Voluntourism: A Perfect Fit
for the Hands-On Green Traveler

Voluntourism is a special way to travel. When I travel to third world countries, I find myself wishing I could be more involved with the people living there. I feel good that as a responsible traveler, I do business with local businesses and artisans as much as possible, putting money into their economy. But I see the conditions many live in and I wish I could do something to make it better.

Voluntouring to the rescue. Voluntourism is a growing global movement in travel that was created to provide a wide variety of service to tourists from tour groups, individual vacationers, families, business travelers, to corporate-, school-, religious-, or service-oriented groups.

To Be of Service. Similar in concept to service organizations like the Peace Corps or Habitat for Humanity, voluntouring offers an organized opportunity to be of service to communities during your vacation--you choose when and how long you can volunteer, and your help is welcome worldwide.

Tailor Made. Voluntouring is completely customizable. Whether you want to spend your entire vacation doing a service project, or whether you want to tack on a day or two in your getaway to devote to volunteer projects, or even if you have a couple of hours at the end of a business trip, you, too, can voluntour and add purpose to your travel.

Something for Everyone. What kinds of things can you do as a volunteer? Literally everything from building homes and businesses, to carrying relief and medical supplies to remote regions, to educating indigneous communities, to interacting with disadvantaged children, to walking and grooming abused dogs. Opportunities range from physical to intellectual--just pick whatever stimulates you. No matter your particular skills, your desired destination, and your time frame, there are endless possibilities to dovetail voluntouring with your travel.

Home or Abroad. And it's important to realize voluntouring can be domestic as well as international. In the United States, there are ample opportunities to fortify and give back to local communities in cases of natural disaster relief, women's shelter's, day care centers, elder care and the like.

Self Care. Most people may find the feeling of helping others enough in the way of gratification. But several studies indicate that vounteering creates health benefits--reducing depression, raising our general sense of well-being, and relieving chronic pain. In disparate studies, physical pain, depression and disability were found to decrease in folks who regularly volunteer. So perhaps if you're feeling a little out of sorts, treat yourself to an extra-special eco-vacation and volunteer some of your time while you're away.

Travel has always been the magic elixir to recharge our batteries and put the spring back in our step. Ecotourism and voluntourism are incredibly responsible and giving ways to add amazing experiences and depth to your vacation. Of course, don't just take our word for it... try them for yourself.

Intrigued by Voluntourism, check out Why Travel.