Swaziland

When planning a volunteer trip, there are loads of factors that’ll influence your decision, including the kind of work you’d like to do and any particular destinations you’re keen to see. I think another thing that should be high up on your list of things to consider is which places are most in need and, when you do, you’re likely to come up with Swaziland.

This is Africa’s smallest country – and one of its most beautiful – but it’s also one with more than its fair share of problems. The average life expectancy here is the world’s lowest (just 31.3 years) and HIV/AIDS has had a devastating effect on families. So, there’s a lot of ways you can help.

A lot of projects here focus on helping children in need – since they’re often the ones who are hardest hit and need the most protection. Among the ways you can contribute are by building new homes for youngsters, teaching and taking care of orphans. In your spare time, you’ll be able to explore the amazing landscape.

South Africa

South Africa also has to be one of the continent’s top places to volunteer – mainly because of the massive variety of projects you can get involved in. Here, you can take your pick from all kinds of activities, from helping children near Cape Town to read, to getting involved in wildlife conservation.

If the latter sparks your interest, head to the Vervet Monkey Foundation (which is close to Kruger National Park – good news if you’re keen to visit!), where you can help with the day-to-day care of injured or orphaned monkeys. Plus, you can assist with all kinds of other things while you’re there, like making the enclosures more exciting for the animals and helping with general maintenance and building work.

Zanzibar

Located off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is our final top destination to volunteer in Africa. Why? Because it gives you the chance to combine seeing some amazing island scenery (the beaches here are mindblowing) and doing some good at the same time. You can teach local children at a school in Stone Town, which, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is in itself well worth exploring.

Spend your weekdays assisting local teachers, or support disadvantaged children by helping them learn English and playing games with them. Whichever you choose, it’s really rewarding work. And, when the day’s over or the weekend rolls around, you’ll have ample time to explore this incredible island. What’s really great about it is that it combines unbelievable scenery and with lots of rich heritage, so there’s plenty to discover while you’re here.

There are lots of other African destinations to volunteer in, like Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana, so it’s well worth giving some thought to what you’d really like to do and see before making your final decision. Among the things to think about that might help you decide are considering what kind of work you would most like to get involved in and whether there are any projects close to a place you already plan to travel to.

Although it is now fully incorporated into Nice – forming part of the Cimiez neighbourhood – Cemenelum was once a great rival to the city. It was an important stronghold during Roman times, serving as the capital of the Alpes Maritimae province, and even after the empire fell it was not until the Lombard invasions that the two were united as one.

Developing a rich infrastructure over time, Cemenelum now has protected status and by exploring the region today, you’ll gain an insight into what life in the area was like many centuries ago. Of course, large parts of it are now in ruin but there is still lots to see and I’m sure you will have plenty of fun imagining what the numerous buildings looked like when in their prime.

In fact, you may not want to wait any longer than is necessary before you start exploring the site and by booking car hire at Nice Airport you can head straight to Cemenelum as soon as you pick up the keys to your vehicle. Of course, there are plenty of other attractions to see but, while the freedom that comes with hiring a car means you can travel around as you please, I’m sure you’ll agree this is a must-visit attraction.

So, what exactly does it have to offer? One thing you certainly can’t miss is the giant amphitheatre, which was used by the Romans for public events such as gladiator combat. It’s still used today, although you’re more likely to now see concerts rather than fights to the death, and exploring the arena hand-in-hand with your partner will certainly be a highlight of your trip.

The Romans were famous for many things and a well-known part of their cultural legacy is public baths and you can certainly see these in Cemenelum. Built between the 4th and 5th centuries, you’ll get the chance to look at the actual areas the Romans used to wash themselves in, as well as the remnants of the heating system utilised to keep the water at a certain temperature. Other landmarks you should keep an eye out for are the remains of a Christian baptistery, church and sewer system.

If wandering around this complex has made you keen to uncover even more of the region’s history, you’ll be sure to want to check out the local Musee Archeologiques – that’s the Archaeological Museum to me and you – where a selection of ancient artefacts can be found. The items on show range from coins and pottery to jewellery and bronze homewares, covering every era from the Bronze Age right through to the Middle Ages. The institution also hosts a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, so there’ll always be something new on show, while guided tours are held every Saturday afternoon.

Of course, there are many other romantic things you can do in Nice, from visiting the vibrant Cours Saleya Flower Market to enjoying a meal in the Michelin-starred Le Chantecler restaurant, but there is perhaps nothing as stunning as exploring Cemenelum.

Have you been to this bit of the old town before? If so, leave a comment and let us know what parts of the complex you enjoyed the most!

Base yourself in the state capital of Panaji and you’ll not only be able to explore this vibrant and historic city, but also some of the top beaches that line Goa’s coast. Here are just a few of the best spots for spending lazy days in the sunshine:

Miramar Beach

Located just to the south of the city, Miramar is a great place to begin your exploration of Goa’s stunning seaside. As with many of the region’s beaches, it’s fringed by palm trees and lapped by the clear waters of the Arabian Sea.

Situated at the end of the estuary for the River Mandovi, Miramar is a lively place to visit, and it is favoured by travellers and locals alike. While you lie back on the warm sand, you’ll have an excellent view of the famous Fort Aguada, which can clearly be seen on the other side of the waterway. As a result, if you want to combine your day at the beach with a bit of sightseeing, this is an excellent place to come.

Bogmalo Beach

If you want your cheap holidays in Goa to be about more than just lying in the sun, spend a day sampling the delights of Bogmalo Beach. Running for just 4 km, it is one of the smaller stretches of sand Goa has to offer, but there are excellent water sports facilities here.

You can try your hand at windsurfing or water skiing if you fancy being active, while the small village behind the beach is delightful to explore. You won’t be able to escape the large five-star resort at one end of the bay, which gives the area a somewhat exclusive atmosphere.

Majorda Beach

Heading further south again, you will come to Majorda Beach, which is just as famous for its food as it is for its stretch of sand. The coastal village here is where the local Goans were first trained in the art of making European bread and, to this day, Majorda is the best place in the state to buy baked goods.

Wander into the village to pick up a tasty lunch and return for a picnic by the sea – what better way is there to spend a day than by enjoying delicious food in beautiful surroundings?

Candolim Beach

If you would rather explore the northern areas of central Goa, make Candolim Beach your first stop. It is one of the most easily accessible seaside locations from Panaji, making it popular with travellers staying in the city.

There are a few hotel and resort complexes along this stretch of sand, some of which are home to restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat during the day. You’ll also discover water sports facilities here, perfect if you’re feeling adventurous.

For a bird’s eye view of the beach and the coastline, try parasailing, which will see you attached to a parachute and towed behind a speedboat – an exhilarating and fun experience. Alternatively, you can have a go at water skiing, which is no less thrilling once you’ve mastered the art of balancing on your skis!

Take your current dull and dreary office job with the rain pouring down outside and turn it into an Australian adventure where you can nip to the beach at weekends, sail around islands and get up close and personal with amazing wildlife.

Sounds fantastic, doesn’t it? You won’t be the only person to want to escape to sunny down under, though, so make sure your CV stands out from the crowd to secure the best paid work possible.

Below are some top tips to help you pay your way around Australia.

Keep an open mind

If you’ve always worked in a clothes shop, or only ever earned a wage in a restaurant or bar, don’t be afraid of trying something new.

You’ll get trained up, learn new skills – which will be valuable wherever you go – and it’ll show you’re willing to get stuck in. This means you need to regularly keep in touch with the recruitment agency and be as enthusiastic about two-day jobs as you would two-month ones.

After all, every Ozzie dollar you earn will be put towards amazing excursions like sailing around the Whitsunday Islands, visiting Uluru and simply experiencing the nightlife with your new friends and colleagues.

Get your CV sorted

Just as potential employers back home get put off by a poor CV, the same goes for companies in Australia.

Try and keep your CV to one page, check and double-check spelling and promote your strengths as much as possible. While your education will be of interest, recruiters want to know your experience in the workplace, so focus on this more to keep them reading your resume to the very last word.

Save some cash for uniforms

Some places will provide a uniform for you, but others will expect you to have the right gear. Leave some cash to one side for items such as steel-capped boots – if you plan to do construction work – while a smart black skirt and white shirt goes a long way in the hospitality industry.

It goes without saying that your chances of bagging a job will increase if you make sure you look smart and tidy. Just because you’re travelling around chilled-out Australia doesn’t mean you can let standards slip!

Go in with the right attitude

Manners and enthusiasm go a long way, so even if you weren’t too keen on one of your placements, stay professional until your contract ends.

Always thank the recruitment agency and employer for giving you the opportunity to enhance your CV and skills. Networking is one of the best ways to get work, whether trying to work in Australia or being a volunteer in Rio, so make sure you chat to as many people as possible and always speak positively about previous placements.

Have fun!

Remember the reason why you’re working in Australia to begin with – you want to earn enough money to explore the country.

Recruiters understand this, so don’t be afraid of turning down a position if it clashes with your travelling plans. It works to their advantage if you have time away, as you’ll come back refreshed and raring to start a new job in order to save cash for your next adventure!

They’re not sure if the tradition comes from the Celts’ Beltane festival, which dates all the way back to the Iron Age, or if it comes from the Scandanavian and German Walpurgis Night, a celebration of Saint Walpurgis. In either case, the modern celebration is a remainder of ancient witchcraft banishing rituals that involved burning brooms and “witches” themselves.

Public celebration normally finds its way to Pet?ín Hill, where residents light one large fire. Of course, throughout the city private residents are celebrating in their way as well. It’s as much an excuse to drink and make merry as it is to dance around a fire in witches costumes. Traditionally, they throw an effigy of a witch onto the fire, simulating the real-life burning of suspected witches back in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Traditionally, men leave fresh branches in front of the doors of the women they’re courting. Today, the younger revelers jump over the fire in a veritable rite of passage, and everyone uses the time as an excuse to party. Tourists are welcome, as the expat community is especially well represented at the Pet?ín Hill festivities and everyone gets along wonderfully.

Booking a cheap hotel early is recommended since this event is one of the most popular on the tourist’s European circuit and for Prague. However, Witches Night is not exclusive to Prague, and in many of the surrounding communities visitors can find similar celebrations, which might make for a more memorable experience that crowded Prague. In either case, the night is one to remember.

Lifestyle at Czech Republic:

Czechs are quite conservative by nature with family being the top priority. Traditional Czech families have the father working and the mother tending to the household work, though as in United States two incomes are not becoming a novelty. The traditionalism can be attributed to the long history of struggles that they have been subjected to, but the Czechs really do know how to save, reuse and harvest. The work and play relationship is also quite balanced when compared to other western countries. The Czechs love their times of leisure and take complete advantage of time away from work. There are good parks and amusement centers all around the country but most Czech families have at least a weekend cottage to get away to, or a second home in the countryside, and on weekends Prague and other major cities will be literally empty as  most people love to spend time away from their primary residence.

An interesting fact about Czech Republic is that it has the highest consumption of beer in the world, though Belgium and Germany rival some of those statistics. Citizens of the nation drink beer almost like water and Prague has hundreds of pubs and places to have a drink. Along with drinking dining out is also a common activity in Prague where many social gatherings are held in restaurants but also around the table at home.

Outdoor activities from gardening to cross-country skiing are very popular among the people of Czech Republic. They love their share of adventures indeed and most people do partake in some sort of sport, not only as enthusiasts but also as fans.

Other culture and customs:

Religion does not hold a very significant position in Czech Republic as too many people don’t attend churches in spite of a number of them in Prague and elsewhere. This is the result of a long bout of communism in the nation.

Czechs love and cherish their values and morality and like well-behaved people. In regard to this, a social greeting is a very important custom. Children are taught from an early age to greet new people when they meet them. Amongst the Czech values also comes giving up your seat in a subway to an elderly person or a child. Another interesting custom that Czechs have is to take their shoes off when they are visiting someone else’s house. Fact is it does have benefits, people do not need to clean as often.

With spring around the corner, how about a cycling trip from Vienna to Prague?

In response to these incidents the Guatemalan president has declared a 30-day “state of siege” in the Department of Peten, which limits freedoms of assembly, movement and expression and the right to bear arms, and gives overall control of the region to the military. This is seen as a welcome move by the population and tourism industry as it will heighten security in the region.

Operators been monitoring the situation continually and are in close contact with relevant government and private agencies including ASISTUR (tourism police), INGUAT (tourism board), and CAMTUR (Chamber of Tourism) to determine the most appropriate response from a tourism related perspective as these events unfold. There was a meeting this morning with all the above mentioned agencies and expect a news bulletin to be published soon with will advise that travel in the central Peten area (Tikal, Yaxha, Flores) can proceed as normal.

The situation on the ground in the Peten is calm. Flights, hotels, restaurants, and archeological parks are all operating as normal. The increased security presence and military check-points along roads have added a level of security the Peten has not recently known.

At this time operators are continuing with all regular operations in the Peten region, with the exception of avoiding the remote Western border with Mexico until sufficient time has passed to better assess the outcome of the military and police operations in that area.

The vast majority of violence in Guatemala remains drug-against-drug or gang-against-gang related – turf wars and power struggles between rival gangs, as well as scuffles with the authorities. We see no reason for tourists to become targets of this type of criminality in the future.

Guatemala is a developing country and crimes against tourists do happen from time to time, but the vast majority of incidents are the sort of non-violent crimes you find anywhere in the world (pick-pocketing, purse snatching, credit card theft, etc), most of which can be avoided by keeping a low profile, traveling with a reputable tour operator, and most of all using common sense as a guide.

Following our update of May 18th, as expected a joint statement released by the Guatemalan tourism board (INGUAT) and the chamber of tourism (CAMTUR) reaffirms travel to the Peten is both safe and recommended. The full statement can be found here on the Guatemala tourism board website: http://www.visitguatemala.com/web/documentos/CURRENT_STATUS_REPORT_ON_PETEN.pdf

Following is a sample itinerary per March travel dates:

Day 1) Sunday, March 7: Arrive Cairo Egypt
Tour representative will meet & assist you at Cairo International Airport and help you to collect your luggage. Then you will be transferred to Horizon Pyramids hotel and overnight in Cairo.

Day 2) Monday, March 8: Giza day tour
Dahshur (go inside the pyramid)- Sakkara – Giza Pyramids area (extra tickets if wish to get inside the pyramids) – Khan Market.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Overnight in Horizon Pyramids hotel.

Day 3) Tuesday, March 9: Cairo to Alexandria
You will be transferred from your hotel in Cairo to Alexandria, about 3 hours drive from Cairo which is known as the “The Pearl of the Mediterranean” and the second capital. First visit Pompay’s Pillar. It was constructed in honor of the Emperor Diocletian at the end of the 4th century. Next see the ruins of Serapis temple. Then proceed to Qaitbay Citadel which was built on the site of the ancient pharaohs (lighthouse) of Alexandria. Visit the Catacombs which are the largest Roman Cemetery consisting of three levels cut in the rock.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Overnight in Kaoud Sporting hotel in Alexandria.

Day 4) Wednesday, March 10: Alexandria to Siwa Oasis
Breakfast boxes from the hotel.
Early morning pick up from your hotel in Alexandria and then drive to Siwa Oasis (around 7 hours drive).
Check into you hotel and relax.
Afternoon tour to visit: Dead mountain – Siwa house museum, Oracle temple and Cleopatra Pool.
Watch the sunset from Old Fortress of Shali.
Back to the hotel for overnight stay.
Siwa Paradise hotel including Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5) Thursday, March 11: Visit to Lake of Bir Wahed
Morning breakfast at the hotel.
Tour to Dakrour Mountain.
Tour by 4×4 jeep to swim in salt and fresh water lake of Bir Wahed (or well no.1), then the hot spring (37C). You will stop to collect shells from the fossils mountain, then enjoy watching the sunset from the highest place around Siwa, night in the hotel in Siwa.
Siwa Paradise hotel including Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6) Friday, March 12: Visit Nawemisa and Sitra Oases
After breakfast visit Nawemisa and Sitra Oases. Lunch en route then drive to Bahariya Oasis.
Arrive Bahariya, check into your hotel and overnight stay.
Palm Village includes breakfast and dinner

Day 7) Saturday, March 13: White Desert
Breakfast at the hotel in Bahariya.
Drive to the Black Desert, Valley of El Haize with its hot spring, Cystal Mountain, Valley of Agabat.
Overnight camping in White Desert.

Day 8: Sunday, March 14: Return to Cairo
Drive to Bahariya and from there to Cairo – Stay at Movenpick Pyramids hotel Cairo (5 stars)

Day 9) Monday, March 15: Cairo day tour
Museum – Nilometer – Coptic Churches (3) – Ben Ezra Synagogue – Bab Zeweila.
Lunch included at Hard Rock restaurant.
Overnight at Movenpick Pyramids hotel (5 stars)

Day 10) Tuesday, March 16: Cairo
Breakfast at the hotel
Free day with great opportunity for optional tour you may like.
Extra night at Movenpick included!

Day 11) Wednesday, March 17: Depart Egypt
Around 01:00 AM (must checkout by 13:00), you will be picked up from your hotel and then transferred to Cairo airport to fly back home.

More on Egypt desert safari or to inquire.

Accommodation are on twin share basis, including breakfast in following properties:
Ha Giang: Ha Giang Resort (www.hagiangresort.com)
Dong Van: Hoang Ngoc Guesthouse
Pan Hou: Pan Hou Village
Sapa: Victoria Resort
- Transportation by air-conditioned, chauffeur-driven car (in Hanoi) or 4W-drive (excursion)
- Train journey from Lao Cai to Hanoi by King Express (deluxe private cabin for 2 persons)
*Note, the Victoria Express does not run on Saturdays. King Express is considered the second best which is also very good, but less ‘famous’.
- Entrance permission to Dong Van

Brief Itinerary

4 Mar 08:00 Transfer to Ha Giang Ha Giang; O/N
5 Mar 07:00 Transfer to Meo Vac and Dong Van; O/N Dong Van
6 Mar 08:00 Visit Sunday Market Pan Hou; 10:00 Transfer to Pan Hou Village for overnight
7 Mar Walking and sightseeing in Pan Hou; O/N Pan Hou
8 Mar Walking and sightseeing in Pan Hou; O/N Pan Hou
9 Mar Transfer to Sapa; O/N Sapa
10 Mar Walking and sightseeing in Sapa; O/N Sapa
11 Mar Walking and sightseeing in Sapa; O/NSapa
12 Mar 06:00Transfer to Bac Ha (train)
Visit Saturday Market in Can Cau
Walking and sightseeing in Bac Ha
Transfer to Lao Cai (1 hour)
Train Lao Cai – Hanoi
13 Mar Arrive in Hanoi (Hanoi)
Transfer to hotel (10 minutes); O/N Metropole
14 Mar 08:00 Transfer to airport (30-45 minutes); Departure