Is there really such an activity as volunteer travel?

It’s true, but now many youth hostels use the name of volunteers! Recruiting free labor in exchange for accommodation, food and drink. But some of them are really tiring, and they don’t only work for three or four hours as mentioned, or even longer! But there are also good bosses who make their own decisions. But if the time is really long, you might as well find a part-time job

Nowadays, it is true that many organizations will increase their influence through free quotas. This is just like trial and taste testing by merchants, which is normal. . But you have to be vigilant when participating, choose reliable institutions and activities, and keep a calm mind, because there is definitely a probability of failure in the selection activities.

It is not ruled out that some organizations will make false publicity in order to attract fans. For example, if only 1-2 people are actually recruited, but the number of people selected is not marked in the publicity, there may be thousands of people participating and most of them will not be selected. ; Or additional fees will be charged later, the itinerary does not match the publicity, etc.

You can refer to the following suggestions (not directed at any organization):

First of all, make it clear that regular volunteer travel requires charges, which involves various operating costs and travel service costs. You can only select a few free activities, and you need to be mentally prepared before participating.

1. The key is to see if this organization has any feedback from past free selection activities? For example, the real travel notes videos of previous experience officers

2. Look at whether their selection requirements are very detailed or broad. For example, detailed requirements include photography skills, rich travel experience, and charity experience... If it is very broad If you are kind-hearted, enthusiastic and friendly, you will lower the threshold and increase the popularity, which will naturally attract a large number of applications and many candidates will not be selected.

3. Finally, contact their staff to ask about the project details, such as how many people will be selected, how to arrange travel after selection, what is the project’s food and accommodation like, whether there is any additional payment, etc. They can give you answers. The more details, the more professional the customer service staff is.

Is "Volunteer Travel" really as easy as you imagined?

Work is the theme, and play is just the accompaniment. I was so busy at work that I had almost no time to rest. One day off a week became one day off every two weeks. I actually took two days off in one month when I was volunteering in Dalian. The first time I took a break I went to Bangchui Island, and the second time I took a break. A trip to the Gold Coast for a break.

I walked around Xinghai Square before going home. Firstly, I was too tired and wanted to go home to rest. Secondly, I was sick, so I chose to go home after the expiration date and did not stay there any longer.

Youth hostels may give you loneliness in the hustle and bustle.

I am alone in a completely unfamiliar city, with no relatives or friends, and facing tourists who stop and go. Even if everyone plays killing games together, plays guitar and sings, and shares the fun of travel, it is impossible to be alone. After three or two days, the last sight left was of the departing figure. After all, we are all passers-by. Don’t expect to make good friends in just a few days. This is not realistic at all, and I feel depressed. You still need to digest it yourself.

I am alone in a completely unfamiliar city, with no relatives or friends, and facing tourists who stop and go. Even if everyone plays killing games together, plays guitar and sings, and shares the fun of travel, it can be After three or two days, the last sight left was of the departing figure. After all, we are all passers-by. Don’t expect to make good friends in just a few days. This is not realistic at all, and I feel depressed. You still need to digest it yourself.

Just like a coin, one side may have beautiful patterns, and the other side may have rigid numbers. You can choose to use money to pay for a romantic trip, or you can choose to exchange long-term hard work for short-term comfort, but don't expect to trade the fantasy in your brain for comfort in reality.

When you are packing your luggage, when you decide to throw out the coin of "volunteer travel", I hope you can see its two completely different sides, one is leisurely and unrestrained, and the other is hard work and loneliness.

I still support and encourage people with pursuits and dreams to try "volunteer travel". After all, there should always be some craziness worth remembering in life, but it is not just about cherishing that beauty, but also Be brave and be prepared to endure hardships. I hope you can hold this coin tightly and throw your own beautiful arc.