Journey with Purpose: Volunteer and Explore the World

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” — Audrey Hepburn - my idol.

What a wonderful world it would be if we all practised Audrey's philosophy.

A recent survey by BioLife reported that volunteers felt an increased sense of purpose (45% of people), increased happiness (36%), improved mental wellbeing (26%), greater self-esteem and self-confidence (20%) and reduced stress (11%). And 49% volunteered because they expected personal fulfilment.

Have you ever travelled as part of volunteering?

Let me share my own personal experience. I’m part of the volunteer review group for the University of Sunshine Coast’s Healthy Aging Research Project. Our role is to provide feedback on Research Papers to make them more human-friendly to their attended audience, the general public.  I have reviewed two papers to date - the 1st on ‘Behaviours that underpin Healthy Aging’, and the 2^nd ‘Australia’s Native Stingless bees may prevent or help with scar healing’. The 2^nd review was conducted at Pomona Community Centre and local residents were invited to attend as a science project. Pomona is a township of approximately 2.5k residents, 136 kilometres north of Brisbane in the Noosa Shire. Originally, known for forestry.  Now it is an established koala habitat.  Two male locals joined in the discussion. Despite my trepidation about driving to the venue and how this would work better than the previous one done by video in the comfort of my home office, I was proven wrong. Afterwards, as I got into the car in the pouring rain travelling down the highway, I was on a high of having an increased sense of purpose, feeling happier with an increased sense of self-esteem,  self-confidence and mental well-being. I was practising Audrey’s philosophy and will continue to do so, as I’m also learning heaps, meeting others from diverse backgrounds and visiting other communities  - just like I did with my travel.

Inspired but want to go overseas instead – check out International Volunteer HQ, who promote senior travellers volunteering in some fascinating and revered locations in the world. Valuing your age/experience, knowledge, patience and skills. You can often choose your accommodation.  You are catered for with local cuisine and often have time to explore locally outside of your volunteer commitments.

¹ One popular option with seniors is Cambodia. 55-year-old Fiona wrote of her Cambodian experience. Seeing smiling faces each day and children running to meet you. You explore breath-taking temples, fertile rice fields, and so much history.

What about Costa Rica and turtle conservation? Comments include warm and hospitable homestays and the sea turtle project benefits the local community.

Sri Lanka  - the local team was first class and the temple restoration was perfect for me, working with the locals and the monks

Cusco, Peru with Inca ruins, majestic Machu Picchu, Amazon jungle...offering peace and tranquillity.

Argent – I learned so much about myself and had time to explore Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls you won’t be disappointed

Ghana one of the safest and most stable countries in Africa – diverse wildlife, amazing beaches and incredible people. – Carol –

¹ All the above stories are sourced from the International Volunteer HQ alert I received.

I hope this inspires you on your next journey, so that you too can practice Audrey Hepburn’s philosophy of helping others and be rewarded with the feelings of increased happiness, improved mental wellbeing, greater self-esteem and self-confidence and reduced stress as well as seeing our wonderful and diverse World.

Overseas volunteering is definitely on my bucket list.

I would love to hear of any of your experiences in travelling to volunteer.