Sure, money spent in local towns and villages goes towards helping economies, but an even better way to make an impact, and a good one at that, is to choose a volunteer-based vacation, or voluntour. Volunteer vacations are not for everyone, and require a lot of footwork and self-introspection before committing, as the volunteer isn’t the only one affected by this decision--fellow volunteers and the community being served may also feel the affects of a traveler who decides to volunteer before knowing what they are committing themselves to doing. It is hard work and long days in not always the best conditions, but the rewards are ultimately worthwhile and the experience priceless.
Why A Voluntour?
Typical tour companies usually visit the same places, and often make deals with local venues and sights, meaning tourists get a canned experience that isn’t authentic or even in some cases culturally sensitive. Cruises, in particular, are notorious polluters of the environment, and because of their tight itinerary, don’t give cruisers adequate time in a locale to really see the sights and explore. Self-guided vacations often don't give travelers insider access to a community or locale.
By choosing a vacation based around the concept of volunteering, a traveler really digs in to a community from the inside out. They also always know their efforts are going to a good cause - they have the hands-on experience to prove it.
Different Types of Volunteer Vacation Opportunities
Voluntourism comes in many different packages. Want to rehabilitate wildlife in Kenya? Help build a school for impoverished children in India? Opportunities are based on interests, skill level, activity level, duration of the trip, and a traveler’s ability to deal with potentially difficult situations and locations. Any aversion to the sight of malnourished, deformed, or injured people (particularly children), or problems with extreme environments are huge considerations when it comes to voluntourism.
However, by understanding one’s personal limitations, a traveler can easily match up their interests and personal abilities with a number of different travel opportunities to fit their needs and the needs of the community they will be helping.
How To Find Voluntours
The best way to find volunteer vacation opportunities is to research online. Many non-profits and universities offer trips, as do travel agents and outdoors and/or travel magazines. Before booking any trips, a traveler should always get referrals. Any good volunteer organization will give potential clients referrals from people who’ve taken trips with them. Travelers should always do the homework and check the validity of the organization, and confirm the type of work expected of the volunteers and the conditions in which volunteers will be working.
What to Expect
Volunteer vacations, though they do include relaxation time, are not the typical “sight-see” or “sit on a beach and bake” vacation. Travelers are expected to get their hands dirty (in some cases literally), and a typical day often runs a good eight hours. Food is usually included, as is all lodging. Tour operators prep guests prior to the start of the voluntary activities, and help with airport transfers (if they don’t actually provide them, though many do), visas, and flights.
Jennifer Vitanzo - A writer and editor by trade—be it articles, grants, songs, poetry or reviews—Jennifer can cover it all. She's a part-time ...
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