Do Your Research

We will do our best to prepare you for your voluntraveler experience, but you should learn as much as you can about your destination, its people, culture and history before you go. You will get more out of your trip if you do!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact us.

Why should I pay to volunteer my time?

You're not paying for the volunteer work you do. The volunteer fees you pay go towards the rent of the house you stay in, your food, the materials you use in your work and to help pay the local staff that facilitate your work. Without a contribution of volunteer fees an organization cannot continue.

Will any of my fees go directly into the programs I am working with?

Yes! Voluntraveler gives half of the fee to the charity you are placed with to cover their program costs (including your room and board). The other half goes to Voluntraveler so they can continue to place qualified professionals in volunteer positions around the world.

What does it cost to volunteer?

Depending on the country and program that you want to participate in the costs will vary. In our sister organization Para el Mundo, the cost is $499 USD/week for the first month and $375 USD/week for every month after.

How will I know I will be safe?

When traveling internationally there is always some level of risk. Voluntraveler has done their best to reduce that risk. Each organization that Voluntraveler works with has been heavily researched. At least one staff member has volunteered in each destination. Volunteers always have to use common sense when traveling, but with our research and the help of the destination staff it should be a very safe experience.

I have a restricted diet. How easy is it to find specialty food in my destination country?

The food is different than you may be used to in North America. There are many potato, rice and bean dishes. The meats dishes range from chicken and beef to llama and guinea pig. It definitely is harder to find specific foods and you may want to bring food from home if your health depends on it. Many specialty food are available, but can be quite expensive. If you do have food concerns let us know at Voluntraveler and we'll advise you what you'll need to bring.

What will my volunteer schedule be like?

Depending on the program you are working with you could spend up to 40 hours a week volunteering but you will probably spend less. The pace of life is much slower in the developing world than what you are probably used to. Everything takes a little longer to do. There will be plenty of time to relax, and plenty of time to help.

What is there to do in my free time?

It varies depending on where you are of course. In Máncora, you can surf, chill on the beach with a good book, take a hot mud bath, or go hiking or horseback riding. Máncora enjoys year round nice weather and a consistent surf break and has many restaurant and bars and a safe nightlife. There are a number of towns within a day trip of Mancora and many cities within a days journey by bus.

Who will be in charge of my volunteer activities?

The staff of Voluntraveler and your host destination work together to find the best program for your skills and desired experience. Local staff will help guide you in your work and attend to concerns you might have. Destination programs are usually very flexible and open to volunteer suggestions and input. If there is an activity or program not currently offered that you would like to initiate, we'd be happy to consider it.