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Volunteers in Musician's Village In New Orleans
Vacation with a Purpose
Despite the state of the economic these days, some folks still desire to incorporate that much-needed respite alone, or with family and friends to, locales near and far, while others are scaling back on short mini-vacations. Then there are those who are choosing a “stay-cation,” visiting a variety of places in and around their own town.
Another option to consider is a vacation with a purpose - a Volunteer Vacation.
Volunteer Vacations
Volunteer vacations provide a wonderful opportunity for you to not only get away, rather also impart a sense of giving back to the world around you.
Numerous volunteer vacation opportunities are available for singles, church groups, students, non-profits and other organizations, families and even seniors.
Following are a few places where you can lend you time and talent and enrich your life in the process.
Cross-Cultural Solutions offers volunteer experiences for the 50-plus set, as well as those traveling with friends, family or solo. Destination choices include Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania, Guatemala, Brazil, Costa Rica, Russia, Thailand, China, Peru, Morocco and India. There is a fee to travel, however it is tax-deductible and visits generally range from 1 to 12 weeks.
800.380.4777 or 914.632.0022, www.crossculturalsolutions.org
800.380.4777 or 914.632.0022, www.crossculturalsolutions.org
Habitat for Humanity not only builds homes and communities in the U.S. and Canada, but also in the Caribbean, Africa, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Their volunteer program offerings include those for women, youth, RV Care-A-Vanners, Gulf recovery effort and global villages.
800-HABITAT or 912-924-6935, www.habitat.org
Those desiring to connect with the great outdoors might consider a volunteer stint with the Sierra Club. The organization reports close to 90 service trips a year to a variety of state and federal land agencies. Volunteers are teamed up with park service personnel or forest service rangers to help maintain trails and restore wilderness areas, remove non-native plants and other duties. Assisting with archaeological site restoration or specific research projects are other unique aspects of the Sierra Club experience.
415.977.5522, www.sierraclub.org/outings/national/service/asp
Animal lovers will appreciate the efforts of World Vets. With them, you can join a host of veterinarians, animal advocacy groups, technicians, students, non-profit organizations and others to become assistants around the globe. Upcoming sojourns this year include Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Granada, Nicaragua; Karachi, Pakistan; Santiago de Veraguas, Panama and Baja, Mexico. www.worldvets.org
Multigenerational families and corporate groups are among the many that travel with Globe Aware. According to the organization, their one-week trips are often compared to a “mini peace corps,” focusing on sustainability and cultural awareness. Destinations include Ghana, Jamaica, Romania, Nepal and Cuba, among others. Both free and tax-deductible travel options are available.
877.588.4562, www.globeaware.org
Explorations in Travel sends volunteers to Africa, Eurasia, South America, Indonesia, Europe, the South Pacific and parts of North America. The organization has led groups of women over 40, college students, corporate leaders and others on exciting and meaningful adventures that encompass exploring the great outdoors as well as volunteering. The also offer a course in become a good tour guide, for those who may be interested in leading their own groups in the future. www.volunteertravel.com
These are just a few of the many organizations out there offering meaningful, volunteer community service opportunities.
It is important to note that volunteers need not speak a foreign language or possess special skills – only the willingness to expand their horizons, in some cases immerse themselves in a new culture, and enjoy the priceless benefits of volunteering.
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