April 18, 2008...3:33 pm
Travelling over Summer? part 2
In part one, we explored travelling for gigs. In this post I questioned Geography student Sam about her trip to Sri Lanka for 5 weeks charity work. Slightly different, but some tips are universal.
1. What made you decide you wanted to travel?
I travelled to complete some charity work. It was a summer after the Boxing Day tsunami and I travelled to Sri Lanka in order to help repair some of the damage, teach in school, generally help out where I could.
2. Did you plan it…or just ‘up and leave’?
It was well planned, in respect that we booked the flights months in advance and booked the first local hotel but all the accommodation was booked whilst we were out there depending on where we were needed and how long for.
3. How long did you travel for?
Travelled for around 5 weeks, just over a month really
4. Did you travel on a budget?
In the sense that I took a certain amount of travellers cheques with me yes. Due to the locations we were in you couldn’t always get money as there were no banks in the middle of the tea plantations or mist forests.
5. Where did you go?
Travelled the lower half of Sri Lanka, political conflict prevented us going too far north, and we only ventured there once. So the lower east, west and southern coast as well as some of the mountain regions in the centre.
6. Did you stick to said budget?
Things are relatively cheap out there. I spent the same amount on the flight as I did living out there for 5 weeks. I even came back with change, but I tend to be overcautious.
7. How?
I lived amongst the locals and so lived as they did. With it being a very poor community it was cheap as they also spent little money. Accommodation can be really cheap if you stay with locals rather than hotel complexes. I didn’t splash out on luxuries as they are expensive as not many people can afford to buy them.
8. Would you do it again?
I would defiantly do it again, maybe once the civil war dies down and the country is a bit more stable. It wasn’t a holiday as such and you get such a buzz knowing that you are making a difference to these people and they are so appreciative.
9. If so, is there anything you’d do differently?
I would carefully chose who I went with. I went with, effectively a group of strangers which was fun at first but we soon started to annoy each other. I would go with a group of people I know I get on with and try and avoid all of the arguments. I would also try and be more relaxed about everything; you will always find somewhere to stay, even if you have to move on the next night.
10. Finally, any tips and tricks for other potential travellers?
Don’t fall into the tourist trap, if you go to exotic places, yes go and experience some of the main attractions but also spend some time living as the locals do. Don’t ignore the local culture. Also, although the hotel complexes look nice and welcoming you don’t have to stay there. Look for independent places, run by locals, but make sure that they are recommended in for example a travel guide. Don’t just stay in a stranger’s house. As for the luxuries, most of the hotel complexes allow you to use their facilities on a daily charge, so if you get a day to relax, have a day of luxury. Ensure you have your visa sorted well in advance as well as any medical certificates for injections etc.
If you are going to conduct charity work creates links with a local group who have contacts in the UK, for example a local rotary club. It is slightly more organised and you get more done. Also means you have a base contact if you are stuck or in trouble. Most of all, don’t let homesick get the better of you. It may be a long time but enjoy every minute because not many people get to experience what you are.
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