There's no denying it, these bloggers are bound to make you jealous. Whether it's their guts, their energy or their tan you admire, overseas volunteers have got plenty to share with you about their remarkable work in fascinating countries. Read on to find out what you could be missing.

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Wednesday Jun 17, 2009

Hello, my name is...

Fiona! A 19-year old Scottish student about to head to Mexico for 5 weeks starting next weekend. I normally spend my days in dreary Aberdeen, so you may guess that I'm rather happy at the prospect of Mexican heat for 5 weeks of my summer – you wouldn't be wrong!

After loving 3 weeks of South Africa working in a monkey sanctuary last summer, I have more confidence to head further afield, for a longer period this year. I'll be working in an orphanage in the largely tourist-orientated town of Puerto Vallarta, on the Pacific Coast. I plan to work at the orphanage (and hopefully venture to the disabled children's centre nearby, as well as visit the local school) for three weeks, before heading east across Mexico towards Cancun, and spend 3 days in New York City before finally heading home to Sunny Old Scotland.

Now I'm sure you've all heard about the recent Swine Flu 'Crisis'. Maybe you think I'm slightly crazy to still be planning on heading to the reported origin of the virus. However, since the WHO dropped their advice against "non-essential travel", all systems are go! Though it has helped to make me more aware of the health precautions I should be taking, the hysteria over the virus appears to be the bigger obstacle! When I first visited the doctor 6 weeks prior to travel, I was informed to not even consider going! Following this set back, I couldn't get another appointment for 2 weeks – ah bless the NHS – at which point I was scolded for having left it so late! Finally seeing the travel nurse, I was again scolded,  and given yet another appointment to receive the vaccinations needed. The moral of this and the first of my advice... see the doctor early, sometimes the recommended 4-8 weeks before travel isn't enough!

So with that all out of the way... The clothes! Important as they are...remember that it's best not to take a rucksack filled solely with bikinis, shorts and summer dresses! Weather conditions can be pretty unexpected, so it's best to check average weather conditions before you go! I learned this the hard way last year, taking only one warm jumper to South Africa to then be met with the long cold nights of their winter, and no central heating! Mosquito repellents are essential in many hot countries, particularly within malaria danger zones (in which case anti-malarial drugs are also essential so please seek advice from your doctor, alongside other precautions against biting beasties).  Also on a health note, sun cream! I won't bang on about skin cancer, but please just remember it! If you fancy lots of activities during time off from your voluntary work, remember to take suitable clothes and shoes with you – hiking in flip-flops = bad idea. Also, adaptor plugs and microfiber travel towels are amazing.

So that's me and that's my plan! Hopefully the next week doesn't bring any hiccups... Fi.

Posted by Fiona ( 10:10 AM )
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