Dare to change your life, ladies !

Travelling solo for a humanitarian project abroad can be a big step for you to take, especially as a woman.

You might be scared of the unknown, of danger, of feeling lonely… However volunteering abroad has become increasingly popular and a source of unforgettable experiences if you feel like having a change of scenery, discovering foreign cultures or making yourself useful… It is also a golden opportunity for you to take a break, think things over and… find yourself!

Don’t have anybody to travel with ? No worries ! Don’t let this prevent you from springing into adventure! After all, it is better to travel alone than in bad company, right ?

Especially since you are never alone when taking part in a humanitarian project!

So how can you figure out whether travelling solo is your thing ?

If you’re burning to go for it but the idea of travelling alone to the other side of the globe frightens you a little bit, take the time to consider what could be stopping you.

The fear of danger?

The media don’t always convey the most serene of images when presenting solidarity projects off the beaten path. If it is true to say that one must remain careful (at home and abroad, actually), travelling abroad does not – thankfully – rhyme with “insecurity”!
The most important thing to do is observe your new surroundings, adapt to the local costums, listen to what your instinct tells you so as to define your comfort zone.
If you don’t feel like taking a shortcut through a badly lit street, then don’t and stay in a busier street. Only accept invitations from people you have just met when you feel 100% comfortable… the same way you would do at home!

The fear of the unknown?

Travelling enriches your life when it is based upon sharing.

This way, you must be open to others and not withdraw into yourself, even when culture shock is around the corner.

Get in touch with fellow travellers or local people in order to make the most of your trip : you have taken the first step, now it would be such a shame for you not to engage with other people! You could miss out on many unexpected discoveries and friendships.

Please make sure however to always respect local customs. For instance, if you notice that some activities are for men or women only in the country you’re visiting, you may want to join a group of women.

The fear of feeling lonely / of getting bored?

By opting for a volunteering mission in another country, you are guaranteed you will not have the time to get bored! Between the activities on your project site, excursions and activities during your spare time, your program will be full of rewarding experiences. Meeting local communities (most of the locals welcome volunteers with a great display of enthusiasm and good will) is an incredible opportunity for volunteers and one of the highlights of their project.

You will not be left alone “in your bubble” as you will be in contact with local communities in the country which you have chosen as your host country.  Moreover, you may be able to meet other volunteers from all over the world! It is your responsibility to create opportunities to make this happen. If you open yourself to others, you will become a part of the community!

Below are a few practical ideas that you may find usefyl once you’re about to start your project :

Please go for a medical check up before leaving and remember to renew any prescriptions you may have if you’re getting a medical treatment : you will be able to find a doctor or a chemist’s abroad but not necessarily on your project site (especially if your mission takes place in a rural area in a developping country). This way, you will have peace of mind while travelling.

Please remember to bring hygiene and personal hygiene products with you in your luggage in order to be ready for any situation, such as : a menstrual cup/tampons/pads, a bottle of hydroalcoholic gel, wipes, toilet paper/handkerchieves, dry shampoo etc.). You may not have the same sanitary conditions that you are used to having at home while on your project and you will have to adapt!

Please bring a reusable water bottle : you may not have corner shops on your project site and you need to keep water handy to remain hydrated.

Ready for adventure?

If travelling solo is something you may be interested in, you can browse and select a programme here before joining one of our local teams!

For further information, feel free to contact us at : info@globalong.com

Select your humanitarian project abroad here!

To discover volunteering programmes in pictures, visit our photo gallery here!

GlobAlong in videos !