Where Are the Safest Places to Volunteer as a Family Abroad?

Volunteering with your family can be an incredibly rewarding and meaningful experience, helping you form deeper bonds that’ll last a lifetime. However, choosing the right destination is essential, especially when travelling with young children. 

Luckily, there are plenty of safe places around the world that are safe for family volunteers. Today, we’ll explore these, along with everything you need to know before setting off on your adventure. 

Is It Safe to Volunteer Abroad as a Family? 

It’s impossible to guarantee that volunteering abroad will always be 100% safe. Threats can come from anywhere, from humans to weather, and much of this is out of anyone’s control. However, there are several ways to ensure your safety when travelling abroad. 

Generally, the communities within countries requiring volunteers are very welcoming and friendly. They can help you by demonstrating the correct way to act while you’re abroad, ensuring respect and positive change rather than hostility.

At Volunteering Solutions, your safety is our top priority. We can help you and your family remain safe while volunteering, so your experience is the best and most fulfilling it can be. We uphold effective safety protocols to ensure your time isn’t negatively impacted by any unsafe incidents. 

The Safest Places to Volunteer With Family Abroad

While every country has an incidence of crime, certain places are safer than others for family volunteers. Looking at Global Peace Index (GPI) statistics is an effective way to get an idea of the safety of each country you’re considering. 

1. Ireland

Ireland is one of the safest countries, according to the Global Peace Index. Although it may not be the first place you think of when considering volunteering, it’s safe with relatively low crime rates. 

Ireland is also family-friendly, offering a wealth of historical sites and activities suitable for all ages. Whether you want to help out with local art projects or in various charity shops, Ireland has plenty of community development projects to get stuck into. 

2. New Zealand

A stable economy and relatively neutral political landscape mean New Zealand is another safe place for family volunteers. New Zealand is an excellent destination for women and LGBTQ+ rights, ensuring everyone can feel safe and welcome while visiting. 

New Zealand is a wonderful country if you’re passionate about conservation and protecting wildlife and the environment. Volunteering Solutions currently hosts a conservation volunteering program in multiple locations across the country, letting your family fully experience the land of the glorious Kiwi.

3. Portugal

Portugal consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world, boasting low crime rates and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that puts families at ease. It’s easy to get around, healthcare is reliable, and locals are known for their warmth and hospitality.

Portugal offers community development and environmental projects alongside plenty of cultural experiences. From surfing with purpose to animal care and food waste management, there’s a lot for families to bond over in Porto.  

4. Malaysia

Malaysia is widely considered a safe and stable country, with a strong sense of community and well-developed infrastructure. Its multicultural society makes it especially welcoming for visiting families, and English is widely spoken.

Opportunities often focus on conservation, including that of sun bears and other Asian wildlife. Volunteering Solutions hosts a Family Volunteer Adventure in Malaysia, where you can work together on conservation, habitat restoration, community development, and education projects. 

5. Australia

With its strong healthcare system, political stability and high safety standards, Australia is an excellent choice for family volunteering. Cities and regional areas alike are well-organized, making travel straightforward and stress-free.

Australia is ideal for families interested in conservation at wildlife shelters. From coastal clean-ups to environmental education, volunteering here allows families to give back while enjoying the outdoor-focused lifestyle that Australia is so well known for! 

6. Spain

Spain offers a safe, family-oriented culture with low levels of violent crime and a strong emphasis on community life. Its efficient public transport and excellent healthcare system add to its appeal for families volunteering abroad.

Volunteer projects often centre around community development, education and social initiatives. Volunteering Solutions offers a range of programs, including working with children with multiple disabilities and underwater conservation in Barcelona. 

Practical Tips for Keeping Your Family Safe While Volunteering

No matter where in the world you choose to volunteer, there are several things you can do to ensure due diligence and ensure you have the safest, most relaxing volunteering experience possible. 

When planning your vacation, make sure you consider the following safety tips: 

• Choose a reputable organization: Select an organization that makes safety a priority with all its volunteers. Request their safeguarding policy and verify that it includes training and support. 
• Discuss expectations with your family: Ensure you’re on the same page as the rest of your family regarding safety and the risks involved with volunteering in your chosen country. 
• Know your schedule beforehand: Plan ahead and ask your volunteering coordinator for a detailed itinerary, so you know exactly what your family will be doing and can decline anything you’re uncomfortable with. 
• Pack appropriately: Do your research and pack everything you’ll need for your destination, including appropriate clothing and footwear, a first-aid kit and personal medications. 
• Health preparations: Consult your GP for any necessary vaccinations, especially for children and older adults, and ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance. 
• Trust your instincts and maintain personal safety: If a situation makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, leave the area and report your concerns to your volunteer manager. 
• Take care of each other: Since you’re volunteering with your family, buddy up and always travel in groups to ensure you’re all safe and protecting one another during your vacation. 

How Does Volunteering Solutions Ensure Safety? 

At Volunteering Solutions, we place the utmost importance on the safety of our volunteers. We have several safeguarding initiatives in place, and are always on hand should you need us. 

Here’s how we keep solo and family volunteers safe abroad:

• In-country support: We have a dedicated team in every country we host, who are available around the clock for immediate help, guidance and emergencies. 
• Vetted accommodation: We vet our host families and ensure our volunteer housing is safe, clean and suitable for everyone. 
• Airport pickup and orientation: A coordinator will meet you at the airport, provide a cultural orientation, and guide you to your accommodation, ensuring a safe and well-managed initial transition. 
• Pre-departure support: Before you even head to the airport, our advisors will be on hand to offer guidance on visas, travel insurance, health checks and more. 
• Clear communication: Our programs have defined roles, clear objectives, and consistent communication channels to ensure the safety of all participants. 

Ready to Start Planning Your Volunteering Adventure Today? 

Volunteering is one of the best ways to bond as a family and create meaningful experiences that you’ll never forget. Whether you choose to focus on community development in Ireland or conserve marine life in Spain, you’ll work together to give back to local communities and the world. 

Most reputable organizations, like Volunteering Solutions, prioritize the safety and well-being of all its participants, so you can focus on making memories instead of worrying about your loved ones. 

We’re on hand to help. If you have any questions about our safeguarding policy or programs, contact us today via email or phone. Or, if you’re ready to find the best program for your family vacation, check out our family volunteer abroad programs and click ‘Apply Now’!