Thailand is one destination that does not really needs a reason to visit. Anyone that’s ever wanted to order an escort should not pass on the opportunity to visit the wonderful world of Bangkok. Being regularly featured in most of the “Top Destinations to Visit” lists, its popularity in travel fraternity is not unknown. Then why should you be thinking about volunteering in Thailand? You might wonder.
Volunteering abroad is a form of traveling overseas that allows a traveler to gain experiences that are not possible on a regular holiday visit. There are things one gets to do, see, and feel that are unlikely during a regular trip.
So, what exactly are these differences? What makes a volunteer trip to Thailand better than a regular travel expedition? Here’s the answer to it all…
Living
One of the primary things that differentiates a volunteer trip to Thailand from a regular trip is the living arrangements. It varies drastically in many aspects; including style, area, facilities, and most importantly, the budget.
Volunteer in Thailand
- Accommodation provided in a volunteer house placement.
- Meals are provided at the accommodation itself.
- Rooms allotted on same gender sharing basis.
- Day starts fresh and early.
Regular Travel Experience
- Living in a hotel room.
- Have to arrange and pay for each and every meal of the day.
- Day starts when you want it to (could be at noon as well).
While for a regular trip to Thailand, one need to do all the bookings in advance and pay for each meal and facility; for a volunteer trip, it’s a one time payment done in the form of program fee. It’s more like living in a home away from home, literally.
Networking
This is one of the most interesting differences between a volunteer travel and a regular trip to Thailand. It is known that Thailand is also denoted as The City Of Smiles, and that is for a reason. Volunteering in Thailand lets you discover that reason in its most genuine form.
Volunteer in Thailand
- Get to interact with the natives on a much closer and personal level.
- Get to make friends with people from across the globe while living together.
- Get to learn a word or two of the local language.
- Get to understand and immerse in the local culture.
Regular Travel Experience
- Little to no interaction with the locals (unless you to stop to ask for directions).
- Friends/family/partner (or whoever came along) are the only travel companions.
- Get to witness the local traditions and culture, but without any insights to its roots; let alone getting to immerse yourself in it.
- The only opportunity to learn something of the local language is either from the menu card of a local restaurant or billboards.
Local Guidance
This is a key aspect of volunteering abroad that makes the entire trip a great success. A regular holiday would certainly take you to some of the best places that your guidebook has mentioned. However, a guidebook is the result of a traveler’s findings and can provide only limited information and insights.
Volunteer in Thailand
- A dedicated local coordinator appointed throughout the tour.
- Recommended places to visit that one won’t find in guidebooks.
- No need to hire a tour guide.
- Help in making arrangements for weekend tours.
- First point of contact in case of any problem or emergency.
- Support and guidance throughout the sojourn.
Regular Travel Experience
- Have to hire a local guide for each monument or tourist site.
- Have to book your own tours and visits to tourist sites.
- Have to rely on guidebooks for exploring.
- Embassy is the only point of contact in case of any problem or emergency.
Overall Experience
There are some travelers who crave for adventure, some like to explore the heritage and culture, while others just want to post those selfies to burn their friends back home. Volunteering in Thailand provides you an opportunity to experience all these things along with a few more, unmatched experiences, especially the experience of making new friends.
Volunteer in Thailand
- Give happiness while making a difference.
- Experience local living.
- Learn to cook Pad Thai the authentic way.
- Make friends with elephants.
- Gain international work experience.
Regular Travel Experience
- Limited adventures
- Visiting heritage sites mentioned in the guidebooks.
- Little to no interaction with the natives.
One volunteer travel abroad experience for me, gave me a new perceptive on life, and made me realize that this is the way I want to travel. I haven’t looked back ever since.
If you have been to Thailand before and are planning another visit, try making it a volunteer trip this time and experience the difference yourself. And, if you haven’t been to this paradise ever, plan your visit now.
Resources for volunteering in Thailand:
~ By guest blogger, Dave Dronacharya. Dave is a full time travel writer/blogger. His passion for traveling got him into the habit of writing, which soon turned into a profession. He writes and shares his personal experiences and facts in his articles with only one objective in mind; motivating others as well to travel as much as they can. His work is published on The Huffington Post, SocialEarth, VolunteersMagazine, and Cultural Trip. Follow Dave on Twitter.
