volunteer travel
Volunteer travel trips give something more than just fond memories; tips and recommendations to give back while you Wander.
10 Days in Iceland
Iceland was far from the first country outside of my own that I had visited. It was mid-May, months into my gap year, and my family had gone on holiday abroad even before I saved up enough to send myself travelling. But Iceland was the first country that I visited with a purpose that went beyond sightseeing and relaxation; I was going as a volunteer, and I was incredibly excited.
By Typethreewriter4 years ago in Wander
Kindness Across Countries
I am a donkey. Well, I am as stubborn as one, at least. From a young age, I had always wanted to go on a mission trip to provide aid to those in third-world countries. I had tried to go to Mexico several times, but the political turmoil there prevented me from being allowed to go throughout my teenage years.
By Rayna Ibarra4 years ago in Wander
The 10 Best Reasons to Volunteer Abroad
Everyone that has volunteered abroad has shared stories about how it’s changed their life and they are so happy they did it. If you’re unsure about working hard in a remote location when you’re abroad instead of having fun drinking and sitting on the beach, we’ve gathered the top 10 reasons why you should take the step to volunteer abroad. Everyone has a different reason for doing it, but we guarantee some of these will speak to you and make up your mind.
By Katherine Rundell4 years ago in Wander
Pros & Cons of Living & Working in Hostels
Sometimes things backfire on you when you least expect it. And for me, it was definitely unexpected, but at the same time, awesome that I found out about this. If there's anything I regret about this, it's that I wish I took the chance sooner. Let me give you some more information on what I'm talking about in case the title just doesn't do it for you.
By Mister A S H E R4 years ago in Wander
I Visited The Kremlin
When I first began to think of going to Moscow and the counting of Rubles, the official currency of Russia, I think of Shakespeare’s famous plays. I began to imagine an ancient city, as old and quaint as my imagination can fathom. Moscow counts as a very modern city dotted here and there by relics of the hay days of capitalist reign, an impression that still lingers on her shoulder. Yet, the monasteries, which I visited and the famous cathedrals that have survived far more dramatic threats are under some kind of reconstruction. My mind’s eye can still glaze at the unbreakable Kremlin Walls and hovering Towers and the Red Square where many wonderful, and truly elaborate parades must have taken place through the centuries, watched by Czars and other great figures of the day.
By Andrew Benson Greene4 years ago in Wander
The Africa Journal
(Times are in military time.) 6/21/07 1848 - Washington/Dulles airport. First leg of trip done. The flight was good, a little bumpy leaving Denver. I have a 3 hour layover then on to Heathrow. I’m travelling with Mary F. and Lorraine S. Mary is a Nurse Practitioner. Lorraine is an RN. Mary is sweet and has gentle energy. Lorraine is a go-getter. I’m somewhere in between. I think this will be fun. Art had a hard time this morning with me leaving. I’m betting he cried on the way home. Strangely I didn’t feel like crying. I felt like it at first but was ok after a short time.
By Hilary Miminguaquay6 years ago in Wander
18 and Moving to Africa (Pt. 1)
18 sometimes seems too young to just get up and move away, especially to a third world country. Experiencing culture shock for the first time, teaching, the best roomie ever, and one crazy spoiled brat, the old me was gone! Yet if I didn't take this opportunity, I know I wouldn't be as successful as I am today.
By Ginger Snap6 years ago in Wander
Growing Up Outside
I didn't have what you might call a "normal childhood," complete with cops with AK-47s, testy border crossings, and rivers filled with snakes and piranhas. And I don't say snakes lightly. Picture a 9f t long anaconda. Or feisty black mambas. Or cobras climbing up your screen door. #JustGirlyThings
By Lorde Jacobson6 years ago in Wander
Adventures from the Back of a Cop Car in Cusco, Peru
If you know me, you will find this recollection to be (hopefully) amusing, and not entirely unexpected. If you don't know me, you will most likely just be worried for me and my well being as I go forward in life. Which is okay, because so am I. First, some light backstory to get you warmed up for the traumatic events to come. I travelled to Cusco, Peru for 5 weeks to volunteer after my second year of university. I arrived on Sunday, May 6th after what genuinely felt like 3 years of travelling. Also keep in mind a huge language barrier. By huge, I mean I, at this point, could maybe count to 10 in Spanish. And that was on a good day. Anyway, I got to my volunteer centre and got all my information, the address of the house I would be staying at, the names and background of the couple I would be staying with and my volunteer placement. Also a map. The man behind the counter asked me if I needed him to mark on the map where my house was. I, being me, said no and that I could do it myself, which I did. Then I took a taxi to the house, a bright pink home with a tall white gate surrounding it. After this I took a bus with my housemates to get lunch before my volunteer orientation at 2pm. I brought only my wallet and phone because what else would I need?
By Jane Panasiuk6 years ago in Wander
Why I Chose Haiti...
Ayiti, beautiful Haiti! I love Haiti for a number of reasons, all tied to how this nation changed my life. Although the country is known for being poverty-stricken and high in human trafficking, there are so many beautiful things about this country that we fail to openly discuss. My goal is to share Haiti's magic and explain to you why I chose to give my heart to the people here. I am forever grateful for my time and opportunity in the land of high mountains!
By Alyssa Renee6 years ago in Wander