Volunteer tourism is an emerging travel trend that allows visitors to combine tourism with humanitarian work in the developing world. It is a symbiotic relationship where the community gains from the additional income generated or the economic progress the volunteers help to initiate. The travelers, in turn, gain a deeper insight into the life and culture of the people of a particular region. Participants who opt for these volunteer tours help to bring about positive change at the grassroots level. Volunteer tours can range from animal rehabilitation in the rainforests of South America to teaching English to impoverished communities. These programs can take on many durations, from short two-week trips to longer projects that can last up to a year. Continue reading to explore the best volunteer tours around the world for a chance to give back to the community.
1. Rainforest and Coastal Conservation in Zanzibar; Jozani Forest, Zanzibar
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This program takes volunteers to the Jozani Forest in Zanzibar, where they work with the local community to help in conservation efforts. The forest is home to the endangered Red Colobus Monkey, and one of the tasks involves replanting fruit trees for them. Volunteers work on small renovation projects and teach local school children about conservation.
This program ranges from 1 to 12 weeks and includes up to 6 hours of volunteer work on the weekdays. Weekends are free, and volunteers can use this time to explore the island or try activities such as snorkeling and wildlife viewing, to name a few. This program requires volunteers to speak fluent English, and those under the age of 16 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Accommodation is in a shared forest tent with bedding, a compost toilet, and a solar-heated shower. Meals and filtered drinking water are also included.
Rainforest and Coastal Conservation in Zanzibar
Address: Jozani Forest, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Website: Rainforest and Coastal Conservation in Zanzibar
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (weekdays)
Price: from 565 USD for one week
2. Hospital & Clinic Support in Kenya; Limuru, Kenya
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
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This program, running from 2 up to 12 weeks, is ideal for those keen to work in the healthcare sector in the long run. Depending on their qualifications, volunteers are placed in hospitals and clinics to provide much-needed support to doctors and nurses. Additionally, volunteers can be paired with healthcare providers to impart medical care in rural parts of Limuru.
The program’s goal is to improve the lives of the residents, and a crucial step in achieving that goal is arranging workshops on pertinent health issues that affect the community. Volunteer work is done on weekdays, while you can use your time during the weekend to explore nearby attractions. The project fee includes accommodation, three meals a day on weekdays, and project-related transportation.
Hospital & Clinic Support in Kenya
Address: Limuru, Kenya
Website: Hospital & Clinic Support in Kenya
Opening hours: Mon to Fri
Price: from 1,695 USD for 2 weeks
3. Environmental Conservation Project; Galle, Sri Lanka
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
As climate change worsens, travelers around the world are opting for sustainable accommodations and experiences. Being a part of this conservation project allows volunteers to witness and provide solutions to ecological damage in Sri Lanka. Volunteers will help reforest mangroves, undertake beach and river cleanups, and educate the local communities on recycling, among other tasks.
Volunteers need to be 17 years old or above and healthy enough to work outdoors to undertake a position with this program. The program runs for one to eight weeks or more, depending on your chosen package. The volunteer house includes 11 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, multiple kitchens, living spaces, and an outdoor pool. Volunteers can visit the nearby beach during their free time or join the yoga sessions and bike tours. Plus, meals are provided here.
Environmental Conservation Project
Address: Galle, Sri Lanka
Website: Environmental Conservation Project
Opening hours: Mon to Fri
Price: from 720 USD for one week
4. Women’s Empowerment and Community Volunteering in India; Jaipur, India
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This two- to eight-week program allows volunteers to bring about a sense of independence in the underprivileged women of Jaipur. These women are taught not only about the basic rights that are allotted to them by law but also teaches them computer courses, basic budgeting, and English. This project takes place in the afternoon, as most of these women complete their household chores during the day, so volunteers can join another project during the mornings.
Participants can choose the volunteering program or the volunteer plus travel program. Airport pick-up and drop-off, accommodation, and meals are provided for this program. While all participants enjoy additional activities such as a cooking demonstration and a yoga session, those selecting the travel plus work option will enjoy planned excursions to Agra and Udaipur.
Women’s Empowerment and Community Volunteering in India
Address: Jaipur, India
Website: Women’s Empowerment and Community Volunteering in India
Opening hours: Mon - Fri
Price: from 1,566 USD for two weeks
5. Coral Reef Restoration Program; Bali, Indonesia
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
We are open for volunteering again! Alongside day to day volunteering activities, we have also recently been receiving...
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This non-governmental organization is in the small fishing village of Tianyar on the island of Bali. The group has been hosting volunteer programs in the area since 2017 to restore the fragile ecosystem. Working with local fishermen, volunteers construct and set out artificial reefs to fill the gaps between natural reef structures. Many of the natural reefs have deteriorated over the years, and these artificial reefs help to provide a dwelling for marine creatures.
Volunteers help organize beach cleanups and host workshops on the benefits of a healthy ecosystem on land and water. Further, this volunteer program provides an alternate source of income for the local fishermen, who previously stole and sold these natural resources from the marine-protected area.
The 10-room accommodations, shared by fellow volunteers, are near the beach. There is also a communal bathroom, toilet, and shower. Moreover, meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner are prepared for volunteers on weekdays.
Coral Reef Restoration Program
Address: Banjar Dinas Tunas Sari, Desa Tianyar, Kecamatan Kubu, Karangasem Bali, Indonesia
Website: Coral Reef Restoration Program
Opening hours: Mon-Thu
6. Wild Animal Rescue Shelter; Puyo, Ecuador
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This volunteer program in the rainforest of the Amazon is perfect if you love animals. It runs from runs for 2 to 12 weeks and only caters to volunteers 18 years old and above. They will have the chance to treat and rehabilitate native species back in the wild. Tasks at the animal rescue center include but are not limited to cleaning the center, upgrading structures, and assisting the veterinarian. Volunteers need to remember that they are deep in the rainforest, so internet connection is only available in common spots. Moreover, the closest city is a 15-minute drive away.
Participants can combine the volunteering with an extra week in Baños before the start of the program for an additional fee. There are also 20 hours of Spanish lessons to make it easy to immerse in the locality.
Shared cabin accommodation, weekday meals, and airport pickup are the other highlights included when volunteers book this program.
Wild Animal Rescue Shelter
Address: Puyo, Ecuador
Website: Wild Animal Rescue Shelter
Opening hours: 8am - 12pm, 2:30pm - 5:00pm (Mon-Fri)
Price: 1,080 USD for two weeks
7. Marine Conservation Expedition; Puerto Morelos, Mexico
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
We have all heard of The Great Barrier Reef, but not many have heard of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, popularly known as the Great Mayan Reef. It is the second largest reef system in the world, and this volunteer program in Mexico helps to maintain and preserve this ecological wonder. While the setting of this program is absolutely scenic, the work conducted is pertinent to the long-term success of maintaining healthy marine life.
Volunteers will learn to dive and conduct surveys of the reef system, and this research will be used to determine steps that will be taken at the local level. Participants will also partake in workshops along with beach and ocean floor cleanup with support from local businesses and communities.
Participants can prepare their breakfasts in the kitchen, but there are provided meals for lunch and dinner on workdays. Moreover, volunteers will have dorm-style accommodation and access to transportation. During their free time, they can explore the area and engage in activities such as snorkeling and visiting the Mayan ruins.
Marine Conservation Expedition
Address: Puerto Morelos, Mexico
Website: Marine Conservation Expedition
Price: from 3,095 GBP (3,696 USD) for two weeks
8. Volunteer on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation; Montana, USA
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Native Americans were the original settlers, but they have not been afforded the same opportunities over the years. This volunteer program helps the natives with a wide range of activities on the reservation and includes assisting with summer programs and elderly care. There is no minimum age requirement, and children as young as eight can accompany their families and help out on the reservation. While volunteering, participants will also learn the language and the customs of the Blackfeet tribe.
Breakfast can be prepared in the industrial kitchen. Meanwhile, there is access to lunch packs at work, and evening meals are available for volunteers. Additionally, lodging includes bunk beds with comfy bedding.
Volunteer on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation
Address: Montana, United States
Website: Volunteer On The Blackfeet Indian Reservation
Price: from 1,177 USD for one week
9. Teaching English & Cultural Exchange; Hanoi, Vietnam
This volunteer program does not charge a fee but offers boarding and meals in exchange for English language classes in Hanoi. Participants usually teach 1-3 classes over the week, from 45 minutes to 120 minutes.
Volunteers need to be a minimum of 21 years of age to teach school-going children and are helped by a local assistant. Those opting to teach students older than 16 need to have an undergraduate degree, be a minimum of 22 years of age, and can volunteer for a minimum of 3 months.
Enrolling in this program is a great way to explore Hanoi and its nearby areas while enriching the lives of the local community by teaching them English. A better command of the language can lead students to have better work opportunities. During free time, volunteers can opt to explore nearby attractions such as Hanoi Museum and Halong Bay, to name a few.
Teaching English & Cultural Exchange
Address: Hanoi, Vietnem
Website: Teaching English & Cultural Exchange
Opening hours: Mon - Fri
Price: Free
10. Help with Eco-Farming; Matahuasi, Peru
Volunteers can help plant and maintain the farm in the village of Matahuasi. Over the years, chemicals have gained prominence in the agricultural landscape, with farmers turning to these for better yields. The eco-farming program aims to help farmers gain an understanding of sustainable practices that do not harm the environment or the human body.
Volunteers will also work closely with a woman who has successfully implemented eco-farming and has created a sustainable farm using rainwater harvesting. The learnings gained from her farm can be replicated on other farms in the village. Another great thing about this program is that volunteers can explore nearby attractions such as Santa Rosa de Ocopa and Huaytapallana during their free time. Alternatively, they can complete certified courses in ceramics or painting.
There is even complimentary Peruvian food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Plus, shared bedroom accommodation, linens, and towels are available for volunteers.
Help with Eco-Farming
Address: Matahuasi, Peru
Website: Help with Eco-Farming
Opening hours: 9am - 1pm (Mon - Fri)
Price: from 800 USD for two weeks
Travel sustainably through volunteer tours
Volunteer tours help travelers gain insights into communities that might not otherwise have been possible. Most holiday itineraries only graze over the culture, but a volunteer holiday allows visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture. Book a holiday with a difference when you opt for one of these best volunteer tours around the world.
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