Is volunteering safe?

That’s a completely fair question and honestly it’s one we hear from almost every volunteer and parent at some point. You’re heading to a new country, often on your own for the first time, and it naturally brings up questions. How safe is it? Who do I turn to if something goes wrong? Can I trust the people on the other side of the world?

We understand those concerns. In fact, we’d be more worried if you didn’t think about them.

The good news is yes, it is safe. And that’s not by chance, it’s because of how we work.

Since 2004, we’ve supported volunteers heading overseas. Over that time, we’ve built a strong network of trusted local partners, projects, and host families. These are people we know personally, speak to regularly, and visit ourselves. We only work with places we fully trust and genuinely stand behind.

So, what do we actually do to keep things safe?

Screening and selection:
We carefully select all our projects and host families. No unreliable setups or places where you’re left on your own, just warm, supportive people who are experienced in hosting volunteers.

Personal preparation:
Before you leave, you’ll have a one on one introduction chat as well as a detailed preparation session. This covers practical information but also helps you feel confident, safe, and ready for your experience.

Airport pickup and local support:
You’ll be met at the airport by our local coordinator, a trusted contact who knows your project and helps you settle in. Someone who knows you by name and is there to support you whenever you need it.

Always reachable:
We’re here for you even while you’re overseas. You’ll stay in contact with us from Australia and you’ll always be able to reach us directly if anything comes up. No call centres, just real people who know you and your project.

Peace of mind for parents too:
We know parents want reassurance as well. That’s why we also provide a direct contact option for families and are always open to questions. Transparency, accessibility and clear communication are at the heart of what we do.

Will I be with people my own age?

A really understandable question. Whether you’re 18 or 58, you want to know if you’ll meet people you can connect with. You don’t want to feel like the odd one out, or like you’ve ended up in a group that doesn’t really fit.

No worries, we actually try our best to make sure you’re placed with people in your age group.

At DO MORE TRAVEL, we’ve been supporting volunteers of all ages since 2004. Because we take the time to get to know everyone personally, we can match you with a project where you’ll feel comfortable, including when it comes to age.

For travellers aged 18 to 25:

A large part of our volunteers are between 18 and 25. Most of our projects are designed with this age group in mind, both in the activities and the level of support provided. You’ll be working, living and learning alongside other young people who are also keen to explore the world and make a difference.

Most volunteers travel on their own, but no one really arrives alone. From the moment you get there, you quickly become part of a group of like minded volunteers. Friendships form fast, and often last well beyond the trip. Many of our past participants even describe them as friendships for life.

And if you prefer not to travel alone, we can connect you with other volunteers heading out around the same time so you can start your journey with a familiar face at the airport.

You really don’t have to do it alone. You’ll be surrounded by people who are on the same path as you, keen to experience something meaningful and make a difference.

For 25 plus and 50 plus volunteers:

Volunteering isn’t just for students or gap year travellers. More and more people are choosing to travel with purpose later in life. We regularly welcome volunteers in their 30s, 40s and even 60s, sometimes solo, sometimes with a partner or a friend.

That’s why we also offer specific projects for 50 plus travellers, where you’ll be placed with people in a similar age group. These projects take into account interests, pace and experience, and allow plenty of space for connection and shared learning.

Your age is not a limitation, it’s an asset to the project.

Everyone is welcome and everyone is valued!

Whatever your age, you’re not just a number with us. We take the time to understand who you are, what you’re looking for, and which project suits you best. That way you feel welcomed, supported and connected from the very beginning.

If you’re unsure whether there will be others in your age group, just reach out and we can talk you through the best options for you.

What if I don’t enjoy it? Can I change projects?

At DO MORE TRAVEL, we do everything we can to make sure you end up in the right place. We go through your wishes and expectations together during your introduction chat and carefully match you with a project that suits you well. Fortunately, it’s rare for volunteers to want to change projects. But we also understand that sometimes things can feel different once you arrive.

If it does happen that you don’t feel in the right place, we’ll look at options to switch you to another project. In most countries we have multiple projects available and we’ll always do our best to find a better fit. In many cases, switching is possible and we’ll guide you through the available options.

A change fee may apply depending on the timing, destination and the arrangements already made on your behalf. This covers the local coordination and administrative work involved in making the change. We will always inform you of any costs upfront before anything is confirmed.

Our support doesn’t stop once you leave Australia. We stay in contact and are always available to help you work through any changes and find the best possible solution.

Where do I start? There’s so many projects to choose from!

Alright, we get it, you want to do volunteering, but where do you even start? It can feel a bit like opening a massive box full of options, and honestly, that’s completely normal. But no stress, we’ll help you sort it out.

The first step is easy: book a chat with us. No pressure at all, just a relaxed, obligation free conversation where you can ask anything you want. We’ll get to know what you’re looking for and help figure out which projects suit you best. There’s no test and no hard sell, just a simple chat to point you in the right direction.

From there, we’ve got your back the whole way. We’ll help you get everything ready before you head off, and we run a preparation session before you travel so you know exactly what to expect. From the practical stuff to day to day life on your project, we walk you through it step by step. If it ever feels like a lot, don’t worry, we keep it clear and simple so nothing gets missed.

The best part is you’re not doing it alone. We’re with you from start to finish. So where do you begin? Just book that first chat. We’ll handle the rest so you can focus on the adventure. Everything always works out!

How do I get started?

If you want to sign up, we follow a few simple steps to make sure everything is well organised for your adventure:

1. Plan a free chat
It all starts with a no obligation chat. This can be over the phone or via video call. We’ll talk through your wishes and expectations and help you choose the right project.

2. Choose your project
After the chat, we’ll help you find the project that suits you best. We look at your interests, experience and the impact you want to make. No stress, we guide you step by step.

3. Confirm your placement
Once you’ve made your choice, you’ll receive confirmation along with all the information you need. We’ll help you with the practical side of things such as flights, visa and insurance.

4. Join the community
After signing up, you’ll join our online community where you’ll be connected with other volunteers heading to the same destination. There you’ll find a detailed information guide with everything you need to know, from preparation and cultural insights to a handy packing list. Everything is clearly laid out so you feel well prepared. And if anything is unclear or you have extra questions, we’re always here to help you step by step.

5. Preparation training
Before you leave, we run a preparation session where we explain everything about your project, the country and how to get ready for your trip. We also answer any final questions you might have.

6. Group WhatsApp
Once everything is ready, you’ll be added to a group WhatsApp with the other volunteers. This is a great way to connect, share experiences and get to know each other before you travel.

7. Departure
Then it’s time to go. We make sure everything is arranged, from transport to local support. When you arrive in your destination country, you’ll be picked up at the airport by someone from our local team. From that moment on, you’ll have support and guidance so you can focus on your experience. You’re never on your own, you can always rely on our support from the very beginning.

8. Support during your project
We have local coordinators on the ground to support you, as well as ongoing contact and support from Australia. We also check in with you regularly to see how you’re going and how your experience is. We love being part of your journey and making sure you have the best possible time. You can always count on our support before, during and after your project.

With these steps, we make sure you feel well prepared and ready for an amazing experience. Ready to get started? Get in touch with us and we’ll help you from there.

Why do I have to pay to do volunteering?

That’s a fair question we sometimes get: why do I have to pay to do volunteering? It might seem unusual to ask for a contribution for something that’s meant to help others. But there are several important reasons why these costs are necessary to provide a high quality, safe and well supported volunteering experience.

Support and guidance
From the moment you sign up through to the end of your project, we provide full support and guidance. This includes personal introduction chats, preparation sessions, help with visas and insurance, and ongoing contact with our team both before you leave and while you’re abroad. The fee helps cover this essential support that ensures you have a smooth and meaningful experience.

Local support and project coordination
In every country we work in, we have local coordinators who support volunteers and make sure everything runs smoothly. They help with day to day life, assist you in settling in, and are your first point of contact if you have any questions or issues. This local expertise and on the ground support are key to your safety and overall experience.

Quality of projects
We only work with carefully selected and well prepared projects. The fee helps us continue to screen, monitor and improve these projects so you can contribute to initiatives that genuinely make a difference. We visit projects personally and review them regularly to ensure you are placed somewhere meaningful and well organised.

Transport, accommodation and meals
The fee also covers your accommodation and meals at your project location. This ensures you stay in a safe and comfortable environment close to your project, with everything you need to focus on your experience. It also includes transport to and from your project, so you don’t need to worry about logistics.

Safety and insurance
Safety is extremely important to us, both on project and while travelling. The fee contributes to insurance, risk management and the systems we have in place to help keep you safe throughout your journey. This gives you peace of mind knowing you are properly supported and covered for unexpected situations.

Access to a volunteer community
When you sign up, you become part of our volunteer community. This connects you with others who are on the same journey, both before departure and during your project. You’re part of a network of like minded travellers who can support and learn from each other.

In summary, the contribution is there to ensure the quality of your experience and to make sure you not only support a meaningful project, but also receive the right level of care, guidance and safety. We’re here to support you so you can focus on helping others and creating a meaningful experience for yourself.

What about staying healthy, vaccinations and hygiene?

A key question for many volunteers is how health, vaccinations and hygiene are managed while staying abroad. We understand that you may have concerns about health risks when travelling to other countries. That’s why we make sure you are well prepared and provide the right information and support so you can do your volunteering safely and in good health.

1. Health and safety on location
Your health is our priority, and we make sure you always have access to appropriate medical care if needed. We also ensure that the projects you work on meet required health and safety standards. This means you are working in a safe environment, and we stay in close contact with local coordinators to make sure everything is properly managed.

2. Vaccinations and travel advice
For many destinations, vaccinations are recommended before you travel. We provide detailed information about the vaccinations suggested for your specific destination and work alongside medical professionals to help you stay well informed. We also recommend booking an appointment at a travel clinic well in advance to make sure you have everything you need. We understand this can feel a bit overwhelming, but we guide you through the process so you know exactly what applies to you.

3. Hygiene and illness prevention
Good hygiene is essential to prevent illness, especially when you are in a different country. We provide clear guidance on how to protect your health, including hand hygiene, drinking safe water, and being mindful of food and drink choices. We also give you information about local hygiene standards and how to protect yourself from common illnesses in your destination country. In addition, we help you pack the right essentials such as sanitiser and insect repellent so you can take good care of yourself while away.

4. Emergency support and ongoing contact
In case of emergency, we provide ongoing support and stay in contact so you are never alone. Whether it’s medical assistance or another unexpected situation, you can reach us and we will help you get the right support locally and from Australia.

Staying healthy, vaccinations and hygiene are an important part of your volunteering experience, and we make sure you are well prepared and properly supported every step of the way. With the right precautions in place, you can stay safe and healthy while making the most of your experience abroad.

Will I have time on weekends to see more of the country?

Yes, absolutely! We definitely encourage our volunteers to explore more of the country on weekends. Volunteering is a great way to really immerse yourself in a country’s culture, but it’s also important to enjoy your free time and experience everything the destination has to offer.

On our website you’ll find a range of great optional trips and activities you can do to explore the country further. On top of that, our local coordinators always have great suggestions for weekend trips. Whether it’s a day trip to a local landmark, a cultural experience, or something more adventurous, we make sure you get the chance to experience the culture and scenery up close.

So in your free time, there’s plenty of opportunity to see more of the country and make the most of your experience!

Do you have a question that's not listed above?

No problem!

📧 Email us at michael@domoretravel.com.au

📱 Or send us a WhatsApp message! +61 422 372 065

📅 Or book a free, no obligation chat via our calendar so we can answer all your questions personally!