10 Important Things to Pack when Volunteering Abroad

There are so many things you might want to think about and it's important you are prepared as a lot of projects are in rural locations.

To help you a little we have put together a list of things you shouldn't forget to pack when volunteering abroad...

1. Plastic / Zip Lock Bags

These bags double for compressing clothes, sample bags to collect sand / shells etc. Also you can use these bags to put liquids in within your suitcase to avoid leakage. Commercially available "compression" bags are expensive and usually weigh more and take more space than ziplocks.

We also recommend taking 1-2 kitchen catcher sized garbage bags which will come in useful. You can put your wet towels and clothes in after snorkelling - keeps everything else in your pack from getting wet or having to drape the sloppy wet towel on the outside of your bag getting it dirty.

2. Photos from Home

Yes you can take your phone, but it also nice to have a physical copy of people you care about. This will help you to not miss home too much and also to show people in your destination.

3. Travel Towel

We would pack a quick dry travel / camp / pack towel. These are smaller and lighter weight than normal towels and those supplied by hotels and cruise ships. These are useful especially after it gets wet it is easier to carry and pack saving you space.

4. Waterproof Backpack

Take a waterproof (or at least water resistent) small backpack. There are lots available including on of our favorites the Ultra Sil Sea 2 Summit backpack which is small, tear resistent, water resistent and packs down to nothing so when out walking or meandering you have an emergency pac just in case

5. Toiletries

Take your own shampoo / conditioner from home and also other toilettries. The key is to plan to leave any leftovers behind. It means you will always have a little extra room coming home. Also shampoo can double as laundry soap if you get stuck needing to wash your underwear in the sink for example. Sometimes some volunteering programs can be in very remote areas miles away from any shops or supermarkets.

6. Lightweight Clothing

When preparing your bag for a volunteer trip abroad, think about versatility and style with lightweight clothing options. For those intending on exploring urban settings or visiting local attractions, fashionable attire is equally important.

Consider the Trendy LC Waikiki collection KSA & UAE from Trendyol for stylish outfits that can transition effortlessly from daytime explorations to evening activities, ensuring you stay trendy while being practical.

Try to pack quick dry, travel specific clothes which are lightweight, wrinkle resitant, stain resistant and multi use. For female volunteers our recommendation: Columbia dresses and skirts and convertible pants which are easy to wash, work for day and evening wear (more important for double duty on trips like cruises).

Convertible pants are great because you can stick your "legs" in your pack and you will never be turned down to enter that church or temple and when travelling to/from extreme temp climates you lighten the load of necessary clothes you have to carry in your hand luggage.

7. Lock and Security

You should take a lock which might help prevent people opening or stealing your belongings.

If you are visiting places where you fear for pickpocketing you could buy very small gauge stainless braided wire rope - cabling actually. Most homeware shops sell it cheaply or you can buy online from places like Amazon and Ebay. Put a loop in each end (one slightly larger than the other so you can pass one loop through the other).

Then you can slip it through a phone case and fasten to your belt loop. You could make it long enough that you can pull a phone out of your pocket and use it without disconnecting.

8. Travel Insurance & Copies of Documents

Take specific documents and copies with you .e.g passport and travel insurance policy. We recommend taking at least two copies, you might travel with your original passport on you but you should also have copies backpack up online.

You could keep a copy on your email or in a cloud somewhere (phones, laptops and tablets can be stolen so you need it "virtually" somewhere). Keep a hard copy in the bottom of a rucksack / suitcase and also leave a copy at home - easy for family or friends to find in an emergency.

9. Phone/Tablet/Computer + Charger + Portgable Battery

These will come in very useful, even in rural areas you will usually be able to find wifi and it is good to keep connected. You'll be suprised how often your batteries run out at important times and so its always good to take a back up. Also a charger either with a universal / international plug adapter or a solar powered charger to keep your phone, ipod and important electricals charged.

10. Something To Keep You Entertained

Take a book, ipad, ipod, laptop or something to keep you entertained. You could keep a diary or just have things with you for when you are travelling or for something to do during free time, this will prevent you from getting bored.