Last Updated on October 22, 2021
In the last few months, the world has changed a lot and uncertainty rules the ‘new normal’. After being staying indoors for long, people across the globe are feeling an itch to break free & explore. Now that the vaccination drives are also going on in full swing, and more than 100 million people have been successfully vaccinated across the globe, we are hopeful that soon we can all win over this war with the Novel Coronavirus. So , we are goint ot tell youra bout 5 countries to volunteer safely in post-pandemic times.
As several countries are slowly opening up their borders, it’s time for you to make a choice and share a helping hand with those who aren’t as blessed as many of us. In the present scenario, it’s our responsibility to indulge in sustainable tourism & do something worthy as we step out of our comfort zones. Make sure to educate yourself about the new travel protocols and follow all regulations before you plan your volunteer trip abroad and contribute towards a meaningful change.
If you’re wondering where to volunteer in the post-pandemic times, then these are the 5 best countries to choose from:
Sri Lanka
Located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Southern India, Sri Lanka is a true paradise with picturesque beaches, tropical jungles, enchanting waterfalls, magnificent hills, and stretches of tea plantation. The warm people of the island country will greet you with love, and make you feel at home in their land. The country opened its borders for international travelers in January 2021, abiding by certain protocols that ensure a safe and secure traveling experience.
A volunteering journey to Sri Lanka will surely open your eyes, heart, and mind in new ways and give you an entirely new perspective to view the world. Your experience of integrating into the Sri Lankan community will get you closer to yourself, help in your self-discovery, increase your self-confidence and foster a greater sense of appreciation for the small things in life. In case you’ve been contemplating a beachside vacay in the post-pandemic times, there can be nothing better than a meaningful volunteer trip.
Costa Rica
Are you a beach lover looking for a perfect getaway in post-pandemic times? Then you must choose Costa Rica, a Central American country that proudly boasts both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines & has opened its borders for international travelers, abiding by all safety measures. And it’s not just about beaches – but Costa Rica hosts a major part of the Amazonian rainforests, and thus animal lovers will be delighted to spot hundreds of animals and birds while exploring this breathtaking country.
While nature has beautifully crafted the forests, mountains, beaches, and hot springs, mankind has also added to it in the most magnificent manner. The architectural grandeur of Costa Rica will leave you mesmerized. During your volunteer adventure in Costa Rica, you’ll surely get an essence of the “Pura Vida” – ‘Pure Life’ as the natives call it. Living with the locals, you’ll get to experience the authentic Costa Rican lifestyle, learn their language, and savor the delicious tastes of their cuisine. No matter whether you are keen to work for the Turtle Conservation Program while enjoying your beach life, or soak in the freshness while working with animals amidst the wilderness – Costa Rica has it all for you!
Kenya
A jewel of East Africa, Kenya is immensely different from that of the western world, and once you visit this gorgeous for a volunteer trip, you’ll realize how happy people can be with their simple ways of life. If you’ve always dreamt of African sunsets and thrilling game drives, spotting the BIG 5, and hiking around Mt.Kenya – then this is your chance! Not just that, but you’ll get the opportunity to meet and get acquainted with various ethnic groups, get closer to them and understand their culture more deeply, and help them in whichever way you can so that they can live a better life in the future.
Kenya has opened its borders for travelers and you can spend some quality time assisting the medical staff at the healthcare centers or supporting the next generation through a teaching assignment at a local school, or just spend a couple of weeks at a children’s home and shower the little ones with your love and care. Being one of the most popular volunteering destinations in Africa, Kenya has been attracting a lot of high school students, gap year travelers as well as backpackers who are enthusiastic and eager to contribute towards the development of society in some way or the other.
Ghana
No matter whether you wish to volunteer for women’s education or care to protect the environment & wildlife – your journey in Ghana will make you look at life differently. When you choose to commit to a cause, you get the chance of touching the lives of the natives and make a meaningful change in society that can be sustained in the future as well.
If you are an adventurous soul seeking some instant adrenaline rush, head out for a day’s hiking trip to see the Boti Falls or walk down the jungle trails and chill beside the Volta Lake, soaking in the serenity of the place. And in case you wish to relax, make sure to head towards the pristine beaches near Cape Coast and spend some soothing hours, getting tanned. In case you wish to enjoy the bustling vibes and gorge on some delicious local food, the beaches near Accra would be perfect for you. As Ghana has started welcoming travelers from different parts of the globe in the post-Covid times, you can also plan your trip and be the change you wish to see in the world.
Peru
The ruins of Machu Picchu, the mysterious Nazca Lines, the gorgeous colors of Rainbow Mountains, the wilderness of the Amazon forests, and the floating islands of Lake Titicaca – Peru undoubtedly is one of the most favored adventure travel destinations of the world, welcoming people from all across the globe. Being a developing country, Peru is an extremely affordable destination for solo travelers, backpackers, and adventure lovers who are keen to set out & explore in the post-pandemic times. If you wish to volunteer meaningfully, then you can plan to travel to this South American country with the aim of giving something back to society, apart from just exploring the lanes of history. Brush up your Spanish language skills, meet the alpacas, navigate through the Amazon basin, hike around the Andes & feel the chills, and gorge on some delicious ceviche while in Peru!
Needless to say, volunteering abroad in 2021 will not be the same as before (I mean, the pre-pandemic times!). So it’s important that you plan ahead, do the research, follow the local health protocols, get an RT-PCR test done before traveling, maintain social distancing while at work, wear your masks and give back to society, meaningfully.