Travel companions, and volunteer opportunities?

by DebH-D
(USA)

Are other women getting together as travel companions (for safety, cheap travel etc.)? My husband doesn't always have the time nor inclination to travel to foreign lands with me, and though I have a diverse heritage and have relations/family in other countries that I can visit, there are many other places I enjoy visiting or would like to visit where I have no family/friends. (I have a certificate in TESOL, but these jobs are had to come by, and the long periods away from home that are required are not appealing). All of the short term "volunteer" organizations have FEES that are just not within my current budget.

Answer: I completely understand! Many women travel solo not because they're single, but because their partner has other priorities. But lets answer your questions.

First, it seems as though you're asking about finding other women to travel with. That part is easy, as there are several organizations dedicated to finding female travel companions. If that doesn't suit you, you could always try one of the various hospitality clubs or exchanges. Some are specifically for women, and many others can put you in touch with women hosts. It's a nice way to have a 'friend' in a foreign place.

As for volunteering, you're right, many outfits have fees, especially those that offer volunteer vacations or similar options. If you're familiar with farm work (I can't guess since you don't say where you're from) you could try wwoofing- working on an organic farm. It's free, outdoors, and you can volunteer for short stints.

You'll also find a number of resources and ideas in volunteer work overseas - at the very least this page will help you fine-tune your thinking.

Finally, Transitions Abroad has a collection of articles by travelers who have looked for - and found - their perfect volunteering opportunities, so have a browse. This is often my first stop when I'm researching travel issues because the contributors are real people who have actually experienced what they write about.

If you do end up traveling, please do come back and share your stories with us!

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Travel companions, and volunteer opportunities?

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Travel Solo alternatives
by: gwen@algarveexperiences.com

Several years ago I decided to begin offering retreats & culinary programs with a primary focus on women's needs because so many of my coaching clients were indicating that they wanted a travel experience that allowed them to travel solo, yet at the same time have other people to interact with.

So that might be an approach to solo travel for you to explore. Yes, there is a premium fee added because you are getting an experience, plus travel. But it is also a great way to meet other women with similar interests.

You might also find that organizations like Elderhostel can offer you something. I heard recently that they'd changed their name, but I bet a quick web search would help. They typically offer 'learning vacations'.

Hope this helps. Good luck.
It depends if you want a tax deduction
by: Jane Stanfield

Hello DebH,

Yes, volunteer travel normally involves a fee. That is because if the foreign non-profit had the money, they would hire locals who already know the scope of work. When volunteers arrive for only a short time, there are still expenses - housing, food, training, and transportation. The agencies that place volunteer cover all that and much more with the fees that you pay. That being said, not all short-term volunteer work is expensive.

One question to ask yourself is are you hoping to get a tax deduction? If yes, then you will need for find your volunteer work through a US not-for-profit and pay your fees to them. Global Volunteers, Cross Cultural Solutions, Global Citizens Network, and Volunteers for Peace are all US agencies that place volunteers for 1-12 weeks in both the US and abroad. By keeping track of all your expenses (shots, airfare, fees paid to volunteer, etc.) depending on your tax profile, you may be able to write off most, if not all of your expenses when you travel as a volunteer.

For programs coordinated through foreign not -for- profits, realize that they will most likely be less expensive on a weekly basis, but you won't be able to write off your expenses.

You mentioned that you have TESOL certification. Check out the Peace Boat -where you are housed on a ship and sail around Japan teaching English. I am not sure how long these agencies assign volunteers, but also look at Teach Abroad, Teach Away and Reach to Teach.

Other low cost options that are similar to WWOOF are Green Volunteers, Pueblo Ingles in Spain, and La Sabranenque in France.

Lastly, if you the entirety of your trip will be focused on volunteering, check out FLY FOR GOOD, a travel agency that gives discounts to volunteers when they fly.

Yes, volunteer travel can cost money. But once you have done it, I suspect you will find it as addicting as a potato chip!

Travel in Safety.

Jane Stanfield, Where Is She Heading

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