In the past, many travelers felt guilty about traveling to more under-developed second and third-world countries because they would see the poverty that was prevalent in those areas and there was no way to help. The guilt really set in when these travelers went back to their nice hotel rooms and slept soundly with full bellies and slept in a comfortable bed while not being able to do anything for the suffering and struggling locals. Many factors prevented these travelers from getting involved in some of the things going on in those countries including liability issues, disease outbreaks, terrorism and crime. With no coverage or help from any organization or government, trying to help in any way was dangerous and strongly advised against.
Now there is a way for travelers to take that much deserved vacation while, at the same time, helping out the local people in the destination they decide to visit. This new way of traveling is called voluntourism and because this type of travel is becoming so popular, it is easier than ever to get cheap vacations that have a volunteer spin to them. Of course, the cheap prices are not all you will get from a vacation like this. You will get to see a new location that you have always wanted to visit and, more importantly, you will get to help the people who live there and make it what it is!
Typically, a volunteer vacation is booked through a company that specializes in voluntourism. Your trip usually includes some meals, accommodations and some excursions. You may or may not be responsible for your flight. Although this is the typical way to embark on a vacation like this, there are other ways too but they may require you to do more research and work to get the proper permission to do what you want to do in that country. The thing you need to realize before embarking on one of thee trips is that you will be working for half the time and doing your own thing the rest of the time. Before you go it is a good idea to prepare yourself by learning about the country you will be visiting and the people and the culture you will be working closely with. You should also become familiar with the work you will be doing and what to expect when you arrive so there are no surprises. Find out what you need to know to stay safe both when it comes to any crime in the area and health concerns. You may be required to get vaccines to travel there or at the very least, it may be recommended that you do so. If you will be traveling to a country where they speak another language, you may want to learn some important phrases so you are able to communicate at least a little bit with the locals who can’t speak English.
Some useful websites and resources to help you find the right volunteer vacation include:
1) Voluntourism.com
2) Cheaptickets.com
3) Sierra Club
4) International Volunteer Programs International
5) Volunteer Abroad
6) United Nations World Volunteer Website
7) Earthwatch Institute
8) Responsibletravel.com
And here are is a list of some companies that offer volunteer vacations:
1) Volunteer Canada
2) Worldwide Opportunities no Organic Farms (WWOOF)
3) Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects
4) Companeros
5) Cross Cultural Solutions
6) Travel Cuts
7) Projects Abroad
8) Gap Adventures
Volunteering is a great way to see the world, help others and embark on cheap vacations and although I have listed quite a few organizations that offer these trips, there are many, many other options available and with the proper research, you will find one that will feel like it was made just for you and the people you want to help!
Photo via Kensington Tours
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