Consider a Volunteer Vacation for your next Holidays

What are volunteer vacations?

Being a tourist is not the only way to travel. By getting involved with the locals you gain a lot more insight and different experiences. Volunteering has become a more and more popular form of spending holidays abroad while learning about life in other countries. Join a volunteer organization or organize it yourself to make a difference, find new friends and have your life changed by your new experiences. Volunteer vacations are short term commitments where you can combine your holidays with working for a good cause. You will make new friends, learn a lot about the host country, and at the same time have a good time with others. You will see sights average tourists miss because their guide books don't tell them. You discover culture from the inside because you work and share experiences with local people. You travel to teach and share your skills with people who are less fortunate.

Who can take a volunteer vacation?

Everyone who has spare time and is fit enough to travel to Thailand can take a this form of vacation. Thai-Experience.org and many other organization are receiving people from all countries and all ages. The only conditions are an open mind and tolerance on your side.

If you want to travel with your family, that is no problem in many place. Choose a country which is easy to travel and where children are welcome like Thailand for your first trip. Your children can either accompany their parents while they do their volunteer work or have a program on their own if they are old enough.

Where are volunteer vacations available?

Volunteer opportunities can be found world wide. You can organize your volunteer trip on your own. In many countries charities are thankful for an extra hand. If you prefer someone to help you, give you an introduction and meet other volunteers, choose a volunteer organizations to assist you.

To find them just use one of the major search engines and search for “volunteer +country of your choice” and you will find lots of opportunities. Or have a look at Guiding-Stars.com one of many directories listing volunteer placements.

Why should I consider a volunteer vacation?

There are many possible reasons. Maybe you travel alone but want to share experiences with others. Or you feel you want to see more of a country than the normal backpacker or tourist does. Or you just got a brand new TEFL certificate and want to practice your new skills before trying them on a paid position. Or you plan getting a TEFL certificate but want to test yourself first and get some practice. Or you spend a gap year abroad and want to try something new. Or you just retired and do not feel old enough just to sit at home and watch TV. Maybe you want to do something useful and look for a place where your skills are still valued?