For travelling, apps can become your best allies before, during, and after a volunteering experience.
Travelling to live an international volunteering experience is much more than packing a suitcase and buying a plane ticket. It means opening yourself up to the unknown, adapting to new cultures, and learning how to move in environments very different from the ones you’re used to.
Luckily, today we have a great ally that fits in our pocket: the mobile phone.
Used well, it can become a key tool to help you feel safer, more organised, and more connected during your experience with Cooperating Volunteers.
Here we share a selection of essential apps for travelling, especially useful before, during, and after your volunteering experience.
Apps to organise your trip before you leave:
- Although the Cooperating Volunteers team can help you arrange your flights so you don’t have to worry about anything, you can also do it on your own. One of the best options for this is Skyscanner. Ideal for finding flights at the best price and comparing options with flexible dates. If you’re not yet sure when you’ll travel or which airport you’ll fly from, this app lets you play around with different options until you find the one that suits you best.
- PackPoint
Are you worried about forgetting something important?
PackPoint creates personalised packing lists based on the destination, the weather, and the type of trip. Perfect for volunteering experiences where you need to bring practical, comfortable clothing adapted to the local context. Also remember that we will send you a document with everything you need for your trip once you’ve made your booking. We know that packing can sometimes be a headache, so we want to make it as easy as possible for you.
Apps to get around and orient yourself at your destination:
Especially for your free time:
- Google Maps (with downloaded maps)
Essential. Before travelling, download the maps of the area where you’ll be doing your volunteering experience. This way you’ll be able to:
- Get around without needing an internet connection
- Locate key places such as hospitals, supermarkets, or stations (this point shouldn’t worry you too much, as during the orientation day we show you where the nearest ones are, and the local team or the team present at the destination at that time will always accompany you whenever you need it).
- Feel more independent from day one
- Uber / Bolt / Grab / Gojek
In many countries, these apps are safer and more affordable than other means of transport. They also help avoid misunderstandings about prices and routes, which is especially useful when you’ve just arrived at a new destination.
Remember that at Cooperating Volunteers we provide another transport option to the projects, which is part of our team and prioritises your safety. However, in your free time you’ll be able to use other safe transport options.
Apps to communicate and break down barriers:
- Google Translate
One of the most valuable apps during a volunteering experience. It allows you to:
- Translate texts and conversations
- Download languages to use offline
- Translate signs or documents using the camera
Learning a few words of the local language always makes a difference and shows respect for the community that welcomes you. But luckily, we now have the ease of understanding each other more quickly and without any kind of confusion.
The most common form of communication in most countries. It will help you to:
- Stay in touch with the local team
- Talk to your family and friends
- Coordinate plans with other participants, who will become friends
Apps to manage your money with peace of mind
- XE Currency
To convert currencies in real time and avoid confusion when paying. Very useful during the first few days, until you become familiar with the local currency. You’ll probably stop needing it later and be able to do it without thinking about the exchange rate.
- Revolut / Wise
Keeping track of your expenses, paying securely, and withdrawing money without excessive fees is key during a long stay. These apps allow you to manage your finances easily and transparently, and save money without constantly paying commissions.
Apps to take care of yourself during the experience
- Polarsteps / Journey
Recording your experience, writing about how you feel, or saving memories will help you process everything you’re living. Many people agree that when they return home, these journals become an emotional treasure.
- Headspace / Insight Timer
The volunteering experience is also an inner journey. These meditation and mindfulness apps can help you manage emotions, adapt to changes, and find moments of calm amid the intensity of the experience.
A final piece of advice
Apps are great allies, but remember that the most important parts of the journey don’t happen on a screen. Look, listen, connect, make mistakes, learn, and let yourself be surprised.
Your volunteering experience with Cooperating Volunteers is lived through conversations, small gestures, daily life together, and everything that can’t be downloaded.
Your phone goes with you, but the real connection is human.
