In these cases there are VSO staff posted in every placement country who can

In these cases, there are VSO staff, posted in every placement country, who can help you to open up a local bank account.As for pensions contributions, it is not usually possible to continue paying into a pensions scheme while volunteering, but there is a VSO grant available for up to £40 per month.The charity has also developed partnerships with companies such as Accenture, Shell and PricewaterhouseCoopers, who acknowledge that international experience has a positive impact on skills, and so offer VSO sabbaticals to employees as a way of “investing” in them. “You need to sort out your finances in a controlled way before you go. Let out your property – never sell it – pay off credit cards, arrange direct debits, get some savings together to tide you over, or for emergencies, and a slush fund for when you return.”If you have savings that you need to access while abroad, online banking may be possible in some locations, but in rural areas, you’d be lucky to plug in an electric fan let alone a computer. But if you are a volunteer for years rather than months, you have to sort out your finances well before you leave.”Many people on VSO assignments act as if they’re running away from their old lives and joining the Foreign Legion,” says the independent financial adviser Ruth Whitehead. If you are a high-salaried manager on assignment for a few months, your financial hardship will be minimal and it should be easy to slip back into your job when you return.

The emphasis is placed firmly on developing a good relationship with the horse. This year I went to Ilha Grande in Brazil on a “Body and Soul Adventures” holiday. I travelled by myself and it was one of the most amazing experiences. We went kayaking and trekking and did yoga.Favourite place in the British Isles?I love the UK, in particular Northumberland, where I’m from, for the beautiful castles and beaches.

Last New Year’s Day I drove up to Holy Island and a huge storm came whipping across the bay. It was incredibly dramatic and intense.What have you learnt from your travels?You learn something from every trip you do, wherever that may be There’s nothing more rewarding than travelling. I love going to places I’ve never been to before.Ideal travelling companion?I went on holiday by myself this year and it was brilliant I met loads of people and I could really be myself. It depends on what I want from a holiday though because sometimes it’s great to go away with friends.Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?I love a beach, but in Brazil I fell in love with the activities. I’m not a big snow girl because I don’t see the point of going up and down a mountain in the cold.Greatest travel luxury?Good moisturisers.