Voluntourism 101

Every year, more than 1.6 million travelers sacrifice their typical vacation, and instead join a volunteer tourism group. These groups work with those in developing countries, building schools, working with children in orphanages, and providing aid after disasters. Before joining a voluntourism organization, it is important to consider a few key elements.

Finding The Right Group

While most voluntourism groups are sincere and worthwhile, others can be a waste of time. Illegitimate groups often post advertisements looking for anyone and everyone to sign up and help pad their pockets. Legitimate organizations perform background checks on potential candidates — so if you are not vetted in any way, you might want to consider looking elsewhere. Simply padding a resume is not nearly as rewarding as helping improve the lives of others.

How To Do Your Part

While for the traveler, this week-long experience might be a part of a vacation, for those in need, it is everyday life. These children and other locals rely on the volunteers, and it can be harmful to ignore this idea. Volunteers should always seek to be punctual, friendly, compassionate, hardworking and respectful. Save sleeping until noon for next year’s vacation on a Caribbean beach.