lifestyle clique
arrangements, you are looking
at the wrong company. good health and fitness are
important.
3) TRANSPARENCY: Ask
questions – lots of questions.
Volunteers and non-profit
organisations should be able
to contact each other directly,
not through an agency. Dealing
directly will result in concise,
informed answers to your
questions which should include;
what the daily expectations
are, how much time should I
allow or is required (for specific
projects), is the organisation
officially recognised in the
country of operation and what
is the mission/vision of the
organisation? Additionally, ask
whether the organisation can
put you in contact with past
volunteers. • Ensure that you are aware of
any required vaccinations prior
to departure. If you are entering
certain South American or
African countries, vaccination
against Yellow Fever is a pre-
requisite. For those travelling
for an extended period or to
more rural areas of South
America cover against Hepatitis
B, Rabies and Meningococcal
Meningitis may also be
recommended. Speak to a
specialist travel medicine clinic
such as Dr Deb – The Travel
Doctor (www.travelmedicine.
com.au), for the most up to date
requirements.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
• Volunteering locations are
often remote, with basic
amenities and the volunteering
role can require long days and
strenuous activity. General
• Travel insurance – I can’t
stress the importance of
ensuring your cover includes
volunteering abroad, do
not rely on the company
product disclosure statement
alone. Speak directly to your
chosen company to ensure
situations such as manual
labour is covered, as with some
companies it isn’t.
• Visa requirements can differ
if you are including time
volunteering. A tourist visa
usually won't allow you to
undertake any form of work,
including voluntary or unpaid
activities. You may need to
obtain a work permit or working
visa. You should contact
the High Commission, Embassy
or Consulate of the country
where you want to volunteer
for the most accurate and up
to date information about visa
requirements. Always register
your travel plans with
www.smarttraveller.com.au
AUTHOR
Jodi Dalton
TRAVEL SPECIALIST – MTA TRAVEL
CONTACT
0438 634 588
WEBSITE
agents.mtatravel.com.au/jdalton
smarttraveller.com.au
Women’s Network Magazine
23