Where To Go On Your Guilt Free Vacation

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

14 Jul 2007 09:57 PM

It's the perfect vacation for do-gooders... volunteer tourism packages. Studies show the voluntourism trend is booming. In my previous blog I detailed why so many people are opting to bypass sipping tropical libations on a secluded island for a week to grab a hammer and raise a roof for those in need. In this blog I will list some of the more reputable voluntourism programs available to you.

One thing to remember about voluntourism packages is that you don't have to sacrifice luxury simply because you choose to share your time and talents helping those in need. You can become a voluntourist anytime by picking one of the myriad packages out there. From a shooting trip in Alabama to an ultra-luxe room at a Canadian resort to the simple comforts of a Cambodian guesthouse, there are comfortable volunteer options galore.

For example, if you are an avid scuba diver or snorkler you may want to sign up for the annual Aruba Reef Care Project. It takes place each July and uses the skills of beachcombers and scuba divers to help preserve area reefs. If you have a passion for hunting you can take to the woods then donate the venison from your prize buck to feed families that otherwise would struggle to put food on their table. Local food pantries in the Midwest and Rockies offer several Hunt for the Hungry programs.

Recently, the luxurious Fairmont hotel in Winnipeg partnered with Habitat for Humanity to develop a package for travelers who want to help build a home by day, and relax at a high-end resort when the sun goes down. If you would rather rough it a bit halfway around the world, check out the Skyway Guesthouse in Cambodia. It provides opportunities for visitors to volunteer in an orphanage, or help schoolchildren learn English and computer skills.

If you prefer to stay closer to home consider arranging your trip with Earthwatch Institute. The organization relies on volunteers to help supplement scientific environmental research and conservation projects in the United States (and around the world). Likewise, the upscale tour company Tauck is currently offering a trip through Wyoming that includes the chance to spend a few hours volunteering at Yellowstone National Park.

Experts in the travel industry note that reputable voluntourism programs won't charge you for a chance to visit a village and hand out school supplies. You shouldn't have to shell out big bucks for the privilege of helping others. However, voluntourism isn't free - someone does have to pick up the costs of meals, housing and other expenses. But in many cases, reputable organizations will help cover your financial costs. For example, some voluntourists in Louisiana helping with Katrina cleanup pay just $5 a night to stay in a fancy hotel. In most cases, voluntourism operators have legitimate partnerships with the communities they serve and conduct follow-up assessments to gauge the success of their projects.

Related Articles:

A Guilt-Free Vacation

An Unforgettable Family Vacation

Eco-Friendly Vacations

Going Green On The Road

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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