Many of the people who travel with Cooperating Volunteers do so alone.
It may seem overwhelming to think about experiencing international volunteering on your own, and it undoubtedly means stepping out of your comfort zone. But traveling alone has many advantages and is a path full of learning and new emotions.
Fear should drive us, but never stop us.
Undoubtedly, to the question of whether it is safe or not… OUR ANSWER IS YES.
With preparation and common sense, it is completely safe and deeply enriching, and we will accompany you on this transformative journey from start to finish.
If so many people have already done it… Why not you?
- Traveling alone doesn’t mean being alone
One of the best things about volunteering is that you will be part of a community from day one. You will share experiences with other participants, local coordinators, and of course, the local people. You won’t take long to make friends or to feel part of something bigger. Many of you trusted us from the beginning, and you come back every year because you had an unforgettable experience.
In fact, you’ve made friendships for life and tell us that you have homes around the world.
At Cooperating Volunteers we are a family, growing bigger every day, and that makes it possible for us to continue contributing to community development in many countries.
- Safety
At Cooperating Volunteers, your safety is our priority and that’s why all the projects we offer are managed both by a qualified on-site team (to us, the best in the world) and a team available 24/7 making sure the experience goes smoothly, overcoming any challenges.
We offer:
- 24/7 local support
- Clear information about your destination and accommodation
- Guidance before, during and after the trip (vaccines, visa, local customs)
- And of course, we do it all with love, which we believe is the engine of the world
Traveling on your own doesn’t mean being unprotected if you choose the right people to do it with.
- Your destination matters (and your attitude too)
Some countries and areas are safer than others, just like anywhere in the world. But we look for the safest areas, because as we mentioned earlier, your safety and comfort are our priority.
It’s also important to research the context of the place you’re going to, and above all to do so with an open mind and absolute respect. We are the ‘outsiders’ and we come to learn and contribute all that we can, not to change customs, but simply to offer our hand and be part of a positive impact.
There are some tips you can follow, not just for this experience, but for any trip you take (including tourism):
- Dress modestly according to cultural norms
- Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep your documentation safe or carry a digital copy
- Keep your trusted contacts informed
- In the face of any adversity, trust the team
Most problems can be avoided with caution and common sense.
- Strengthen your confidence and autonomy
Traveling alone as a volunteer is not only safe, but one of the most powerful ways to grow personally and sometimes professionally. You learn to solve unexpected issues, to trust yourself, and to adapt. You leave your comfort zone… to find a stronger, more empathetic, and braver version of yourself. And you create bonds that may, in the future, help your professional career.
If not… why do so many people say it was the best decision of their lives??????
- And if I’m afraid? That’s okay.
It’s normal to feel fear before a big adventure. But that fear usually disappears once you arrive, when you discover that there are people waiting for you with a smile, ready to help you, and that you’re not as alone as you thought. As we said at the beginning, fear should never work against us.
It’s part of the journey, and of life, but it should never stop us from fulfilling our dreams.
If you’re thinking about volunteering and traveling alone, you’re about to live an adventure that will change you. Prepare well, choose consciously, and jump into discovering the world… and yourself.
Discover all our destinations and programs, and welcome to the Cooperating Volunteers family.