Are you considering traveling abroad to volunteer? If this is your first time going through the preparation process, you likely have many questions!

Volunteering while you travel is a great way to integrate yourself with the culture and impact another community. You get to build new relationships and have memories that will last a lifetime. The best thing you can do when volunteering abroad is to prepare so you can fully enjoy every moment while you’re there.

Here’s how to prepare for an international volunteer trip.

1. Research the Place You’re Going

The first step in how to prepare for volunteer travel is by researching the place you’re going. A little bit of research can go a long way when you arrive at your destination. Any time you travel, you become an ambassador for your home country, which is a huge responsibility. Read about your host country and community so you can best interact with the people there respectfully.

Part of your research should include cultural norms. You can read about these or even talk to someone who has been to the same location. Additionally, read up on some ethical and sustainable activities you can participate in once you’re there. You could also spend a little bit of time learning the language of the country you’re visiting so you can better communicate and understand the culture around you.

2. Gather All Your Forms and Documents

Another essential step in preparing for volunteer travel is gathering all necessary travel and medical forms and documents. These include passports, identification, the purpose of your trip, negative COVID-19 testing results, vaccination records, visas, travel insurance, and any other specific documents you need. You might need to exchange your money for the country’s currency, too.

Without specific documentation, you may not be able to enter — or even leave — a country. Keep all of your forms in a safe location close to your body while traveling so you don’t lose any of them. It might be a good idea to make copies of those documents and pack them in various locations, like your suitcase and carry-on if you’re traveling by plane.

3. Raise Funds for Your Trip

Many people are willing to offer funds for a volunteer trip. Ask local organizations, family, friends, and even churches to raise money so you can help another community in need. Begin this process as early as possible to ensure you gather enough money to pay for your trip.

There are other ways to fundraise, like selling items, providing services for others such as mowing lawns, or even using social media and crowdfunding platforms to raise money. Be sure to offer as much information as possible about your cause to entice potential donors. They want to know exactly what they’re providing money for, and they’ll want an update on everything you did when you return home.

4. Book Your Travel and Accommodations

How you get to your destination and where you stay are two of the most critical parts of your volunteering travel experience. Be sure to make these accommodations and arrangements well in advance of your trip to secure a spot. Without a travel plan and accommodations, you can’t successfully get to your destination.

While searching for travel options, try to be as ethical and sustainable as possible. Book direct flights or even opt for alternative travel if possible. Additionally, make sure you have transportation plans when you arrive, like walking, biking, or carpooling. Try to book sustainable accommodations like a homestay or local hotel rather than chains and tourist accommodations.

5. Visit Your Doctor

A few months before leaving for your trip, make an appointment to see your doctor. Your doctor can help direct you towards any vaccinations or medications you may need for your specific location. Some remote countries may have certain health issues that you may have to navigate, like malaria or another disease.

Your doctor can also give you recommendations on how to prepare your body for travel. Being in good shape before heading to a different country for volunteer work can help you in the long run, especially if the volunteer work is labor-intensive. Your doctor may also give you tips on what is safe to eat and drink in the country you’re visiting.

6. Pack With Intention

Packing for a volunteer travel trip is different from packing for a vacation or a road trip. You might participate in some tourist activities, but for the most part, you’re going to your destination to volunteer and work to build up a community. As you pack, keep in mind where you’re going and what you’ll be doing.

Look for types of clothing that will be best for the country you’re traveling to, including clothing that suits the weather and the culture. For example, if you’re doing heavy-labor projects, choose older clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or torn. Also, think about the environmental impact you could have while traveling — pack reusable items, plant-based products, and ones that use minimal packaging to reduce your waste.

Get Ready to Depart for a Life-Changing Trip

Volunteer travel takes a bit of preparation, but that preparation goes a long way toward ensuring you have the experience of a lifetime. Get in the right mindset before heading off to a new country, and be sure to bring an open mind and positive outlook!