It’s something we get asked more often than you might expect: “Will I see spiders?”
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Whether it’s said jokingly or with genuine concern, it’s a completely valid question, especially when you’re thinking about volunteering in some of the world’s most wildlife-rich destinations.
The good news? The reality is far less intimidating than your imagination might suggest.
Can You Avoid Spiders While Travelling Abroad?
The truth is, you can’t always avoid spiders while travelling, but you can significantly reduce your chances of encountering them.
Spiders are found almost everywhere in the world, particularly in natural environments such as forests, reserves, and coastal ecosystems. However, most travellers, and especially volunteers on structured projects, rarely see them in any meaningful way.
In short: they’re part of the environment, but not part of your experience.
Will You See Spiders While Volunteering?
Possibly, but far less often than you might expect, if at all.
In higher biodiversity destinations (such as parts of Africa, Asia, and the Americas), there is naturally a greater variety of wildlife, including spiders. But even in these locations, spiders tend to stay out of sight and avoid human interaction. You'll also be kept busy! While you're focusing on the big, you won't notice the small!
Most volunteers tell us the same thing: they expected to see more spiders than they actually did.
What It’s Like on a Wildlife Volunteer Project
One of the biggest misconceptions is that volunteering abroad means being fully exposed to the wild at all times. However, you’ll likely be in and out of vehicles, buildings, boats, and more!
On our trips, you’ll also be staying in accommodation that is clean and regularly maintained, secure with doors, windows, and often screens, and, last but not least, surrounded by on-the-ground teams who are always available to help.
This kind of setup significantly reduces the likelihood of encountering spiders.
How to Avoid Spiders While Travelling
If you’re specifically looking for ways to avoid spiders while travelling, take a look at our top 10 tips:
- Keep doors closed or use screens where available.
- Turn off lights after leaving rooms (insects are attracted to light, spiders are attracted to insects!).
- Keep food sealed and surfaces clean (again, it's important not to attract insects).
- Keeping your luggage zipped and belongings off the floor helps to avoid scary surprises.
- Shake out clothes and shoes before wearing them.
- Spider repellent is available to buy, and many people swear by the use of peppermint oil.
- Watch where you are walking, especially in a jungle environment, to avoid a face full of web.
- If a mosquito net isn’t provided, it’s worth bringing one along to give you peace of mind at night.
- Keep busy! On our projects, you’ll be busy having fun and conserving wildlife, and you won’t notice a few creepy crawlies around.
- Don’t go looking for them, a common mistake made out of fear. Ignorance is bliss, as they say!
These are small, practical steps, but they could make a noticeable difference.
Are Spiders Dangerous When Travelling?
For most travellers, this is the real concern, but you don’t need to worry! The vast majority of spiders are harmless, and bites are extremely rare, especially in managed environments such as volunteer work areas. Spiders are also non-aggressive and will typically avoid contact with humans.
While they may look intimidating, they are very unlikely to pose a risk to you.
Travelling with a Fear of Spiders (Arachnophobia)
If you’re nervous about spiders, you’re not alone. It’s a very common travel concern.
The key thing to know is that the fear is often far greater than the reality. Once you arrive and settle into your routine, your focus naturally shifts to the wildlife, the conservation work, and the people around you. Essentially, you'll be having too much fun to notice!
For most volunteers, spiders quickly become a non-issue. Our best advice for those suffering from arachnophobia, or even a less severe fear of insects and spiders, is to let your project coordinator know.
Tips for IF You Do See a Spider
If you do come across a spider, you’re in great hands, surrounded by wildlife experts who are always happy to help!
Our best advice for those scared of spiders is: if you come across one, check, protect, act.
- Check: Stay calm and (if you can) check to see where it is or what direction it’s heading.
- Protect: Protect yourself (mainly your sanity) by keeping your distance and avoiding sudden movements.
- Act: If you’re in their space (i.e., outside), move away; if they're in your space, ask a team member to step in and help.
These simple tips are there to ensure a potential sighting is handled quickly and calmly, so you can get back to enjoying helping the wildlife you want to see!
Should Spiders Stop You Travelling?
In our experience, no.
While you might see a spider, it’s unlikely to define your trip in any way. What will define it are the moments that matter: the wildlife encounters, the conservation work, and the experience of being somewhere completely different with wonderful, like-minded people.
Final Thoughts
So, can you avoid spiders while travelling? Not entirely, but you can reduce your chances to the point where they’re unlikely to impact your experience at all.
At The Great Projects, we’re here to make sure you feel prepared, supported, and excited about your trip, from the first question to the moment you arrive. Don’t let fear hold you back. Take a look at our incredible wildlife conservation trips and be part of something great!
