Adding the “feel good” factor to your trip abroad
October 28th, 2008 at 03:24pm Under Exotic locations
Most of us try to leave space in the bags when we go abroad so that we can fit in all the little bits and pieces we find such irresistible purchases when we come home again. Which means we have a lot of wasted space on the way out that could be used for something else.
If you’re traveling to part of the developing world, consider filling up that space with items that can be useful to the locals. Being able to give some much-needed stuff to a local school or other project is a great help to the recipients - plus, of course, it gives you a real good feeling to know you’ve been able to make their lives better for very little outlay.
Being able to give your donation direct to the intended users is also a great way to be sure that none of it gets spent on administration.
Many of the things which the developing world is crying out for are not expensive. For instance, I just visited Stuff Your Rucksack and searched for stuff to take to the Congo. The list that came up was Sports/games equipment; footballs and School equipment (pens, pencils, stationery…), all for orphanages run by SOS Children’s Villages.
Stuff Your Rucksack’s site is very easy to use. Just click on “Find stuff that’s needed where I’m going” and select the country from a drop down list. You can also let them know about new items you that find are needed, so that future travelers can help. What a great way to fill up unused space in any type of luggage!
By frann
