We travel to relax. We travel to explore. We travel to experience other cultures. We travel to escape our lives even if just for a brief moment in time. Now, imagine doing all of that while changing the lives of others for the better at the same time; making a difference. Contributing to the culture and community you are visiting instead of just taking from it. It may seem like a novel concept, but more and more socially minded travelers are using their time off in search of more than just a beach or a posh resort. Immersive experiences that connect you with the place, the people and best of all, do good.
Most people would love the opportunity to experience such a trip but don’t know how to go about it. So, in the interest of humanity and travelers everywhere, we have scoured the globe and found the five best “voluntourism” experiences. There are a variety of companies that offer volunteer travel programs, but we have honed the list to two of the leaders in the field:
- Global Vision International — a leader in voluntourism travel offering immersive experiences in more than a dozen countries ranging from two weeks to six months in the fields of conservation, education and empowerment to name a few.
- Earthwatch Institute — a non-profit whose trips are mostly centered on wildlife protection, ocean health, climate change and archaeology.
Both share the goal of positively impacting a local community while creating an incredible travel experience.
These trips of a lifetime include tracking wild animals in Africa to study migration patterns, working with under privileged children in third world countries, empowering communities of young women to achieve more, teaching English to students, studying and protecting marine life while receiving dive verification and so on. (Check out GVI’s Instagram to get an idea of what the trips look like.) Moreover, all of these opportunities are appropriate for travelers of all ages ranging from high school students to retirees. Plus, these trips are great fodder for your new voluntourism blog.
Volunteer with Buddhist Novice Monks in Laos
GVI’s volunteer programs are dedicated to creating long-term benefits in local communities while providing participants a different viewpoint of a destination and community. For starters, Laos’ancient city of Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an idyllic setting at the meeting of the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers to establish peace and serenity.
The main purpose of the trip is to teach English to Buddhist novice monks; improving the quality of their education and enabling them to access more employment opportunities and bring a higher value of life for their families.
In spare time, volunteers can visit local sites such as the beautiful waterfalls, Buddhist temples and monasteries, not to mention taking in the breath-taking mountains.
Volunteer to Protect Tigers and Elephants in India
In India, tigers and elephants are protected from humans as long as they’re inside a nature reserve. However, many have ventured beyond the boundaries of the reserves, crossing through forest patches and local villages on their way to reach nearby forested areas. As they pass through these areas, known as “corridors,” they often come into conflict with humans and their livestock, and are killed or captured.
On this trip, you can work with both locals and researchers to assess the perceptions and needs of the local communities, as well as try new strategies to foster empathy towards these animals, decrease animal abuse, and reduce crop damage. Both elephants and tigers are nearing extinction because of humans, so here’s your chance to help reverse this trend.
Volunteer on Childcare Projects in Mexico
These trips are certainly different from your spring break trip to Mexico. Working along side renown charity Save the Children, GVI program volunteers can enjoy the Caribbean Sea town of Playa del Carmen while working with underprivileged children at what is surely the nicest day care facility in all of Mexico.
Help little ones learn to read, teach them how to play your favorite game on the playground, help create a safe, comfortable learning environment for those that deserve a chance at a brighter future.
Don’t worry, it’s not all work and no play. There is plenty of time to enjoy Playa’s white sand beaches, dive along the mesoamerican barrier reef or visit nearby ruins.
Climate Change and Caterpillars in Costa Rica
Earthwatch brings together scientific research while providing a sustainable environment. On this Earthwatch Expedition, you’ll search the forests of Costa Rica for caterpillars and take specimens to the lab for state-of-the-art chemical analysis and observation. Volunteers in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí (that’s in Heredia Province, in-between Rio Sarapiquí and Rio Puerto Viejo) can explore many cacao plantations and have opportunities to see wildlife — including ocelots and jaguars!
Not to mention, you’re driving distance from Playa Limon on the east coast, Tamarindo on the west coast (a great place to learn how to surf), and the capital of San Jose to take in the big city sights and sounds for a day and a half. On the project, hike for caterpillars, see how they interact with other species, and ultimately, help preserve biodiversity.
Earthwatch also offers climate change and critters trips in the Borneo and Ecuadorian rainforests, and in the Arctic.
Community Development Expedition in Fiji
One word: Fiji. GVI Volunteers will be set up amidst the luscious forests and mountainous backdrop of the Dawasamu District on the east coast of Viti Levu Island; the largest island in the Republic of Fiji.
Included in the activities, participant volunteers will facilitate the construction and installation of rainwater harvesting systems and build vegetable gardens to grow the agricultural structure and help local communities increase their income.
When not working, swim in fresh water waterfalls, enjoy miles of white, soft sand beach and explore colorful coral reefs. Sounds like paradise!
Doing Good on Non-Voluntourism Trips
Don’t want to do a dedicated voluntourism trip? You can still volunteer for a day or two while on vacation. Just look up the local animal shelter or school and ask them if there’s anything you can do to help while you’re in the area.
Want more? Check out these 10 ways to make a positive impact while on vacation.
Have you had a volunteerism experience? Would you? Tell us in the comments below!
This Earthwatch Expedition is really interesting. I do not know anyone who is interested in caterpillars. But now, I want to know more.
It was my first time to travel outside of America and I am happy that I did it with GVI. They gave the best experience yet by showing me incredible places and letting me share it with the beautiful locals in Mexico. Something people need to try once in a while.
Even if I have been traveling for a long time now, my dad asked me this when I told him I was traveling to Mexico with other volunteers – “is it safe for you to travel there? I cannot blame him for not worrying after knowing a lot of bad news in Mexico. But still, I pushed through with the trip and went home happy and fulfilled. I told him all the good things happened from taking care, playing, and teaching less fortunate children to the beautiful places I was able to visit. He was then very proud of what I have done and for coming home safe.
I did mention this one to my parents too but did not let me join the first time I attempted. But knowing your experience, I would try to talk to them again and hopefully be able to experience this early next year. Thanks for sharing!
It is good to know that India is very much into elephants and tigers protection. With all the developments and technology worldwide, animals and nature are the true treasure we all need to protect.
Yes, this is true. I watched my city progressed. I saw trees cut and grassland becomes a park. I hope nature can be preserved and animals can be protected too.
From the congestion of the city, I wish there could be more safari or habitat people can conserve. Elephants, tigers and other animals must be kept safe from all the change happening. To volunteer in India is one of the steps.
I really want to go to volunteer for elephants and tigers in India But I do not have much money to spend on this trip. But still thanks Urbanette for sharing this article for people who will be aware of these programs.
Building and other big establishments are being built everywhere at the expense of nature. I am an animal lover myself and I would want to be part of any programs like this to help protect not only tigers and elephants but animals as a whole.
I had a little research about the cost of these programs and they are all quite expensive. I already worked with animal conservation in the past and I really want this elephants and tigers conservation. does anyone have any advice on other companies which run projects like this which aren’t really expensive?
Same question here my friend. I would love to try this but it cost a fortune.
I love Indian food but I have never been to India. I and my girlfriend are planning to have a trip in India maybe early next year. I guess this could be a good idea when we visit the place.
I am used to traveling, enjoying and getting as many memories of the place as possible. But this article made me realize that I can also do traveling and not only gain memories but share and give some of myself to others too. I would definitely consider this volunteering programs.
You said what’s in my mind after reading this article. Thanks, Urbanette, you are always the best! ^_^