Rockstar Wannabe

Many people have the urge or dream to do volunteer work – either during a gap year or even a sabbatical from work. This is an important decision to make as it will require money and many sacrifices. There are many organisations that rely on the generosity of volunteers in order to function and produce results. However, deciding what you want to do and where to do it can be difficult.

Firstly you need to decide what it is that you want to achieve by becoming a volunteer. Do you want to build some houses for poor families? Are you able to teach English to children and adults in rural areas of South Africa? Are you passionate about conservation and saving some animals from certain death?

In order to answer these questions, you need to do a bit of research. The internet is a good first stop. There are many organisations on the internet advertising for volunteers and co-ordinating trips to volunteer. There are even packages where you get to have a holiday and volunteer at the same time.

There are also many countries that are in dire need of volunteer services. Many African countries have special volunteer programs funded by amongst others the United Nations. Should you decide to become an Africa volunteer, there are several pathways open to you.

The primary volunteer options open to the Africa volunteer are: Conservation, Education, Poverty Relief and several others. You need to decide what you’re interested in doing. This will determine where you will go and what you will do.

Once you know what you want to do, it is extremely important to find a credible agency that can help you to make the necessary arrangements and find a suitable placement for you. They will tell you how big your budget should be and what their fee is. All monies are to cover costs as these agencies are mostly not-for-profit organisations.

Next you will need to collect the most appropriate clothing for your placement (e.g. cool clothes for the desert and the coast etc.). The agency will advise you as what is appropriate and any legality about what you’re allowed to wear and what not.

Make sure that you have a strong support base at home – friends and family that will stay in contact either by writing letters or via e-mail. Volunteering can be emotionally draining and you will need someone to tell your woes to.

Finally, you need to prepare yourself mentally and physically for the job ahead. Exercise regularly and do as much research about the area that you’re going to as you can. Go with as much knowledge as possible.

Then go bravely and make a difference.

Modern travellers can demand a lot from a holiday in the sun. Luckily, Cyprus is up to any challenge as it offers visitors a wealth of activities from which to choose, from serene beaches to exciting, adventure-filled activities. One of the most popular pursuits on Cyprus is now to go hiking along the island’s fantastic natural trails, and the most effective way to reach the best locations is by hired car from Larnaca airport. When you’re deciding what to do on Cyprus, think car hire Larnaca airport and think action-packed excitement.

The Kyrenia Mountains loom large over the landscape of northern Cyprus to span the entire island’s coastline from the eastern side to the west. This area is now home to the Kyrenia Mountain Trail organisation, a group dedicated to providing visitors with thrilling holidays they’ll never forget. They provide hiking and extreme cycling tours for adventurous travellers. Those taking these unique tours in northern Cyprus can expect exceptional views of hidden churches and monasteries, craggy cliffs, ancient archaeological sites, valleys with sheer drops and astounding natural beauty. In a cradle of ancient civilisation modern visitors can transport themselves back in time amid dramatic scenery.

The mountain range is 220km long and runs from the Bespamark to the Kyrenia chain. Beginning at the Zafer Cape on the tip of the island that’s on its most easterly edge, the trail runs for miles along scenic countryside rich in heritage. Hired car is a most convenient way to reach any point of interest on the route, and the guided tours of the rails have prompted a rapid resurgence is tourism to the region and to the island.

The Kyrenia Mountain Trail Association is itself a not for profit organisation dedicated to assisting the ministry for tourism in Cyprus. They are allied with various organisations, all of which come together to provide visitors with the opportunity to experience wild nature in Cyprus and really get the most out of an inspiring holiday. The entire trail along the glorious mountain range has now been mapped out, and visitors will appreciate the unspoiled nature of various trails. For an exciting holiday, Cyprus has to be near the top of any list. There are party towns, castles, wonderful beaches and mountain paths.