Things to remember while living the Dream!

Hug It Forward Protocol

  • All health concerns must be raised immediately with the Team Leader
    • While it’s not unusual to have some episodes of diarrhea while traveling, it’s always better to be safe than sorry with regard to your health. If in doubt, ask Gerson.
    • Please inform us of any and all symptoms ASAP so that we can avoid serious problems.
    • Please do all you can to not pass your illness to others.
    • It is never inappropriate to ask where the nearest restroom is.
    • Avoid discussing your symptoms too much with the rest of the group (apart from the team leader/organizer)
  • Alcohol consumption must be kept to a minimum
    • You are a reflection of Hug It Forward, World Ventures, and your home country.
    • Anyone abusing alcohol will not be allowed to continue volunteering with the group and will be escorted back to the hotel/resort when circumstances allow.
      • While a few alcoholic beverages may not result in negative consequences, you should not assume that drinking in the streets or in public locations is tolerated.
      • Additionally, the likelihood that you may be hassled or taken advantage of increases while under the influence.
      • As a rule of thumb, don’t do anything on foreign soil that you wouldn’t feel comfortable doing at home!
  • Absolutely no drug use will be tolerated
    • If a volunteer is even suspected of using drugs they will be sent home immediately, no questions.
    • If you are caught in possession of even “small” amounts of drugs, or using drugs, or even in the company of people using drugs, there may be serious mandatory jail sentences in extremely unpleasant and dangerous conditions. Your legal rights will be VERY different than those within your home country.  In many countries you basically have no rights.
  • Be culturally appropriate
    • We are guests in their country and just because something might work or be “the best way” in your country DOES NOT mean it will in theirs.
    • Make it a priority to protect their culture and the way they do things.  Who are we to tell or imply how something “should” be done?
    • Please always remember to be considerate and open-minded.  Bigotry WILL NOT be tolerated, even in joking.
    • Be aware that men and women in other countries are most likely not aware of your home county’s cultural norms.  If you find something offensive remember that the only person you can control in the situation is yourself.
      • Hypothetical could include an example about how to respond to whistles, catcalls , honks, machismo, etc. For example, “You are walking down the street and a local man inappropriately whistles at you (or a fellow female traveler) or makes obscene gestures. How do you respond/what is the best way to react?”
  • All disagreements should be brought up with your Team Leader
    • You have been presented this opportunity because we believe you will add a tremendous amount of value to the trip.
    • Team morale will make or break your trip.
    • Disagreements or people not pulling their weight will jeopardize the team morale and consequently the project we are there to help with.
    • Any group environment will include many different personalities and we encourage you to remind yourself of your focus: We are there for the people we are serving.
    • Always be kind, considerate, and open with the communication of your frustrations or confusion.  This will help us work through any issue and more quickly find common ground.
    • Be the solution, not the problem.  Ask yourself “how can I help out?” at every moment you can.

Health Advice

The information provided here is basic information to take into consideration for your health and safety.  You should research and consult with YOUR doctor to ensure YOUR health safety within the parameters of what you are comfortable with.  Your medical insurance health coverage in and out of your home country is a matter that should be looked into before your trip embarks.

Food and Water

  • You don’t want food, water, or lazy sanitary habits to be the reason your trip is not a dream
  • Keep your hands clean by washing with soap often or using hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
    • Before eating
    • Before preparing food
    • After using the bathroom
    • After coughing or sneezing
  • Be aware of your water
    • In many countries you should only drink bottled or boiled water or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles to prevent digestive tract issues
    • Avoid: tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes (unless you are specifically advised that it is safe)
  • There are destination-specific recommendations for food safety that can be found at many travel, government, and embassy websites
  • Generally, only eat food that is thoroughly cooked and drink well-sealed bottled or packaged cold drinks
  • Avoid food kept at room temperature, e.g., uncovered buffet food, food from street and beach vendors
  • Avoid fruits and vegetables that can’t be peeled or shelled and those with damaged skins
  • Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized
  • Eat well. It may be a good idea to pack snacks from home such as granola bars, peanut butter, power bars as an option in case local snacks aren’t available or disagree with you

Safety

  • When traveling abroad the odds are that you will have a safe, fun, incident-free trip.  Nonetheless, it is always good to take precautions as you may experience unexpected difficulties with this new environment and culture.  A good rule to live by is “If in doubt, DON’T!”
  • Always follow the instructions of your tour guide and group leader, as they are familiar with the many ways to ensure you have a pleasant experience.
  • Always communicate specific desires and requests to your group leader and they will always do their best to accommodate you, if they can without disrupting plans for the entire group.
  • While traveling outside of the hotel, avoid questionable areas particularly at night and when alone-make it a personal rule to never travel alone at night
    • Hypothetical:  You have decided to explore the town after hours despite the fact that you were unable to convince a companion to join. The town is only located a few blocks/minutes from your hotel so you figure you will be okay. As you are leaving the confines of the hotel you are approached by a local who offers to accompany you as you walk. He/she obviously knows the way and appears to be friendly. How do you respond to their desire to accompany you?
  • Always walk with determination in your step, even if you are lost
  • Be wary of people asking you for directions or the time, this is a common method used for pick-pocketing. It’s ok to respond, just keep your distance, feet placed firmly beneath you, and speak confidently
  • Car accidents are the number one cause of injury for travelers.  Please take the following precautions:
    • It’s best to hire a local driver where possible
    • Always wear a seat belt
    • Avoid driving at night
    • Don’t drink and drive
  • When traveling on foot be aware of your surroundings and stay on the inside of the sidewalk when possible
  • Wear all recommended safety gear for any and all activities you choose to participate in
  • Do not handle or pet animals so as to avoid bites, particularly dogs and cats
    • If you are bitten, wash the area immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention
  • Love Your Feet. Do not walk around barefoot outside of the hotel (though it’s recommended to wear shoes at all times while traveling)
    • Try to keep them clean and dry to prevent blisters, sores, and fungal or parasitic infections
    • Get adequate rest so as to be alert and aware, particularly in preparation for traveling outside of the resort
  • Avoid brushing your teeth with tap water; it is best to use bottled water where possible
  • Enjoy the heat and humidity
    • Carry a bottle of water around with you everywhere you go.  This is a great preventative measure for heat stroke, dizziness, fatigue or heat exhaustion, and dehydration
    • Salty food also helps replenish electrolytes lost due to heat and humidity
    • You should drink enough to maintain the same urination frequency you have at home
    • Remember as you age your thirst reflex begins to decline so don’t solely rely on that feeling for when to hydrate
    • As a MINIMUM you should be drinking 4 pints of water per day. 8 pints or more is fine and necessary in certain climates. Remember that coffee, tea and alcohol cause your body to lose water; if drinking these drinks you will need to drink more water.
  • Wear sun screen.
  • Get plenty of rest and wear earplugs when you sleep.
  • Use insect repellant if mosquitoes are prevalent

Money and valuables

  • Decide what you’ll need at the beginning of the day and lock up remaining items in your hotel room-you may want to bring a small travel lock from home in order to deter any unwanted snooping
  • If you must carry a handbag be sure to hold it firmly between your arm and body or slung across your chest with a strong strap
  • Don’t keep all your valuables in one pocket
  • The best way to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt you can wear under your clothing
  • There might be no ATM and sometimes no money-changing facilities at all. Please make sure you check the details for your destination before leaving the US, and that you are carrying enough cash.
  • It is always a good idea to carry small bills as opposed to larger bills
    • Although a $20 bill may seem relatively small to you, in some countries this will be the largest bill there is, and $20 will be more than an average person earns in an entire week
    • It is not uncommon for vendors to lack change
    • Ask for smaller bills at the time when you are changing your money

Photography

  • Though in many countries people stopping and snapping a photo of anything or anyone may seem a normal occurrence, many small communities around the world are not yet as comfortable with this modern technology.
  • An example is the Duruma tribe of Eastern Kenya where many believe that a camera has power to steal the soul of the person it is directed at.
  • Consequently, some fear and are quick to anger if you try to take pictures of them or their children, particularly babies.  Always be sensitive to the feelings others may have and do not intrude where you are not welcome.  No picture is worth hurting the relations or perceptions of one culture and people to another. Always ask first.
  • If somebody asks for money for you taking a picture of them, either pay them what they ask for, or do not take a picture of them.

Gifting

  • Help us avoid supporting negative, harmful philosophies:
    • “I have, you don’t have, so here have this.”
      • Hypothetical: While exploring a local village you are approached by numerous small children begging for money. It is apparent they are living in poverty, how do you respond to their persistence?
    • “When foreigners come to our villages they bring gifts.”  You should be the gift… Give of yourself, teach and share about your culture, family, hobbies.
  • What can I do?
    • Bring old clothes and shoes from your closet
    • You will each be personally responsible for packing such items
    • We will let you know when it would be appropriate to offer your gifts
    • Sometimes people will pack mostly clothes they don’t mind being without and at the end of the trip donate them to the villagers. This also creates extra space for souvenirs for the trip home
  • School supplies
    • Please purchase such supplies in-country so we can help the local economy
    • You may bring ELEMENTARY reading level books, but remember you must pack them in your own suitcase
  • Ask yourself, “What am I going to bring to the community that will be a gift that is NOT TANGIBLE?”
    • Bring an intangible gift you can leave with the children.
    • You can teach them a song, paint with them, teach them a magic trick, play soccer with them, etc.