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!
One of the best ways to stay active and keep busy is to volunteer and get involved with your local community. Becoming a volunteer is a great way to stay in touch with friends, make new friends and do things with your family.
Volunteering isn’t just about boosting your own happiness. It’s also boosting someone else’s. Spread the love.
Not all vacations are the rest and relaxation type. Sometimes I would also go to local shelters if I’m in a week long trip and volunteer even for a day or two. They appreciate the help! Don’t ever think that a day or two won’t make a difference to an animal’s life.
You are too sweet! You’re one of the few people that make a big difference!
Thank you for this wonderful list of organizations that can help us be a part of volunteering. Most of us have a big heart but don’t know where to go to volunteer.
If you have enough money to travel to places, I’m pretty sure you also have time and money to spare for those in need. It doesn’t always have to be in a cash basis, but you know what I mean!
The problem is that unskilled volunteering has become a tourist event and the current trend is to raise money to pay locals to do the work. It does make sense. People with specific skills to pass on are need or long term volunteering.
You can always volunteer in places you’re interested to. As for me, animal shelters are a good choice.
Being exposed to poverty or a lack of resources while volunteering abroad will help you be more thankful for what you have back at home. Witnessing the struggles of others, will help realign your priorities in life, learn what really matters, and gain a more positive outlook on life.
Very interesting post. Reminds me of the old adage ‘laughter is the best medicine’. Engaging with friends, family and one’s community (through volunteering or other methods) leads to a sense of fulfillment in life which in turn seems like it decreases stress and promotes a general healthy feeling of well being.
By simply opening your eyes and heart to the culture of a new place, you can have an entirely beneficial, life changing experience. This can be emotionally and spiritually fulfilling for most. It is also probably one of the best feelings in the world. You know that you’re blessed, and blessings need to be shared. This doesn’t mean that you have to giveaway everything that you have! By simply helping even in the smallest way, you’re helping the world be a better place.
Yes! With volunteering, all help is considered a blessing.