volunteering

Even though you're backpacking around and trying to save as much money as you can as a budget traveller, there are always people out there who are less fortunate than you. Doing your little bit counts whether it is donating those few pesos or donating a few months of your time. On this page, jafatravel.com considers how you can help out, whether it is doing a very small simple thing, or devoting part of your holiday to it. Here is a list from the most easy, to the more time consuming and requiring more commitment.

Talk to locals

Simply taking time to talk to locals and allow them to practice their English makes a difference. Picking up language skills may open up opportunities for locals to obtain jobs which they may not have previously had. You'll also benefit as you may learn something as well. And interaction with locals is a big reason why we are backpackers and travel around the world.

Shop in local places

To ensure your money stays in the local community, buy things from local markets or street stalls rather than international chains or a commercialised gift store. This is also a great way to meet locals and to experience what the locals do.

Use local services

Try to make sure the money you spend whilst backpacking benefits the local community. You can do this by using local accommodation, using local tour companies and tour guides and supporting local charity projects.

If you are looking to travel by tour packages, companies that generally provide more local support than others include: Gecko's, Peregrine, Intrepid Travel, i-to-i and World Expeditions.

Donate some unused coins

Various airlines and airports participate in UNICEF's Change for Good Program. All you simply need to do is place your unused foreign currency in the envelopes provided whilst on an airline. It may not seem like much, but it all adds up and you will be doing your bit to help someone out. It's not much at all given that you probably won't be doing anything with the few dollars worth of foreign currency anyway.

Donate basic materials and medical supplies

Basic educational tools such as pencils, pens and paper make a huge difference to schools that have scarce supplies. Basic medical supplies including antiseptic and bandaging also help out immensely in underdeveloped towns.

Donate frequent flyer points

It may be difficult to use your points for a free flight. Instead of letting them expire, you can donate your frequent flyer points to charity. Credit card points programs also give you the opportunity to redeem your points for a charitable donation.

Use environmentally responsible accommodation

More and more common is accommodation provided in an environmentally responsible manner. However, this may not be within a backpacker's budget but would be worthwhile if you have the choice and can afford it.

A few days volunteering

Whilst on your travels, you can volunteer a few days of your time to help out the local communities. Companies such as World Expeditions have “Community Project Travel” programs where you can volunteer for short 3-6 day projects. Instead of organising it through a company, hostels at your destination should have information for you to volunteer as well.

Volunteering for even longer

Before you go, you can organise month long (or even longer) volunteering programs. This will give you a high sense of accomplishment and make you feel like you really have done something to help someone out. But it is not for everyone. That's why there are all these little things which people can do. Everyone can help out in their own way on the level which suits their commitment.