As a self-confessed travel addict and experienced member of the support team, I like to think I know a thing or two about volunteering! Once the giddy-excitement of getting your trip booked has passed, it's time to start that all important preparation and while deciding which tops to pack for maximum coordination is a must there is also another important packing decision to make if you're volunteering...what should you take to help the project?

The surprising and space-saving answer to this is: as little as you possibly can! Rather than weighing down your bag with things that might not be needed and causing a lot of back-ache, the best thing to do is find out what the resources are like in-country and if you are able to buy materials once you're there, then you will be in a much better position to see what is actually needed once you are in-country and at the project.

There would be no point in taking all the toys you can lay your hands on if what is really needed are pens and paper, once you've been at the project a few days you'll be able to see what is really needed to make a significant and lasting difference. In most destinations there will be plenty of places to buy things nearby and buying things locally will put even more money back into the local community and give that little bit of extra help; find out if this is possible before you go and if you can buy it there do!

If you do want to take something with you then here are a few tips to help you make the right choices:

- Do research! Most destinations will have facilities to buy basic materials so check that you can get things in-country and go prepared with a bit of extra cash! If not, find out a few specific small items that are required (books, pencils, mosquito nets) and pack those!

- Don't take anything that can't be maintained in-country. It might seem like a good idea to take some modern gadgetry to your chosen destination but it won't do any good if it needs charging and there's nowhere to charge it or if it needs batteries and there's nowhere to buy them or no funds to pay for them.

- Do take photos of home! These are lightweight and are a great talking point whether you speak the same language or not! You can use them as prompts or a starting point for lesson plans if you’re teaching and it will cause a wave of excitement amongst youngsters who are eager to see where you’re from!

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