually ask them).
There are lots of non-profit volunteer organisations out there, where volunteer will include at least accommodation and weekly cost will be no more than what you would be paying to stay in hostels. The benefit of organisations is that they are structured and there is a level of continuity. This adds value to the work you are doing as it will be followed up by the next group of volunteers. I would recommend www.youvolunteer.org in Ecuador.
Going it alone can give a real achievement factor, and you could help an area that the organisations are not. You will still have to pay for accommodation so factor that in. Also unless you are planning to spend a long time in one place, your hard work may soon be forgotten.
Posted: 2008-02-05 15:08:00
Thanks for info about volunteer organisations. I also decide to join some of them, but still hesitate. You help me make a choice.
