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!
I went through a lot in life and life has taught me that anything can happen anytime and one is never ready for tougher times. At that point, we need people around us to hold us and hug us and support us. This is how volunteering can help other people.
When I was a child I always had that urge to help everyone in need. I’ve always been compassionate with other people. I would sometimes end up having very little to eat just because a friend of mine didn’t have his lunch. When I got older, I knew it was a start of something big. I didn’t let the compassion inside me die, I let it grow bigger– bigger than me! I am now a part-time volunteer and would sometimes travel to areas wherein help is needed in big numbers. I love what I’m doing and I know I’m not ending world hunger… YET!
Volunteering can start with something as simple as donating clothing, furniture, and other possessions to those in need. Side benefit: You will declutter your house/apartment.
Volunteering is proven to be good for your health and your happiness. Studies have shown that people who volunteer live longer. (Plus, you’re helping people!) It’s also a great tool in the fight against depression because it’s easier to temporarily forget about your own problems when you shift your focus to helping others. After all, to care for others is like caring for your soul too.
In volunteering, if there are particular causes that are important to you, you have to work in that area. If you are passionate about children, for example, find an organization that helps them. If you want to work directly with children, make sure to do that. If you’d rather work behind the scenes, and your skills go in that direction, follow that instinct. It’s where you’ll excel at and be a natural help to others.
I would definitely agree with this. You can’t exactly work in a field where you have very little passion or knowledge in. You’ll end up feeling more lost than ever. Follow the sense of purpose that your heart is telling you.
Volunteering and taking part is not all about giving something back to the community and helping out others. Getting involved is also personally rewarding by helping you grow in confidence and become more independent.
I’ve gotten involved in many activities in my community, and it has been an extremely enjoyable and fulfilling experience. I felt like it was my calling to do volunteering. It’s a part of me now.
Commit some time to volunteering which would help your well-being, and you’ll enjoy the gratification that comes from helping others.
When I was starting my career, I remember hoping to one day be wealthy so that I could donate huge amounts to charitable organizations. Fortunately, rather than waiting for “someday” to come, I learned how much of a difference I could make by donating time and energy to good causes and people in need. You don’t have to be rich just so you can donate!
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” -Winston Churchill ❤️