10 great ways to save money when embarking on a volunteer trip abroad
A budget volunteering abroad trip can be one of the best experiences of your life. Volunteering programs abroad that are cheap enables you to explore some new and captivating countries, interact with people from all over the world, and also experience cultural diversity. These programs still help those who are in great need.
The experience you get when volunteering abroad is priceless, though the actual cost of volunteering trip aboard can be pricey. In addition to the volunteering fees for the program that you pay to the volunteering company, you still need to pay for many other things like airfare, visas, vaccinations, leisure expenses among others. When all these things are added up together, you realize that the volunteering trip abroad is not cheap.
Depending on the country and the project that you choose to join, the total cost for your volunteering trip abroad could range between 2000 USD to 5000 USD for two weeks. For some individuals, this is a pretty steep price for such a short period.
However, there are ways to significantly reduce your costs while volunteering abroad. You should take your time to plan and research. This will help you to reduce your volunteering expenses abroad.
Multiple ways can help you to embark on your volunteering journey abroad without breaking your piggy bank. There are so many ways to save money during your planning and also during your actual volunteering trip abroad. Start your adventure feeling comfortable about your financial commitment.
Select the right cheap provider;
never think that the most expensive providers are the best. There are multiple cheap and friendly volunteer abroad organizations out there. And all are different in terms of price, what is included in the price, program quality and organization, reputation among others. It is better to do research on the providers before booking with them.
Mostly the program fees cover the cost of meals, accommodation, and the project of your choice. The better way to approach her is to research and keep notes of what is and is not included in each provider’s program fees. This will help you to choose the best provider who has the highest reputation but is cheap.
Inquire about group discounts; oftentimes, there are discounts given to volunteers who book as a group. Group discounts range between 5- 10% off and some providers even have specialized discount programs for students, corporate, family, friends groups among others. So before booking first ask. You may save some money through a group discount.
Sometimes the providers have special discounts or prices for the volunteers willing to volunteer in the less popular months. If you want to save some money during your volunteering trip abroad, choose to volunteer in less popular months. Please note, these deals are not always advertised so it is a good idea to just ask regardless.
Choose a non-profitable volunteering organization; if you choose a non-profitable organization you are eligible for a tax deduction. When you join a volunteering program abroad through a non-profit provider, your program fee and costs will be tax-deductible.
Select your destination wisely;
volunteering programs abroad are found in both developing countries and third-world countries. The airfares to some countries are a bit expensive compared to the others. It is better to wisely look into countries that are on the cheaper side. For instance, it is cheaper to volunteer in Africa than in the Caribbean islands. Selecting a less expensive destination helps you to save some money.
Look for free volunteering options abroad; yes there may be no free things when volunteering due to many different types of costs involved like accommodation, visas, airfares, donations among others. It is possible to find and sign up for an affordable volunteering program abroad without the help of the provider. But if you’re to get an affordable volunteering program, you have to do a lot of research and planning plus preparation. Though it is a guarantee you will save some money.
There are other ways you can save money when embarking on a volunteer trip abroad that are not mentioned above.