Choosing to Volunteer

As I was travelling solo for the first time I began with volunteer work to ease myself into it. I am so glad that I did!

Deciding to travel alone, especially as a female can be very daunting. Volunteering is an awesome way to meet new people, bond with them and start to get a feel of what your life is going to be like for the next few weeks or months.

I spent so much time researching where to go and what to do. I mean I was giving away my time and actually paying to volunteer. (The majority of voluntary work is not free.)

My mind was drawn to Bali. I don’t know what it was about Bali but it was like my mind just knew it was the perfect place to begin my journey.

Now, what shall I do? What am I good at? Well, I have an English Language A Level, I am a native English speaker, I’m good with kids so teaching English was the perfect suit for me.

After hours of research, I went with the company Plan My Gap Year. Their costs weren’t as expensive as other companies, they had good ratings and feedback. To top it off teaching English in Bali was on their list!

Jumping ahead to when my volunteering in Bali finished, I had planned on solo travel from there but I didn’t feel ready. I contacted Plan My Gap Year again and they helped me organise my next step: I decided to volunteer to care for elephants. They helped me sort everything out from flights to my visa.

I am so happy I made the decision to go to Sri Lanka. I had the best time here and I also met Jeannie, the girl I travelled Vietnam and Cambodia with… You’ll be hearing more about her!