Choosing a volunteer vacation

People choose to take a volunteer vacation for a variety of reasons, and often more than one applies. First and foremost is a desire to help —be it children, the elderly, the handicapped, animals, or the natural environment. Some people have a specific cause in mind; say, protecting endangered gorillas or preserving the coral reefs off the coast of Australia, and they target organizations that offer such opportunities. Other people have a more general idea of what they want to do; for example, help alleviate hunger or teach children to read. Along with an altruistic reason for volunteering there are often others, such as a desire to see exotic or unusual places, an opportunity to experience new challenges, a chance to practice a foreign language, having an experience that will enhance their resume and/or job opportunities, and the fact that such trips usually provide a substantial tax deduction.
When choosing a volunteer vacation opportunity, prospective travelers should consider several questions.
Where to go? Volunteer vacation opportunities are available in every corner of the world, from the United States to Australia, China, Iceland, and the Amazon.
How much does it cost? The program fees participants pay to take part in volunteer vacations typically (but not always) include room and board, project fees, travel medical insurance, and travel within the country in which the volunteer activity occurs. The fees usually do not include transportation to the country. Potential volunteers should check with the sponsoring organization to determine which costs are included in the program fee, and to learn how much of the fee is tax deductible.
How challenging is it? Some volunteer vacations require a certain level of physical strength and stamina, especially those that involve working outdoors. Potential volunteers should always clearly understand the physical expectations and requirements and be sure they are medically capable of meeting them.
What are the accommodations? Lodging options vary widely and may involve pitching a tent, living in unheated huts, staying with native families, sharing a dormitory-type residence, or checking into a comfortable hotel. Questions about food, water, linens, availability of power (including computer and cell phone access), medical care, and local transportation should be addressed during the evaluation process.
How long? Most volunteer vacations last from one to four weeks; some can extend on for months. The vast variety of volunteer vacation opportunities usually means people can find more than one vacation that fits their needs.
Any special skills needed? People who have special skills—teachers, nurses, veterinarians, biologists, accountants, lawyers, photographers, farmers—are always welcome and in fact urgently needed in some locations. Most volunteer opportunities, however, only ask that people have a desire to help and a willingness to learn and follow directions.
Is language a barrier? Since so many volunteer vacations are in remote, foreign locations, knowledge of another language in addition to English can be helpful and in some cases, strongly recommended. However, most potential volunteers do not need to know a second language.
What about free time? The amount of time volunteers have to spend sightseeing or doing other activities away from their volunteer tasks varies with each assignment, as do the types of activities that are available. This information is usually provided by the sponsoring organization, and it can be helpful to talk or correspond with other people who have volunteered in the location previously.
Who can participate? Volunteer vacations are available for singles, couples, students, families, and older adults. The age limitation is typically 16 to 18 years of age; a parent or guardian usually must accompany any person younger than 16. Volunteer vacations geared for families with younger children have their own special regulations.
Both for-profit and nonprofit organizations and companies offer volunteer vacations. Some organizations sponsor opportunities that focus on a specific issue, such as saving sea turtles or building homes for the needy, while others offer a broad spectrum of projects that center on areas such as education, poverty, public health, endangered species, and habitat preservation. While some organizations have projects in only a few countries, others offer options in dozens of locations on nearly every continent.
People interested in learning more about volunteer vacations in general or selecting one in particular can begin by exploring volunteer vacation directories or targeting organizations that offer specific opportunities.
Volunteer vacation directories
People who are uncertain about the type of volunteer vacation they want to take may find it best to start by checking a directory of opportunities by category. Charity Guide is a nonprofit that provides information on volunteer vacations in several different categories: environmental protection,[2] children’s issues [3], animal welfare [4], and health and safety [5]. Travel with a Challenge [6] provides a directory that caters to mature volunteers (age 45 years and older). Transitions Abroad [7] is a portal for volunteer vacations involving social issues around the globe.

Organizations that sponsor volunteer vacations
Potential volunteers can also scour the opportunities offered by organizations that sponsor volunteer vacations. Airline Ambassadors International [8] distributes medical and other aid to children, families, and underprivileged communities around the world. Global Service Corp. [9] focuses its efforts in two countries, Tanzania and Thailand, and offers projects that last from two weeks up to six months. People interested in environmental and animal issues can choose from more than 130 projects in 47 countries offered by the nonprofit group Earthwatch [10]. Cross Cultural Solutions [11] has projects lasting from one to twelve weeks located in eleven countries. One-week opportunities are the mainstay of Globe Aware [12], which sponsors projects in nine countries. Community development, conservation, and teaching are just a few of the types of projects offered by i-to-i [13] in more than two dozen countries. One unique type of organization is [14], a Non-Profit Franchise run and paid for entirely by volunteers.
People who don’t find what they’re looking for with a sponsoring organization or who have a pet cause or favorite charity can contact the particular group or charity on their own and ask about volunteer vacation opportunities.