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Comments (11)
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Save/ShareWe're here to help you do good and have a good time—all at the same time.
Voluntourism opportunities are literally available all over the world, and volunteers might spend their time teaching, building, painting, or helping kids or animals. They can work in cities, villages, rural areas, or totally out in the woods. Some travelers want volunteer work to occupy their entire vacation, while others are more interested in a little altruism on the side, offering their services for a day or two during their stint away from home.
With so many possibilities, questions are bound to arise, such as:
What are the best resources for finding volunteer vacation opportunities?
How do you figure out which volunteer trip is right for you?
How much should you expect to pay? (Volunteer vacations are generally not free, and can sometimes be pricey.)
How can you make sure that your time and energy will have the most impact?
Please send us your questions regarding volunteer vacations and we'll answer the best ones in an upcoming issue of Budget Travel.
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Volunteering can be rather expensive. Is there any way to cut out the middle, pricey charges, person and do good work in other countries?
Where do I fine a list of places in other countries to volunteer in?
Posted By Diana Reiner on May 6, 2010, 7:05 PM
is there a place in New Zealand for an 18 year old to volunteer his labor in exchange for room and board?
Posted By roxy on May 8, 2010, 1:52 AM
I have taken 5 trips(3 to Romania, 1 to Poland, 1 to India) with Global Volunteers. They offer great great opportunities to become a servant learner in a number of different countries.
Posted By Dan Niedbalski on May 10, 2010, 10:06 AM
Hi,
To the poster who asked about volunteerism in NZ, I suggest WWOOF (I believe the acronym is world wide organization of organic farms) http://www.wwoof.co.nz/.
The volunteer gets free room and board in exchange for working in eco farms and ranches. The org serves other countries as well. Great opp for meeting like minded travelers. Good luck!
Posted By Jeanne on May 10, 2010, 11:21 AM
What does room and board include? Do you need to bring your own bedding and towels?
Are there any women only volunteer opportunities?
Posted By Dawn on May 10, 2010, 4:11 PM
My sister and I are hoping to volunteer in Central America for a week this summer. Any suggestions for an organization that will accept volunteers for just a week? Most places we found have a minimum two week requirement.
Posted By Dana on May 10, 2010, 4:21 PM
I have heard of an organization that provides services in Spain and Portugal--they ask English speakers to spend time with business people who are learning English in order to enhance their conversational skills. You don't have to be fluent in either country's language...I believe they provide housing, food, some transportation but not airfare. Any idea who this organization is? I don't remember the name.
Posted By Cheryl on May 11, 2010, 3:14 PM
Hi Dana,
I recommend looking into Global Health Outreach. The offer medical missions around the world. i am participating in a week long trip to El Salvador this summer. You do not have to be a doctor or a nurse to participate as they need logistics help as well.
John
Posted By John on May 13, 2010, 4:01 PM
I will be traveling to Peru in August.
Could you recommend a nice hotel in Aguas Caliente and Puno ($60-75/nite range)
Posted By KAREN KLEIN on May 19, 2010, 11:10 AM
Hello, I have to go to bologna italy asap at least within the next two weeks to hlp my sick brother. are there organizations that could help with airfare if i volunteer sometime in italy or spain somewhere south. i would be willing to start in another country and go from there. or do you know the best way to get special last minute airfares. ia m in economic problems and it would be a great help. i speak english and i can teach rudimentary spanish ihave a ba if that matters. otherwise how doi get good price last minute or find out which flights have sudden vacancies etc,. i have been looking on the web but to no avail so far
thanks
albar
Posted By albar de lacuesta on May 20, 2010, 6:31 AM
I am grateful that you will be putting this information together and I will eagerly look forward to reading the results.
I am interested in finding out about volunteer vacations that my daughter (age 19) and I could do together as a team. I would like to know your review on the book, "Working Your Way Around The World". I am also interested in knowing if there are opportunities to "house swap" and, for example, I volunteer in "their" city and "they" volunteer in mine.
Posted By anita on June 22, 2010, 11:57 PM