8 Volunteer Vacations That Will Change Your Life

When you take on volunteer work you do two things: you give something back to the world and

you enrich your own life.

The number of projects out there is vast and varied.

“When you take on volunteer work

you do two things: you give something

back to the world and you

enrich your own life.”

Here are some projects you might consider:

1. Saving elephants in Asia

This kind of program is for people who love nature.

The work involves planting food crops, such as bamboo and native grasses, for elephants to eat,

and also building shade shelters for them to take refuge in when the temperatures soar.

You can also feed the elephants and even bathe them.

Some projects may also let you camp out by the river with the elephants.

2. Marine and coastal conservation in Thailand

Conservation projects are always rewarding for volunteers.

In Thailand you can join conservation projects and help to replant lowlands forests, which are

believed to play an important part in the marine ecosystem.

There are litter collection projects as well, and you’ll feel good cleaning up the environment.

3. Teaching disadvantaged children to surf in South Africa

Fun, rewarding and challenging all in one, this project does what it says on the tin!

You’ll help to keep disadvantaged children off the streets.

While they’re at school during the day you’ll learn to surf.

Then, when they come to classes in the evening, you’ll teach them your newfound surfing skills.

4. Wildlife conservation in South Africa

South Africa offers a wildlife conservation project that enables you to take care of sick and

injured animals.

This includes feeding, cleaning and walking them, as well as well helping to build new enclosures

and swimming pools for some of the animals.

You’ll have the responsible job, too, of checking fences for holes that poachers have cut in them to

enter illegally and hunt.

5. Football coaching and teaching English in the Galapagos Islands

This is a chance to indulge in a love of sport and to pass on some academic skills to others.

If you have any old football gear still in good condition, the clubs welcome donations for

their children’s teams.

Make the most of your volunteering opportunity by teaching English at a school during the day

and then coaching the kids football teams in the evening.

6. Health programs in India

This is another teaching opportunity that makes a real difference.

You’ll visit a village school that doesn’t have electricity or running water, and teach them the

importance of good hygiene, such as washing hands, cleaning teeth, good bathroom hygiene, etc.

Not only this, you’ll be involved in playing games and art projects.

7. Trail restoration in Alaska

Inviting Alaska implores you to do some good by participating in trail restoration projects.

The elements take their toll on the trails around the Mendenhall Glacier and as a volunteer

you would restore them by realigning the trail tread, undertaking erosion control and managing

vegetation.

8. Volunteering while on a cruise

Cruise lines are interested in protecting their destinations, so if you decide to travel across the seas,

find out when you’re booking if there are any opportunities for volunteering while you’re on the cruise.

Some of the cruise excursions may be specifically geared towards volunteering.

This can range from helping underprivileged people in the cruises destinations to clean up operations.

There are all kinds of ways to volunteer and make a difference to your own life and to someone else’s.

Find a project that suits you and get out there to give something back.

Images by Children’s Organization of Southeast Asia and Rex Pe, used under Creative Commons license

Have you dreamed of taking a volunteer vacation?

What kind of work would you like to do?

Where would you like to go?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.