Rather than opt for a holiday or extended trip in which pleasure and gratification are your priority, why not embark on an African volunteer programme. Many who decide to offer their services to the needy and less fortunate in places like Tanzania, Senegal and Ghana, find themselves reaping great rewards and having a once in a lifetime experience.

You'll need to approach a relevant charitable organisation to enrol on a programme. From small religious bodies to well known international charities, each organisation has its own area of expertise. The type of organisation you choose to work with will influence your destination and the tasks that you will be asked to perform. Make sure you get as much information as possible on your chosen organisation and ask plenty of questions about where they might send you and the nature of the work involved.

While always appreciated, specific skills are not essential for those volunteering for African placements. Charities put more emphasis on the value of enthusiasm, common sense and a willingness to apply yourself than they do on qualifications or relevant experience. Should you be fluent in a local dialect or know the intricacies of the newest intensive farming methods however, your skills will be put to good use.

A salary is generally not included as part of a volunteer programme; however, in return for your hard work, most organisations offer basic benefits such as food and accommodation. It's up to you to find out which ways your organisation will support you, with issues such as emergency repatriation and legal representation to consider.

As Africa is a continent comprised almost entirely of developing countries, it will come as no surprise to most volunteers that their destination does not have the same technology or infrastructure as back home. Some fairly primitive social conditions combined with a drastically different climate and environment can present hazards for volunteers, irrespective of their experience.

Among the number one contributors to sickness are water, food, mosquitoes, poor sanitation and viral contagions. These factors may at best cause mild discomfort or malaise. At worst, they can be life threatening if not treated effectively. With these points in mind, it's necessary that you spend the duration of your placement under the cover of a comprehensive travel insurance policy. That way, you will qualify for the best medical care available should you be faced with illness of any kind.

If you're inclined to think that cover for a lengthy trip is expensive and beyond your fiscal means, then visit travel-insurance-discounts.com and you'll soon see that an insurance policy to fit your requirements is considerably more affordable than you anticipated. Once you insurance is effective, you will not only have peace of mind that your medical expenses are covered, but you will also rest easier knowing that you will be reimbursed should cash or valuables items become compromised in any way.