Tips to Save When Volunteering in Nepal
If you are one of those people who are really interested in volunteering in Nepal but have limited means to do so, below are some tips on how you can lessen your total expenses:
1. Get a cheaper volunteer package with more benefits.
One of the major decisions you should make if you are interested to volunteer in Nepal is to sign up for a volunteer program placement with a travel or volunteer agency. But before signing up, you should carefully choose your agency. Choose a reputable organization that offers volunteer packages at a reasonable price with more benefits included in the placement fee. For example, Volunteering Solutions may have placement fees that can be more expensive compared to other agencies, but theirs is already inclusive of sightseeing expenses, meals, and housing. Other agencies that offer cheaper packages may not include sightseeing in their placement fees. When choosing an agency, it is important to consider the coverage of the placement fee, and not just the price.
2. Try to have someone sponsor your trip.
Volunteering is a noble endeavor, and if you are really interested to volunteer in Nepal but don't have the budget, you could also request a friend or family member to sponsor your trip. Some people will be more than willing to send a person to volunteer abroad.
3. Avail of tour packages.
To make the most of your trip to Nepal, you should take advantage of your volunteer opportunity to visit popular attractions in the country. There are various local travel agencies that arrange tours to popular attractions. If you can avail of cheaper or discounted tour packages, that would be advantageous to you. Another option is to have a group tour with your fellow volunteers or workers. Group tours are normally cheaper because they allow you to get a bulk discount. You could also divide among yourselves some expenses such as taxi fares, accommodations and tips, which you otherwise would have to pay on your own.
They say that if there is a will, there is a way. And it applies to those who are interested to volunteer in Nepal. Do not let your finances hinder a noble endeavor of volunteering in Nepal. The tips mentioned above are just some of the ways you can visit Nepal as a volunteer even with a limited budget.