Arrive Rested, Relaxed and Ready to Volunteer
Ways to Make the Flight Seem Shorter and the Neighbors Farther Away
May 27, 2009
When heading off on a long plane ride towards a volunteer vacation, these items may make all the difference to arrive rested, hydrated and ready to work as you land.
It is usually suggested to arrive in the foreign country a few days before the start of volunteer work. But busy schedules, family or business concerns may necessitate arriving on the day of orientation. In these cases, the care taken during a flight can make the difference to a smooth beginning at the volunteer site.
Most of these suggestions are for items that are light, compact and fit in a normal size purse or small backpack. On some longer international flights, some of these may be issued on board.
Comfort On Board
- Layered and loose fitting clothes – The temperature on board can go from one extreme to the other within one flight. Layers are the simplest way to maximize comfort.
- Slipper socks – These are an excellent way to keep feet warm and comfortable during long flights. As a courtesy to the neighbors, always store street shoes in plastic bags to control odor. Down booties without hard soles, found in hiking/skiing shops, are very warm and can be compressed into sandwich-size Ziplocks.
- Refillable water bottle – Carry it empty before the security check point, fill it from drinking fountains on the concourse and have it full before boarding. While drinks may be offered several times, this bottle will always be handy.
- Antiseptic wipes – The tray table, armrests and TV remote may be clean, but antiseptic wipes make sure of it.
Arrive Rested
- Personal pillow or pillowcase – Sufficient pillows on airplanes may soon be a thing of the past. Most travel stores have inflatable pillows or C-shaped pillows for neck support. They can also be used if accommodation pillows are too hard or soft. If concerned about the cleanliness of pillows, carry a pillowcase from home.
- Blanket – Similar to pillows, blankets may not be plentiful. Most travel stores carry small, pack able blankets. Ladies can also adapt a Pashmina shawl or sarong to act as a lightweight blanket.
- Eyeshade – This can make it possible to sleep even if the seatmate prefers to read during the entire flight. As the elastic may not keep its shape, accept any complimentary eyeshade as a back up.
- Sleep aids – Both prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids can be a lifesaver. If flying for less than eight hours, ask a doctor if the pills can be halved or quartered for shorter rest times.
- Noise canceling earphones – These range in price, size and effectiveness, but people who have been privileged to sit within earshot of a crying baby during an international flight, loudly sing their praises. Disposable foam earplugs are more common.
Arrive Prepared
- Travel guide for the country – The flight may be the last chance to read about the country and culture at the destination.
- Jet lag prevention – There are several over-the-counter remedies, such as No Jet-Lag, to help travelers. Natural groceries or vitamin stores usually carry this item.
- Compact toothbrush – Some stores carry packets of small toothbrushes already loaded with toothpaste as well as collapsible models for travelers. If not available, breath mints can suffice until the luggage arrives.
Plan ahead in order to arrive rested, relaxed and ready to make a difference.
The copyright of the article Arrive Rested, Relaxed and Ready to Volunteer in International Volunteering is owned by Jane Stanfield. Permission to republish Arrive Rested, Relaxed and Ready to Volunteer in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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