How to Travel

Most often, when people think of getting away to South America, they think about taking in some beautiful seaside environs or some of the spectacular jungles during the dead of winter in the northern hemisphere. During the northern hemisphere's summer, however, you can take a summer skiing trip to Chile and enjoy a blast of some of the freshest, coldest air you'll find anywhere. This, of course, doesn't even take into account that the snow conditions during this time of year are rivaled only by big destinations such as Colorado. If you like powder, give Chile a try between June and September!

More and more, people are discovering that summer ski trips are a great way to get away from the dog days of summer. When the heat is too much and it seems like it's never going to end, a trip to Chile for some summer skiing might be just what's needed to get your spirits back up. There are numerous different resorts in this nation and they span from the north to the south. Some of them are on par with the finest ski resorts you'll find anywhere else in the world, with some important differences.

If you go summer skiing in Chile, don't anticipate that every experience means going to a busy tourist town where the streets are always crowded and the slopes are always backed up. Chile has resorts in some remote areas that allow you to enjoy staying in a luxury hotel next to a small village. Most of these destinations, of course, have all the amenities you'll need for your summer ski trip, but getting away from the hustle and bustle of summer, along with the heat, is a great way to relieve some stress.

You can ski in full winter conditions between the months of June and September in Chile. This makes it a very popular destination for summer skiing trips. The snow will not disappoint; expect to be gliding down the slopes on dry powder that allows you maximum speed and control. You'll also find plenty of ways to enjoy slopes that aren't quite so civilized. Some of the best resorts in Chile have day or multi-day treks available that allow you to go exploring on mountains off in the horizon and to take runs down them that you will simply never forget and that your friends will envy, even in July!

Tim Rogers is a travel journalist who likes to write about skiing and snowboarding. If you visit Powderquest you can learn about summer ski trips and summer skiing South America.

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On many trips to Northeastern Italy, my passion is to discover delicious local specialties and amazing wines of these regions; each area has their own unique style and story. Finding wineries to visit that reflect the culture and traditional wines of each area I visit is one of my goals during my research trips; my preferred producers are off the beaten path, small, and family operated, using varietals little known outside the region. Here are some tips based on my travels, for those of you who want to do some exploring on your own!

1. If you are serious about finding small, family run producers, do your homework.

Using wine guides such as Slow Foods, Gambero Rosso, and the internet can help you identify some of these, and learn a little about them. Get their names and street addresses. Keep in mind if you want to taste, you are looking for the cantina. In some cases, the cantina is located at the vineyard, but not always.

Another good place to start is with the Strade del Vino, or Wine Roads, in Italy. We often incorporate these into our bike, hike or walking tours, and there are plenty of wineries all along these routes to visit. These are official routes located in wine regions all over the country. They are well marked, and wind their way through the vineyards of a particular region.

2. The local tourist office is a great source of information.

Just take care to check the hours; they are not always open every day, and often only in the mornings. They will have maps and someone who speaks English that can recommend a route.

3. Have a GPS, or at least a really good map.

If you bring your own GPS, make sure it is loaded beforehand with the appropriate maps; your US based GPS may not carry maps of Italy. Don't rely on internet access in your hotel in Italy to download the maps the night before. My experience is that WiFi there is not particularly reliable. Also, even the best GPS can still lead you astray, especially in some of the rural areas, or during a cloudy day. So don't become totally dependent upon them, know where you are, and where you are headed.

4. Route numbers in Italy are hard to read, and not always easy to find. Know your route by names of towns.

I note the name of the town I'm headed to, and a couple of major towns between your current location and your destination; then follow the signs to the towns you know are in the right direction. This is when a map, and, even better, a traveling companion that can read a map, come in handy.

5. Larger producers are located along the main streets through the towns, along the base of the hills.

If you are just looking to taste a few wines, and feel most comfortable with someone that speaks English, these may be best for you. They are very easy to spot, with large signs, a big building and parking lot.

6. Smaller producers are located higher up in the hills, be prepared for narrow roads and lots of turns.

They are located in private homes, and they are going about their daily business, not waiting around for customers to arrive. Many do not speak a lot of English, but all seem very happy to introduce me to their wines when I stammer out my few words of Italian. Approaching one of these for the first time can be a bit intimidating, but well worth the effort when you get a chance to connect with a family who have been doing this for generations.

7. Be aware of the hours of riposo.

After 12pm, and before 4 or 5 pm, most businesses in Italy close. You won't be welcome between those hours. Some smaller vineyards I've found are only open in the morning.

8. Buy something, even if it is their cheapest bottle.

They often charge 10 euros or so per person for a formal tasting. When I drop by alone, I am not charged as I usually buy something. They have a price list you can ask for, so you can plan what you would like to purchase. These families aren't making an exorbitant living producing wine, and I like to do what I can to preserve and support their businesses. When I visit again with a group, we usually buy several bottles or even a case, which we all taste later on.

9. Learn to spit.

You are driving in an unfamiliar area, up some challenging roads with some aggressive local drivers. You don't need to finish off that fourth 'taste' of an Amarone with 18% alcohol, even if it is fantastic.

10. Don't plan on buying cases to ship back.

Shipping to the US is quite expensive, anywhere from 17 to 22 euros per bottle of wine. It doesn't make sense to ship home a case of that 5 euro bottle of basic Bardolino, but perhaps that case of 20 euro Amarone might make sense! Check beforehand whether your state in the US allows delivery of alcoholic beverages to homes; not all do (I live in Massachusetts, and FedEx will not ship wine to homes here), and I'd hate to pay shipping in Italy just to have it turned away. An enoteca (wine shop) with a relationship with an importer here in US might have a way to deliver it to your local wine shop.

Kathy Bechtel is owner and guide of Italiaoutdoors, a small unique tour company that creates and leads active (bike, ski and hike) tour of Northeastern Italy. Our tours explore the amazing foods, wines, culture and landscapes of this exceptional area of Italy. Kathy is a professionally trained chef, wine expert, and avid biker, hiker and certified ski instructor. Our tours are small, intimate, and personally led by the owners. We offer activities ranging from routes for casual cyclists to challenging climbs through the Dolomites. Visit us at http://www.italiaoutdoorsfoodandwine.com/. Or contact us at kathybechtel@comcast.net.

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The geographically diverse China is home to the countless and splendid natural wonders. Blessed by different facets of nature, the country promises an unforgettable journey for the avid nature admirers. Exploration of sacred mountains, rivers, lakes, caves and waterfalls is facilitated by the guided tours and the enthusiasm of tourists to intermingle with the fascinating natural beauty. Get to know China's most popular natural wonders that are worth visiting once a lifetime.

Changbai Mountain with Ever-White Glory
Formed from pumice stones, the Changbai Mountain in the Jinlin Province enthralls with its white beauty. The month of August is the best time to visit this mountain which is accessible by bus and train. Changbai Natural Reserve in the area provides the opportunity to explore animal species like Siberian tigers and bears. Longwanqun National Forest Park, which accommodates a number of volcanic crater lakes, is another attraction of this place.

Li River with a Long Scenic Stretch
Part of a number of scroll paintings, the Li River stretch in Xing'an County is world-famous for its scenic stretch extended beyond 100 km. Be it the Mountain of Splendid Hues that feature beautiful colored rock layers or Reed-Flute Rock, an amazing limestone cave, the place is full of natural wonders. Elephant-Trunk Hill, Yellow Cloth Beach and many other attractions greet the visitors who can also participate in rafting, cruising and hiking adventures.

UNESCO World Heritage Site Jiuzhai Valley
The acclaimed Jiuzhai Valley located in Sichuan Province near the Tibetan Himalayan Plateau is no less than a nature's treasure box. Multilevel waterfalls and more than 100 gorgeous calcium carbonate lakes form the essence of this valley. The lakes in particular offer irresistible beauty due to their blue, turquoise and green appearance. Spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs and snow-covered peaks are completely breathtaking.

Hukou Waterfall with Mysterious Stones
One of the most amazing natural wonders of China is the Hukou Waterfall. Formed by the Yellow River, it is the only waterfall on the planet with yellow water. It is truly captivating to watch the powerful rush of water. A mysterious stone, locally called guishi, can be seen shining below the waterfall. The rainbow formed by the mist of the rushing water adds worth to this mesmerizing site.

Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon - The Longest and the Deepest
Also known as Tsangpo Canyon, the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon is the longest and the deepest canyon in the world. The snow-capped mountains form the gripping sites for the visitors. The mysterious and spiritual appeal of this canyon makes it even more wonderful. Dense forest areas, rushing torrents and diverse ecological system adorn the area and make it a unique marvel of the planet.

Huangshan - The Subject of Photography, Painting and Literature
Popularly referred to as the Yellow Mountain, Huangshan is worth mentioning in the list of China's top natural wonders. Sunset views and the spellbinding sights of floating clouds define the beauty of this mountain range. Painters and poets since ages have been appreciating the beauty of the granite peaks and lush green beauty of pine and cypress trees. Photographers are simply attracted to capture the unadulterated beauty of Yellow Mountain.

The presence of such natural wonders authenticates the status of China for being the land of mysteries and surprises. Visiting any of these sites can be a fulfilling experience that will remain fresh in your mind forever.

Before you go overseas, you may want to check out trip cancellation insurance. We can also help with travel insurance over 65.

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What's with Philippine/Filipino Culture and Traits?

A Kaleidoscope Nation

The Philippine Culture and Filipino people, to begin with, are a collection of different backgrounds, races, and ethnicities. It all begun with the migration of Malay and Austronesian people during the early centuries to the colonization of Spain, the Americans, and then the Japanese. Add to that the continuous migration of Chinese, Indian and other nationalities, the Philippines is undoubtedly a diverse nation. And with this diversity come the different cultures and traditions, which, after hundreds of years of mixing and matching, define the very unique culture and tradition that makes the Filipino race.

The Fiesta

The first thing foreigners notice about the Philippine Culture is our fondness on festivities, locally known as fiesta or "pista". The Filipino fiesta list usually -and unusually- begins with Christmas. Christmas carols can already be heard from radios, as early as September, decorations pop up by October, then after a brief break for the Halloween (Pinoy fashion) on November, the actual Pinoy Christmas enters with style for 9 days (or nights, or dawn, or whatever) on December with the Simbang Gabi, that ends with the Christmas eve dinner "Noche Buena". But wait, there's more, the Christmas season does not end until the January of the next year, coinciding with the New Year's celebrations, and finally, the Feast of the Three Kings.

During the midsummer, there's the Holy Week or Semana Santa, a Christian holiday that begins with the Palm Sunday, followed by Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and finally culminating with Easter Sunday.The Holy Week celebration is usually marked with a whole week of school and work off, that's the reason why it is the best time for Filipinos to return to their provinces and spend time with their relatives, as part of Philippine culture and tradition.

Then, by May comes the Flores de Mayo or the Santacruzan. The Flores de Mayo is a Catholic festival, honouring the Virgin Mary. This feast culminates with the Santacruzan or Sagala, a parade that presents how Queen Helena and Constantine found Jesus's true cross from Jerusalem. For the Philippine culture, the Sagala is held with such regard that it is made sure that it only shows each Barangay's most beautiful ladies.

Aside from the usual festivities, different regions all throughout the Philippines host various local fiestas that reflect its own history, religion, nature, people and wildlife. There's the Ati-atihan of Aklan, the Pahiyas Festival of Quezon, the Pintados Festival of Leyte, Kadayawan Festival of Davao and Dinagyang Festival of Ilo-Ilo.

This year of festivities culminates with the All Saints Day and All Souls Day of November. It is a time where Filipino families pay tribute to their departed relative and friends by visiting cemeteries and saying prayers for the dead. It is one of the well-known traditions including in the Philippine Culture.

Religions

Being a nation of various ethnicities, it also follows that the Philippines is a nation of various religious beliefs. Different religious beliefs were included in Philippine Culture as well. The Anito-worshippers of the early pre-Spanish era are now replaced Catholic devotees. Add to that the Islam of the south, and the different Protestant religions brought by American occupation, coupled with Buddhism from the Chinese. The Filipinos are into religion to the point that we have our own branch of the Christian faith, The Philippine Independent Church or the Aglipayan Church.

Food

Filipino cuisine consists of foods and dishes with Hispanic, Chinese and American origin adapted to indigenous ingredients.Probably the most popular Filipino dish is the lechon, whole roasted pig cooked over charcoal. Some other popular and Filipino dishes include:

• Longganisa, Filipino version of a sausage

• Tapa, beef in thin slices, cured on salt and spices

• Torta, omelette with various ingredients

• Adobo, chicken and/or pork braised in garlic, vinegar, oil and soy sauce

• Kaldereta, meat in tomato sauce stew

• Mechado, larded beef in soy sauce and tomato sauce

• Pochero, beef in bananas and tomato sauce

• Afritada, chicken and/or simmered in a tomato sauce with vegetables

• Kare-kare, oxtail and vegetables cooked in peanut sauce

• Crispy-pata, deep-fried pig's leg

• Hamonado, pork sweetened in pineapple sauce

• Sinigang, meat or seafood in sour brooth

• Tinola, chicken in tamarind broth

• Pansit, Filipino-style fried noodles

Gambling

Another part of Philippine culture is gambling. From the "Sabungan" of rural barrios to the casinos of the urban cities, gambling is a pervasive social activity. The "sabong", however, is the most ubiquitous of these gambling activities, making the Philippine the world centre for cockfighting. Filipinos both have legal and illegal "sabong". The latter, usually done in secluded areas away from police raids. Sabungeros use two kinds of knives or gaffs, which is attached on the left leg of the cock. Bets are collected by the Kristo, and the Sentesyador is the one who deliberates the winning cock.

Sports

Philippine sport scene usually consists of basketball, boxing, billiards, football and volleyball. Filipinos athletes are rather competent in these fields, garnering multitudes of awards on almost every competition they enter. Some of the successful Filipino athletes are:

• Lydia de Vega (sprinting)

• Elma Muros (track and field)

• Eugene Torre (chess)

• MikeeCojuangco (equestrian)

• Philippine Dragon Boat team

• Onyok Velasco (Boxing)

• Efren "Bata" Reyes (Billiards)

• Manny Pacquiao (Boxing)

Music

Music is also part of Philippine Culture. Music in the Philippines is composed of different genres and styles, with influences from across the world.From the get-go, Filipino folk music is already a mix of indigenous and European/Asian music, usually adapted to different dialect among regions. Some of popular Filipino folk songs are:

• Bahay Kubo

• Sitsiritsit

• Alibangbang

• Leron Leron Sinta

• Paruparong Bukid

• Magtanim ay Di Biro

The Harana, a courtship song, and Kundiman, a song that typically has romantic themes, are also popular in the Philippine culture dating back to the Spanish period. Some of it is adapted to modern style.

Popular music in the Philippines is usually branded as OPM or Original Philippine Music. In the 70's, the OPM scene was mostly dominated by the jukebox idols like Claire dela Fuente, Rico Puno, Ryan Cayabyab, Freddie Aguilar, Hajji Alejandro and Rey Valera.

By the 1980s and 1990s, OPM was led by artists such as Regine Velasquez, Sharon Cuneta, APO Hiking Society, José Mari Chan, Dingdong Avanzado, Rodel Naval, Janno Gibbs, Ogie Alcasid, Joey Albert, Lilet, Martin Nievera, Manilyn Reynes, Pops Fernandez, Lea Salonga, Vina Morales, Raymond Lauchengco, Francis Magalona, and Gary Valenciano.

Art

Pottery is probably the most popular craft early Filipinos have mastered. Evidence found in Sanga-sanga Cave, Sulu and Laurente Cave, Cagayan proves that pottery was already widespread as early as 6000 BC.The products of this craft were popular among the neighbouring lands, with Filipinos enjoying trade relations with Japan and China.

Art can also be seen on traditional tattoo of early Filipinos as part of the Philippine Culture before, from which the term pinatados came into effect. Various designs referencing flora and fauna with heavenly bodies decorate their skin in various coloured pigmentation.

With the arrival of the Westerners came a new light on Filipino art. Filipinos began creating paintings that mostly deal with religion and politics. Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo are among those who enjoyed fame and prestige both in the Philippines and abroad.

In Mindanao, there are tribes who are famous for their intricate weaving production. Some tribe, such as B'laan, Mandaya, Mansaka and T'boli are skilled in dyeing abaca fibre. Others, like the Ilongot make jewellery from pearl, red hornbill beak, plants and metals.

The Filipino Character

Filipinos are sensitive when it comes to social interaction. Filipinos have the term "pakikisama" which means adapting to the people you get involved with, and it's the centre of all Filipino values. Filipinos also know the importance of paying one's debt, especially when the Filipino trait "utang na loob" comes in play. Filipinos are also known for being hospitable. They treat visitors with utmost care and diligence.

Filipinos are family-oriented. Most Filipino homes are a tightly knit abode for extended family members like the Lolas, or Titas. Filipinos strongly believe that blood is thicker than water.Filipinos are happy people. Despite problems arising from poverty and such, Filipinos never fail to flash a smile or flaunt laughter at jokes and even misfortunes.Filipinos rely on their faith among others, thus the saying "bahala na", which attaches ones action to fate and God.

Filipinos know a good deal about respect. From childhood, Filipinos are taught to mano with their parents and older relatives. A typical Filipino child's sentence usually ends with po and opo, and they are taught to address elders with kuya or ate.

The Filipino Ethnicity

Philippine's geography helped shape the Philippine culture. Filipinos are mostly divided into various regional and ethnical groups. Some of these groups are the Ilocano, Cebuano, Pangasinense, Kapampangan, Tagalog, Bicolano and Waray. Mindanao was, for the longest time, home for the Filipino Muslims, whom was called Moros during the Spanish regime.

Then, there's the Aeta or Negritoes: famously known as the first people to settle into the islands. They mostly live in isolated mountains or forest, which leaves them free to live away from Western and Islamic influences.

Aside from these regional groups, there are also at most 100 highland, lowland and coastland tribal groups in the Philippines. To name a few:

• Badjao

• Igorot

• Ilongots

• Lumad

• Mangyan

• Batak

• Tagbanwa

• Tumandok.

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There is no word in Quechua for 'friend'; one can only call another brother or sister. Nor does this ancient Peruvian language have a word for Goodbye. In place of this rather final sounding sentiment is a word meaning "till next time".

To some, these two linguistic anomalies are nothing more than technical matters reflecting the difficulty inherent in all translations. Some even attribute the difference to a lack of precision in ancient tongues, reflecting their lack of intellectual evolution.

After all, modern languages like French and English have many more words conveying an ever increasing precision of meaning and nuance. And viewed from this perspective, some have concluded that Quechua meanings are simply echoes of a simpler - less complex culture and time. The lack of ostensible exactness merely a semantic relic; an archaeologic footnote.

Or so it seems to some.

The Modern World

Most visitors to Peru first arrive in Lima, the sprawling modern metropolis founded in 1535 by the Spanish Conquistador

Francisco Pizarro. More than 1/3 of the entire Peruvian population resides here, and for many it is the very quintessence of contemporary Peru. Walking its streets is akin to a stroll in New York, Mexico City, or any number of similar giant cities of the modern world.

Founded to facilitate the export of stolen treasure, its raison d'être is, and has always been, expediency. Lima's concerns are rooted in the practical demands of today's world; of the here and now. Her gaze is riveted on the commercial concerns of the moment. Little, if any, energy is devoted to looking backwards. The path from today to tomorrow consumes the attention of Lima; the cob-web covered road to the past is barely noticed - rarely traversed.

From the state-of-the-art newness and sophistication of Miraflores to the ramshackle slums of her outskirts - Lima is the capital of the present; the King of Now.

Into the Andes

Immediately upon arriving in any city of southern Peru you know you are in a world apart from that of Lima. If nothing else, the altitude at once grabs your attention as you struggle for breath in the oxygen thin air of the Andes.

From the relatively lower elevation of Arequipa's volcano surrounded 2,335 meters to that of La Raya at 4,335 - the Peruvian Andes compel acknowledgement of their uniqueness. And in every corner of the altiplano you sense differentness; the unique is ever present.

Skins are darker, languages more diverse, colors distinctly vibrant and new as you reach the rarefied environment of southern Peru. Not only do you struggle for breath in this somewhat otherworldly terrain - but for focus as well.

The third-eye of your mind blinks again and again to clear the now from your consciousness as you are continually presented with something strangely other; something just beyond the focal-plane of your present-based gaze. Something decidedly un-now.

The Capital of the Inca

While the cities of Arequipa, Juliaca, and Puno are each captivating and deserving a visit - it is Cuzco that is the portal to the otherworld that travelers to this region strive so hard to bring into focus. Here is the center of the Inca culture and the gateway to some of the most fascinating and mysterious historical sites on the planet.

With neighborhoods climbing into the hills surrounding its ancient core in the Urubamba river valley, Cuzco is striking in both its locale and its history.

Its very name is a Spanish transliteration from the Quechuan original Qusqu or Qosqo, which itself traces its origin to the even more ancient Aymara language. Both tongues are still widely spoken in the Andes.

Indeed, the roots of history here stretch much further back than the time of the Inca. Archaeological research indicates that pre-Incan civilizations can be dated to 7000 BCE.

So the basic psyche of the aboriginal Peruvian culture had been formed during many millennia prior to the Spanish conquest of the Inca in 1533. And that ancientness can be sensed, in a thousand different ways, just beneath the surface, in and around the Cuzco of today.

Still Waters Run Deep

One gets an odd feeling sitting in the main cathedral of Cuzco today. Everywhere you look you notice that each pillar and wall is constructed of the stones taken from destroyed Incan temples and buildings. The Inca were forced to worship their conqueror's God amidst the reconfigured remnants of their own past.

Yet as I stood one morning watching my ostensibly Christian Quechua guide demonstrate to me the proper procedure for giving coca leaves to "The Gods" before ingesting them ourselves, I realized that this culture had only been subjugated; never conquered.

As you browse Quechua markets seeing ebony pumas, serpents, and Inca crosses everywhere - you can feel it. As you stare into the coal black eyes of Incan descendants - eyes that seem to look back from another place - another epoch - you begin to sense the depth of time and place that lies behind those otherworldly glances.

As you see festivals spilling spontaneously into the streets - the participants dancing steps with origins lost in the far distant past - wearing costumes which pre-date Christ - you somehow know that the cathedrals and plazas of the Conquistadors are but a ripple on the surface of a very still, and very deep river.

And as you begin to absorb these messages - you begin to see why the Quechua has no word for friend - only for brother/sister.

You begin to know why goodbye never entered their language; why all leave-takings are seen as temporary; ephemeral.

As I left my guide before my return home - I knew that I had been subtly changed in some way by contact with these currents; by staring into this river. No words can adequately convey the nature of that change in me. I only know that as I left - I was certain that I would see my brother again.

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The popularity of 'voluntourism' has grown hugely over the last couple of years, but for those thinking of doing it for the first time, it can be a daunting prospect. Before you decide whether or not it's right for you, you should take a moment to consider the benefits, not just to overseas communities, but to you as a volunteer. Read on for four of the best reasons to get involved in volunteer work abroad.

1. Make a difference

While many holiday goers are happy to relax on a beach, others seek a more substantial experience and want to do something meaningful while they travel. Volunteer work abroad is your opportunity to give something back to the world by contributing to worthy causes and helping disadvantaged communities that are in desperate need of support.

Overseas charities and NGOs work tirelessly to tackle issues such as poverty, disease and illiteracy and many rely on the support of international volunteers. Your contribution could provide an education for a child forced onto the street or help an HIV sufferer to support their family. While your efforts alone aren't going to change the world, they can certainly make a tangible difference, making volunteer work abroad an incredibly rewarding experience.

2. Personal development

By volunteering abroad you can learn so much about yourself! Living and working in an unfamiliar environment forces you to embrace new challenges and experiences everyday. You may be surprised by what you can achieve and learn. Whether teaching English, protecting endangered animals or caring for orphans, volunteers often return with greater confidence and independence, as well as a better understanding of different customs, cultures, backgrounds and views.

3. Career development

With such a variety of volunteer projects available, it's likely you'll be able work in areas of your own expertise and interest, allowing you to develop personal and professional skills relevant to your career. By building valuable life experience, volunteer work abroad can help breathe new life into your career. Volunteers return with a fresh perspective on life, as well as new motivation, skills and confidence. A background in volunteering shows that you're a flexible, patient and committed individual and in many cases your experience will help you advance your career or give you the opportunity to pursue something different altogether.

4. New experiences

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of volunteer work abroad is the opportunity to travel the world and immerse yourself in unfamiliar and exotic cultures. Volunteering places you at the heart of communities, giving you the chance to live and work alongside local residents and learn their customs and culture.

As volunteers learn more about their host community, they form close bonds with the children and adults they work with, as well as with the other volunteers working alongside them. Your trip could build friendships and memories that last a lifetime. Those who volunteer abroad return much more open-minded and understanding of other lifestyles and livelihoods.

These are just some of the reasons to get involved in volunteer work abroad! For those who haven't done it before, the idea can seem intimidating. However with the right guidance and support it can turn into out to be one of the most rewarding and memorable things you'll ever do!

Stuart Mclachlan, Web Editor at Inspire Volunteering, http://www.inspirevolunteer.co.uk/

Inspire offers diverse volunteer projects across Africa, Asia, South America and Europe. Volunteer abroad with Inspire to match your skills and aspirations to projects in genuine need. Our flexible approach ensures that volunteers maximise their impact and experience and make a real difference in as little as two weeks.

To find out more about volunteering abroad with Inspire visit our website at http://www.inspirevolunteer.co.uk/ or call us on (+44) 01635 45556.

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Whether you are going to travel to a popular tourist spot or to a far off place you have to be ready for safety issues during the trip and throughout your stay. The situation is not very different for when you are traveling as a volunteer abroad. You have to understand that the communities you will be living in may have fewer communication facilities and higher crime rate compared with your local country. There is no reason for being overly anxious because the local communities are usually very friendly and very hospitable towards volunteers who are there to improve things for them. However, at the same time it will only help you if you take some precautions.

When you sign up with an organization that provides quality volunteer programs in foreign countries, they will provide you safety tips and give you advice and support whenever you need. Thus, you will not be left off in the foreign community to fend for yourself, but it is recommended for you to do some research about your host community on your own before departure. Do get some information about the crime rate in the community and what types of crimes are the most common.

Then you can try to do some research on the factors that promote such crimes. For instance, after what time in the day is it not safe to venture outdoors unaccompanied. You can also try to find out what type of clothing and behavior can be perceived as offensive by the local people and invite hostility. When you have all of this information with you try to make sure that you act wisely and avoid saying or doing anything that can make you a vulnerable target.

Also, it helps to find out what the local emergency number is and where the local police station or law enforcement authority office is located so that you may file a complaint when necessary. Also, register with your embassy and keep their number with you so you can contact them at any time that is necessary.

Moreover, try to blend in with the local crowd and do not go very far off from your group (which can be your host family or your workplace coworkers or other international volunteers). You will increase your chances of being safe against crime if you move around in a group as compared to venturing out on your own. If you do want to go out make sure to ask a trusted person (such as a host family member or program supervisor or workplace coworker) about what is the right time for going out and how far away you can go.

In addition, when you go out, try to avoid wearing expensive jewelry (such as gold or diamond) and expensive items (such as laptop). If you have to take your jewelry or your laptop with you, avoid flashing them on the street in broad sight for everyone to see. Otherwise, you may be attacked by a robber which might even put your life at risk.

Last but not least, avoid getting into arguments with the local people (especially strangers). Sometimes you may find it tempting to criticize the local culture and get into a right versus wrong debate with the local people. It is usually ok to discuss the differences with your host family or your coworkers as it can be a good cultural exchange experience, but aggressive debates (especially with strangers) can be perceived very negatively by some conservative communities and they may feel threatened by your presence. As a result, you may become a target of crime.

If volunteer travel sounds appealing to you, then you should explore the offerings at Cross-Continental Solutions. Check out their website at www.CrossContinental.org. They have programs in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and offer some of the most affordable rates in the industry. The organization is recommended in the international volunteer industry due to their flexibility and affordability.

Hopefully you find this article helpful for volunteer travel. For these seeking international work and travel opportunities, check out great Intern or Volunteer Abroad Programs.

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