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Volunteer: A Traveller's Guide

Looking for more inspiration and information? Read up on ways to help out in the comprehensive Volunteer Guide ›

i-to-i Volunteer Travel

Are you looking to do something more meaningful on your travels? i-to-i recruits volunteers for locally-run community, conservation, teaching, building and sports projects around the world.

What to pack?

Here's a tip - pack it and halve it. Another good way to check you've really pared down your kit is to load up your backpack and go for a long walk. Still want to take that hairdryer?

Returned volunteers mostly advise that you take only items you can't buy locally. Volunteer agencies will usually send you a detailed kit list to get you started. As for clothing, why not buy when you get there?

Worth their weight in gold:

mosquito net
padlock and chain
sleeping bag liner and sleeping bag
pillow case
earplugs
water purification tablets
wet wipes and no-water washes
first-aid kit
waterproof pouch
tealight candles (during a power cut these are safer than regular candles)
collapsible water bottle
waterproof poncho
gaffer tape
universal bath plug

Medical first-aid kit

digital (not mercury) thermometer
scissors
tweezers
sticking plasters (adhesive bandages)
gauze swabs and adhesive tape
bandages and safety pins
non-adhesive dressings
antiseptic powder or solution (eg povidone-iodine)
antiseptic wipes
wound closure strips
syringes and needles - ask your doctor for a note explaining why you have them

Missing some items? Our partners can help you fill in the gaps ›