Volunteer holidays
Volunteer holidays are often described as a life experience you'll never forget.
For many years such holidays were embarked on by independent travellers wanting to 'give something back' or young people determined to gain valuable life experience during their gap years. However, the last decade has seen a significant rise in volunteer holidays, which are now very organised and open to people from all backgrounds and ages. Many are run or supported by big international charities, and increasing numbers of eco-tourism organisations are developing volunteer programmes in remote destinations across the world.
Volunteer holidays appeal with the unique combination of exotic locations and real people who are in need of real help. This type of holiday tends to attract those with a can-do attitude who want to help disadvantaged communities and work in geographical areas at risk from pollution, deforestation or erosion. Expect to meet like-minded people on a volunteering trip, and you will also work alongside fascinating people of a totally different culture to you.
Cost
A volunteer holiday won't break the bank, but you must expect to stay in basic accommodation at the heart of the community you are temporarily helping. Volunteer holidays can be as short as a week, or as long as a year. Whether you are working with special needs children, caring for aged elephants, or teaching, many agree the price of such an experience is priceless.
Making your choice
Before choosing your volunteer holiday, consider the skills you may be able to offer. If you have medical training or engineering skills there will be the ideal volunteer opportunity for you. For those who can offer energy, enthusiasm, or simply some time, there are volunteer holidays focused on conservation, gardening, dam building, tourism, arts, and community volunteering.
Look at the National Trust - planting trees, dredging ponds, painting lighthouses, for example - or look into the many coastal or river conservation projects on offer.
Responsibletravel offers a wide range of options from teaching English in Costa Rica to elephant conservation in Thailand and investigating climate change trips in the Arctic.