1. Travelers’ Diarrhea

What you need to know

Travelers’ Diarrhea (TD) is usually experienced within the first few weeks of travel, but it may also occur at any point during your trip, and even after returning home. High-risk destinations are the developing countries of Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The cause of TD is primarily through contaminated food or water. TD can begin abruptly. Common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, fever, urgency, and malaise. Most cases begin and resolve in 1-2 days.

How to avoid

• Avoid eating foods or drinking beverages purchased from street vendors
• Avoid eating raw or under-cooked meat and seafood
• Avoid eating raw fruits or vegetables unless the traveler peels them
• Travel with packaged snacks and bottled water

2. Malaria

What you need to know

Malaria is a mosquito-born disease that can infect humans and other animals. Symptoms usually begin ten to fifteen days after being bitten by a mosquito carrying the disease. Malaria is most commonly found in tropical and subtropical areas. High-risk destinations are the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa and Asia. Symptoms of Malaria may include a fever or flu-like illness either while traveling in a maria-risk area or after returning home. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away.

How to avoid

• Avoid mosquito bites through the use of repellents
• Use a mosquito net around your bed
• Prior to traveling, ask your doctor about Malaria prevention medicines

3. Dengue Fever

What you need to know

Dengue Fever (DF) is a disease caused by the dengue virus and is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. DF occurs mostly in tropical urban areas of the world. High-risk destinations are the Caribbean, Latin America, Australia, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The Principal symptoms of dengue are high fever, severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, joint pain, muscle and bone pain, rash, and mild bleeding in the nose or gums or easy bruising. There are no vaccines or specific medications available to prevent or treat DF. If you think you have Dengue Fever rest, drink plenty of fluids and consult a physician. If you begin to develop vomiting and severe abdominal pain in the first 24 hours after the fever declines, go immediately to the hospital.

How to avoid

• Avoid mosquito bites through the use of repellents
• Use a mosquito net around your bed
• Eliminate the places where mosquitoes lay their eggs, such as artificial containers that hold water
• Use air conditioning and window or door screens to reduce the risk of mosquitoes coming indoors

4. Yellow Fever

What you need to know

Yellow Fever is a disease that spread to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the Yellow Fever Virus. An infected person will usually experience symptoms 3-6 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. High-risk destinations include tropical and subtropical areas in South America and Africa. Symptoms of Yellow Fever include a sudden onset of fever, chills, severe headache, back pain, general body aches, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and weakness. You should consult a healthcare provider promptly if you are experiencing Yellow Fever symptoms.

How to avoid

• Yellow Fever can be prevented by vaccination. Consult a healthcare provider about the vaccine prior to traveling.
• Avoid mosquito bites through the use of repellents
• Use a mosquito net around your bed

International Volunteer Card travel protection policies provide coverage for unexpected illness medical expenses. You can check out all our different policies and purchase the right one for you before your next volunteer trip.

Please call (877.865.6877) or email (contact@volunteercard.com) with any questions!

The post How to Prevent 4 Common Traveler Illnesses appeared first on Volunteer Card.

Travel delays are inevitable. Inclement weather, mechanical failure and crew delays can throw a major wrench in your carefully-planned trip. As frustrating as these moments are, you can turn any delay into a memorable mini-adventure with a little creativity and a positive attitude. As G.K. Chesterton famously said,

“An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered.”

Here are a few tips for making the most of a trip delay or cancellation!

1. Don’t get mad at the gate agent

The gate agents are not trying to ruin your trip. In fact, most cancellations are made with your safety in mind. If you notice other passengers giving the gate agent a hard time, take the opportunity to extend a little extra kindness.

2. Get your arrangements out of the way

As soon as you know a delay is going to happen, start making all of your important phone calls. If you’ve made arrangements to be picked up at your destination, notify your contacts of your new arrival time. If your flight is canceled completely, make sure the airline gives you a new confirmation for the next available flight. Find out if they will be offering you any compensation for the inconvenience.

3. Prepare to make a Trip Delay Claim

If your delay will keep you grounded for 12 hours or more, call the number on the back of your Volunteer Card with any questions about your Trip Delay coverage. You will need to save all meal, hotel and ground transportation receipts to send in with your claim documents later on. The underwriter will also need a copy of your trip itinerary and any documentation regarding the reason for the delay.

4. Tour the city

Many large cities offer free city tour services for travelers with long layovers. You will need to figure out the requirements for a transit visa, which vary from country to country. If a tour is not available, find a fun restaurant to try or a nearby museum to explore on your own. Build in plenty of time to get back to the airport and go through security again.

5. Spend some time relaxing

If you’re accustomed to a fast-paced schedule, it can be hard to allow yourself the freedom to just sit and kick back a little. If a sudden travel delay has you on edge of a nervous breakdown, a little downtime might be exactly what you need! Find a quiet cafe (in or outside the airport) and do some people watching, journaling or reading. Watch the planes take off from an observation deck. Turn off your phone and enjoy a slow meal with your travel companions.

6. Explore the airport

Most major airports have so much more to offer than food and shopping! Get a massage, a haircut or sneak in a quick workout at an airport gym. Strike up a conversation with a stranger and learn something new. If you’re stuck at the airport with a group, make a funny video or play a giant game of hide-and-go-seek. Just try to avoid ending up in places you shouldn’t be or looking suspicious!

The post How to Make the Most of An Unexpected Trip Delay appeared first on Volunteer Card.

As a shopper, do you care about…

• Where a product was made
• How a product was made
• What renewable sources a product came from
• If a product is biodegradable
• Giving back to the community

If these statements resonate, you may identify as a socially conscious shopper. In line with these admirable convictions, here are six companies that give back with every purchase you make.

**Disclaimer: These are not affiliate links. We listed these inspiring companies because of their vision of giving back to the community and making the world a better place.

1. Bombas

Photo Credit: cupofjo.com

What do they sell?

Bomas reinvented the sock to create something more comfortable and functional than anything you’ve ever worn before. With so many colors and designs, Bombas can keep your feet comfy and cozy for any occasion!

What’s their mission?

Those at homeless shelters request socks more than any other item. With this overwhelming need, Bombas decided to make a difference. Their team strives to “support the homeless community, and to bring awareness to an under-publicized problem in the United States.”

How can I help?

Every time you buy a pair of socks, you donate a pair to someone in need. But not just any pair– these socks are manufactured with an anti-bacterial treatment, in darker colors, and with reinforced seams. Together, these features enhance durability and reduce wear.

2. Toms

Photo Credit: getdiskon.com

What do they sell?

TOMS pioneered the one-for-one movement with a classic pair of canvas shoes. Since its start in 2006, the company widely expanded its inventory to include all types of shoes, glasses, bags, and even coffee beans.

What’s their mission?

TOMS focuses on improving the lives of individuals across the globe. As their mission states, “through your purchases, TOMS helps provide shoes, sight, water, safe birth and bullying prevention services to people in need.” Beyond giving one-for-ones, TOMS creates jobs around the world and invests in furthering education in the next generation.

How can I help?

TOMS works on giving back to the community with their different products. Each one supports a different cause.

• Shoes donate another pair of shoes.
• Eyewear gives sight-saving surgery.
• Coffee beans help develop clean water systems.
• Totes provide training to midwives, resulting in safer births.
• Backpack sales resist bullying by training crisis counselors at schools.

3. WeWOOD

Photo Credit: mycoolbin.com

What do they sell?

WeWOOD sells chic, eco-friendly watches crafted from recycled, wooden materials. By partnering with Tress for the Future, WeWood plants a tree for every watch they sell.

What’s their mission?

WeWood lives by the mantra: “You buy a watch. We plant a tree.” The company passionately pursues global restoration by caring for the environment and nurturing forests for future generations.

How can I help?

Thanks to supporters, WeWood has planted over 600,000 trees since it started in 2011. From buying a watch, you can add to this number and help WeWood reach their goal of planting 1 million trees by 2020!

4. Warby Parker

Photo Credit: pixlee.com

What do they sell?

Warby Parker offers a wide variety of designer glasses at competitive rates. By performing many business functions in-house, this is one of the many companies that gives back by providing customers with a better alternative.

What’s their mission?

2.5 billion people have impaired vision without access to proper glasses. Over 600 million of these people are left uneducated. Simply stated, Warby Parker believes it’s a fundamental right for people to see and decided to meet the need by:

1. Training adults to perform basic eye exams, and
2. Providing students with glasses and vision care.

How can I help?

When you buy a pair of glasses, you donate a pair to someone in need. To date, over 4 million people can see because of support from shoppers like you!

5. Better World Books

Photo Credit: shopwithmeaning.org

What do they sell?

The company sells new and used books, from bestsellers to textbooks. The company rescues millions of outdated editions from libraries to either resell or recycle. Some books sell at reduced rates and many of them ship for free!

What’s their mission?

Better World Books advocates literacy for those who crave it–but don’t have the educational resources. So far, Better World Books has donated over 22 million books, raised over $27 million for literacy and libraries, and repurposed over 300 million books.

How can I help?

Every time you buy a book, you donate one to a child in need. You can also contribute to their mission by finding a drop box and giving back to the community with your used books.

6. Hand in Hand

Photo Credit: mysocietysocks.com

What do they sell?

Hand in Hand produces essential skin products like soap and lotion in four different aromas: cactus blossom, lavender, citrus grove, and sea salt.

What’s their mission?

Hand in Hand maintains the motto: “Sustainable, vegan & palm oil free essentials for a clean life + a clean conscience.” Likewise, they believe in offering socially responsible products healthy for both your body and the environment.

How can I help?

With every bar of soap you buy, you donate another one. By improving sanitation practices, your donation helps combat 45% of child deaths that result from a lack of handwashing. Your business also supports their clean water program in Haiti, which has provided clean water to thousands of individuals.

What other inspiring companies that give back to those in need would you add to this list? Comment below!

The post 6 Most Inspiring Companies That Give Back When You Buy appeared first on Volunteer Card.

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You don’t have to wait until your first day of travel to build your team. Unity, trust, and connection are characteristics that can only be formed through time together. If you can give your group a headstart by incorporating team nights and activities into your pre-trip meetings, you will operate much more effectively once your trip begins. Here are a few fun ideas to boost your camaraderie!

1. Use Icebreaker Games

Icebreakers can sometimes be a little cheesy and awkward, but there’s a reason office managers, teachers and group leaders continue to use them. As you’d expect, they really do break the ice! Your team will learn a lot about each other fast and develop communication skills with lots of laughs along the way. There are many great ideas for icebreaker activities but here are two easy ones!

Truth or Dare Jenga

Divide a box of Jenga blocks among your team members. Have them write harmless dares or get-to-know-you questions on their blocks, then stack them as usual. When each person pull out a block they should do the dare or answer the question written.

Blind Drawing

Break up your team into groups of two and have partners sit back-to-back. One person should have pen and paper and the other a picture or photograph. The person with the picture should describe the photo to the artist without saying what is actually in it. For example, if it’s a house they might say, “draw a square with a triangle on top”. The winning team is the one whose drawing looks most like the original picture!

2. Plan a Night Out

Find a creative way to have fun together! Go see a movie, get ice cream or have a game night. See if you can find a nearby restaurant that specializes in the cuisine of your travel destination. If you’re the group leader you can choose for the night to be purely for fun or have some time for focused discussion. If you do opt for a group talk, keep it simple with two or three open-ended questions like, “What are you expecting to happen on this trip?” or “What personal challenges are you hoping to overcome?”

3. Volunteer Locally

This is a great way to build your team while giving back to your local community. You can choose to do work similar to what you’ll be doing abroad or do something completely different! If you want to work directly with people, your team could volunteer at a nursing home or tutor children after school. If you’re looking for a hands-on project, consider picking up trash at a public park, organizing donations at a charity thrift store or doing small repairs (with permission) around your city. As you volunteer together you will begin to notice the unique strengths of each team member and gifts they bring to your group.

4. Host a Team Fundraiser

Coming up with funds for a volunteer trip abroad can be a challenge. Help alleviate some of the financial strain for your group by organizing a fundraiser. Car washes, talent shows, rummage sales and dinners are all fun ways to raise a little support and get to know each other in the planning process. This will also help foster an attitude of support and teamwork as you each contribute your own efforts towards something that will benefit everyone.

Check out Successful Crowdfunding Tips for Nonprofits and Volunteers!

5. Find a Leadership Challenge

Find a team-building exercise or challenge that gets your group out and moving–and engaged. Maybe this an around-town scavenger hunt, a high ropes course at a day camp or a trip to an escape room. Figure out a way to tie a timeless leadership or teamwork lesson into your activity. If it’s a high ropes course perhaps you discuss overcoming fear. If it’s an escape room, discuss reading your surroundings or team reliance.

What icebreakers or team-building activities have you incorporated into your pre-trip meetings? Let us know in the comment section below!

The post 5 Creative Team-Building Ideas for Trip Leaders appeared first on Volunteer Card.

As more travelers desire to give back and travel responsibly, the concept of ecotourism has started to gain great attention in the world of travel, particularly among millennial-aged travelers. Wellness travel, sustainable agriculture, and animal welfare are expected to be hot travel topics for 2018. Travelers are beginning to realize that their short stays abroad can have major impacts on the environment and economy of their destination long after they have gone.

Even if you’re not specifically traveling to work with animals or wildlife, you can find simple ways to incorporate sustainable and responsible practices into every trip you take.

Buy local

Go local when it comes to accommodations, restaurants, and shopping. This helps support the local economy, cuts down on waste from imported goods and gives you a better shot at experiencing the culture in the most authentic way possible.

Don’t support harmful tourist attractions

Some tourist attractions seem harmless and fun, but can negatively impact animals or the humans employed. This takes a lot of discretion and careful research to discern. Make careful and informed decisions about the attractions you visit and support.

Choose transportation wisely

Not all methods of travel are equal! Opt for transportation with the lowest environmental impact possible whenever you can. This handy chart breaks down the impact of different forms of transportation by pounds of CO2 per passenger-mile. If you can walk or bike at your destination, you will get the added benefit sightseeing as you go!

Research your hotels

Before you travel, research your hotels to see if they are “LEED certified.” LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a building certification program which rates the quality of environment and human health based upon the design, construction and maintenance of green buildings. The Palazzo Casino and Resort of Las Vegas is one the largest LEED certified building in the US.

Leave a small footprint

Treat your hotel room like you would your own home: turn off lights, recycle, use only the water you need, and limit your heating and A/C use. Try to reuse towels by hanging them up to dry rather than leaving them on the floor for the hotel staff to pick up and replace. Try not to take the hotel shampoo/conditioner and other items unless you really need it. Those tiny travel-sized containers create extra waste.

Encourage your hotel’s green efforts

Leave your hotel with a small note of thanks for any green initiatives they’ve introduced. Consider giving their efforts a quick shout out on Facebook or Twitter. Hotels want to know when they’re “doing it right”. Being vocal about their green efforts will encourage them to keep environmentally-friendly practices a priority!

Knowing if you are making responsible and ethical choices as you travel can be overwhelming as the impact of our decisions is not always obvious right away. The most important thing you can do is allow yourself to be teachable and aware. Continue to inform yourself, be a thoughtful consumer and choose to take part in the ongoing conversation of responsible travel.

The post How to Go Green: Making Responsible Choices as You Travel appeared first on Volunteer Card.

The choice to volunteer or study abroad may be the most important one you make on your education journey. It will broaden your worldview and help you shape your dreams and goals. It will open doors of possibility and creativity. If you are still on the fence about taking a gap year abroad, here are 7 benefits of going!

1. Develop Your Skill Set

Many gap year programs give you the opportunity to put your skills and studies into practice with hands-on experience in your field. Architects will be inspired by the monuments of ancient Greece and Rome. Medical professionals can put their skills to the test while serving those who need it most. Marine biologists will have exceptional opportunities to aid conservation efforts on a pacific island. Musicians might get in touch with their inner Mozart through a year in Austria.

2. Make New Connections

Networking is an essential part of success in any field. Building real connections with people as you study or volunteer abroad will open doors of opportunity, enrichment and cultural understanding that you could never open yourself. You might even make some lifelong friendships.

3. Broaden Your Perspective

The greatest gain you can make on your journey is a new set of eyes. You may develop a greater perspective of history, art, language or food. You will experience daily life in a new context and gain appreciation for culture outside of what you’ve seen in films and television.

4. Learn a Language

Textbooks and exams will never compete with the first-hand experience of being immersed in a foreign language. Don’t shy away from conversing with people, learn from your mistakes and ask lots of questions. You will be amazed at what you absorb!

5. Increase Your Self-Reliance

Simple, everyday task become adventures when living in a foreign city: taking public transportation, ordering your dinner, navigating a grocery store, finding the library… You may initially feel a little lost and helpless, but each success will serve to grow your independence and self-reliance.

6. Get Outside of Your Comfort Zone

Henry David Thoreau said, “We should come home from adventures, and perils, and discoveries every day with new experience and character.” When you are traveling, the only thing you can expect is the unexpected. Learn to embrace challenges and new experiences. Your character will grow along with your ability to adapt.

7. Find Better Job Opportunities

Experience abroad is a huge resume builder if you take the time to highlight it appropriately. List any practical skills gained such as language proficiency, internships and field experience. The personal development you’ve gained is also invaluable. You have a greater cultural perspective, networking skills, adaptability in unfamiliar environments, self-confidence and problem-solving skills. All of these are easily-translatable in the workplace.

Don’t let financial constraints hold you back from taking a gap year any longer! International Volunteer Card offers a range of affordable travel insurance options to fit your situation. Our sister company, Fly For Good, offers specialized airfare for qualified students and humanitarians. Talk to our agents today and take the next step towards your gap year dream!

The post 7 Incredible Benefits of Taking a Gap Year appeared first on Volunteer Card.

There is a growing trend for countries to require proof of travel insurance to obtain a visa and enter the country. Prior to COVID, countries in the Schengen area required travel insurance for visa approval. Additionally countries with strained diplomatic relationships with the United States often required proof of insurance. Even more countries joined this list during COVID, to make sure that their local healthcare systems would be easily able to care for foreign travelers. What used to be the exception is slowly becoming the rule. It is important to always check if your destination requires proof of travel insurance. While we hope this list helps point you in the right direction, please note that travel guidelines change frequently. ALWAYS check with the government website for your destination to see what current requirements are.

Countries that require proof of travel insurance

Anguilla

Antarctica

Argentina

Aruba

Bahamas

Belize

Bermuda

The British Virgin Islands

Chile

Cuba

Curacao

Ecuador

Egypt

Fiji

French Polynesia

Indonesia

Iran

Israel

Jamaica

Jordan

Laos

Nepal

Oman

Panama

Philippines

Qatar

Russia

Rwanda

Saint Martin

Saudi Arabia

Schengen Countries

The Schengen Countries are a group of 26 European countries which all require proof of travel insurance. They are: 

• Austria,
• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Seychelles

Singapore

St. Maarten

Sri Lanka

Thailand

Turkey

Ukraine

United Arab Emirates

Vietnam

The post Which Countries Require Travel Insurance? appeared first on Volunteer Card.

Many volunteers travel to climates that are much hotter than they’re used to. If you’re unprepared for heat-related illness, things can get hot–fast.

Excessive heat is defined as temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high for the region and is coupled with high humidity. According to the American Red Cross, heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events in recent years, including floods, and kills more than 1,000 people each year. This means it’s important to be prepared.

Feel free to download this heat wave safety checklist from the American Red Cross to spread awareness and get prepared for staying healthy in the heat.

Here are 3 common heat-related illnesses, symptoms of each, and how you can treat them:

1. Heat Cramps

The mildest heat-related condition, heat cramps, consists of muscle pain and spasms caused by heavy physical exertion in high heat. While not deadly, heat cramps are a warning sign that your body is becoming stressed by the heat. If you develop muscle cramps, it is important to:

• Get out of the heat immediately.
• Rest in a comfortable position.
• Lightly stretch and gently massage the affected muscle.
• Drink half a glass of water every 15 minutes (not alcohol or caffeine).

2. Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is the second most serious of the three heat-related disorders. Symptoms may appear suddenly or over a few hours. Some symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin
• Dizziness, exhaustion and nausea
• Faintness
• Goosebumps, in spite of the heat
• Headache
• Heavy sweating
• Low blood pressure upon standing
• Muscle cramps
• Rapid pulse or weak, rapid pulse

If you suspect that you are suffering from heat exhaustion, it is important to:

• Get into an air-conditioned building or vehicle. If an air-conditioned environment is not available, move to a shaded area.
• Rest on your back, with your legs higher than your heart level.
• Drink cool fluids – stick to water.
• Apply cool water to your skin.
• Loosen clothing, and remove any clothing that is unnecessary.
• Seek medical attention if you don’t begin to feel better within 60 minutes, or if your body temperature reaches 104 degrees or higher.

3. Heatstroke

Heatstroke is the most serious of the three heat-related conditions, and is a medical emergency requiring immediate professional medical attention to prevent brain damage, organ failure, or death. Call 911 immediately. Here are some steps you can take to help prevent permanent injury or death while waiting for emergency responders to arrive:

• Get into an air-conditioned building or vehicle.
• Apply cool water to your skin.

Symptoms of heatstroke include:

• Very high body temperature
• Changes in consciousness
• Hot, red skin
• Lack of sweating
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Rapid pulse
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Seizures, hallucinations, or difficulty speaking
• Vomiting

Heat exhaustion and heat stoke, although quite different in severity, can seem similar in the moment. Need help telling the difference between the two? Check out this infographic.

Prevention

If you are traveling to a hot climate, it is important to be aware of the danger excessive heat poses. Here are some tips to keep yourself healthy and cool, in spite of the heat:

• Don’t schedule outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or an air conditioned space to allow yourself to cool down and re-hydrate.
• Dress appropriately for the environment – loose fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing is best.
• Make sure you have plenty of water on hand. Drink large amounts of water before, during, and after physical activity.
• Always keep a first-aid kit with a thermometer and instant cold packs on hand, so that you can check your temperature, and cool off if you are dangerously hot.

Remember, prevention is easier than combating a heat-related illness. Do what you can to stay hydrated and out of the sun during your trip abroad.

Ultimately, it’s best to purchase travel insurance before leaving the country. That way you’ll be covered for any medical emergencies that may arise during your travels. Good thing we have plenty of insurance plans to choose from along with 24/7 assistance for your safety and convenience.

The post How to Avoid Common Heat-Related Illnesses appeared first on Volunteer Card.

From Latin, to Thai, to good ‘ol Canadian poutine, wherever you are in the world you are bound to indulge in some delicious local cuisine. That is one of the greatest joys of traveling abroad, we think. Years from now, when you look back on this volunteer trip, you’ll be able to remember some of the delectable meals that you tasted and enjoyed with a new community of people.

But travelers be warned. International eating can have negative effects on your body, especially as you are getting acclimated to the new culture. Every country has a different standard for health, sanitation, and the handling of food. To make sure that you protect your immune system from unwelcome bacteria and microbes, be sure to follow these tips.

Prior to departing:

1. Learn About Your Destination’s Eating Styles

Is your host country primarily vegetarian? Are traditional meals heavy on the spices, fiber, or animal products? These are things that you may want to know before departure, so you can be prepared with the necessary over-the-counter medicines.

2. Keep Your Health and Immune System Up

As you prepare for your upcoming volunteer trip keep your overall health and immune system in tip-top shape. Get regular exercise, good rest and consider taking probiotics to encourage good gut health. If you are pregnant, elderly, or battle a poor immune system you may want to visit your doctor for healthy travel recommendations prior to departing on your trip.

3. Update Your Volunteer Card Policy

No matter how much care you take, eating abroad can still cause some illness for the common traveler. If you do find yourself with an unexpected food-related illness you’ll be glad that you had your Volunteer Card to help you. Before you depart on your next volunteer trip, make sure you have your policy up-to-date. Choose from the Basic, Plus, or Premium plans, all which include coverage for illness medical expenses.

Once You’ve Arrived:

1. Drink Only Bottled Water

In general, avoid consuming tap water at all cost as it is typically high in bacteria and microbes that can cause illnesses. It is highly recommended that you only drink bottled water. To avoid and mishaps, if you are given a bottle of water make sure that you know it is new and just opened.

2. Peel Your Own Fruits and Veggies

Fruits and vegetables without peels are likely culprits for airborne contaminants. The traveler’s mantra for fruit and veggies is “Cook it, wash it, peel it, or forget it.”

3. Avoid Certain Animal Products

Cold meat, unpasteurized dairy such as cheese, milk, and yogurt, and fish should not be consumed. These things are often home to rampant bacteria. Seafood dishes are especially notorious for causing intestinal problems because of their likelihood to accumulate contaminants from water. Fish organs and shellfish (clams, mussels, and oysters) should be especially high on your watchlist.

4. Trust Your Gut

If you’re ever unsure about the food being offered to you, you’re better off just politely declining. Trust your instincts because chances are you’ll be protecting yourself from some very uncomfortable food related illnesses.

What are some of your favorite adventurous dishes you’ve tried during a volunteer trip? We want to know on Facebook and Twitter! 

Photo Credit: Zozi.com
Edits: Volunteer Card

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