Out There
January/February 2008

The Do-Good Vacation

Ranging from teaching English to Thai children to aiding sea turtle conservation efforts in Costa Rica, “voluntourism” not only gives you a nice break from the 9-to-5 but also allows the opportunity to make a real difference in the world. “We’ve found that people want the opportunity to give back and not just be a tourist but a part of a community,” says Alexia Nestora, of i-to-i Meaningful Travel. “We’ve seen a huge outpouring of interested people, especially after events like 9/11 and the tsunami in southern Asia. People realize that there’s a world outside of the United States and want to experience it.” So, the next opportunity you have to use up those vacation days, instead of trying to decide which all-inclusive Hilton gets you closest to the waves and the palm trees, why not check out some volunteer travel ideas. They will warm your soul just as much as—if not more than—that next piña colada on the beach. Below are a few ways to experience voluntourism in 2008. Also check out www.volunteerabroad.com and www.voluntourism.org for other trips.

Ecology Conservation in Kenya Join others while you help reforest the slopes of Mount Kenya and encourage indigenous animals to return to the area. Program start dates run three times a month through September 2008. $915 for one week, not including airfare, insurance, and visa/passport fees. www.meaningfultravel.com

Project Machu Picchu Start in the city of Cuzco, working with street children, and end up trekking the Inca Trail to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. Once a month through May 2009. $1,145 for a 13-day trip, not including airfare, insurance, visa/passport fees, and some meals. www.gapadventures.com

Build Homes for the Poor in Romania Join a group of volunteers and help build an orphanage in the village of Valea Plopului; also take in the mountains, seas, and plains that make up geographically diverse Romania. Departures the first and third Saturday of each month. $1,295 for one week, not including airfare and visa/passport fees. www.unitedplanet.org

Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica Work on one of two marine conservation projects, helping preserve the endangered leatherback turtle. Departures two to three times per month through December 2008. $995 for one week, not including airfare, insurance, and visa/passport fees. www.meaningfultravel.com

—Christy Mercer