The Responsible Traveller

What should you be looking for when selecting your volunteer project, internship or travel option? How do you travel responsibly and how do you know your travel providers are offering responsible travel options?

Being a responsible traveller in Africa

Here are the top 5 questions to look into before signing up:

1) Where does your money go?
Whilst volunteering is about your participation and your input, it is important to know whether or not your project fee is actually benefiting the community too. And results vary widely. Do bear in mind that not all the money goes in country as there are costs involved in marketing online, producing brochures, staff salaries and having an office. However, the local communities should be benefiting in a sustainable way...

2) Is the volunteer work sustainable?
With the influx of companies out there, you should be asking detailed questions about the work that you will be participating in and the long-term benefits to the communities/environment. You need to take responsibility here, volunteering is not about ‘saving the world’, it’s about the skills that we can pass on to aid long term sustainable development and your contribution to a longer-term plan which will continue to change lives even long after you have made your contribution.

3) Do some research on the company that you are booking with?
There are countless options out there, so it’s important to do your homework. Make full use of social networking sites, blogs and internet searches. Some important questions to ask: Are they located on the ground in country? Do they employ local staff (sustainable eco-tourism)? Do they specialise in a particular field or in a certain destination? It is important for you to understand the ethos of the company that you are booking with.

4) Preparation before departure
Attention to this detail is paramount. A company should prepare you fully on what to expect from your project and everything that you should know before you go. This will include extensive pre-departure information, such as kit lists and medical/heath precautions etc.

5) Safety?
One of the major benefits of undertaking volunteer projects in developing countries is that you will be looked after. You should be met at the airport and transported to your project site, a full orientation programme should be included and you should feel safe at all times whilst on your projects and in your accommodation – this will enhance the fulfilment from your time on your programme.